p.2 #2 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
I have a mix.....if I'm taking a ride on a Blue Origin rocket...I'll probably take the OEM. A once in a lifetime trip to seeing auroras in iceland...I'll probably take the OEM. But....if I'm going out for the day shooting casually, I'll more than often use the K&F's. I usually have an OEM battery with me as well.
The issue I had with Smallrig was on Sony, they worked well but the warning was annoying.
I have not had any awful experiences, but I wouldn't suggest anyone should absolutely do what I do. Just conveying my experiences.
p.2 #4 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
I’ve had Wasabi batteries swell. I tossed them all. But then I needed a battery for my X-T4 in a hurry and Smallrig was all I could get. No problems at all. I do enjoy the USB charging. So while I share bad experiences with some third party batteries Smallrig is good so far. Eric.
p.2 #8 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
As stated earlier the problem with some of the batteries may be how they are charged and the culprit may be rapid charging or excessive current used when charging. Hard to know.
p.2 #10 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
mdude85 wrote:
Yes, the batteries have increased in price from about $60 to almost $100.
Information online blames tariffs for this price increase but I suspect there are more factors involved than just tariffs -- possibly higher demand.
Never had a problem using third party batteries however, they are more likely to be substandard or poorly manufactured or counterfeit.
I think that tariffs are at least. apart of it — as in we agree on that. The exact effect off the tariffs is hard to gauge, since it isn’t as simply as adding on the actual tariff percentage. I suspect that companies are trying to prepare of unknown changes to tariffs, since they’ve watch unanticipated increases for some countries — and I think the’d rather set prices and try to keep them steady than start raising/lowering prices every time there is another tariff announcement.
I also think that companies are not going to distribute the tariff burden equally among their products. For example, I suspect that they might want to keep the price increases to a minimum on leading products like camera bodies while possibly allowing them to be higher on necessary accessories — like batteries and lenses.
p.2 #11 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
gdanmitchell wrote:
I think that tariffs are at least. apart of it — as in we agree on that. The exact effect off the tariffs is hard to gauge, since it isn’t as simply as adding on the actual tariff percentage. I suspect that companies are trying to prepare of unknown changes to tariffs, since they’ve watch unanticipated increases for some countries — and I think the’d rather set prices and try to keep them steady than start raising/lowering prices every time there is another tariff announcement.
I also think that companies are not going to distribute the tariff burden equally among their products. For example, I suspect that they might want to keep the price increases to a minimum on leading products like camera bodies while possibly allowing them to be higher on necessary accessories — like batteries and lenses. ...Show more →
I thought tariffs were a straight percentage based on the country of origin and the type of product. Since tariffs are paid by the importer and not the manufacturer. Doesn’t this means that an entity importing them, like B&H or Fujifilm USA or America is paying it into the US Treasury so how do the get to vary the tariff on an item?
p.2 #12 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
swldstn wrote:
I thought tariffs were a straight percentage based on the country of origin and the type of product. Since tariffs are paid by the importer and not the manufacturer. Doesn’t this means that an entity importing them, like B&H or Fujifilm USA or America is paying it into the US Treasury so how do the get to vary the tariff on an item?
As I understand it, the importer does pay the tariffs and then will raise prices to cover this import tax paid to the federal government. To cover this increased cost for the imported goods, the American retailer will raise the list price for the product.
However, from what I’ve seen, the increase in price is not necessarily equal to the tariff percentage. IN some cases the retailers will decide to absorb some or all of the increased cost, and they may change the price on some items differently than on others.
(Overall, though, the costs to Americans are going to be roughly the same. If a company importing products charges less than the actual tariff, they have to make up for tha somewhere else, for example the pay to their employees less, reduce the number of employees, etc. There’s no free lunch.
p.2 #13 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
The importer is often the wholesaler, which in this case may be Fujifilm's US operations. B&H would place orders with Fujifilm US who then orders from Japan. Imported products will have country of origin and line item declarations on the import documentation and US customs will collect the tariffs from Fuji US and check consignments as needed to ensure imported items match documentation and tax collections. Fuji US will build the tariff into the price they charge B&H, who then passes it on to the customer.
In economics one of the things undergraduate students are taught very early on is the difference between legal incidence and economic incidence of a tax. For example, the legal incidence in the US to pay retail sales tax to the state is on the seller (business). However, the receipt they provide to the customer makes it clear they are passing this cost on to the customer. Generally there is no reason for legal and economic incidence of a tax to be the same. This is something the current administration does not appear to understand based on their statements.
p.2 #14 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
I’m no economist, but one of the points that people overlook in the current situation is that when a tariff (lets say of 20% to 50% in round numbers) is applied, there is a double (OK, triple) whammy effect on taxes on purchases.
First, the tariff itself is a federal tax. (I’m amazed at the number of people who don’t like federal taxes or who think that htey are too high who are all in for this federal import tax, applied by fiat with no legislative process.) A tariff is a tax paid to the federal government by American purchasers.
Second, let’s say that the import tax adds $10 to the retailer’s cost to acquire it. Retailers generally apply a percentage above wholesale (roughly speaking) to determine the retail price. So that $10 import tax might produce a $1 to $10 increase in the retail price beyond the tariff amount itself, depending on the product type.
