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Fujifilm debuts two X-mount lenses, new edition of X-T1

There'll also be a big firmware update for the X-T1 in December.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
2 min read

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The X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition Fujifilm

In addition to rolling out the successor to the X100S for Photokina, the X100T, Fujifilm also introduced two new lenses and a new color combo for the X-T1.

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56mm f1.2 APD lens Fujifilm

First, it makes good on its roadmap promise of a 50-140mm f2.8 lens. The XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, though it's not for everyone at $1,600 (£1,250), covers a useful range. As the name indicates, it's weather-resistant -- Fujifilm says it has more than 20 points of weather sealing -- uses a linear motor and has optical image stabilization. A new coating, dubbed Nano-GI (gradient index), is intended to reduce ghosting and flare.

The other lens announcement was not on the company's lens roadmap for the year; it's a second 56mm f1.2 lens. The XF56mmF1.2 R APD -- the APD stands for "apodization" -- uses an internal filter that's darker at the edges to essentially soften the out-of-focus areas for more attractive bokeh. This lens will run $1,600 (£1,100) compared to about $1,000 (and roughly £830) for the non-APD version.

Both lenses will be available in November 2014 in the UK and Australia, but December 2014 in the US.

As for cameras, Fujifilm is releasing a Graphite Silver edition of the X-T1 ($1,500/£1,200), with an electronic shutter for 1/32,000 sec and silent shooting, plus some of the features of the X100T, like the effects preview in the viewfinder and the Classic Chrome color preset.

The company also plans to release a firmware update in December for the X-T1 that adds:

  • The ability to select the focus area with the four-way controller, without pressing the Fn Key.
  • The ability to remap the AE-L/AF-L button function.
  • The ability to change the focus area in Manual mode during One Push AF with the AF-L button.
  • The ability to directly toggle macro mode in Auto Focus mode without accessing the pop-up menu.
  • The ability to customize the Q Menu items.
  • 50fps, 25fps, and 24fps video options.
  • The ability to select ISO sensitivity before recording videos, and the ability to adjust aperture and shutter speed during video shooting.
  • Pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing will enable phase-detection AF.
  • The ability to link the spot meter to the AF area.
  • The slowest Program Shift shutter speed increases from 1/4 second to 4 seconds.