My Fujifilm Christmas Wish List

A Fujifilm X100V captured with a Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujinon 90mm + Reala Ace Recipe

Fujifilm has never asked me what I’d like for Christmas, nor do I expect them to ever ask that question. I do believe there is a chance that they read this website occasionally, so I thought I would take a moment to share with them—on the off-chance that they find this article—some gear that they could “give” to me that would really make my holiday special. To be clear, I’m not suggesting that Fujifilm should send me free products (although, if they ever did, I wouldn’t say no…); instead, this is simply a list of gear that I’d love to see Fujifilm release, which would be the perfect Christmas gift for me, and probably a lot of you, too.

I don’t want to take up too much of your time, so let’s dive right into my Fujifilm Christmas Wish List! The order is least-to-most desired, but really I’d be happy with any of them.

#10 — Fujinon 135mm f/2.8

The longest prime lens that Fujifilm offers—aside from the really huge and extremely expensive 200mm f/2—is the Fujinon 90mm f/2, which is one of my absolute favorite lenses. I feel like there’s a massive gap that should be filled to some extent, and a 135mm option seems quite logical—after all, it used to be a very common focal length.

This theoretical 135mm Fujinon lens, which would be 202mm full-frame-equivalent, shouldn’t be too large or expensive. For example, I have a vintage Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 lens that is surprisingly compact. So the design team goals should be to keep it a similar size and weight to the Fujinon 90mm f/2, and with an MSRP no more than $1,200 (under $1,000 would be even better). Of course some compromises might be necessary, and one that I’m ok with is the maximum aperture; I’d prefer f/2.8, but f/3.5 would be fine if something’s got to give (the price should be a little less if it is f/3.5). I think such a lens would be appreciated by those who find the 90mm not-quite-long-enough sometimes, which would likely be a fairly sizable group. I could see it being used by some sports, wildlife, portrait and landscape photographers. Yes, there are several zooms that cover the longer focal lengths, but some of us (myself included) much prefer primes over zooms.

#9 — Fujifilm GFX100R

I’m not in the GFX system, but if Fujifilm ever made a GFX100R, I’d buy it. I cannot afford GFX gear, but I’d still buy it. Why? XPan. Such a camera would be the closest one could get to an XPan III, the digital version of the XPan II. The GFX100R would produce 50mp 65:24 aspect ratio images. A GFX50R II would be alright, too, but a GFX100R would be even more spectacular.

Yes, I know the GFX100 and the GFX100S and the GFX100 II (and even the upcoming GFX100S II) are capable of 50mp XPan-crop pictures, but none of them will provide an XPan-like experience. The only camera that’s close is the GFX50R, but that model is five years old now and missing the latest film sims and JPEG settings and such. Ideally, whether it is a GFX50R II or GFX100R, the body should be X-Pro like in design. One other option that Fujifilm could consider is a GFXPan, where the sensor is shaped in the 65:24 aspect ratio instead of 4:3 (basically, the current 100mp sensor, but half as tall). That would be incredible!

#8 — Fujifilm X-Pro4

This one is near the bottom of the list because 1) I suspect that it’s already well in the works and 2) I don’t know how they’ll make it better than the X-Pro3, aside from some things that could just be a firmware update. So what do I think Fujifilm could do to make the X-Pro4 different-enough from the X-Pro3 to justify it? One idea is an APS-H sized sensor with maybe 50-ish megapixels. That would not only garnish a lot of attention, but it would (more importantly) allow for an XPan crop with over 20mp, and perhaps as much as 25mp. Whether they do this or use the 40mp APS-C sensor of the X-H2 and X-T5, they should still include the XPan aspect ratio as an in-camera option. Another idea is IBIS. A lot of people would welcome that, and it’s probably expected from a camera of this price point, but Fujifilm needs to be careful with how it affects the size, weight, and cost. Most likely, aside from a bump in pixel-count, the biggest change will be a different rear screen. I don’t have any idea how they’ll change it, but I’m certain that they will do so in some way. I think the OVF should be made to be more like the one in the X-Pro2.

#7 — Fujifilm X-Pro3 Acros Edition

While we wait for the X-Pro4, Fujifilm could release a monochrome-only version of the X-Pro3. This camera would make some big headlines, and get a ton of attention. While such a model would surely be niche, Pentax proved that it could still be successful, and I think there’s been enough interest in the Fujifilm world for such a camera that it will sell out, however many copies Fujifilm decides to make. I’d certainly buy one if Fujifilm ever decided to produce it. Heck, I’d buy one almost no matter what body they decided to do it with, but the X-Pro makes the most sense to me, followed closely by the X100.

#6 — Fujifilm X100Z Variants

We’ve known for awhile now that the next Fujifilm camera will be the X100V successor. I don’t know what they’ll name it, but my guess is X100Z. The X100V successor is not in this list because we already know that it’s coming, and it will probably be announced next month, or early-February at the latest. What I would like to put on this wish-list are variants of the camera. For example, Sigma made three versions of the DP Merrill models, and four of the DP Quattro. They were all basically the same, except for the lens permanently attached to the front. I could see Fujifilm doing something similar, with maybe a 30mm-ish “standard” lens, another with a 50mm-ish portrait lens, and maybe a wide-angle version with a 14mm or 16mm lens, to go along with the main 23mm option. Fujifilm could sell multiple versions of the X100Z (or whatever they name it), just with different focal-length lenses. Not only would people be able to buy their preferred focal length option, but you’ll have some people buy all of them.