Third, because this higher import tax and its secondary effects are effectively hidden behind a higher retail price (e.g. — you don’t see a line for “tariff” on your receipt) consumers now also pay higher state and local sales taxes on the same item. Let’s say that you used to buy product X for $1000, but that tariffs have increased the price to $1200. If you are paying (to use a nice round number) a 10% sales tax, you are now also paying an additional $20 in state and local sales taxes on the item.
And a reminder: It isn’t just camera gear. It is almost everyone you buy: cars, auto repair and parts, computers, phones, furniture, clothing, appliances, shoes, sports equipment, and on and on… This might be one of the largest and must abrupt tax increases on Americans in their lifetimes, all imposed with no discussion or legislative action.
p.2 #15 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
morris wrote:
Most batteries are made by a few very large battery manufactures. The OEM's set strict standards for how there batteries are made by these manufactures. Other batteries by the same brand may lack features that help them charge without overheating. Frequently, the problems come from the charging device that fast charges and dose not slow down when the battery gets hot. Fuji cameras and rely on the temperature sensor in the battery to tell them when to slow down. Third party chargers that slow charge are fine yet others may rely on the sensor in the battery or use a timer. Chargers are to blame for most of the problems and/or using a non Fuji battery in a camera or Fuji charger.
Keeping li-xx batteries stored in 100% charge is another reason for premature battery swelling and premature degradation. 50-60% charge in correct for storage.
Sep 24, 2025 at 01:17 AM
Steve Spencer Online • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.2 #16 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
gdanmitchell wrote:
I’m no economist, but one of the points that people overlook in the current situation is that when a tariff (lets say of 20% to 50% in round numbers) is applied, there is a double (OK, triple) whammy effect on taxes on purchases.
First, the tariff itself is a federal tax. (I’m amazed at the number of people who don’t like federal taxes or who think that htey are too high who are all in for this federal import tax, applied by fiat with no legislative process.) A tariff is a tax paid to the federal government by American purchasers.
Second, let’s say that the import tax adds $10 to the retailer’s cost to acquire it. Retailers generally apply a percentage above wholesale (roughly speaking) to determine the retail price. So that $10 import tax might produce a $1 to $10 increase in the retail price beyond the tariff amount itself, depending on the product type.
Third, because this higher import tax and its secondary effects are effectively hidden behind a higher retail price (e.g. — you don’t see a line for “tariff” on your receipt) consumers now also pay higher state and local sales taxes on the same item. Let’s say that you used to buy product X for $1000, but that tariffs have increased the price to $1200. If you are paying (to use a nice round number) a 10% sales tax, you are now also paying an additional $20 in state and local sales taxes on the item.
And a reminder: It isn’t just camera gear. It is almost everyone you buy: cars, auto repair and parts, computers, phones, furniture, clothing, appliances, shoes, sports equipment, and on and on… This might be one of the largest and must abrupt tax increases on Americans in their lifetimes, all imposed with no discussion or legislative action.
I mostly agree, but let's be clear about congress' role in tariffs and taxes and exactly what has happened. The "big beautiful bill," that was passed by congress does include the extra income from tariffs in the planned budget. In a way it was congress' approval of the tariffs that the president unilaterally implemented. That budget passed by congress includes both the tax increases that comes through tariffs and tax decreases that come from reductions in the income tax. What the president and congress have done is shift taxes from income tax in which wealthy people pay more than poorer people to tariffs in which every one pays the same rate. In addition, the income tax reduction were not equally distributed. The income tax reductions are higher for the wealthiest people. Overall taxes weren't raised or lowered. There was just a shift in which wealthy people pay less and poorer people pay move. There has not been transparency about this shift, I think for obvious political reasons but the shift in who pays for the government is clear, and I think it explains why some people like this shift.
That redistribution of taxes to poorer people away from wealthier people is compounded by the budget which reallocates spending from social programs that benefit poorer people to spending on defense and immigration enforcement. I know this is controversial, but I am not trying to be controversial. It is indeed what the government has done and it isn't just the president. The congress has signed off on this plan with the big beautiful budget bill passed by congress. The question in a democracy is whether people want to support this sort of policy going forward. That is what elections are for, but those elections should occur with a clear understanding of what policies have been implemented. We need to understand what the president *with congress' approval* has done and vote according to whether we like those policies or not and whether we think other candidates have better policies.
p.2 #17 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
Steve Spencer wrote:
I mostly agree, but let's be clear about congress' role in tariffs and taxes and exactly what has happened. The "big beautiful bill," that was passed by congress does include the extra income from tariffs in the planned budget. In a way it was congress' approval of the tariffs that the president unilaterally implemented. That budget passed by congress includes both the tax increases that comes through tariffs and tax decreases that come from reductions in the income tax. What the president and congress have done is shift taxes from income tax in which wealthy people pay more than poorer people to tariffs in which every one pays the same rate. In addition, the income tax reduction were not equally distributed. The income tax reductions are higher for the wealthiest people. Overall taxes weren't raised or lowered. There was just a shift in which wealthy people pay less and poorer people pay move. There has not been transparency about this shift, I think for obvious political reasons but the shift in who pays for the government is clear, and I think it explains why some people like this shift.
