In a recent interview, Theo Georghiades, general manager of Fujifilm Imaging Solutions UK, told Amateur Photographer that there is a possibility of a Fujifilm film camera coming in the future. Some have called this a “bombshell revelation”, but is it really?
Theo was asked, “Would Fujifilm ever consider launching a film camera again, especially if it had the retro look of an X100VI?”
He responded, “I’ve been with Fujifilm for 25 years, so have learned to never say never—but I don’t know. There is without doubt a massive resurgence in film as we see from film sales. Go down to the markets around Westminster in London and you can see the popularity of film cameras again. And it’s the same in Japan, as I found on a recent trip. As I say, I’ve learned to never, ever say never! However, any business needs to analyze the prospects for a long-term opportunity over a short-term fad.”
I’m not sure how some have interpreted this to mean Fujifilm is in development of a film camera (outside of Instax), but some have insinuated that. Others are taking a more pragmatic interpretation, that Fujifilm simply hasn’t shut the door on a film camera, which is probably the more accurate analysis.
My guess is that Theo was speaking off-the-cuff, and didn’t mean to make any official statements on this topic. In other words, a large grain of salt should be taken. Perhaps there has been water-cooler talk of the possibility, perhaps not even that. I think he is simply saying that Fujifilm does unexpected things sometimes, so you just never know what they might do in the future, but there are no current plans at this time.
If I were Fujifilm, this is what I would do: rerelease the Fujica Compact Deluxe. They already have the designs. Maybe modernize the light meter, but mostly it should stay the same. I’m sure it would sell well enough to justify manufacturing it. But time is of the essence, so if they want to do this, they should be quick about it. If they hesitate, the market for 35mm film cameras might decrease by the time it hits the shelves. You’ve got to ride the waves while they’re high and before they crash.
Fujifilm currently makes “digital film” cameras, which isn’t the same thing, but in some ways it’s better. In my opinion, the X-series bridges the gap between the positive aspects of both film and digital photography. It’s still apples-to-oranges, and I’m not suggesting otherwise, but there is enough crossover that it’s worth pointing out, and even celebrating. I have no idea whether or not Fujifilm will release a 35mm film camera, but I’m extremely happy with my X-series gear. Still, it would be really cool if they did make a brand-new film camera, so I hope they do.
I spend a lot of time wandering round Central London and he’s right, there are a lot of film cameras on the streets. However, the supply of near mint good quality film cameras is huge and therefore the prices are low (except in a few exceptional cases) so I am doubtful of the viability of new mid to high end film cameras.
The new Pentax provides economy by doubling the number of exposures per roll but is in essence a rather mundane and frankly rather strange compact. You could buy a very nice 35mm SLR from the 70s through to the early 2000s for a small fraction of the price of a new Pentax, and if it goes wrong just buy another.
I agree that there is a ton of supply of old, still working film cameras. But that supply is thinning each year, as cameras break or wear out. Still, lots of supply, which means that a lot of vintage camera gear is really inexpensive. It’s hard to compete against that. Whatever it is that Fujifilm or anyone else might make, it has to be fun, trendy-able, and fairly inexpensive.
Depending on what your looking for, prices keep going up.
It used to be fairly common to get a Pentax 1000, Canonet QL17, or Yashica TLR for under $100. You’ll find a tonne of them listed for over $250 these days, and higher sometimes.
There’s still deals that you can find if you wait and are patient, particularly if checking local classified sites, but the “on demand” price for vintage cameras is a lot higher these days.
A kind of camera I’ve found to often be a bargain: autofocus film SLRs. They lack the romance of a mechanical camera, and if they die they’re just plastic bricks. But they take damn good pictures, and most will share lenses with DSLRs from the same brands. My Pentax PZ20 with FA50/1.4 gets great results. They aren’t quite as cheap as they were a few years back, but I’ve paid more for batteries for the camera than the body.
My first DSLR was a Pentax. I chose it because I could use my Pentax film-camera lenses on it.
Do not ever speculate on this as they only prioritise in instax camera these days. We will never see another fujifilm film camera be announced again.
Fujifilm said never say never, so I would say there is a chance, even if extremely small.
Instax is Fujifilm’s top photography line, above X and GFX. It would be foolish if they didn’t prioritize it.
A Film-X100 and I’d consider selling my Leica & 35mm lens! I suppose the APS-C lenses wdn’t translate so well to a film body but economics aside a kind of Fujifllm Contax G-series design-inspired ILC and its portability would be wonderful. Anyway whatever they do – if they do – is likely to be a nice surprise!
Maybe the upcoming GFX100RF could potentially make for a 35mm film camera body?
I read a few days ago that Kodak is increasing production of his 35 mm cinematic film for Hollywood and is 35 mm film for consumer use in film cameras. So it seems that with Kodak doubling its production there might be a business need for a film camera
There is definitely demand for film right now.
A new film camera is a good idea, but if it’s meant to be, it better be a medium-format camera.
That’s definitely a possibility. It would get noticed, no doubt about it.
I’ve got a semi-plausible two-camera set I’d love to see Fujifilm make.
First, an Instax Square with a 42mm lens, since that would give the same angle of view as the Hasselblad SWC. It can be a plastic lens, plastic body, simple mechanism like the standard Instax camera, but an ultrawide lens would just be a lot of fun.
Second, take that 42mm lens that covers a 61x61mm area and make a panoramic 35mm camera. Film advance could be a simple thumb wheel like a disposable. I’m fine with an exposure system as simple as a standard Instax, so long as you could pick ISO. It’s not a new TX-1 or XPan, but if you could cleanly beat the Lomo Sprocket Rocket, that’d be amazing.
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For Pie in the Sky cameras, I’d love a new GS 645 folder with the 75mm f/3.4 lens. Modern exposure controls, but still slips into a pocket. And 645 gives extra frames per roll. A 6-exposure 6×9 just doesn’t appeal to me with the cost of film and difficulty of scanning 120 film. Part of the joy of the Pentax 17 is the fact that you get so damn many shots per roll that you don’t have to stress about shooting. As such, “half frame” 120 makes a lot of sense to me.
If you want to get real crazy with the half-frame 120 film camera idea… have the film go from top-to-bottom instead of left-to-right, and you could get half-frame panoramas. Might be a little weird, though, in design/aesthetic.
That’d be really sweet, too.
A 56mm by 20mm frame would have roughly the same aspect ratio as TX-1/XPan.
There does exist a 3D printed camera like it with 56x24mm frames, the NanoPano, but I think it’s only available as files. I think there were going to be finished models sold, but I’m not sure that ever happened.
Very interesting. I guess they are taking “reservations”…??
https://nanopano.sprkplg.com/