Richard Wong TTArtisan Interview: TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8, TTArtisan AF 55mm f/1.8, and Maybe A New Camera

Richard Wong had the opportunity to interview Mr. Li the founder of TTArtisan. During the interview he talks about two new AF lenses the TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 and TTArtisan AF 55mm f/1.8 in addition to teasing a future TTArtisan camera. There is a summary of the interview below or you can watch the subtitled interview above:

  • TTArtisan is still very small with only 50 employees at this time
  • 1/3rd of the company does R&D so about 15 people
  • They have experts in optics, assembly, electronics, software, etc…
  • Photography is art so TTArtisan tries to establish its own character to set itself apart from others
  •  TTArtisan differentiates itself from others with image rendering and aesthetic design
  • Something TTArtisan should have a consistent design for all its lenses, but they believe it is better to consider the pros and cons of different designs for different series of lenses
  • Each series of lenses has its own character.
  • Mr. Li would like to improve and update some of TTArtisan’s older products
  • TTArtisan wants to release unique lenses like the 100mm f/2.8 bubble bokeh lens
  • TTArtisan is doing research into making a camera and we will get more info next year
  • It takes about 15 months on average to make a new lens
  • If a lens design goes smoothly it could be as quickly as 12 months, but if there is trouble it could take 2 years
  • Traditional double gauss or sonar lens designs are pretty quick to design
  • If you use more than one aspherical lens element then design and prototyping takes a lot longer
  • If it is an AF lens then they need to spend a lot of time testing the compatibility
  • TTArtisan tries to make lenses that users request, but a 50mm f/0.95 AF lens isn’t feasible based on their studies
  • Mr. Li likes landscapes and street shooting
  • Can’t pick a product he is most proud of but will likely have one next year and it is not a lens
  • Mr. Li is excited about 360 cameras and VR because he likes VR but it isn’t easy to create content for it
  • They will make AF m43 lenses
  • TTArtisan already released the TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8 for X-mount and in the future, they will release a TTArtisan AF 35mm f/1.8 standard prime and TTArtisan AF 55mm f/1.8 for portraiture.
  • TTArtisan will consider a 135mm f/2 equivalent lens
  • TTArtisan already has an APS-C 27mm f/2.8 and Full Frame 32mm f/2.8 AF lenses for Z mount and there are more to come
  • They will consider joining the L-mount alliance
  • Mr Li thinks there aren’t AF fish eye lenses because it is hard to make a good one and manual focus is faster than auto with a fish eye since 1m out is in focus

TTartisan 27mm f/2.8: B&H Photo / Amazon

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Voigtlander 35mm f/0.9 Nokton Aspherical Disassembled

Yukosteel posted a Voigtlander 35mm F0.9 Nokton Aspherical disassembly guide on their site which you can read here. Yukosteel didn’t completely disassemble the lens to avoid messing up the alignment of glass, but they were able to come to some interesting conclusions:

I’m not surprised to see that Voigtlander 35mm F0.9 Nokton Aspherical lens has very advanced build with extremely high machining quality of all parts. It is quite complex lens optically and mechanically and its proper maintenance and even basic cleaning requires highly skilled actions. I would not recommend to perform any DIY cleaning and repair even if you have good experience working with lenses – it’s one of that more rare cases when I’d personally ship the lens to service center instead of attempting to repair it myself.

The build is very robust and solid, lots of large durable bolts are used to hold precisely machined parts together, and inner frame is all crafted from thick metal. Lots of brass is used for helicoid guiders including FLE mechanics, and aperture transmission is beautifully crafted too.

Personally I think the weakest spot of this lens is its electronics which may get potentially damaged or broken over decades of intense use, but that will not affect mechanical and optical performance of Voigtlander Nokton 35mm F0.9 in any way, so in general it’s very reliable tool that can serve for generations if properly maintained.

Voigtlander 35mm f/0.9 Nokton Aspherical:
B&H Photo / Adorama

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New Atomos 7″ Shogun Ultra Monitor


Atomos 7″ Shogun Ultra: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Atomos just announced the new Ninja Ultra and now Atomos has announced the Shogun Ultra which you can get from B&H Photo.

Key Features
  • AtomOS 11, 12G-SDI/HDMI Conversion
  • 7″ 1920 x 1080 Touchscreen
  • Records up to 8K Apple ProRes Raw
  • ProRes Raw + H.265 Dual Recording
  • AirGlu RF Wireless Sync, GigE, 6E Wi-Fi
  • 2000 cd/m² Brightness
  • ARRI/Canon/RED/Sony Camera SDI Support
  • AVID DNX QuickTime
  • Atomos RemoteView via Subscription
  • NDI 4K TX Pro Mode 1-Off Activation

The 7″ Shogun Ultra Monitor-Recorder, the latest in the ATOMOS line of Shogun onboard camera video monitor-recorders, brings built-in network connectivity to your mirrorless, DSLR, and cine-style capture, enabling fast and productive workflows. Efficient cloud-based workflow options include dual ProRes RAW/H.265 recording for Camera to Cloud, automated matching file names with popular cine-style cameras, and 4K H.265 capture for instant publishing from the cloud. Partnering with industry-leading camera manufacturers ensures that the Shogun Ultra will work seamlessly with an increasingly wide range of cameras.

AtomOS 11

  • The 7″ Shogun Ultra features the new AtomOS 11 operating system with EL Zone exposure-referenced colorized images, ARRI false color, and new scheduled recording and playback tools.
  • An increased number of standard codecs include up to 8K Apple ProRes Raw, DNxHD, and H.265.

