Kipon will release the Kipon CINESPEED65 for medium format cameras like the Fujifilm GFX Eterna soon. (Kipon lenses are sold at B&H Photo):
We are proud to announce KIPON’s first medium format cine lens, marking our entry into an exclusive club of manufacturers pushing the boundaries of cinematic imaging. Introducing CINESPEED65, a high-performance cine lens designed for professional filmmakers who demand exceptional image quality and precision.
With our extensive experience in optical engineering and precision manufacturing, CINESPEED65 is built to meet the needs of the next generation of cinematographers. This lens is optimized for medium format cinema cameras, delivering unmatched depth, clarity, and cinematic character.
This is just the beginning—stay tuned for more innovations as we expand our CINESPEED65 lineup.
Venus Optics showed off some unique new lenses at the 2025 CP+ show:
Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 0.5X Macro – the versatile lens offering tilt-shift functionality for precise perspective control, combined with 1:1 macro capabilities for stunning close-up details.
Laowa 15mm f/4.5 Wide Angle Macro – the unique ultra-wide macro lens, that allowing photographers to capture immersive close-up perspectives with a dramatic depth of field.
Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 Fisheye – the fast, ultra-wide fisheye zoom lens, perfect for dynamic, creative compositions in both photography and videography.
Laowa Proteus 2X Anamorphic Zoom Series – the lightest, most compact, and most affordable 2X anamorphic zoom lenses in its class, offering a 3x zoom range across two focal lengths (26-45mm & 45-85mm T2.9).
Laowa Ultima 12-120mm T4 8K S35 Broadcast Zoom – the ultra-wide zoom lens featuring an expansive 10X zoom ratio and superior optical performance to meet demanding working condition.
Laowa 10mm T2.9 Zero-D FF ML Cine – the widest rectilinear lens with T2.9 and Zero-D feature, designed to be compact and lightweight for enhanced mobility.
Pricing & Availability The upcoming new lenses showcased at the event will be available later this year. Pricing details will be confirmed closer to the release date. Stay tuned for updates on availability and pricing as we get closer to the launches.
Fujifilm released two X Lab videos in Japanese about the Fujifilm GFX100RF, and I have produced a summary of both X Lab videos below.
I. Core Concept, Vision, and Positioning:
Genesis & Timeline: Conceptual work began roughly two years prior to the discussions, at a time when the GFX lineup was solidifying, prompting thoughts on future directions.
Strategic Goal – Compact GFX: The primary objective was to create the first truly compact camera within the GFX series, challenging previous GFX design conventions.
Inheriting the 50R Spirit: The camera was envisioned as a 100-megapixel successor capturing the ethos of the GFX 50R, which found favor among street and snapshot photographers.
Emulating Film Formats: A deep connection to Fujifilm’s medium-format film heritage was central. The design aimed to incorporate all historical aspect ratios (including 6×9, 6×8, 6×17, and even 4×5 format references), offering 9 selectable options via a dedicated dial.
Blending GFX Quality & X100 Appeal: The camera seeks to merge the high-resolution image quality characteristic of the GFX system with the compact form factor and rangefinder-style handling reminiscent of the X100 series.
Forging a Distinct Identity: Developers consciously aimed for the GFX100RF to be perceived as unique, not merely a “GFX version of X100” or a simple iteration of past GFX models, believing the final product achieved this distinct character (“it was supposed to be like this”).
Focus on Ownership & Hobbyist Appeal: Product planning extended beyond purely professional use-cases to emphasize the enjoyment of ownership and appeal to dedicated hobbyists.
II. Design, Features, and Ergonomics:
Aspect Ratio Dial: A large, dedicated dial is located on the back, allowing intuitive switching between the 9 aspect ratios even while holding and composing, directly facilitating the film format emulation.
Digital Teleconverter System:
Features 4 distinct digital teleconverter options.
These combine multiplicatively with the 9 aspect ratios (“4 types x 9 ratios”) providing 36 unique framing perspectives.
Equivalent focal lengths (approx. 45mm, 63mm, 83mm, alongside the native 35mm F4) were selected based on research into common GF lens usage by GFX50R photographers.
The high-resolution 100MP sensor provides justification, ensuring sufficient detail remains even when digitally cropping/teleconverting.
Unique Front Dial: A newly developed three-stage dial is prominently placed on the front. Its specific position and shape were carefully refined through extensive discussion to optimize both usability and grip comfort.
Premium Materials & Build:
Grip components are precisely machined from a single block of metal, enhancing the sense of quality and allowing for greater design freedom in shaping.
Reflecting the camera’s value proposition and price point, materials like metal are used for the hot shoe cover and battery cover to meet buyer expectations.
The overall form is slightly elongated vertically, with sharp edges contributing to a solid, reliable feel.
Included Machined Aluminum Hood: A square lens hood, machined from aluminum, is included with the camera (not sold separately). It features a unique screw-lock mechanism. The developers acknowledged its novelty might require a slight learning curve, viewing this as part of the “ownership experience.”
Tactile Feedback: Meticulous attention was paid to tuning the texture and operational feel of all dials and levers for a satisfying user interaction, with the front dial and lever operations noted as specific improvements.
III. Technical Implementation & Engineering Challenges:
Core Challenge – Size & Integration: Fitting the large GFX sensor and a compact, integrated 35mm F4 lens into the target small body was a major engineering hurdle. The lens is attached directly to the sensor mount, making it look distinct from other GFX models from the front.
Weight Reduction – A Primary Concern:
This was a major development focus.
An initial weight target of 850g was set (aiming to be lighter than the GFX100SII).
Through dedicated efforts, the final weight achieved was significantly lower at 735g (including battery and memory card), compared to the GFX100SII’s 883g.
Internal Space Optimization:
The battery box placement dictated the camera’s minimum width, requiring efforts to minimize thickness elsewhere.
The EVF module presented size constraints; its exterior parts were redesigned to reduce dimensions by approximately 1mm.
Image Stabilization Omission: To achieve the ambitious size goals, a conscious decision was made to exclude both Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in the lens and In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS).
Shutter Technology Choice: The compact design enabled the use of a small leaf shutter (lens shutter) instead of a focal plane shutter. This shutter unit also integrates a built-in ND filter, further contributing to the compact package.
IV. Performance and Final Balance:
Comparable Performance: Despite significant size and weight reduction, the GFX100RF is engineered to deliver performance and functionality described as “basically the same” as the contemporary GFX100SII, utilizing similar internal components.
Achieving Balance: Developers expressed satisfaction with the final product, believing it strikes an excellent balance between its high-end specifications, compact physical size, and manageable weight.
V. Development Process:
Focus on Quality: As a pioneering model within the GFX line, development emphasized thoroughness and quality assurance.
Collaborative Approach: Regular meetings involving design, engineering, and sales teams were crucial for collaboratively refining specifications and addressing challenges.
Accommodating Input: The team strived to incorporate all feasible requests from different departments to ensure a well-rounded and market-ready product.
Celebrating Innovation: The project’s completion was marked by a sense of accomplishment, recognizing the unique and innovative design achieved through their collective efforts.
