Fujifilm X100VI accessories

Review: Viltrox Conversion Lenses for Fujifilm X100VI

Viltrox just released two conversion lenses for Fujifilm X100-series cameras: WCL-X100VI and TCL-X100VI. These lenses are very similar to Fujifilm’s own conversion lenses for the X100-series, the WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II, and if you don’t look closely, you might not notice the differences, as they seem nearly identical. How does the Viltrox version stack up? Should you even consider these for your Fujifilm X100VI? If so, which should you get, Viltrox or Fujinon?

I need to tell you upfront that Viltrox sent me the two lenses to try out. They didn’t give any expectations other than, “We look forward to your impression of the lenses.” This review serves as that. It’s my honest feedback to Viltrox, while also hopefully being helpful to those considering these lenses for their X100VI or other X100-series camera.

There are two conversion lenses—Viltrox WCL-X100VI and TCL-X100VI—and I want to talk about them individually, but also as a set. We’ll begin with the wide-converter, then the teleconverter, and finish up by discussing the two together. Let’s dive right in!

Viltrox WCL-X100VI

The Viltrox WCL-X100VI is a wide conversion lens that’s nearly identical to the Fujinon WCL-X100 II. It has an 0.8x magnification, which, when screwed onto the end of the X100VI’s lens, changes the focal-length from 35mm to 28mm (full-frame equivalents; 23mm to 19mm in APS-C terms). It makes the camera a little more wide-angle, which can be useful when the native focal-length is just a little too tight for the circumstance.

On X100-series cameras, there is a hidden thread for a filter/hood adapter, which reveals itself when a ring on the end of the lens is unscrewed. Both of the conversion lenses attach to this thread, simply by screwing onto it. The WCL-X100VI is threaded to accept 49mm filters. Oh, and the camera automatically recognizes that you attached the lens, just like the Fujinon WCL-X100 II.

*Sun Peek, Bougainvillea Peak* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox WCL – Pacific Blues

From my measurements, the Viltrox version is just a hair smaller than the Fujinon, and weighs just slightly less (very minimally on both accounts). Using the TCL adds some size and weight to the camera, but, for the WCL-X100VI, this isn’t a major deal, because the lens is pretty small. The added bulk and heft is a small price for the extra versatility.

As for both the build and image quality, the lens seems to be on par with the Fujinon option. There’s a little difference in how the lens flares, but otherwise it seems to render images pretty much identically. A lot of times when you buy a third-party version of a lens, it’s less expensive, but it’s pretty obvious why, as it feels cheaper and/or has image quality flaws. With the Viltrox conversion lenses, there does not seem to be any reduction in quality. You’re not giving up anything to save a little money. In the case of the WCL-X100VI, it’s not a little money, but a significant chunk of change! The Viltrox WCL-X100VI has an MSRP of $159; the Fujinon WCL-X100 II is a lot more expensive at $399. For a lot less than half the cost, you basically get the same exact thing.

Viltox TCL-X100VI

The Viltrox TCL-X100VI is a tele conversion lens that’s nearly identical to the Fujinon TCL-X100 II. It has a 1.4x magnification, which, when screwed onto the end of the X100VI’s lens, changes the focal-length from 35mm to 50mm (full-frame equivalents; 23mm to 33mm in APS-C terms). It makes the camera a “standard” focal-length, which can be useful when the native focal-length is just a little too wide for the circumstance.

Like the WCL, the TCL-X100VI attaches to the camera by screwing onto the hidden filter/hood adapter thread. It accepts 67mm filters. Also like the WCL, the camera recognizes when you attach the lens, just like it does for the Fujinon TCL-X100 II.

*Sun-Kissed Bougainvillea* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL – Pacific Blues

From my measurements, the Viltrox version is just barely a hair smaller than the Fujinon; however, the weight difference is notable, with the Viltrox coming in at about 25% heavier, or 0.1 pounds more, than the Fujinon. For both brands, the TCL is larger and heavier than the WCL, which makes it a little less practical for carrying around. Even so, I really like 50mm (full-frame equivalent), so I tend to use the TCL more than the WCL, personally.

Just like the WCL-X100VI, for both the build and image quality, the TCL-X100VI seems to be right on par with the Fujinon option. There’s a little difference in how the lens flares, but otherwise it seems to render images pretty much identically. You’re not giving up anything to save a little money. The Viltrox TCL-X100VI has an MSRP of $189; the Fujinon TCL-X100 II is a lot more expensive at $399. For less than half the cost, you basically get the same exact thing.