Complete Connectivity

  • More Codecs: the 7″ Shogun Ultra’s additional standard codecs include 8K Apple ProRes Raw, DNxHD, and H.265.
  • Dual Recording: the ability to record full-quality Apple ProRes Raw files at rates up to UHD 4K 60p while at the same time recording 1080p 60 to H.265 makes the 7″ Shogun Ultra ideal for use with cine-style cameras.
  • Matched Files: file name matching provides easier workflows with ARRI, Canon, RED, and Sony cameras.
  • Improved Monitoring: improved monitoring functions include EL ZONE System exposure and ARRI false color.
  • RemoteView: this new feature enables you to share live views from your screen over the internet.

NDI TX Option

  • Use the optional NDI transmission function to send high-quality video over ordinary networks (including Wi-Fi and mobile) using remarkably low bandwidth requirements.
  • NDI is increasingly being used in live production, and now your Shogun can be part of an NDI environment.
  • The NDI TX option turns your Shogun into an NDI source, visible to all other authorized devices on the network.

Ultrabright Screen

  • The Shogun Ultra’s super-bright, large 7″ screen is viewable in almost every kind of light: indoors, outdoors, or anywhere you need critical, instantly viewable feedback on your images.
  • I2000 cd/m² brightness makes the Shogun Ultra ideal for checking your HDR footage while you’re still on set.
  • Play back your recently captured shots on the same pristine screen for reviewing or even uploading to the cloud.

Durable Build

  • The Shogun Ultra’s durable housing is suitable for use in all environments.
  • Use the built-in tally light to quickly see the recording status.
  • The solid Wi-Fi and AirGlu RF antennas ensure stable transmission.
  • Power the Shogun Ultra using the L-series battery plate on the back of each monitor or optional DC power input.
  • Mount this monitor-recorder using the 3/8”-16 threads on the top and bottom or use the included 1/4”-20 adapter.
  • The Shogun Ultra has a built-in slot for the included Master Caddy III, an SD card slot that supports cards up to 4TB, and  CFast II card compatibility using an SSDmini adapter to record as long as your media allows.
  • The USB-C port can be used to add options and for future AtomOS updates.

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Fujinon GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR Firmware 1.20 Released


Fujifilm announced firmware 1.20 for the Fujinon GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR. You can read about the update below and download a copy yourself.

Fujinon GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR Ver.1.20
The firmware update Ver.1.20 from Ver.1.10 incorporates the following issue:
The image stabilization performance is optimized with camera body equipped with “Inbody image stabilization unit”.

Download Here

Fujinon GF80mm f/1.7:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

Fujifilm GFX100II:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment  / Adorama
Fujinon GF110mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF30mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

FUJIFILM FAN-001:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment /  Adorama

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X RAW STUDIO, FUJIFILM Pixel Shift Combiner, and FUJIFILM Tether Plugin PRO for GFX Updated


Fujifilm updated most of its software for the Fujifilm GFX100 II announcement. Below you can see the changes and where to download them.

FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO Ver.1.20.0
The software update Ver.1.20.0 incorporates the following issue:
Applicable model for the “FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO” is added.
Applicable model : FUJIFILM GFX100 II
New items, “SHIFT AMOUNT OF T/S LENS” and “ROTATE AMOUNT OF T/S LENS” are added in “Image Information” menu of XRS.
The above shift amount and rotate amount are shown if the photo is taken using GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro or GF30mmF5.6 T/S.

Download Here

“FUJIFILM Tether Plugin PRO for GFX” for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® Classic CC / 6 Ver.1.28.0
The software update Ver.1.28.0 incorporates the following issue:
The compatibility of tethered shooting with “FUJIFILM GFX100 II” is added.

Download Here

FUJIFILM Pixel Shift Combiner Ver.1.4.0
The software update Ver.1.4.0 incorporates the following issue:
Applicable model for the “Pixel Shift Combiner” is added.
Applicable model : FUJIFILM GFX100 II

Download Here

Fujifilm GFX100II:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment  / Adorama
Fujinon GF110mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF30mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

FUJIFILM FAN-001:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment /  Adorama

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Fujifilm X-T Owners Group
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Fujifilm X-Pro Owners Group
Fujifilm X-E Owners Group
Fujifilm X-A Owners Group
Fujifilm X100 Owners Group

Posted in Fujifilm GFX, Fujifilm GFX 100, Fujifilm GFX 100 Megapixel, Fujifilm GFX 100S, Software| Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fujifilm GFX100II Orders Exceeded Expectations


Almost every camera and lens that Fujifilm has launched since COVID has gotten this kind of treatment. Since Fujifilm’s market share isn’t growing much it makes me wonder if Fujifilm needs to find some new supply chain people. No matter its always good to do better than expected.

Notice regarding supply of mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX100 II”

Dear customers

Thank you very much for your continued patronage of Fujifilm products.

We have received more reservations for the mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX100 II” released on September 28th (Thursday) than expected, so it may take some time for the product to be delivered.

We will do our best to deliver the product as soon as possible, so we appreciate your understanding.

Fujifilm GFX100II:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment  / Adorama
Fujinon GF110mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF30mm f/5.6 Tilt Shift
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

FUJIFILM FAN-001:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment /  Adorama

Please don’t forget to follow us on FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube

Plus our owners’ groups
Fujifilm GFX Owners Group
Fujifilm X-H Owners Group
Fujifilm X-T Owners Group
Fujifilm X-S Owners Group
Fujifilm X-Pro Owners Group
Fujifilm X-E Owners Group
Fujifilm X-A Owners Group
Fujifilm X100 Owners Group

Posted in Fujifilm GFX, Fujifilm GFX 100, Fujifilm GFX 100 Megapixel, Fujifilm GFX 100S| Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment