I’m sitting in my new office in my new home typing out this article. After two weeks of packing, moving, cleaning, and unpacking… most everything is still in boxes; however, I’ve unpacked enough to get back to Fuji X Weekly.
In case you missed it, Fujifilm released Kaizen firmware updates for the X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 (the X100VI also has a firmware update). The highlight is that the Reala Ace film simulation is now available for all fifth-generation X series models. If you haven’t updated your camera’s firmware, you may want to do so now.
Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy that means continuous improvement or change for the better. It can be applied many different ways, but in the case of camera firmware updates, it is simply adding new features or improving existing features (not just bug fixes) for the sake of doing so. This builds customer trust and brand loyalty, because purchasers know that they’re not being left out in the cold whenever innovations occur right after they’ve just spent a bunch of money on a new camera. They can rest assured that the brand cares, which is probably the biggest ingredient for gaining repeat customers.
Fujifilm used to be the king of Kaizen (at least in the camera world), but then they pulled back from it significantly. Now, they’re back at it again—hurray! I would encourage Fujifilm to keep going. Next, they should add Eterna Bleach Bypass and 0.5 Highlight and Shadow adjustments to the X100V and X-Pro3. Then, give Classic Negative to the X-T3 and X-T30 (like the GFX50R and GFX50S have). Those shouldn’t be too hard for them to do. I’d also encourage Fujifilm to update the 40mp cameras with the XPan aspect ratio. Let me know in the comments what Kaizen ideas you’d like to see Fujifilm tackle.
For those who suddenly have a camera with Reala Ace, you might be searching for some Recipes with that film simulation. Well, below are five Film Simulation Recipes in the Fuji X Weekly App that use Reala Ace:
PRO Negative 160C
Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm
Fujicolor 100 Industrial
Easy Reala Ace
Kodak Gold 200 v3
I believe the Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm Recipe is the one that Victor Ha, Vice President of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions of Fujifilm North America, recently mentioned in a live Adorama broadcast.
During my move, I received a “monthly content roundup” email from Fujifilm. Perhaps you received the same email. Buried near the bottom was an add for the Fujifilm X-T4 ES, an infrared “extended spectrum” version of the X-T4. Back in 2022, I suggested that Fujifilm should release an IR camera as a “wow” product. I’ve wanted to get into IR photography for some time now, so I ordered it.
While Fujifilm did make an IR version of the X-T1, it was not sold to the general public. I’m not sure if the X-T4 ES was intended to be sold to the general public or not, but I placed my order and was charged. If it was an accident by Fujifilm, I’m certain I will get a refund shortly; if it was, in fact, made available to the general public, it must already be sold out, because the link is no longer active. I’ll keep you updated either way.
If the Fujifilm X-T4 ES sold out so quickly, I think it goes to show that there is indeed some demand for natively infrared models. Also, it seems like an excellent way to clear the shelves of some cameras that were perhaps over-produced. I don’t think Fujifilm has that issue at the moment, as all the current models appear to be doing well, but, in the future, if the situation occurs where they have a bunch of parts for a particular camera sitting around waiting to be manufactured but without demand, converting them to IR might be a way to get them sold.
I think that’s it for now. I’ve got a lot more to write; however, I’ll save that for various articles that will be published over the next week or so. Right now I’ve got to get back to unpacking; specifically, somehow making room in the garage for a car. I’ve received a bunch of comments, messages, emails, etc., that I’ve yet to respond to—it might take me several days, but I hope to get to all of them soon. I appreciate your patience!
It’s so good to be back. I have a lot to share—some exciting news that I can’t talk about yet but hopefully I can very soon. You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!