Still no Kaizen love for the X100 line - come on Fuji!

[smatty]

After a very long wait and no action on Fuji's side, I have finally written a post regarding the absence of Fuji X100s/T FW updates. While other cameras like the X-T1 and even the cheaper X-E2 are turned into completely new (faster & new features) cameras via FW updates, the fairly expensive X100s/T users and cameras are left starving.

Many X-photographers have contacted me in the past month and asked me to go forward with raising this issue again.

So here you go. Chime in and share if you feel that this is something important that Fuji should start to finally work on:

http://weshootfuji.com/2016/01/29/fujifilm-kaizen-where-art-thou/

No Kaizen FW love for the Fuji X100s/T line


Cheers,
Marco
=> My Fuji X Podcast
=> Recent Flickr Photos

 

[snoi]

I feel exactly the same way, bought me a x100s to test the fuji system and fuji stopped the firmware updates for the x100 line so i lost trust and decided not to jump to fuji and buy a whole fuji system.

Perhaps it sounds a little strange, but it was just a gut feeling, so i ended up selling the x100s, I mean Zack Arias testet the Classic Chrome on a fuji x100s !! And then no Classic Chrome for the x100s ... come on fuji

 

[smatty]

A reader just contacted me on a different channel and said that there may be the next X100(F?) out before the release of a new FW. And at that time the X100T would have been discontinued and there is no reason for Fuji to give it one last update - Just like we have seen it with the X100s.

I am not big on rumors concerning new camera models, but if that is the plan for the X100T, I wonder how that will play along with the community...


Cheers,
Marco
=> My Fuji X Podcast
=> Recent Flickr Photos

 

[bavarius6]

It might help if you state:

What shortcomings are you hoping will be fixed?

or

Which absent features are you asking to be added?

Pat

 

[yardcoyote]

I was thinking the same thing, I'm quite satisfied with my T the way it is and nothing comes to mind immediately as a needed improvement.

 

[Lollie81]

Whilst i purchased my x100t fully aware of its features at the time I bought it, there does seem to be no reason at all for fuji not to add the improved af system, eye detect af and auto-macro added to the xt1, xt10 and soon the xe2. I could sort of understand it if the x100t was discontinued.

 

[Sal Baker]

Based on Fuji's past performance the X100s/t, X70, and future fixed lens models won't receive major feature/performance upgrades, they are what they are.

This makes some sense from a marketing point of view, even if we don't like it. As we see in this thread already, fixed lens model owners are pretty much happy with what they have. On the other hand ILC models open a continuous revenue opportunity for Fuji going forward.

Once someone buys an ILC, they also purchase a lens. Then they usually buy more lenses. When Fuji updates these models with new FW and features, users are excited and encouraged to buy more lenses. So the FW ROI is sustainable for ILC models, and is an incentive for fixed lens users to eventually jump in on the ILC Fuji gravy train.

Up to now it seems clear that if one wants the X-T1, EX-2 style feature updates, one needs to buy the ICL cameras.

Sal

 

[spa100]

Based on Fuji's past performance the X100s/t, X70, and future fixed lens models won't receive major feature/performance upgrades, they are what they are.

This makes some sense from a marketing point of view, even if we don't like it. As we see in this thread already, fixed lens model owners are pretty much happy with what they have. On the other hand ILC models open a continuous revenue opportunity for Fuji going forward.

Once someone buys an ILC, they also purchase a lens. Then they usually buy more lenses. When Fuji updates these models with new FW and features, users are excited and encouraged to buy more lenses. So the FW ROI is sustainable for ILC models, and is an incentive for fixed lens users to eventually jump in on the ILC Fuji gravy train.

Up to now it seems clear that if one wants the X-T1, EX-2 style feature updates, one needs to buy the ICL cameras.

Sal

Having had a career in marketing, it doesn't make sense to me. By supporting the X100T Fuji will build on its customer loyalty. I suspect there are many X100T owners who have added one of Fuji's ILC cameras, and bought more than one lens. I'm sure many of them would like to have some of the incremental software upgrades they received with those ILC cameras applied to the X100T. I myself am considering replacing my Nikon system with Fuji, because of my experience with my X100T.

Furthermore, when Fuji comes out with the 23mp sensor X100x, many Fuji X100T owners will transition to it, if they feel that Fuji has supported them. If the X100T is not supported it will be clear that the X100x will not be supported as well, based on history. I think it was a mistake for Fuji not to provide Classic Chrome to X100s owners. That very simple feature alone would have increased customer loyalty to the brand. Actually, it's not too late.

Just because a customer buys a fixed lens camera does not mean that they should not be part of the Kaizen philosophy. This identity has been integrated into the brand and should be consistent across products. $1200 is a lot of money for most people. The expense, trust and commitment should be valued by Fuji.

 

[yardcoyote]

I for one would not want an auto macro feature on my X100T. You do realize that this camera is EVF only in macro mode? I usually use the OVF and to have the viewfinder suddenly change modes in the middle of a shot would make me jump a mile! Not something you want to have happen when you are concentrating on your work. I don't mind having to take a moment to change to macro mode and mentally adjust my shooting style to best use the EVF.

