A couple days ago pal2tech posted a YouTube video explaining the Film Dial on the Fujifilm X-T50 (which, apparently, will also be found on the upcoming X-M5). To my surprise, Chris gave a very kind shoutout to Fuji X Weekly, and he even included a link to one of my YouTube videos in the description of his video. I’m really honored to be mentioned by Chris; I’m a big fan of pal2tech—it’s one of my favorite YouTube channels, and one that every Fujifilm photographer should subscribe to, in my humble opinion. If you haven’t seen his video, go ahead and give it watch.
The Film Dial is one of the most controversial design decisions Fujifilm has implemented, right up there with the X-Pro3’s backwards LCD screen. I actually really like the dial, personally. It’s a lot of fun to use, and adds versatility for the SOOC photographer. But not every camera is for everyone, and not every camera feature is for everyone, so it is understandable when some don’t like it; however, I think a lot of the negativity surrounding the Film Dial is simply a misunderstanding of how useful it can be.
I was just at the NAB Show in New York City, because Fujifilm brought me out to lead three photowalks around Manhattan. Fujifilm loaned cameras to those on the photowalks, and some folks were handed a Fujifilm X-T50. Before beginning, I took a few moments to help set up these loaner cameras, and for those with the X-T50, I programmed my universal Film Dial Recipe, and explained how to use it.
As the photowalks were wrapping up, I asked those with an X-T50 what they thought of the Film Dial. One person answered that it was a lot of fun. Another said that they really liked it. Another showed me some images they captured with Eterna, a film simulation they had never tried before but now love. Only one person gave negative feedback, and their complaint is completely understandable.
Could the Film Dial have been implemented better? Absolutely! An easy way for Fujifilm to improve it would be to allow each film simulation to be customized into a Recipe. In other words, make it possible to custom set Highlight, Shadow, Color, White Balance, etc., etc., with each slot on the Film Dial. When the Film Dial is set to C, that’s when the C1-C7 presets would work. This could be done with a Firmware update someday in the future. Even though it’s not perfect, that doesn’t mean the Film Dial isn’t a fun and useful feature, because in its present state it very much is.
I’m looking forward to the Film Dial being included on more models. I think putting a much-loved feature of the camera front-and-center on the top plate is a smart move by Fujifilm. I’m also looking forward to seeing how it might evolve in the future, and possibly become even better.
In other news, while at the NAB Show, I spoke with someone at B&H, and they told me that the Fujifilm X-T4 ES (“Extended Spectrum”) infrared camera is available from them right now. It’s not something that can be purchased online, so you either need to call them or drop by in-person to buy it. So if you want to try my Aerochrome v2 Recipe—which I love so much, personally—you may want to contact B&H and inquire about the Fujifilm X-T4 ES. For those who wanted to get one, it’s not too late.
There’s one last thing I want to mention. I was walking around Central Park recording some content to help promote the new Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case for Fujifilm X100-series cameras. I had my case, and Alex from Evergreen also had one with him. While meandering, we ran across someone with a Fujifilm X100VI, so we said hi to him and had a short conversation. He told us that he had ordered the camera when it was first announced, but his copy had just arrived, and this was one of his first opportunities to use it. We were very happy to gift him one of the two cases to go along with his new camera. The protective case is a great way to keep your X100VI, X100V, X100F, etc., safe while traveling or out on an adventure.
I’m still traveling, but as soon as I’m back home I have a lot more to share with you, so stay tuned!
I’m very happy for you you have been mentioned by Pal2Tech.
Indeed nice channel (and here specifically video on Sim dial)
I appreciate your kindness!
I love this post: so positive and sunny with the group photo, the Aerochrome shot with all the red colour and the lucky guy you met and gave the case to. He looks rapt! Do you send cases to Britain by any chance?
I’ve been hoping to get a store like WEX to carry it. I’ve got my fingers crossed.
Yeah I’m a recipe guy, not a film sim user. This dial seems like a Fuji branding effort. Fuji should stop messing with its user interface. For PASM the x-H2S is awesome with 7 customizable presets. I’m pretty well always on a preset and for the unexpected I use A or M. I have an x-t4 which I use for landscape and I like that setup too. Fuji should realize that some people have 2 cameras, one for wide and one for telephoto and it helps if things remain constant from one camera to the other
In a perfect world, I think Fujifilm would have consulted with the Recipe community prior to releasing the camera, to get feedback. The Film Dial is indeed a branding effort of sorts, and a smart one regarding sales. But, it could have been better implemented (broadening their focus group to figure out how). Still, as it is right now, it can be used affectively with the “right” strategy. I do hope that its current state is the beginning and not the end, and it will be improved in the future.
The X-H2s and X-T4 are pretty divergent. Would you prefer an X-T type camera with the dials of the X-H or an X-H type camera with the dials of the X-T?
Definitely an X-H type camera with the dials of the X-T!
On trying extensively a X-S10 of one of my Photographer Collective member, I loved the grip (where the battery is)nof the X-S10. Felt immediately and just right in my hands (with long fingers). No need of purchasing a SmallRig grip which add weight.
With my Nikon F6 & D3S or D700, it was feeling so right having a good built-in grip!
BUT on using the X-S10, I missed so much the dials that it outweighted from far having the grip…
I think it would be great if Fujifilm made a flagship X-H type camera with the traditional tactile controls of the X-T series.
I’ve got 8 Fujifilm cameras with one GFX, one 1/3″ sensor, and out thr 6 X Mount 2 of them have been converted (IR 720nmm and Full Spectrum).
Over the last 10 years, with my current 8 cameras, I do not count anymore how much lenses I have for them, Fujifilm and third parties (manual ones) included. For native Fujifilm X Mount, I think it is nearly the whole Fujifilm catalogue to the exception of a few new f1.4 and red badges…
Each camera as it’s purpose and customisation.
I’m in Fujifilm since the beginning, and so seen the evolution of its user interface.
The evolution is more than positive for me and for specific model like the X-T50 and tihe futur X-M5, I do not mind the Film Simulation dial at all.
It will not come on the X-Ty.
And the H and S bodies, since being PSAM it does not matter as they are design for not having dials.
We are talking here of the middle range camera. Not for the expert, but for beginners and people who want to step up in photography outside their smartphones.
Each Fujifilm camera body has its specific physical design while sharing inside the same tech (depending on the sensor/processor generat
ion of course).
Hence I welcome this Film Simulation Dial on the contrary.
A welcome change and at least recognition of what makes Fujifilm rocks: its film simulations!
And you’ve got custom banks on the dials + the 7 standard ones.
I only wish like Ritchie that the dial could store all the camera setting like it does now with the 7customed banks (do remember it was the case at all in first generations camera!).
Easy to do with a firmware upgrade.
I would be shocked to see the Film Dial on an X-T0 or X-H0. I think it’s unlikely on an X-Pro, but more likely than on the X-T0 or X-H0. I think it’s more of a possibility for the next X-E camera, and the 1″ sensor camera that apparently is in the works.
I hope that Fujifilm does make it possible to customize each one into a Recipe, that would be cool. And not too difficult in a firmware update, I would think.
I’ll be very shocked too.
But the design of the X-Ty is so iconic like the X100 series, that Fujifilm knowing the culture will not change it.
Only mental sift they did was to go (wisely) to standard PSAM layout to get the professionals.
Pro needs their habit to be kept. Taking pictures on an assignment must be by heart, you focus on the job to do not the gear that is being used for + standard PSAM layout is very quick to handle. As stated many times you control / master your gear not the ortger way round. So PASM keeps the habits and helpsals to a smooth transition from another brand.
Fir my part it is now the other way round. Can’t handle quickly a PSAM with dials. Feell lost on such bodies and do loose time to get accustomed back. Dials & dials for me!
Let’s crossed fingers it is only the beginning of the journey for Sim dial and indeed not the end with zero future evolution.
It would he a pitty for an interesting dial which should he much more customisable.
Having upgraded to an X-T5 and X-T50 pair, I would *far* prefer having a physical ISO dial on the T50.
Not being negative about the film sim dial here, I don’t hold with it being gimmicky or more to do with marketing than utility, it’s a nice feature in its own way, but it’s not an essential control.
ISO is an essential control, so if they were going to replace the drive mode dial with anything else, it should’ve been ISO.
This is even more important now I’m using custom settings to hold film sim recipes, since otherwise on the T50 you lose any change made to ISO when you power-cycle the camera, unless Auto-Save Custom Settings is enabled. That essentially forces use of that option which is horrible.
The X-T00 cameras (like the X-E series) have never had an ISO dial, so I never expected the X-T50 to have one. My personal preference is the Shutter/ISO combo knob, if they ever implement an ISO dial on that series in the future. I don’t think that is in the plans, though, unfortunately. I use the front command dial for ISO, which is definitely less than ideal, but does work.
I hate Auto Update Custom Settings, and always disable it.
I appreciate the comment!