That redistribution of taxes to poorer people away from wealthier people is compounded by the budget which reallocates spending from social programs that benefit poorer people to spending on defense and immigration enforcement. I know this is controversial, but I am not trying to be controversial. It is indeed what the government has done and it isn't just the president. The congress has signed off on this plan with the big beautiful budget bill passed by congress. The question in a democracy is whether people want to support this sort of policy going forward. That is what elections are for, but those elections should occur with a clear understanding of what policies have been implemented. We need to understand what the president *with congress' approval* has done and vote according to whether we like those policies or not and whether we think other candidates have better policies....Show more →
On February 1, 2025; Trump signs an executive order to impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China — 10 percent on all imports from China and 25 percent on imports from Mexico and Canada starting Feb. 4. Trump invoked this power by declaring a national emergency — ostensibly over undocumented immigration and drug trafficking.
p.2 #18 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
Steve Spencer wrote:
I mostly agree, but let's be clear about congress' role in tariffs and taxes and exactly what has happened. The "big beautiful bill," that was passed by congress does include the extra income from tariffs in the planned budget. In a way it was congress' approval of the tariffs that the president unilaterally implemented. That budget passed by congress includes both the tax increases that comes through tariffs and tax decreases that come from reductions in the income tax. What the president and congress have done is shift taxes from income tax in which wealthy people pay more than poorer people to tariffs in which every one pays the same rate. In addition, the income tax reduction were not equally distributed. The income tax reductions are higher for the wealthiest people. Overall taxes weren't raised or lowered. There was just a shift in which wealthy people pay less and poorer people pay move. There has not been transparency about this shift, I think for obvious political reasons but the shift in who pays for the government is clear, and I think it explains why some people like this shift.
That redistribution of taxes to poorer people away from wealthier people is compounded by the budget which reallocates spending from social programs that benefit poorer people to spending on defense and immigration enforcement. I know this is controversial, but I am not trying to be controversial. It is indeed what the government has done and it isn't just the president. The congress has signed off on this plan with the big beautiful budget bill passed by congress. The question in a democracy is whether people want to support this sort of policy going forward. That is what elections are for, but those elections should occur with a clear understanding of what policies have been implemented. We need to understand what the president *with congress' approval* has done and vote according to whether we like those policies or not and whether we think other candidates have better policies....Show more →
I cannot quarrel with your assessment of the combined effects of changes in legislated tax law — the great majority of Americans are harmed while a much smaller percentage of mega-rich make out like bandits, the taxes become less progressive, etc..
We need to be a bit careful though about suggesting that the shift to adopting a huge new level of taxation on American consumers via grossly inflated tariffs was the result of any kind of legislative action. It clearly was not. It was a unilateral imposition from the executive branch, which is one among many of the reasons that it is subject to legal action, some of which the administration has alreayd lost.
p.2 #19 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
Steve Spencer wrote:
I mostly agree, but let's be clear about congress' role in tariffs and taxes and exactly what has happened. The "big beautiful bill," that was passed by congress does include the extra income from tariffs in the planned budget. In a way it was congress' approval of the tariffs that the president unilaterally implemented. That budget passed by congress includes both the tax increases that comes through tariffs and tax decreases that come from reductions in the income tax.
"In a way", yes.
But it is more accurate to say that Congress ignored tariff revenue when passing the OBBB, since the tariff revenue is such a tiny percentage of overall tax receipts (about 1-3%) that Congress didn't really need to consider it when passing the bill.
The previous comment about the tariff revenue reflecting a "shift" in revenue from income taxes to consumption taxes is partially correct, but the tariff revenue is not nearly high enough to offset the tax cuts, and the OBBB also cuts a lot of social programs for the poor. So overall, the middle class will likely pay more to consume goods than it will save in taxes; the government will lose a bunch of money; and the lower classes will be hit with a regressive consumption tax and cuts to social programs.
p.2 #20 · Did Fujifilm increase their battery prices?
mdude85 wrote:
"In a way", yes.
But it is more accurate to say that Congress ignored tariff revenue when passing the OBBB, since the tariff revenue is such a tiny percentage of overall tax receipts (about 1-3%) that Congress didn't really need to consider it when passing the bill.
The previous comment about the tariff revenue reflecting a "shift" in revenue from income taxes to consumption taxes is partially correct, but the tariff revenue is not nearly high enough to offset the tax cuts, and the OBBB also cuts a lot of social programs for the poor. So overall, the middle class will likely pay more to consume goods than it will save in taxes; the government will lose a bunch of money; and the lower classes will be hit with a regressive consumption tax and cuts to social programs....Show more →
There’s really no question that the combination of the tax cuts to the super wealthy, the radical reduction in services to everyone else (just wait to fhe new “Obamacare” cost increases!), and the import tax (aka “tariffs”) on a huge percentage of the things American’s buy will hit almost all of us hard.
Regarding your first paragraph and, essentially the legislative branch is surrendering its role in determining federal incomes sources and setting tariffs.
