Let’s Drop The RUMOR-BOMB: Fujifilm is forging a MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA (Source Right in Past)

[CRAusmus]

I like this idea.  Just because they are exploring MF doesn't mean they are leaving the APS behind.  This opens up a whole new market for them and with the success of the new MFs that have been coming out, it's a good direction for them to explore.

 

I personally don't see how high megapixel full frames are competing with MF, so I don't get that whole argument myself.

[x-tc]

Makes you a vocal minority. 

hmm...  you came to this conclusion how exactly? 

[Trenton Talbot]

hmm...  you came to this conclusion how exactly?  Did I miss a vote?

 

It's ongoing. See, there's two of you already!

[x-tc]

You really should not take Red G8R's comment out of context. They stated why they are not interested at all, and its quite reasonable.   

 

"Not interested at all. I came to Fuji because I wanted a small quality camera. I still have my FF Nikons so for me MF is out of the question."

 

I'm not sure how this reasoning makes them the minority. Many of us are here for the exact same reason.   Do you own a MF digital camera now? If not, why is that?

[super_gnome]

I would be very excited if Fuji followed their own playbook from APS-C and started with a MF fixed lens rangefinder, and then go to a mirrorless MF system from there.

 

I imagine Fuji building a MF X100 by using Sony's popular CMOS 50mp 33x44 sensor and a fast 35mm equivalent lens in front of it (a 45mm f/2.8 would be great). There would be no reason for that camera to be huge: the Sony is a "crop-MF" sensor and is therefore smaller than a 645 negative, there's no film spools and there's no restriction on where to place the viewfinder as a result of the path of the film. Also, a thought for those that have shot MF film: a 645 rangefinder could have a horizontal viewfinder---hurray!! 

 

My guess is that if Fuji can build such a camera profitably for under $5,000 they will find enough buyers to make it worth their while. 

[x-tc]

 

My guess is that if Fuji can build such a camera profitably for under $5,000 they will find enough buyers to make it worth their while. 

As I said earlier, Fuji is not Sony.  IMHO, they will not compete based on price on high end equipment.   If the cheapest competitor is selling camera for $8k for the body, its more likely based on their past history with X introduction, will sell theirs for $10k or higher like the PhaseOne. 

If you disagree, why do you believe Fuji is motivated to sell for $3k less than the Pentax?  Is there anything that leads you to believe that Fuji is motivated to undercut anyone on price based on APS-C form factor "X" or 2/3  "X" sensor relative to Pentax or any other competitors?  I'm surprised by your response. Help me understand your logic.  Its there something you have seen which leads you to believe the Fuji will act differently in respect to price in medium format than what they have traditional done in  2/3 compact, APC-S mirrorless or the Fuji DX DSLR bodies?    Pentax will show them the door if they try to compete with them on price IMHO.  In the same way Sony would if they tried to do that on 2/3 compact, APC-S mirrorless.

[super_gnome]

I would be all over the MF in a second. Of course, price is the ultimate factor, but it would be a good reason to dump most of my current (non-fuji related) gear. 

The question, which has been discussed before, is would the current lens line-up somehow be used? If so double win. 

I don't think the XF/XC lenses could be made to work. In theory they're designed to cover an APS-C sensor (29mm diagonal). Some people believe certain XF lenses actually cover full frame (42mm diagonal) but I can't imagine that they cover "crop 645" (55mm diagonal) or 645 (70mm diagonal). 645 has *six* times the surface area of APS-C!

[super_gnome]

If you disagree, why do you believe Fuji is motivated to sell for $3k less than the Pentax?

I don't disagree. I wrote the following: "My guess is that _IF_ Fuji can build such a camera profitably for under $5,000 they will find enough buyers to make it worth their while". I did not express an opinion as to what they WILL charge for it if they build it. That's your area of expertise ;-)

[x-tc]

I don't disagree. I wrote the following: "My guess is that _IF_ Fuji can build such a camera profitably for under $5,000 they will find enough buyers to make it worth their while". I did not express an opinion as to what they WILL charge for it if they build it. That's your area of expertise ;-)

ah.. thanks. btw, you are too kind, but I am no expert.. just an observer.  I'd don't even own an MF camera.

 Just trying to understand your opinion of why they would ever try to enter the MF market with a camera that undercuts the lowest competitor in that market by $3000. Its counter to past behavior.  Perhaps you knew something that I did not.

