When I celebrated the 14th anniversary of FujiRumors, I reflected on our journey. It hasn’t always been smooth, especially for Fujifilm. They have made some significant missteps during this time.
One major issue was the 2024 firmware problem, which negatively impacted autofocus performance. It took several months for Fujifilm to fix this, and while things have improved, they still have some ground to cover compared to their competitors. As an independent community, we will continue to voice this to Fujifilm when necessary.
Looking back further, one of Fujifilm’s biggest errors was keeping the X mount closed. This decision limited third-party manufacturers from creating autofocus lenses. Interestingly, while some brands, like Canon, still restrict access to their mounts, Fujifilm recognized this mistake and eventually opened the X mount. This decision has proven beneficial for their entire ecosystem.
Now, we can enjoy a variety of third-party autofocus lenses. It’s a significant turnaround, and it lays the groundwork for new opportunities.
In addition to autofocus lenses, manual focus lenses play an important role. They cater to photographers who appreciate a more hands-on approach to their craft.
Lens Recommendations
Here are some intriguing lens reviews you might want to explore:
- Viltrox AF 28mm F4.5 XF: A compact option that’s user-friendly. Read more here.
- TTArtisan 75mm F2 AF: Known for its sharpness and compact design. Read my thoughts here.
- Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC: Offers impressive quality for wide-angle photography. Check it out here.
Recent data shows that the market for third-party lenses is growing. According to a 2023 survey, 62% of photographers look for compatibility with various mounts when choosing a lens. This trend indicates that opening the X mount was a smart move for Fujifilm.
In conclusion, Fujifilm’s journey from a closed to an open system has enabled them to thrive. Not only does this benefit the brand, but it also enriches the entire photography community. Photographers now have more choices than ever before, ensuring a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.
