Fujifilm Announces X-Series Macro Tubes, Software and Firmware Updates

Fujifilm Announces X-Series Macro Tubes, Software and Firmware Updates

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Valhalla, NY—Fujifilm added two macro extension tubes for its X-series interchangeable-lens cameras, and the company announced a launch date for a major firmware update and PC Tethered Shooting software HS-V5 for the Fujifilm X-T1 graphite silver and black editions. Firmware updates that deliver additional features and enhanced controls will also be available for the Fujifilm X-E2, X-E1, X-Pro1 and X30.

Macro Extension Tubes. The MCEX-11 and the MCEX-16 (for extended close-up work) are intermediate rings for close-up photography. By attaching the ring between a Fujinon XF or XC lens and a camera body, users can experience high-magnification photography. When the macro extension tube is attached, the focus range is limited so users can find a focus point by moving the camera forward and backward.

The tubes are equipped with electronic contacts, retaining normal AE (autoexposure) functions, and are designed to blend into the original look and feel of the X-series line of mirrorless system cameras.

Fujifilm’s macro extension tubes will be available in mid-December for $99.95 each.

PC Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5. This software for Windows v1.0 will feature two modes, camera mode and PC mode, to give photographers enhanced shooting controls. Camera mode allows users to operate the camera and adjust settings on the camera itself, with images taken simultaneously transferred to a computer for display on the screen or archiving. Adjusting exposure and other shooting settings, along with activating the shutter release, are carried out on camera.

Alternatively, users can switch to PC mode where they can check the viewfinder image of a remotely setup camera, operate the camera and adjust its settings on a PC screen, with images taken simultaneously transferred to a PC for display or archiving. Adjusting exposure and other shooting settings, or activating the shutter release, are carried out remotely on the computer.

HS-V5 also includes the Hyper-Utlity3 image browser for image viewing, analysis, assessment, categorization and organization. An image analysis function uses the histogram, highlight clipping warning and EXIF data (including film simulations, exchangeable lens name, etc.) and displays an “image assessment” function that shows two images side-by-side for comparison. HS-V5 will be available January 2015.

Firmware v3.0 (X-T1 Graphite Silver, Black).
Available for download on December 18, this free firmware update on December 18 will give users the following new features and controls to enhance their X-T1 shooting experience.

1. AF (autofocus) area direct selection: Users can select the focus area with the four-way controller, without pressing the Fn button.

2. Function replacement for the AE-L/AF-L buttons: The currently locked AE-L/AF-L button function will now be interchangeable, depending on user preference.

3. Focus area size variability during MF (manual focus):  Users will be able to change the focus area in manual mode during one-push AF with the AF-L button.

4. Macro mode direct selection: Users will be able to directly turn on or off the macro function in autofocus mode to expand the distance measurement range to the short-distance range. This will be possible without accessing the pop-up menu screen.

5. Q menu customization: The update will render the items and layout of the Q menu, used for quick access of frequently used items, changeable to the user’s preference.

6. Video frame rate selection: In addition to the existing 60-fps and 30-fps selections, 50-fps, 25-fps and 24-fps selection will be available. 50 fps and 25 fps allow video editing in the PAL region without converting the frame rate. The 24 fps will offer movie-like video capture and play back.

7. Video manual shooting: Users will be able to select ISO sensitivity prior to shooting videos, as well as adjusting the aperture and shutter speed during video shooting.

8. Phase-detection AF support for one-push AF: With one-push AF, operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing, the update will enable phase-detection AF with quicker focusing speeds.

9. Metering area focus area interlocking: The update will enable users to interlock the AF area position with the metering area when spot metering is selected.

10. Expansion of the program shift setting area: The update will enable the current program shift, in which the low-speed side is 1/4 second, to be shifted to a maximum of 4 seconds.

11. Electronic shutter: It adds an electronic shutter function to original X-T1 black bodies with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000 sec.

12. New classic chrome film simulation: This effect delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction.

13. Support for Instax Share printer: Photos can be sent directly to the Instax Share printer for instant prints.

14. Lock function: Users can lock the camera to prevent unexpected dial and button operations.

15. AF+MF setting: Users can half press the shutter to autofocus, and then make fine adjustments using the manual focus ring.

16. Three custom white balance options: It expands the number of white balance users can store.

17. Expanded EVF/LCD display types in manual exposure mode: Users can now customize the way the image is displayed on the EVF or LCD.

18. LCD brightness and EVF/LCD adjustment control: Users can customize display brightness based on environment.

19. Flash compensation in Fn button setting: Users can now add flash compensation to any of the six custom function buttons.

Firmware v3.0 (Fujifilm X-E2). Available for download on December 18, this firmware update adds WLAN remote control in conjunction with the Camera Remote app; interval timer shooting; classic chrome film simulation; and AF+MF control for all X-mount lenses.

Firmware v2.4 (Fujifilm X-E1) and v3.4 (Fujifilm X-Pro1). Also available for download on December 18, the X-E1 and X-Pro1 will each receive a firmware update that adds AF+MF control for all X-mount lenses.

Firmware v1.01 (Fujifilm X30). Now available for download, this firmware update is available improves the autofocus lock function on the X30. fujifilmusa.com

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