Both Lenses

Last year, I travelled to Austin, Texas, and the only camera I took was a Fujifilm X100VI with the Fujinon WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II conversion lenses. It allowed me to travel light but still have some focal-length versatility. An X100-series camera with the two conversion lenses is a compact and powerful three-lens kit. But, for the Fujinon, those two additional lenses will run you $798, which is a lot of money; however, with Viltrox, you can do it for only $348, which is a bargain. If you own an X100-series camera, you should buy these two lenses. Despite having “X100VI” in the name, the conversion lenses will work on any X100-series model, not just the latest iteration.

When you combine the conversion lenses with the built-in digital teleconverter, you get even more focal-length versatility: 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, and 100mm (full-frame equivalents). On the X100VI, to get 70mm requires both the TCL and the digital teleconverter, and you go from 40mp to 20mp (which is still plenty of resolution); to get to 100mm, you’ll get a 10mp file, which is fine for social media use, but it’s not ideal for photos you intend to print much larger than 8″x12″. You can also skip the digital teleconverter and simply crop after-the-fact and accomplish the same thing.

*Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox WCL-X100VI – 28mm*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI – 50mm*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Digital Teleconverter (1.4x) – 70mm*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Digital Teleconverter (2x) – 100mm*

A three lens kit for your X100VI, which requires only two additional lenses, is nice to have, but it does kind of defeat the purpose of the camera, which is a compact one-camera-one-lens philosophy. I wish that Fujifilm made a wide-angle and nifty-fifty alternative versions of the X100VI (like Sigma did with the DP camera series), so that you could choose the focal length that fits you best. Since they don’t, if you want to adjust the focal length yourself, it does require adding some extra bulk.

What works for me is to keep the conversion lenses in my pockets, and simply screw one onto the camera whenever I need it. With two front pockets in my jeans or shorts, I can have the WCL in one pocket and the TCL in the other. Viltrox includes a little bag in the box that helps to protect the lens when doing this. I’m able to use the X100VI as a fixed-lens 35mm (full-frame equivalent) camera most of the time, but go wider or more telephoto whenever I need to. When you want to travel light, this is quite ideal.

*Fountain at Dusk* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI – Summer of ’59

To save a little weight, choose the Fujinon TCL over the Viltrox TCL. The Fujinon TCL-X100 II is large and already heavy enough; the Viltrox TCL-X100VI adds a noticeable amount of additional weight. Unfortunately, a second-hand Fujinon TCL-X100 II costs more than the Viltrox version brand-new. If you don’t mind spending an extra $50 or so and getting a used model, the most ideal scenario is to purchase the Viltrox WCL-X100VI and the Fujinon TCL-X100 II. Or, just save a few bucks and don’t worry about 0.1 pounds, and get both Viltrox options.

Both lenses come in silver and black. If you have a silver X100-series camera, you’ll probably want the silver lenses; if you have a black X100-series camera, you’ll probably want the black lenses. I definitely do recommend the Viltrox conversion lenses. I was quite surprised at both the build and image quality, especially considering the price. You won’t break the bank, so get one. Or get both.

Above, clockwise from top-left: Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox WCL-X100VI + Kodachrome 64; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Classic Amber; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Summer of ’59; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox WCL-X100VI + FRGMT B&W; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox WCL-X100VI + FRGMT B&W; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox WCL-X100VI + Superia Negative; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Summer of ’59; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Summer of ’59; Fujifilm X100VI + Viltrox TCL-X100VI + Superia Negative.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Viltrox WCL-X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H
Viltrox WCL-X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H
Viltrox TCL-X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H
Viltrox TCL-X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H

New: Fuji X Weekly + Evergreen Camera Straps

Posted on June 15 by Ritchie Roesch

I’m very excited to introduce the Fuji X Weekly + Evergreen collaborative Heritage Leather camera strap collection. This has been in the works for literally years. It took several iterations, with many adjustments and refinements, to get to this final product. I think you’re really going to like it!

In the Heritage Leather collection are six options: three colors and two sizes. The three colors are black, tan, and—my personal favorite—green. I picked the green color personally, and we called it “Fuji X Weekly Green” for obvious reasons—it even includes the Fuji X Weekly “X” logo stamped into the leather (the black and tan options do not). I’m using the Fuji X Weekly Green Heritage Straps personally on several of my Fujifilm cameras. The two sizes are 28″ and 38″, providing both a short and long option.

A refined evolution of Evergreen’s original minimalist strap (which I also use and like), the Heritage Leather strap is crafted from premium full-grain leather, oil-dyed and wax-finished for a natural look that develops a deep patina over time. The traditional split ring setup is compatible with most cameras, both vintage and new. Designed to echo the timeless look of classic rangefinder straps while adding a soft microfiber suede backing for comfort during long shoots. Lightweight and unobtrusive, this strap stays out of your way but holds up to serious use. Works with Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Canon, Sony, and vintage 35mm cameras—basically any camera that uses split ring connectors.

