gdanmitchell wrote:
You can AF the existing version if you want to.
Sure (though I am reading your reply as suggesting that I could manually focus the existing version, as that would make sense).
The experience is different to manually-focusing a dedicated manual-focus lens, though, one that has a direct mechanical link between the focus ring and the movement of the glass, and which has stops at minimum and infinity focus. I think a small, manual focus only update with weather sealing would be sufficiently different that it would pique interest.
I also recognise that there’s evidence I might be wrong about that last statement, as the poll results show that I’m in the minority with my opinions on manual focus glass and Fuji lenses!
Mar 10, 2026 at 04:58 AM
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shinyobject wrote:
Sure (though I am reading your reply as suggesting that I could manually focus the existing version, as that would make sense).
The experience is different to manually-focusing a dedicated manual-focus lens, though, one that has a direct mechanical link between the focus ring and the movement of the glass, and which has stops at minimum and infinity focus. I think a small, manual focus only update with weather sealing would be sufficiently different that it would pique interest.
I also recognise that there’s evidence I might be wrong about that last statement, as the poll results show that I’m in the minority with my opinions on manual focus glass and Fuji lenses! ...Show more →
I share your preferences and I picked manual lenses as one of my choices as well. Currently that choice sits at #9 and 5%, so not wildly popular but not completely unpopular either. I think it is unlikely Fuji will build such lenses, but Voigtlander already does build really nice ones. I have four of them (23 f/1.2, 27 f/2, 35 f/2 APO Macro, & 50 f/1.2), so I don't feel like I am missing much.
I think a couple of manual focus primes could make sense for the Fuji system. But they’d also have to release a matching camera and vastly improve manual focus aids.
Imagine an X-Pro 4 that retains the optical viewfinder but they somehow manage to overlay manual focus aids similar to Canon‘s focus guide in the center. You’d basically have a modern, digital version of a rangefinder without any of the calibration issues. Add couple of small primes with focus tabs…
fjablo wrote:
I think a couple of manual focus primes could make sense for the Fuji system. But they’d also have to release a matching camera and vastly improve manual focus aids.
Imagine an X-Pro 4 that retains the optical viewfinder but they somehow manage to overlay manual focus aids similar to Canon‘s focus guide in the center. You’d basically have a modern, digital version of a rangefinder without any of the calibration issues. Add couple of small primes with focus tabs…
Likelihood they’ll make this? <5%
I’d be happy with a high quality EVF and a zoom function that’s easy to activate and deactivate. Focus peaking works well enough, too, but some of the modern manual focus aids from other brands sound like they would work well too. Really, I think that something like the X-E5 would be ideal for me and only a lack of disposable dollars is keeping me from upgrading to one at present.
But to return to the lens topic: as I said above, I think the old XF35 1.4 is a good candidate for being made into an MF lens. I wonder if Fuji might produce a few more: could it be a way to produce niche designs lerhaps a 14/1.4 with good coma control for landscape and astrophotography? But perhaps people would prefer pancakes that prize compactness over fast apertures.
snappy_happy wrote:
Personally - I couldn't think of anything more boring than the top choices - super fast / heavy, million element count zooms. Sadly, if lenses don't measure well on a MTF chart or against a brick wall, they won't get made.
To be fair, if I needed a zoom for some reason, Fujifilm would be the top choice for that. Fujifilm zooms are often excellent and primelike.
Yes many people confuse high sharpness and lack of lens errors with image quality. You can get both easily with adding lots of lens elements to a lens. Unfortunately that also makes lenses expensive, and likely also large, heavy, and poor in other optical categories, such as color saturation, color neutrality, and having a beautiful bokeh.
Fuji should extend the Fujicron line to a WA 12f2.8 and an 90f2.8 tele lens that is much smaller and lighter than the current 90mm. And of course all in Fujicron design to match the 16/23/35 and 50. Would buy both in an instant.