#5 — Another Fujinon Pancake Lens

A big advantage to APS-C over full-frame is the size and weight of the gear, so it is shocking to me that Fujifilm has only two pancake lenses: the 27mm f/2.8 and 18mm f/2. The 18mm model is only kind-of a pancake, and is in desperate need of an update. Fujifilm should have a series of pancake offerings. Maybe a 16mm f/3.5, the 18mm f/2 (but updated, please!), a 23mm f/2.8, the 27mm f/2.8, and maybe a 40mm-ish f/2.8. It would make my day if Fujifilm were to announce even one more pancake lens, and it would make so much sense if they did.

#4 — Fujifilm X-E5

I had to include this—and put it fairly high on this list—because Fujifilm has indicated that the X-E line might be finished. It would be a huge shame if that’s true. I love the X-E line, and the X-E4 is one of my favorite models. This line is especially great for travel, and is the perfect body to pair pancake lenses with. I don’t need a new X-E camera, but I don’t want this line to end, so I would consider buying an X-E5 just to show support for its continuation in the lineup. Hopefully this will encourage Fujifilm to produce an X-E5, perhaps in time for Christmas 2024.

#3 — Fujifilm Minimalist Model

I would love a rangefinder-styled camera without all the bells and whistles. Just the basic controls that you need. It should have a shutter knob with an ISO ring, a C1-C7 knob, and exposure compensation knob on the top. It must have an M/C/S switch somewhere. Otherwise, it should be kept clean and simple. No rear screen, only a box-top screen like on the X-Pro3, but it should have a hybrid viewfinder. No video mode or even the Advanced Filters and such. It should be a “pure photography” concept that delivers the most film-like experience of all the models. I don’t think Fujifilm would ever consider such a camera, but they absolutely should have a “digital-film” model. This concept would seem to fit Fujifilm’s profile perfectly! Maybe call it simply the X1.

#2 — Fujifilm X200

A lot of people have basically demanded that Fujifilm should jump into the full-frame market, but they’re not going to, and in my opinion it is a smart move. They’d go from being a big fish in a decent sized pond to a small fish in a large and overcrowded pond. One big problem is that they’d have to develop a whole new line of lenses, which, if they weren’t successful, could bankrupt the division. One way that Fujifilm could dip their toes into the full-frame market in a way that’s pretty much guaranteed to be successful and won’t require the new-lens-lineup investment—in other words, somewhat small risk and big reward—is to make a full-frame version of the X100-series. Call it the X200. Perhaps differentiate it from the X100 by giving it a 30mm (going slightly more wide-angle) or 40mm (slightly more telephoto) lens, and increase the maximum aperture to f/1.8. If full-frame is simply out of the question, perhaps go the fuller-than-full-frame route, and make a GFX200, which would be a GFX version of the X100. Personally, I would have a hard time saying no to such a camera.

#1 — Fujifilm X80

The Fujifilm X70 was such a great little camera! It had a much-too-short production run thanks to Sony’s sudden discontinuation of the sensor inside that model, and it’s a real shame that Fujifilm never made a successor. Especially considering how well the Ricoh GR III is selling right now, it would make a lot of sense for Fujifilm to produce a successor to the X70. From what I can tell, the demand for such a camera has been increasing. So many people have told me that they’d buy one. I know that I would be first in line! Come on, Fujifilm! Make an X80 already! Consider it your Christmas gift to me and all of your customers who have been dreaming of it for years.

18 comments

  1. Mark Scheuern · December 9

    Some great ideas. I especially like the monochrome camera (love my Q2m), X80, and minimalist. The Leica M10-D was a similar idea to that last one: an M10 with no rear screen. Of course that had no screen at all since it’s a rangefinder.

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 9

      Thanks for the input! Hopefully Fujifilm reads it…..

    • Fintan · December 20

      I agree. But any fujifilm camera would be great for monochrome. Especially the x-t30II?

      • Mark Scheuern · December 20

        Definitely!

      • Ritchie Roesch · December 20

        I would be happy with any Fujifilm camera as a monochrome-only model. The bodies that make the most sense to me are the X-Pro and X100. I think the X-T30 II body would be fine, although I’d be surprised if they chose it just because it is more of a lower-tier camera (while a monochrome model would be viewed as more of a high-end speciality, I think). The X-H and X-S make the least sense to me, just because they’re hybrid—not “photo first”—type cameras. Whichever way it goes (if it ever does go), I’d be at the front of the line to buy.

      • Fintan · December 20

        Agreed on all points. Put me on the list.

