Paris is getting all set to host the anticipated Fujifilm INSTAX Undisputed breaking event as a part of the Playin’Paris festival. On May 24, Forum Les Halles will turn into the international stage for the top breakers. Competitors from different corners of the world, including Bboy Victor from the US, Ana Furia from Spain, and Raygun from Australia, will show their extraordinary talents and compete for top honours. The event will feature competitions in both male and female solo categories, as well as crew battles.
The Undisputed connects the most prestigious breaking competitions into a world series with respective winners competing at a Masters championship. Started back in 2013, they held competitions in London, Amsterdam, and Los Angeles. After a brief pause due to the pandemic, Undisputed Masters is now back, and we are proud to remain their headline partner.
“As breakers once revolutionised the dance scene in the 80s, they stand poised to ignite a new era for breakdancing. The FUJIFILM INSTAX brand is proud to continue to partner with Undisputed Masters as breaking grows in stature and popularity. Together, we celebrate the bold spirit of these athletes who defy limits, push boundaries, and put on incredible shows,”
– Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe.
INSTAX Undisputed Recap | London, 2022
“Paris is the perfect backdrop for our event, with its vibrant culture and rich history in the arts. We’re bringing together the world’s top breakers to showcase their incredible skills and creativity, and I can’t wait for audiences to witness the magic first-hand. It’s an electrifying moment for the global breaking community,”
– Tyrone Van der Meer, Undisputed Masters Creator.
Three months after the Tokyo Summit, we’ve just celebrated our second X Summit in 2024 taking place in Sydney. And, of course, with new awesome launches! Today, we introduced our new cameras and lenses in the X and GFX Series, showcasing their advanced features together with professional photographers who got a chance to test our newbies in the field. Here’s a short glimpse into what’s new.
Fujifilm X-T50
The first newcomer introduced at today’s X Summit is a FUJIFILM X-T50 camera. It is sleek and compact, which makes it an ideal camera to carry with you wherever you go, without compromising on quality or performance. It has maintained the classic look but with a new rounded shape for a better holding grip experience. Despite being slightly larger than its predecessor, the X-T50 grip feels snug, making it feel smaller in your hand. The thumb grip extends smoothly outward compared to previous models, providing a better ergonomic feel.
What’s exciting, it’s the first X Series camera to feature a Film Simulation Dial, with 20 simulations to choose from, including the “REALA ACE”. Turning this dial on the top of the camera while shooting lets you enjoy the colours, as if changing film in real-time.
Looking inside, you’ll find the 5th generation X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the X-Processor 5, enabling high-speed and accurate autofocus and subject detection. The new camera also features a 5-axis IBIS image stabilisation, up to 7.0 stops, achieving clear, high-resolution 40.2MP images. Not to compromise the X-T50’s compact size, we reviewed the structure and arrangement of various parts and units required for IBIS implementation. So, now you have the 7.0 stops IBIS performance in the compact size of X-T30II.
“With the 40.2MP I’m finding that I’m able to really zoom in on the image, even when it’s on the screen and it’s showing so much detail. It’s really amazing to both get that detail when you’re shooting wide and you’re shooting close up as well. It just is holding so much data and I’m absolutely loving it,” – Rachel Claire, travel and lifestyle photographer.
FUJINON XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR
This new featherweight zoom lens elevates the capabilities of the X-T50, taking it to the next level. It is compatible with the X-T50 and other 40MP models with the X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. At merely 240g, it is the lightest zoom lens in the XF line-up. Equipped with dustproof and weather-resistant features, it is a perfect choice for all weather conditions. Covering a popular wide-angle of 16mm to a mid-telephoto of 50mm, it offers high-speed, high-definition AF for exceptionally clear shots.
Given it’s a standard zoom that you carry all the time, close-up performance is very important. That’s why we’ve incorporated the maximum magnification of 0.3x and the minimum focusing distance of 24cm, enabling close-up photography at 15cm from the lens tip.
FUJINON GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
With a focal length of 500mm, it’s the longest telephoto prime among our GF lenses which offers one of the highest-class quality and resolution. Size and weight really make it stand out. The weight of the lens is only approximately 1,375g, while there’s absolutely no compromise about image quality. Chromatic aberration is minimized to the limit. The new lens is equipped with a powerful 6.0 stops image stabilization system, enabling comfortable handheld shooting and significantly minimizing camera shake. Its AF drive system with linear motors allows for fast and high-precision autofocusing that overturns the conventional wisdom of large-format cameras and lenses.
“The autofocus is so good. It just snaps onto the bird, so like when the bird’s in the sky, I get out and bang, you’re on it. And then you just as you move with the bird, the tracking is fantastic,” – Shelley Pearson, bird and wildlife photographer.
“The thing that really stood out for me is that especially being a large-format sensor system, I can fit this in my bag with the lens on the camera. And that’s incredible, because, normally, when I’m traveling I’m always worried about the weight restrictions on airplanes and how to get it into one bag. And then, of course, we’re on a pretty adventurous trip, so being able to carry it around all day and not need to use a monopod – I think that was a really big advantage,” – Matt Krumins, wildlife, nature, and underwater photographer.