Head over to Evergreen’s website and check out the Heritage Leather camera strap collection today! The price is $45 per strap (no matter the color or size), and Evergreen is currently offering free shipping. Also, the black version of the Fuji X Weekly + Evergreen Protective Case for Fujifilm X100-Series Cameras is back in stock at Amazon. Both the black and clear cases are still in stock at B&H. It should also be available soon on the Evergreen Cases website, so keep an eye out for that.

Traveling Light with the Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II & TCL-X100 II Conversion Lenses

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

The Fujifilm X100VI—the most in-demand camera of 2024—has a fixed 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent) f/2 lens. It’s not an interchangeable-lens camera, which limits its versatility; however, Fujifilm has provided a couple of options to increase its flexibility. First is the built-in Digital Teleconverter, which is a zoom-by-cropping. Second, Fujifilm offers two conversion lenses—a wide-angle and telephoto—that screw onto the end of the fixed-lens. We’ll talk a bit about both of these solutions in this article, but mostly we’ll focus on the two conversion lenses. Specifically, I will answer this question: is the Fujifilm X100VI combined with the WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II conversion lenses a practical small kit for travel photography?

MPB is the sponsor of this article. They loaned me a Fujinon WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens and Fujinon TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens to try out for a couple of weeks. For those who don’t know, MPB is an online platform where you can buy, sell, or trade used photo and video gear. “At MPB, there’s something for everyone who wants to try something new, hone their skills, or pursue their passion—and it won’t cost the earth.” If you’re in the market for used camera gear, be sure to check out their platform—you can learn more about MPB here. Thank you, MPB, for making this article possible!

One thing that I love about the Fujifilm X100VI is its compactness. The camera is small enough to fit into a large pocket, and its lightweight enough to carry around all day without being burdensome. The photographs that the X100VI produces straight-out-of-camera are incredible, and can be very film-like. I’ve said many times that this is my desert-island camera—if I could only ever have one for the rest of my life, it would be the X100VI. But, the fixed-focal-length lens is somewhat limiting, so I often suggest that it pairs well with an interchangeable-lens body. I will always bring the X100VI along with me when I travel, but I will almost always have another camera, too.

The Digital Teleconverter helps to make the X100VI more versatile. The 50mm (full-frame equivalent) Digital Teleconverter produces a very usable 20mp image, while the 70mm (full-frame equivalent) Digital Teleconverter produces a much less usable (but still usable for social media) 10mp image. I use the 50mm option somewhat regularly and don’t think twice about it, but I rarely use the 70mm Digital Teleconverter because it is more for emergency-use-only. This does add some versatility, but only a little.

By screwing one of the two conversion lenses—WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II—onto the end of the fixed-lens (where the filter adapter attaches), you essentially turn the X100VI (and the older X100 series models, too) into an interchangeable-lens camera. The WCL-X100 II has 0.8x magnification, turning the 23mm lens into 18mm (28mm full-frame equivalent). The TCL-X100 II has 1.4x magnification, turning the 23mm lens into 50mm (full-frame equivalent). Interestingly, there is actually a small focal-length difference between the TCL-X100 II and the Digital Teleconverter, despite that they are both supposedly 50mm equivalent—the TCL-X100 II is actually slightly more telephoto than using the 50mm Digital Teleconverter. I didn’t notice any reduction in image quality when using either conversion lens (amazing!); however, the distortion can do some weird things, which you are likely to only notice when photographing brick or tile walls.

Probably the largest drawback to the two conversion lenses is that they add noticeable size and weight to the camera. The WCL-X100 II is 1.5″ (long) x 2.2″ (diameter), and weighs 0.33 pounds, which isn’t terrible. The TCL-X100 II is a little larger and heavier: 1.8″ (long) x 2.8″ (diameter), and weighs 0.39 pounds. While the WCL-X100 II is a little less inconvenient to have attached, I personally liked the TCL-X100 II a little more. I feel like the conversion lenses contradict the camera’s philosophy (one-camera-one-lens; small/lightweight) to a degree, but at the same time, they do make for an extremely small and lightweight kit. I carried both conversion lenses and the X100VI in a Peak Design Sling, which was an amazingly compact kit for travel!

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II (28mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI (35mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter (40mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Digital Teleconverter (50mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II (50mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter (70mm full-frame equivalent)*

You can combine the Digital Teleconverter with the conversion lenses to increase the versatility even further, achieving 28mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, and 70mm (full-frame equivalent) focal-lengths without resorting to the 10mp crop. I didn’t find the Digital Teleconverter combined with the WCL-X100 II lens particularly useful, personally; however, I did utilize the Digital Teleconverter a handful of times with the TCL-X100 II lens. I think it would be interesting if Fujifilm offered a 0.7x magnification (24mm full-frame equivalent) WCL option and a 2x magnification (70mm full-frame equivalent) TCL option in addition to the two they already have—I think this four lens (plus the 23mm fixed lens) kit would be extremely compelling for travel photography, if it were available.

