Last month, Fujifilm quietly revealed that it would be opening up the API around its lens autofocus to allow other manufacturers to start making lenses. Following on from the well-received and affordable 85mm f/1.8, Viltrox has created a 33mm f/1.4 — in effect, a nifty fifty — and the early reviews are starting to appear.
Speaking to DPReview recently, Fujifilm’s Toshihisa Iida confirmed that the Japanese manufacturer was starting to allow other companies access to the workings of the autofocus system, and it seems likely that the number of lenses available to Fujifilm shooters could increase dramatically in the next year or two.
In the interview, Iida mentioned that Kenko Tokina had already announced three autofocus primes for the X-mount, one of which is a 33mm f/1.4. I’m struggling to discover the connection between Tokina and Viltrox, but given that the E-mount 85mm f/1.8 from Tokina is thought to be incredibly similar to the 85mm f/1.8 from Viltrox, might there be the same link with the Fuji lenses?
As discussed in this video, Fujifilm’s 35mm f/1.4 is due for a refresh, and the company seems to be aware that new glass is starting to become overdue. Could we see a new 35mm lens from Fujifilm in the next 12 months? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
