Fujifilm X-Pro2 will not be released anytime soon, says rep

A Fujifilm representative has confirmed that a potential X-Pro1 replacement will not be revealed in the near future, as the company is still testing the market to find out what the consumers really want.

Some sources were convinced that Fujifilm would release an X100s successor at Photokina 2014 that would offer an electronic viewfinder. These details have gained traction once Fuji introduced the X30, a compact camera which ditched its predecessor’s hybrid viewfinder for an electronic viewfinder.

Moreover, a lot of gossip talks have suggested that the company will announce the development of a replacement for the X-Pro1, a model which would also employ an electronic viewfinder instead of a hybrid model.

Photokina 2014 has arrived and the X100T has become official with a new hybrid VF, which uses both optical and electronic parts, just like the X100s. However, there has not been any news regarding the X-Pro2.

Now it is all clear why as a Fuji representative has confirmed that such device has a long way to go before it becomes official.

The Fujifilm X100T features a hybrid viewfinder. Before launching the X-Pro2, Fuji wants to find out whether this is what the consumers want or if an electronic-only viewfinder, like in the X-T1, would be a better choice.

Do no expect the Fujifilm X-Pro2 to be launched soon

Photographer Jordan Steele has visited Fujifilm’s booth at Photokina 2014 and he has had the chance to speak with Torben Hondong, one of the company’s representatives in the region.

Beside speaking about the new cameras and lenses, Steele has asked Hondong about the status of the X-Pro1 successor. The answer is not that surprising, but some people could consider it “disappointing” because it is hinting that the Fujifilm X-Pro2 (or whatever it will be called) will not be released in the near future.

Fujifilm is using the X100T to find out what photographers want

Fuji’s rep has confirmed that the Japanese manufacturer is aiming to test the waters in order to make sure that the X-Pro1 replacement will meet the demands of the photographers.

People who have used or who are using the X-Pro1 would like another hybrid viewfinder in their camera. However, the company would love to put an X-T1-like electronic viewfinder in the X-Pro2.

The weathersealed X-T1 employs one of the best EVFs on the market, but it seems like it would be “challenging” to combine such a big electronic viewfinder with optical elements.

In order to find out whether it is worthwhile or not, the X100T will be used to determine the preferences of the users. Fujifilm says that it wants to see how people will respond to the new hybrid VF of this shooter and only then will it “consider the options” for the X-Pro2.

Fujifilm X100T is available for pre-order at Amazon for around $1,300 and will begin shipping at the end of November. We will have to wait and see how well this camera will sell in order to find out how the X-Pro2 will turn out. Stay tuned!