Fujifilm Japan Shares a Response For Your Autofocus Issues

Fujifilm has produced some innovative cameras over the years. The X Pro 3, the XT5, the XH2, and the GFX series are great cameras with wonderful features. However, while Fujifilm’s ergonomics and colors are in a class of their own, the one place where the company needs to perform better is autofocus. Even some of the hardcore Fujifilm fans have faced a few issues, proving that the company needs to come close to its competitors, such as Sony and Canon. Now, a report reveals that the company is already working on ways to address its shortcomings.

Fujifilm Responds To User’s Query

According to Fujifilm Rumors, Steven, a photographer who uses an X-series camera, reached out to the portal with an update. The photographer contacted the company to ask about potential fixes for his camera’s autofocus issues, which have surfaced following the latest firmware updates.

In their response to Steven, the company stated (which the author verified through a screenshot):

Thank you for your message and for taking the time to give us your feedback. We take all comments about our products very seriously. We are aware of several videos and posts on social media regarding AF performance. Our R&D team in Japan is investigating a solution and we hope to have an update on this very soon.

When Fujifilm updated the firmware back in June, Fujifilm Rumors did not know that the update was not perfect. The portal and other users felt they should return to using the older firmware, which ensured the device’s performance in this domain.

Moreover, the company hasn’t revealed how it intends to fix the issues—whether to work on a better firmware update that works with its higher-end cameras or redesign the autofocus system. In the meantime, some users also stated that they have either replaced their Fujifilm system with competing brands or succeeded with third-party lenses.

Can Fujifilm Deliver on Its Words?

Although we can’t comment on this, we know for sure that Fujifilm has to work around its shortcomings. They have seamlessly blended a great body with some really great features in their cameras. So, why not give photographers the one thing they really need? For instance, in our review of the XT5, we noted how the autofocus is slower than its predecessor, which is seriously a problem for those who work as photojournalists or wedding photographers.

In another article, we noted how Fujifilm’s autofocus works perfectly well for video creators. Our Editor, Chris Gampat, stated: “If you set it to video mode, it will focus on a face and attempt to keep it in focus.” Moreover, our Review Editor, Hillary Gregoris, also noted the issues with continuous autofocus (AF-C) and the requirement for easier toggle between subjects during eye detection.

With such an issue, Fujifilm is portraying that its camera is better suited for slower-paced photography, such as studio portraits or product photography. However, putting such a label can be a challenge for a brand to overcome, especially when they have a product that is in a league of its own. Our reviewers barely have to edit the photographs shot with a Fuji, which saves a lot of time and is a boon for street and wedding photographers. So, why tinker and add that one element that can make your product an even more powerful contender? Perhaps, with this improvement, they get a chance to come close, if not beat, a Canon or a Nikon in market sales.