I was invited to be a part of Fujifilm’s Create With Us event in Austin, Texas, last month. It was such a great time, and it was wonderful to meet many of you in-person. The only camera that I brought along with me was my Fujifilm X100VI, plus I had the WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II conversion lenses. I left the interchangeable-lens models at home. It was so nice to have a compact three lens kit—which stretched into a faux four lens kit utilizing the Digital Teleconverter—that all fit into a small sling bag. When you travel, oftentimes less is more, as space is a premium.

*Fujifilm X100VI + PRO Negative 160C Recipe*

It was good to have three lens options available: the fixed lens (23mm), WCL-X100 II (18mm), and TCL-X100 II (32mm). There were definitely times when each came in handy. While the WCL-X100 II was a little less detrimental to the X100VI experience than the TCL-X100 II, I found myself using the TCL-X100 II more. I don’t know that either of the two are essential. For the most part, one can take a couple steps backwards instead of using WCL-X100 II, and one can take a few steps forward (or utilize the Digital Teleconverter) instead of using the TCL-X100 II. Obviously that’s not always practical (or the same result), so having the conversion lenses available was appreciated.

I think the conversion lenses are an interesting concept. Having used them on this one trip, I was left both impressed and confused simultaneously. I utilized them a lot more than I think I would have if I had not been testing them out for this article. If someday I did buy them, they’d likely only get occasional use; however, for those occasions when they do come in handy, it’s great to have them available, as they’re pretty darn good. More than anything, I think if you’re a bit nervous to pack light for fear that you’ll miss out due to not having the “right” lenses available, the two conversion lenses will give you a bit more confidence. Even if they’re largely left unused in your sling, it’s probably still better than lugging around a bigger and heavier bag with a larger body and a couple lenses to go with it. In that sense, the two conversion lenses are completely worthwhile accessories to go along with your X100VI camera.

*Fujifilm X100VI + *Kodak T-Max 100 Soft Tone* Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + *Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone* Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + *Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone* Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Velvia Film Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + 1976 Kodak Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Nostalgic Film Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Eterna Summer Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Eterna Summer Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Nostalgic Americana Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + PRO Negative 160C Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Nostalgic Americana Recipe*

The above photographs are all camera-made JPEGs captured using my Fujifilm X100VI, utilizing a Fujinon WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens and Fujinon TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens for many, while traveling to Austin, TX, last month.

Previously in this series:
Fujifilm X-Pro2 — The camera that got away (again)
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm F/2 = Interchangeable-Lens Fujifilm X100VI??
Leica Q2 from the perspective of a Fujifilm photographer
Fujifilm X30 — Fujifilm’s Forgotten Retro Compact Zoom
Close Up with the Fujinon XF 30mm F/2.8 R LM WR Macro

Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case for Fujifilm X100VI / X100V / X100F — Update 1: I Need Your Help!

Posted on October 29, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

When I introduced the Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case for Fujifilm X100-series cameras four weeks ago, I mentioned that there isn’t enough free space for a neck strap to fit into it. Many wrist straps fit, but there’s not enough space inside the case for a neck strap. An alternative that I suggested was to use a quick-release strap (and store the strap elsewhere), which would certainly work, but it may or may not be a good solution for you. Well, I’m very happy to report that the Evergreen 28″ Short Strap will, in fact, fit inside the case!

I was a little worried that this neck strap would be a bit too short, but it wasn’t (at least not for me). It’s made from genuine leather, with a soft microfiber suede back for comfort. Evergreen calls the design minimalist vintage-modern; I’m not sure what that means, but it is stylish, and matches the X100VI aesthetic quite well. So if you are looking for a neck strap that will also fit into the Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case, the Evergreen 28″ Short Strap is an excellent option—and it’s only $30. This is what I’m currently using on my Fujifilm X100VI (for about two weeks now), and I’m very happy with it.

If you own a Fujifilm X100-series camera—such as the X100VI, X100V, or X100F—and you want to protect it when you travel or are on some amazing adventure somewhere, this case will do it. The Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case is waterproof, shock-resistant, and tough. You don’t have to worry about your camera getting damaged. And it’s only $50.

Also, I’m excited to announce that the Evergreen + Fuji X Weekly Protective Case for Fujifilm X100-series cameras is now available at B&H. Yeah, that camera store. This is a really big deal! So currently it’s available for purchase from Amazon, B&H, and directly from Evergreen Cases.

One more thing: I need your help! Evergreen and I would like to make another case, this time a larger one for an interchangeable-lens model. If you have a couple moments, please answer the two questions below. It will help me out immensely. Thank you so much!