[Leica] Fujifilm Store Visit in Tokyo

[H&ECummer]

Morning Luggers,
As I mentioned in yesterday’s posting I stopped by the Fujifilm Building in Roppongi and picked up a replacement lens hood for my 35mmf1.4.
At the front of the main floor next to one of the galleries showing contemporary photos all taken with Fuji cameras (naturally) there was a showcase 
full of prototype lenses. 

I was wearing my Tilley photo vest and carrying my XT1 with motor drive with the 35 f1.4 mounted and so Mr. Takashi Ueno
came over to talk. He is in the Sales and Marketing Division of Imaging Products, spoke quite good English and volunteered that he was involved
in the design of the XT1. In the showcase were three lenses that particularly interested me - the 100 - 400 zoom - which is BIG Bulky and heavy - weighing
in just under the weight of the Nikon 80 - 400VR zoom at about 1.4Kg. To keep the weight down some carbon fibre is used in the construction. The maximum aperture is f5.6 and the lens will take an extender reducing the aperture to f8.0 - which means the extender must be a 1.4X or so. That would bring the lens focal length in 35mm terms up to 400 X 1.5 = 600 X 1.4 = 840mm f8.0. 

Now, if the AF in the Fuji bodies could approach the speed and accuracy of Nikon professional bodies, then Fuji
could be a contender in sports and wild life photography. Based on my in field experience in Africa they are not there yet.

In the cabinet was a 35mm f2.0 both in chrome and black finish. Takashi San pointed them out proudly as an alternative to my 35 f1.4. I asked if they were like the
Leica 35 Summicron in design and Takashi smiled and said he didn’t really know. 

Also in the cabinet was a 90mm f2.0 which I had not seen mentioned in internet postings. It is a big imposing lens and will be the equivalent of a 135 f2.0 in 35mm terms. As I left the store I mused how Fuji has adapted to the digital world while Kodak didn’t make it. This showcase store in Roppongi, in some of the highest priced real estate on the planet, indicates that they are doing very well and looking to fill our camera bags with more desirable goods in the future. I came away quite impressed and with a future shopping list in my head.
Howard