[benjaminthomson]

Sounds cool, looking forward to the year 2030 where I can pick one up on eBay for an okay price.

[Shashinka Ichiban]

Well, it's about damn time. I think there's been a lot of speculation to this for a VERY long time on FR. I think a good portion of us would likely buy the a Fuji MFC if it were available.

[Don Horne]

I many shooters would love to see Fuji develop a digital MF system based on their digital rangefinder-esque design. A body and a few primes would be lusted after by editorial and portrait shooters as well as many others. If true, I hope we see a leaf shutter lenses. The Pentax 645z has already demonstrated the high ISO capabilities so X-Trans on Sony's 44x33mm sensor would just be amazing.

[roicead]

very interested in this.  i would love to have the option between a small, light weight mirrorless camera for every day stuff and a larger medium format digital camera for work.

[Aswald]

I like the idea if a Fujifilm medium format revival on digital. They made one of the best affordable MF on film.

 

My imagination is running a bit.....x-trans3, 40mpix.... great for studio and perhaps, dare I suggest landscape? After all, it is smaller than other MF cameras.....if the 6 x 9 is anything to go by.... probably priced below $4-5k. Tempting proposition....

[deva]

If they managed to make it about the size of the current FF DSLR's, that would be a compelling option. 

[Fenrer]

How about a x100 version of a medium format? Like one of the foldable with a fixed lens in a really compact size, even think they made that before for film.

I would buy it

[Patrik_roos]

Given fujis history of different frame sizes on film, its no surprice they are looking into mf digital.

 

The big news would be if its for their organic sensor project. If that technology is mature enough they will have a sensor tech where price is more or less linear to the size (area). In that case, we may see a gf670-like camera or even a digital backnsize 6x8.

 

If not, sensor price rises exponentially compared to size and a cropped 645 sensor is the most probable target. The specs would then be something like the gw645(w).

[9.V.III]

I absolutely want a medium format body, but It should also cost less than $5,000.

I know that's asking too much right now, but the first model should aim for $8,000 and work down.

Remember that a sub $2,000 full frame body was inconceivable not very long ago.

 

And here's hoping they give us at least an IMAX size sensor, these puny imposter "medium format" bodeis floating around aren't giving Medium Format a proper image.

[John M]

What this really means is that, if true, Fuji are serious about once again being a player in the professional market. They lost their way for a while with consumer compacts and bridge cameras and started their comeback with the X100.

 

I really think this is good news for serious and professional users of Fuji equipment, even for those who don't actually want or need medium format.

 

Now, that serious dedicated, professional calibre flash….?

[N2OZZZ]

I hope it will be a digital X-PAN. 

[kielinski]

I'd love to see a MF 50+ MP digital rangefinder-esque offering from Fuji.  One that was equally suited to shooting in the field (quick, intuitive handling, relatively high frame rate) and with strobes/studio lighting (large informative screen, ability to tether/wifi, lenses w/ leaf shutters).  

 

If it could shoot 480fps 4K raw video, too, that would be great.  Thanks Fuji!  For testing, send the prototype to K. Kielinski, Philadelphia, PA  USA

[Trenton Talbot]

Made this illustration just as a food for thought. Keep in mind that "medium format" nowadays means "anything bigger than 24x36 mm".

 

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PS: No, I'm not dreaming of DLF, that would cost like a private island. 

[lozphoto]

Hmm

I'm guessing a mf sensor wouldn't stretch to 6x7?

How about a 50/60meg sensor more of the size of 6x4.5 as in the old  GA645zi with a short zoom?

sweet....  

[Trenton Talbot]

I'm guessing a mf sensor wouldn't stretch to 6x7?

 

There's only one way to make a humanly affordable 6x7 digital camera: scanning sensor. And I seriously doubt that anyone would want to revert to that ancient technology in 2015.

[Maurice]

There's only one way to make a humanly affordable 6x7 digital camera: scanning sensor. And I seriously doubt that anyone would want to revert to that ancient technology in 2015.

 

Indeed the rolling shutter problem is terrible.

 

And somebody already did make that 8 x 10 " sensor.

http://petapixel.com/2011/08/25/photographer-makes-his-own-8x10-digital-back-for-the-price-of-a-house/