X-Pro2 and existing 35 f1.4 lenses. What will happen?

[eleskin]

My question regarding the new technologies we will likely see in the new X-Pro 2 will be how will the Fujinon 35mm f1.4 benefit from the new autofocus technology. Will Fuji make a new version of that lens? How about those of us who already own this lens?

 

[PatrickT]

That's what Im curious about as well. I hope, with the added benefit of phase detection AF, that the existing lenses will also get the speed boost, but I'm not sure.

 

[David_Manning]

I'm guessing that the AF capabilities will be better (probably with the new X100s phase/contrast combo), but since it's all done by the camera body, it'll just drive the lens faster. I don't think (could be wrong) Nikon or Canon have to update lenses solely on the basis of increases in AF technology and speed in their bodies.

Just another reason why Fuji tech is a good bet these days, and why their XF lenses will be a great option for years to come.

 

[GaryLH]

In my mind... The original set of lenses has three things items that could be upgraded...
- manual focus (14 has improved this)
-- scale on lens
-- the Olympus m43 style mf/af engagement setup
- better af motor (the 18-55 kit zoom has it)

For me because of the type of pictures I take, the af speed is already ok for me. I would only eventually upgrade to a better 35f1.4 if the above improvements also came w/ it. The 18 is already slightly faster due to lower mass the af motor needs to move. I just bought the 14 and will most likely use it much more than the 18. The 60 as a macro lens is just fine the way it is for me. The upcoming 57 I would hope have some if not all these improvements, but I am not in the market for this lens.

Gary

 

[NicoM]

I've been using the 35mm and the rate at which the lens moves to focus isn't slow at all. The reason the 35mm is "slow" is because it goes back and fourth and hunts before locking on. Should the X-Pro2 have phase detection, we won't be getting that hunting anymore (or not as much).

The X100 and the X100s have the same lens yet the newer, supposedly, focuses a lot faster. All due to the phase detection AF and the faster processor.

 

[GaryLH]

I've been using the 35mm and the rate at which the lens moves to focus isn't slow at all. The reason the 35mm is "slow" is because it goes back and fourth and hunts before locking on. Should the X-Pro2 have phase detection, we won't be getting that hunting anymore (or not as much).

The X100 and the X100s have the same lens yet the newer, supposedly, focuses a lot faster. All due to the phase detection AF and the faster processor.

I don't think we know if they also,improved the af motor though. They did improve the CPU process speed. The phase detection probably used to get them in the right ball park faster and then contrast detection may kick in to get fine tuning done on focus.. This is where the better CPU horsepower would come into play to,handle the finding the right focus point (the hunting u are referring to) plus the need for faster cpu to handle the x-tran sensor processing.

Gary

 

[noimmunity]

From a marketing standpoint, Fuji would have to be suicidal to introduce a new body that requires upgrade to a new lens so soon after the introduction of the system. After that, nobody would buy ANY XF lens unless it were redesigned, and the pool of existing users would be hit by the attrition rate of those dropping out in disgust.

 

[NicoM]

From a marketing standpoint, Fuji would have to be suicidal to introduce a new body that requires upgrade to a new lens so soon after the introduction of the system. After that, nobody would buy ANY XF lens unless it were redesigned, and the pool of existing users would be hit by the attrition rate of those dropping out in disgust.

I totally agree. They'd lose all trust from consumers if they decide to make new versions of existing lenses 2 years after introduction.

 

[GaryLH]

I would partially disagree w/ this.. If these are improvements that would benefit both the first gen xp1/xe1 as well, then who cares. How many versions of the Leica 35 cron are there? Did any complain about them getting better with each upgrade? How many versions of the venerable Nikon 50mm?

The only difference now a days is time interval. W/ computer aided design things can evolve more rapidly than before.

Gary

 

[NicoM]

I would partially disagree w/ this.. If these are improvements that would benefit both the first gen xp1/xe1 as well, then who cares. How many versions of the Leica 35 cron are there? Did any complain about them getting better with each upgrade? How many versions of the venerable Nikon 50mm?

The only difference now a days is time interval. W/ computer aided design things can evolve more rapidly than before.

Gary

Sumicrons have come out decades after each other, not 2 years. Also, how much better could a new version actually get for anyone to justify buying a new one? I don't even think it would make sense for Fuji to even consider making a new version.

 

[Clint Troy]

I refuse to be a guinea pig of the new age. My Leicas lenses are honest devices in every sense.
When and if the X-pro5 comes along, and will finally be a ripe product making sense, that's when I'll *maybe* consider it.

 

[GaryLH]

The last two integrations if the sumo cron were not too far off from each other. As i said cad has help a lot here.

Nikon and canon have done a lot if iterations thanks to cad.

Gary

 

[back alley]

I refuse to be a guinea pig of the new age. My Leicas lenses are honest devices in every sense.
When and if the X-pro5 comes along, and will finally be a ripe product making sense, that's when I'll *maybe* consider it.

big of you....

 

[Jamie Pillers]

My question regarding the new technologies we will likely see in the new X-Pro 2 will be how will the Fujinon 35mm f1.4 benefit from the new autofocus technology. Will Fuji make a new version of that lens? How about those of us who already own this lens?

I've heard rumors that the existing lenses won't work on the XP2. So I think you should dump them here in the classifieds... steeply discounted of course. 😛

 

[GaryLH]

I would partially disagree w/ this.. If these are improvements that would benefit both the first gen xp1/xe1 as well, then who cares. How many versions of the Leica 35 cron are there? Did any complain about them getting better with each upgrade? How many versions of the venerable Nikon 50mm?

The only difference now a days is time interval. W/ computer aided design things can evolve more rapidly than before.

Gary

I just realized I did not complete my reply. I was distracted at the time I sent it.

Where I do agree us that Fuji would make a stupid marketing decision to have the new xp2 work only w/ a new set lenses.

Fuji is too smart for that. The new technologies in the x100s do not depend on new lenses design changes as far as I can figure out.

Where I disagree was really where a change for the better on the lens whether a better optical formula or better mechanics, then why not?

Gary

 

[Clint Troy]

big of you....

Nah.
I'm just trying to be as honest with myself as I can. My photography deserves a product that is serious. Well engineered. Efficient. One that works.
I know you get a bad itch when I write this kind of stuff but you being a moderator doesn't make fuji or all the sony NEX products any better because of it.

Yeah, the x100 left a really bad taste in my mouth for several reasons. That was the first and last time I was a guinea pig for a photo company. This is why the x-pro5 might be a good buy.

 

[NicoM]

I just realized I did not complete my reply. I was distracted at the time I sent it.

Where I do agree us that Fuji would make a stupid marketing decision to have the new xp2 work only w/ a new set lenses.

Fuji is too smart for that. The new technologies in the x100s do not depend on new lenses design changes as far as I can figure out.

Where I disagree was really where a change for the better on the lens whether a better optical formula or better mechanics, then why not?

Gary

I think that it comes down to what makes most sense for Fuji. "Better" tech is better but there's always going to be a "better". Fuji, or any other brand for that matter, is not always going to release the "better" when it doesn't make any sense to. In the case of the 35mm, I honestly think that the lens is not flawed at all (unless you consider the louder AF to be a flaw). It's the way in which the camera focuses that needs to be tweaked.

 

[corposant]

The last two integrations if the sumo cron were not too far off from each other. As i said cad has help a lot here.

Nikon and canon have done a lot if iterations thanks to cad.

Gary

The previous 35 Cron was in service for 16 years, not 16 months.

Even by Fuji's standards, they didn't update their Hasselblad HC lenses for at least 7-8 years, and that's after there had been 4 bodies and technological leaps and bounds in AF.

I may eat my words, but I also kind of doubt the announcement of a new X body until much later this year (maybe even spring). They need to market it with new lenses which were promised this spring... and it's upon us now. I don't think Fuji will just release a new body if PDAF is the only improvement. I know there's some magazine from Japan floating around with some general info, but really...

 

[NicoM]

Nah.
I'm just trying to be as honest with myself as I can. My photography deserves a product that is serious. Well engineered. Efficient. One that works.
I know you get a bad itch when I write this kind of stuff but you being a moderator doesn't make fuji or all the sony NEX products any better because of it.

Yeah, the x100 left a really bad taste in my mouth for several reasons. That was the first and last time I was a guinea pig for a photo company. This is why the x-pro5 might be a good buy.

Lol, so much hate for a camera/brand.

 

[back alley]

Nah.
I'm just trying to be as honest with myself as I can. My photography deserves a product that is serious. Well engineered. Efficient. One that works.
I know you get a bad itch when I write this kind of stuff but you being a moderator doesn't make fuji or all the sony NEX products any better because of it.

Yeah, the x100 left a really bad taste in my mouth for several reasons. That was the first and last time I was a guinea pig for a photo company. This is why the x-pro5 might be a good buy.

the fujis work for me, mod or not...and they work for me wheather they worked for you or not as well.
my results are fine for me...
we both win!