  2. Eric · December 9

    I agree on many of your ideas. I had my Xe-3 converted to B&W IR. Monochrome was way too expensive.
    Also would like to see an XE-5 but with 3 way tilt screen like my XT-5. I shoot many low angle vertical images and can’t do that with out the tilting 3 way screen. I had to use a right angle finder on my old Nikons to shoot low. I too was anXPan shooter and jept the system when i heard fuji might make a digital XPan. Never happened.
    Fuji needs a small travel camera. I once bought their X10 with a fast short zoom lens. I shot it as if it were my inly camera for some serious woek, but sensor too small. Wish they would come out with that again with the standard cropped sensor. The lens was equeal to a 28-110 ( i think) if they could come out with it but at least 16-120, it would be a great travel camera. No need to change lenses and get dust on the sensor. .

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 9

      It would seem like a three-way tilt would be easy enough to incorporate. Hopefully Fujifilm listens….

  3. John D. Truty · December 9

    I like the appeal of X80 but give the advanced tech available in the latest cell phones I would question the success of the 80.

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 9

      The Ricoh GR III, despite being five years old, is selling like hotcakes right now. I have no reason to think that an X80 wouldn’t also sell well. I do, however, believe that camera makers believe that cellphones have killed that particular market share. I’m sure they have data to prove it’s true, but it also seems like there is a big desire for pocketable cameras right now, so maybe they’re not estimating correctly?

  4. Ludwik Wlodarz · December 10

    My wish list. Recipe settings as QR code generated by camera or external software (like fujifilm X-RAW studio… ) and firmware update for fujifim cameras so camera can recognize QR code and apply settings. One could carry a little book with QR codes or just scan QR code on website or app with recipes. This would be really nice.

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 11

      Yeah, that would certainly be interesting. It would be cool if you could store and set C1-C7 IQ settings from the X App (I know that you can backup and restore all of the settings, but I just mean the IQ settings found in C1-C7, and not everything else). I appreciate the input!

  5. theBitterFig · December 11

    My big wish is TX-1/XPan crop in their APS-C cameras. A 40mp X-Trans5 would still yield a 21mp image in 65:24, which is still quite good.

    Barring that, adding some of the custom grid line options that Sony released could go a long way. Their business model for that release is… suspect… but the functionality seems really handy.

    //

    For lenses… I still can’t figure out which short telephoto I want. Many are too big (Fuji 56, Fuji 90, Viltrox 75). The ones which are nicely small are either not fast enough (50/2 WR) or lack aperture rings (Sigma 56/1.4). But I guess that’s a me problem as much as anything else.

    The other thing I’d love would be for another TTArtisan lens with a character like the 27/2.8. That’s got a fairly vintage aesthetic, but modern handling. Alas, their new 35/1.8 both lacks an aperture ring and has a more modern rendering and character. What I’d be ecstatic about would be a biotar Helios 44 style optic, but with AF and all the modern connivences.

    //

    For cameras… Well, x200 with a FF sensor, 45/1.7 lens, leaf shutter and flash. I know some folks would rather a wider lens, but the Leica Q line already exists (and I suppose also Sony had a 35/2 compact, but I don’t know if they’ve kept up with those). My preference is for Fuji to lean into the shallower DOF, and go both tighter and brighter.

    I suppose another interesting camera would be a compact (between 1″ and APS-C) with a wide zoom and optimized for XPan formatting. Sensor probably still best as a 3:2 aspect ratio, but a wider screen and maybe veiwfinder, and a physical switch to toggle between 65:24, 16:9, 3:2, 1:1. Quickly swap between XPan and Hasselblad SWC.

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 13

      I do believe that the 40mp sensor is enough to justify the XPan aspect ratio. It should be available on the next X100 and X-Pro cameras, in my opinion. I hope Fujifilm listens!

  6. mike b · December 12

    I like the x70 as a mini x100v, but I’d prefer an updated X30 (not X-T30) as a mini X-T5 + kit lens. The X30 was (is) and excellent travel camera as well as something to keep on the kitchen counter to capture family moments. The manual zoom (28-112mm) is a great range and is very sharp.

    I’ve used my X20 as recently as 2022 on a vacation to the American south-west. The Velvia film sim produced vivid colors in Monument valley and other beautiful locations. In addition to the latest processor and a larger (X30 has a 12mb sensor), the main improvement I’d make would be an F-stop ring on the lens. Other than that the camera is pretty much perfect. Fujifilm even made a leather case to protect and make it easy to carry.

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 13

      I think the problem with an X30 successor is that it would need to have a tiny sensor (maybe they could go as big as 1″, maybe), or it would have to be a much larger camera. I’d be ok with the 1″ sensor option, but I don’t think Fujifilm has any interest in doing that, nor do I think it would sell all that well (although I would try it, personally). If it’s a much larger camera, I think that defeats the purpose of it… might as well use an X-E or X-Pro and attach a zoom. I would like to see Fujifilm take more chances on out-of-the-box options, like they used to.

  7. Mike · December 17

    50Sii with a 50mm f/3.5 is your X100 in medium format 😉

    • Ritchie Roesch · December 19

      The X100 concept is about as divergent from the 50S II as you can get in the Fuji system. I guess in the absence of a medium-format X100-like camera, the 50S II (or, really, the 50R…) paired with the 50mm is the closest that you could get to it. But definitely a divergent experience.

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