Lovely macros from this camera, BTW. No substitute for a "real" macro setup (I have the Pentax 100mm macro WR) but certainly very nice for macro of opportunity from a walkaround camera.

 

[yardcoyote]

On second thought I would quite like the new black and white film simulation (Acros) from the Xpro-2.

 

[Lollie81]

I probably hadnt thought through the full effects of auto macro but i think the other functions would still be a useful addition

 

[wrenhunter]

Having had a career in marketing, it doesn't make sense to me.

That's why you weren't in sales.

Just giving free stuff to existing customers forever is a great way to build loyalty, all right, but a lousy way to generate profits.

 

[spa100]

Having had a career in marketing, it doesn't make sense to me.

That's why you weren't in sales.

Just giving free stuff to existing customers forever is a great way to build loyalty, all right, but a lousy way to generate profits.

Marketing is not about giving away free products to existing customers, at least not in my years of experience. Marketing has a balancing act: allocating available dollars to support existing customers and product lines vs R&D dollars for new products. Both must be factored in to the short and long term sale/profit goals of the company. I'm not privy to Fujifilm's internal funding for the X100T, but if some dollars were available for a software release I believe it will benefit Fuji in the long-run.

 

[Les Lammers]

It builds brand loyalty...but I'm not expecting anymore for my X-100.

 

[Les Lammers]

A reader just contacted me on a different channel and said that there may be the next X100(F?) out before the release of a new FW. And at that time the X100T would have been discontinued and there is no reason for Fuji to give it one last update - Just like we have seen it with the X100s.

I am not big on rumors concerning new camera models, but if that is the plan for the X100T, I wonder how that will play along with the community...

Cheers,
Marco
=> My Fuji X Podcast
=> Recent Flickr Photos

Well it doesn't bother me and the next model may have the 24MP chip so it will be moot because everyone but me will want one. Frankly, expecting Fuji to keep all cameras 'current' is unreasonable. Most other manufacturers firmware 'upgrades' just fix bugs.

What need to be 'updated' on the T?

 

[kilometer31]

As a recent X100T purchaser, I would be surprised if there wasn't one significant firmware update for it. I'm more than a little surprised that XE2 is apparently getting the love at least first; it's a much older camera.

The idealist in me thinks maybe it makes sense for X100T update to come after the XPRO2, since they share some issues as far as the hybrid viewfinder to consider.

I wonder too: Might Fujifilm feel that an X100T owner might be the type to pop for an XPRO2. (I probably am not that person.) In that view, you wouldn't want to bring X100T love quite yet. Maybe 4 or 6 months to get full burst of XPRO2 sells.

Fingers still crossed. I don't have much more I want from the X100T. AF improvement always welcome (and I don't often find it lacking now). And would really like the Acros film simulation.

 

[MrSee]

I agree. If Kaizen is to be implemented by a company, it should cover every product they sell. I think the X100S could use an update for AF IMO. I love my camera but honestly I don't know if I would buy another Fuji. I feel like we have been forgotten.
--
Jim from Welland Ontario Canada

Fuji X100S (Black)
Nikon D7000 + SIGMA OS 17-70 DC MACRO F2.8-4 (C)
Panasonic LX3

 

[yardcoyote]

No argument on that.

 

[Davidgilmour]

It might help if you state:

What shortcomings are you hoping will be fixed?

or

Which absent features are you asking to be added?

Pat

I still ope that Fuji will add the Q function to the original X-100 in a FW update. And better the auto-iso.

 

[Duri]

Could it be and resource issue of Firmware development team?

Fuji just released 3 new cameras, while 2 of them are completely different from what they did until now.

X-E2s could be easier to develop as it's small evolution of existing device (known HW, existing FW, lot of hands on experience with that model)

But X70 - new model, different buttons, ... and touch screen - first time in Fuji X camera

X-Pro2 - new model - new sensor (resolution, AF points), new processor, new buttons, ...

In parallel they are working on X-T1 FW update

It's considerable number of parallel projects that need to be executed under defined timelines and quality must be 99.9%

Let's wait a bit and if new cameras do not have too many issues to be fixed, we might see some FW updates for older models. - if they are really necessary and are not against marketing strategy

Although I love new firmwares if you would have to choose one of following options:

1. Fuji releases new FW for old cameras that are getting better and better, but market perception is that those are old models and sales figures go down, Fuji has not enough money for development of new lenses and cameras and slowly fades out of camera business

2. Fuji makes his own judgment between customer loyalty and profit. Some FW updates to assuring they can be proud of models they released and keep customer loyal and releasing new models to drive revenue.

In 5 years from now maybe 90% of us will use some of new Fuji cameras, because we are gear addicts. And there will be faster AF, better flash, higher ISO, 4k/8k/"10k hello kitty edition" video, improved dynamic range, WR to 3m, ... you name features that are attracting you to consider gear replacement. Although in 5 years from now, any current X camera will be still very relevant when it comes to taking good photo - limitation will always be a person behind a camera - until Artificial Intelligence button or menu entry appears in camera

Duri