“One of the scenarios we had was in rapids in a river, and these birds were just sitting dead still on the logs. And the ability to handhold a long exposure shot to get the movement of the water, but still capture the 102MP of the birds was just fantastic. It’s an F5.6 lens, but when it’s paired with a large sensor format, it doesn’t actually behave like an F5.6 lens from a depth-of-field perspective. It is great for wildlife,” – Matt Krumins, wildlife, nature, and underwater photographer.
Fujifilm GFX100S II
Since we first launched the GFX100 in 2019 as the first 102MP large format camera, it has become a favourite among many professionals for its outstanding image quality, AF and IBIS. Additionally, we launched the compact GFX100S, a smaller model offering the same user-friendly experience as the GFX100, making it very accessible. Aiming to bring the appeal of large-format photography to more photo enthusiasts, we’ve created the GFX 100S II.
This camera makes no compromises, delivering top-notch performance. It is equipped with the newly developed 102MP sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II, and our cutting-edge X-Processor 5, maintaining the best of the GFX 100S… and advancing even further. Weighting only 883g, it’s the lightest 102MP model in GFX Series. The GFX100S II offers the highest image quality in the GFX Series. By improving the pixel structure on the new sensor, we’ve extended the standard sensitivity to ISO 80. This means you can now capture images with a wider dynamic range and lower noise.
What’s more? You will definitely make use of the Face/Eye Detection AF and subject detection AF. Advanced AF prediction algorithms have improved the detection accuracy and tracking performance of moving subjects, so you can leave autofocusing to the camera and concentrate on the shutter release opportunity and composition. In addition, we’ve upgraded the IBIS performance too. The gyro and acceleration sensors accurately capture even the slightest movement, and the correction accuracy is improved, providing up to 8.0 stops of anti-shake performance.
Open up more possibilities with Film Simulations
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Film Simulation, we’re also launching the Film Simulation special content website. On this platform, you will learn more about all our film simulations, compare their characteristics, and open new possibilities for experiments that you’ve never thought about before. Stay tuned to be in the first row to check it out!
Two heads are better than one, right? It seems a bunch can move mountains! We are proud of our community of a new generation of passionate photographers, and this April, we were happy to gather them for a creative brainstorm.
Members of Photobooth Creatives, in collaboration with the dynamic minds behind the OnTrack festival, visited our production site in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Photobooth Creatives is a community for photo creators where they can network and share a valuable experience and personal tips and tricks with each other. They regularly organise plenty of photo events like photoshoots, photo walks, and brainstorming sessions. This time, they came to us to see how our best-in-class photographic paper is made and discuss new ideas and possibilities with our prints.
So, we pulled back the curtain on the magic behind Fujifilm, but the real magic happened when we sat down to brainstorm potential collaborations. That was the spirit! Sparks flew as we explored what we could do together. It’s definitely a new step towards strengthening the unique Fujifilm combination of photography and print.
What’s next? Well, the possibilities are as vast as the creative visions that fuel us. With newfound connections and inspiration, we’re ready to set sail on a new journey. And it promises to be fascinating!
Are you OnTrack?
The OnTrack festival gathers a vibrant, youthful communityfor two days of exploring street culture and everything connected to it. The line-up includes open-air performances, streetwear brands, photo exhibitions, sports, and graffiti artists live as they paint murals. It opens a completely different side of Tilburg you didn’t expect. And we are thrilled to be a part of it by supporting the festival and donating the prints. See you there on June 1-2, at the Spoorzone!
As technology advances, the demand for higher-performance semiconductors comes in, and we are looking towards tomorrow to develop and innovate. Utilising the knowledge and technology that we’ve been cultivating in the development of photoresists, we’ve created a new semiconductor material – Nanoimprint Resist. It helps to reduce costs and energy consumption in the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors and improve throughput and yield – common issues for the practical application of nanoimprint lithography.
A closer look
A newly designed semiconductor material has a molecular structure optimised for Nanoimprint Lithography technology. It was developed based on a detailed analysis of the resist’s flow behaviour during the imprinting process and the interaction of the resist with wafer surfaces and masks.
The Nanoimprint Resist allows you to quickly and uniformly fill in the complex circuit patterns engraved on the mask, and transfer and form nanometer-scale circuit patterns in a short time. More than that, after curing by UV radiation, it shows excellent mold-releasing properties that do not cause loss of circuits even when the mask is removed at high speed.
We’ve also enhanced it with the benefits of inkjet technology. Utilising our experience with industrial inkjet printers, we’ve designed a formulation that allows the optimum amount of droplets to be applied to the wafer surface using an inkjet method. Compared to the spin-coating method used in the current manufacturing process, this saves loads of resist used, reducing the amount to approximately 1/100.
