Fujifilm launch wide conversion lens for X100

kbg32

kbg32

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Fujifilm have announced the launch of the WCL-X100, a wide conversion lens designed specifically for the X100.

The lens attaches directly on to the camera and increases picture taking versatility by multiplying the fixed focal length by 0.8x, converting it from 23mm (35mm in 35mm equivalent) fixed focal length to a 19mm wide angle (28mm in 35mm equivalent).Optical quality maximises versatility
Created by the same experts who designed the X100’s lens, the WCL-X100 delivers comparable image quality even at the f/2 wide aperture setting, retaining all the original optical characteristics, including the attractive bokeh effect, say Fuji.The optical construction of the WCL-X100, which is manufactured in Japan, uses four premium glass elements in three groups to keep aberrations to a minimum and also employs Fujinon’s unique Super EBC coating for outstanding results.Image processing optimises picture quality
To achieve the best results from the WCL-X100 photographers are advised to select the ‘Wide Conversion Lens’ option in the Fujifilm X100’s shooting menu. To enable this extra functionality, the camera must be updated to Firmware version 1.3.0 or later, which also allows the option to be selected via the Function (Fn) or RAW buttons. The Fujifilm X100 has the option to apply image processing to shots taken using the WCL-X100 to reduce image distortion, ensure balanced illumination across the frame and reduce chromatic aberration, commonly found in wide conversion lenses.In practice, the WCL-X100 maintains the functionality of the Fujifilm X100. The autofocusing speed remains the same, the 10cm macro distance still applies and it is also compatible with the Fujifilm X100’s hybrid viewfinder. With the optical viewfinder (OVF) selected, icons showing the edge of the frame are displayed instead of the frame rim (equivalent to 80% of the frame field of view), while selecting the electronic viewfinder (EVF) gives users a 100% field of view.A design match for the Fujifilm X100
The design of the WCL-X100 has been 'carefully considered to ensure a seamless blend' with the camera. It uses the same materials, textures and colours as the existing X100, plus the optional LH-X100 lens hood and PRF-49S protective filter can be used on the conversion lens. Furthermore, the clip-on lens cap for the WCL-X100 can be attached with both the lens hood and filter in place.WCL-X100 key features
• 0.8x magnification factor to convert X100 lens to 28mm wide angle (35mm equivalent)• All glass optical construction using four elements in three groups• Fujinon Super EBC coating• Made in Japan for optimum quality• Available in black and silver

The WCL-X100 is expected to go on sale in August for around £249 but this is subject to change.
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This is very, very interesting (if true), what is the source?

EDIT: Just checked Fuji website it seems to be official!
 
Want! :D

If it's really working as announced, this is going to be a great addition.
Wondering how the framelines will fit in the OVF.


Found it
With the optical viewfinder (OVF) selected, icons showing the edge of the frame are displayed instead of the frame rim (equivalent to 80% of the frame field of view)
Click to expand...
 
This means we are also getting new firmware update...7mm is not that much in overal scheme of things but I know it will make huge difference for some people...I am kinda in (depending on the price).
 
zvos1 said:
This means we are also getting new firmware update...7mm is not that much in overal scheme of things but I know it will make huge difference for some people...I am kinda in (depending on the price).
Click to expand...

The update is already available, I've done mine!
 
gavinlg said:
Holy crap this is incredible. They're literally probably cannibalizing their own x-pro1 sales just to give their x100 users more functionality. Fujifilm is the BEST.

Found a product page including photos of the unit itself:
http://fujifilm-x.com/accessories/en/lens-accessories/conversionlens/wcl-x100/

and sample images from the unit!:
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/di...ionlens/x100wideconversionlens/sample_images/
Click to expand...

I've checked the sample pictures for three different criteria:

- Corner sharpness fall off looks like non-existent (table shot).

- Did not detect any CA...(these are OOC! not RAW to be corrected in PP.)

- Maintained the original bokeh of the 23mm (Shot with locks.)

Amazing performance. Kudos to Fujifilm. It made me hopeful for the 0.6X and 2X converters too (who knows..)
 
With the new firmware, just enabling the 28mm frame lines is making me really excited. This is a huge deal for me, because I always feel that 28mm and 35mm are the 2 focal lengths that suit me best. The fact that the optical converter seems to be of a very high optical quality (as in the samples I linked to above) is even better, and the lens is still a speedy f2 unit!

I want to know the price of this baby ASAP.
 
BobYIL said:
I've checked the sample pictures for three different criteria:

- Corner sharpness fall off looks like non-existent (table shot).

- Did not detect any CA...(these are OOC! not RAW to be corrected in PP.)

- Maintained the original bokeh of the 23mm (Shot with locks.)

Amazing performance. Kudos to Fujifilm. It made me hopeful for the 0.6X and 2X converters too (who knows..)
Click to expand...

Also note that they have employed software lens corrections, probably for CA and distortion/falloff. Its unavoidable with adapters. What I'm wondering is if Adobe will incorporate these software corrections into their RAW converter. I know they have with the x-pro1 and its dynamic range modes...
Either way it would be easy to make you're own profile within acr/lightroom for the necessary corrections.
 
I was wondering if they were going to do this when they brought the X100 out. Strikes me as similar concept to the wide/tele lens set designed for the Yashica Electro rangefinders. I don't have an X100, but I think it's cool that they're still supporting it. If they could bring out a 50mm equivalent convertor, I might consider getting one...
 
i applaud fuji for supporting its products and customers and thinking outside the box. i am happy for those who are excited about this. personally, i am not as in my opinion there just isnt enough of a FL or perspective difference to justify the purchase, or motivate me to carry this around with me. when shooting slr i never take lenses so close in FL, just a matter of personal taste. were this a 21-24mm or a 75-85mm youd have to fight me off to get one.
tony
 
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