Fujifilm enticed photographers during the X Summit, unveiling the X-M5 and a few lenses and teased two new cameras that may be released next year. We spoke about what the new cameras can be, and we are keen to see the direction the company is taking. However, a new report reveals that Fujifilm is working on three prime lenses, which could be just what you need now. So, what are the lenses about? The hint is that they are for GFX cameras. And more specifically, they could be for a Fujifilm GFX Compact Camera.
Fujifilm Registered a New Patent
According to Asobinet (via Fujifilm Rumors), the patent is for GFX cameras and lists multiple f3.5 lenses: 35mm, 40mm, and 50mm. The patent also reveals a shorter back focus, which indicates it could be a fixed lens — therefore it might appear on an upcoming Fujifilm GFX Compact Camera. According to the patent, the demand for lenses that are “compact and have good optical performance” has increased more so in recent years. So, Fujifilm hopes to provide the same with these focal lengths.
This means the Fujifilm GFX Compact Camera could have a wider field of view than the X100VI.
There are four examples in the patent as follows:
Example 1
- Focal length: 39.170
- F-number: 3.6
- Angle of view: 69.30
- Back focal length: 6.596
Example 2
- Focal length: 43.691
- F-number: 3.6
- Angle of view: 64.36
- Back focal length: 5.982
Example 3
- Focal length: 50.911
- F-number: 3.6
- Angle of view: 54.96
- Back focal length: 13.673
Example 4
- Focal length: 32.965
- F-number: 3.6
- Half angle of view: 78.44
- Back focal length: 7.073
Fujifilm Rumors adds that a fixed-lens GFX camera will be released in the first half of 2025. However, they believe it will have a 28mm f2.8 equivalent depth of film on full-frame cameras. This means the Fujifilm GFX Compact Camera could have a wider field of view than the X100VI.
A Fujifilm GFX Compact Camera Will Be Intriguing
Last year, the best compact camera was the Fujifilm X100V, which was perfect in every way. Its successor, the X100VI, was exactly the opposite, but it performed exceptionally well despite that. As it turns out, compact cameras are making a comeback in ways unimaginable to many, and the Leica Q3 is an example of how many professionals choose full-frame point-and-shoot cameras. While there is a rising demand for compact devices, Fujifilm has the best opportunity to strike as the iron is hot.
In fact, we wrote about how the company needs a professional compact camera, and having something in the GFX line-up, which is their medium-format series, will be a boon in many ways. People are looking for smaller devices that are better than their phones but also offer distinct features. This is where the company’s film simulation comes in. Imagine a Fujifilm GFX Compact Camera that can perform just as well as a Q3. I bet many people would buy that. In fact, Fujifilm already has a perfect design for rangefinders in their X series, and we commended them for that. So, if they choose to make a fixed-lens GFX device, they can take some inspiration from past cameras, such as the Fujifilm X30, XQ2, and XF1.
However, while they look at the varied features of the camera, such as weather resistance or time stamp and borders, they must also consider its lenses. In the past, we mentioned how the company needs better lenses for the GFX lineup. So, the fixed lens has to be good and fast enough to do justice to the colors and sensor. It needs to have a character, not capture clinical images.
Overall, while Fujifilm is working on 1-inch sensors for the future, they also need better options for professionals who want a device that is smaller than the mirrorless and much on their phones. A camera that is purely for still photography would certainly do wonders.