The Nanoimprint Resist uses a hydrocarbon compound as a release agent instead of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), going for a safer alternative.
We aim to use this latest addition, tailored for cutting-edge semiconductor needs, to meet rising customer demands and industry challenges, driving innovation in the sector. The new material will be provided to the Japanese market through FUJIFILM Electronics Materials Corporation, our core company in the electronic materials business. Curious to know more? Check here.
As the saying goes, joy shared is joy doubled. So what could be better than sharing it? My name is Lennart Speer, I’m a professional photographer from Essen, and this January, my camera went on a mission.
A few weeks ago, I rediscovered my twelve-year-old Fujifilm FinePix X10. Fujifilm cameras seem to never get out of fashion, and it was truly a pleasure to photograph with the X10 again. I wanted to share my joy of photography with others, to get them to love it as much as I do. That’s how the #OneYearOneCamera project started. Now, over the course of 12 months, my camera travels to 12 different individuals capturing their unique stories and perspectives through one lens.
The journey began in January with Milena Gaede in Oxford, England. Next the camera will travel to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, Indonesia and the Netherlands. For me photos unfold their full potential when they are printed. Especially then, I believe they can have a long lasting effect on people. So, at the end of the year, there will be an exhibition and a calendar for 2025, featuring one photo for every month.
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
January with Milena Gaede
Shortly after the call on Instagram in January, a wide variety of people came forward to take part in the #OneYearOneCamera project. Including for example a student, a radio presenter, a business consultant, a musician, a camerawoman, a firefighter, a bar owner or a pharmacist. They show that anyone is an artist. So far, 400-700 pictures have been taken each month. In collaboration with the photographers, I make a selection and take care of the post-processing. The first three months are already online.
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
February with Gavin Karlmeier
A camera with a story
The X10 was the perfect camera for the job: it is small, well-built, has a wide-aperture zoom lens and overall good image quality. Launched in 2011 and in 2024, it is still a great camera for every day: it is light and compact. It has different film simulations and can output raw-data. The 2/3-inch CMOS sensor has 12 megapixels and the built-in zoom lens has an aperture of f/2.0- f/2.8 with an equivalent focal length range of 28-112mm. Perfect for street and travel photography and all in a beautiful vintage charm housing.
Back in 2012, I bought the X10 to document one of the world’s most dangerous school routes in Nepal for the German/French TV channel ARTE. Every morning, the schoolchildren had to cross a river on a tightrope to get to school on the other side.
At certain times of the year, the river is particularly wild and the children are afraid of falling in. Falling into the raging waters is fatal for non-swimmers. But to get to school, there is no way around it. Only a rusty and untrustworthy wire rope with a basket leads across the other side of the river, which is almost 60 meters wide.
A schoolgirl in the village of Kumpur
“One year, one camera, one incredible adventure for everybody! Connecting people through the art of photography, unveiling their unique perspectives and experiences – what can better reflect the essence of what we’re doing. And we are happy to see it works!“ –Fujifilm Europe GmbH.
A photographer from Essen, Germany, specializing in art, band, and TV productions photography. In addition to photography, also works as a teacher. The current project can be found at: www.oneyearonecamera.com
Can you separate dreams…by gender? In childhood, we see the world is literally ours for taking. We dream of being presidents, scientists, astronauts, and see no boundaries to make it happen. Everything’s possible. Until someone makes us think it isn’t. All of a sudden, a strange, huge gap appears, diving jobs into stereotypically girls’ and boys’ “proper choices”. So, at which point does everything change?
These stereotypes discourage girls, making them opt out of majors like physics or programming, despite having high grades. They stop pursuing academic paths and thinking of a scientific career in technology, engineering, math, or hinder their success in the field. Despite the progress made in recent years, still less than 30% of researchers globally are women.
To close the gap, we need to empower girls from an early age, making them believe again that everything is possible, showing them female leadership in STEM fields and the story behind it, introducing them to innovative technologies and exciting possibilities they open. It’s also about creating opportunities and supporting dedicated initiatives.
Girls’ Day is a nationwide orientation day in Germany for young girls, which helps them get to know various career and study opportunities in fields such as IT, crafts, natural sciences, and technology, where the proportion of women is less than 40%. It’s also a great opportunity for them to meet female role models in leadership positions.
On April 25th, for the second time, we welcomed 12 girls, aged between 11 and 16 at our Fujifilm Europe HQ in Ratingen. Committed to women’s empowerment, we were happy to introduce to them the extensive range of our cutting-edge technologies, showing how our photography and film technologies found their way into other industries and how exciting it can be to be a part of the healthcare and science industries. Our guests also got a chance to see what’s possible with our X-Ray machines and see firsthand how it works. Armed with our INSTAX cameras, all girls could capture their experiences and create lasting memories getting shots to remember.
At Fujifilm, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and events like Girls’ Day are just one way we strive to inspire the next generation of women in these fields. Can’t wait to welcome a new group of talented girls next year, so we are already looking forward to the next Girls’ Day!
