Fujifilm X-M1 loses threaded shutter release

Fuji's sexy new X-M1 may be turning heads because of its size, hinged rear EVF, scene modes, return of minimum shutter speed in auto ISO mode, and deletion of an eye-level finder, but what's turning Ω's head round round right round, is the filling in of the threaded shutter release hole. 

And what will fill the lacuna left by that bit of industry standard? Why, the rather expensive RR-90 electronic shutter release, of course! I mean, what better way to obviate an ergonomically sound, but profitless standard that's been used for decades and decades? Proprietary tech, of course!

Pointless internet lampooning aside, electronic shutter release do have a number of advantages, but in an entry-level camera like the X-M1, I don't see how they even count.

X-Pro 1, X-E1: minimum shutter speed in auto ISO come July

Before things get too hot here in the northern hemisphere, Fuji will debut cool firmware for their X-Pro 1 and X-E1 cameras. Several of the improvements may be worth the wait.

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.3.00, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.2.00

1.  Improvement of AF speed. Improves AF speed on all existing XF lenses, thanks to the updated algorithm throughout the full range of focal length. Lenses covered:

XF14mm F2.8 R

XF18mmF2 R

XF35mmF1.4 R

XF60mmF2.4 R Macro

XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS

NOTES: 

The AF Speed on the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS lens has been already optimised.

For all lenses other than the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS, the firmware for each lens must be also updated.

2.  ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing

A ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function, which features on the X100S and X20 cameras, can be added via this firmware update. It assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.

3. Improvement in ‘Checking Focus’ operation: how to change magnification ratio in manual focusing

The process to check focus by selecting manual focus magnification has improved. Just press and rotate the dial right or left and the camera will alternate magnification between 3x and then 10x , whichever way you continue to turn it.

To download the new firmware files & instructions on upgrading your cameras:

Please visit Fujifilm’s global website: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/

Source: DPReview Fujifilm Press Release

In related, and almost equally exciting news, DPReview reader, David McGaughey, unearthed a much-skipped feature of the new X-M1 camera. That feature is minimum shutter speed in auto ISO. If you're shrugging a "so what?" into your computer screen, you probably don't shoot Fuji's X series of interchangeable lens cameras. 

The lack of minimum shutter speed setting in auto ISO has been the most vociferous detractor's cry since the first X cameras got into public hands. Pshaaawh! Flickr users, wedding togs, and X-Forum geeks certainly carry more weight than us former rangefinder camera users.

Our biggest complaint: no manual focus check capability from the OVF- ignored by even the least tractored among Fuji's growing fan base.

Well, if David is right (and I know he hopes so), the nifty feature on page 4 of the X-M1 press page, will change the lives of a large number of X owners.  

Go minimum shutter speed in auto ISO!

The Korean War as shot by David Duncan and the Nikkor 5cm/1,5

Leicaplace  moderator, Brian, has put up a brilliant article comparing Nikkor's rare 5cm/1,5 rangefinder L39 LTM lens with the Zeiss Sonnar 1,5/50mm. The historical venue is the  David Douglas Duncan's Korean War.

Thanks to being sandwiched between the more publicised Vietnam War and WWII, the Korean War just happens to become the "Unknown", or "Forgotten" war. Amid the bloodshed and manipulation caused by the clash of two opposing ideologies, a new brand of journalist appeared. Duncan happened to epitomise that journalist. 

He also just happened to be the photographer who shed light on some of Japan's finest optics, lifting Japanese camera companies from the quagmire of obscurity to the forefront of industry. 

His photographs also aided the end of the war. The most iconic appear in the Leicaplace thread.

True to form, Brians images were taken on a Leica M9 and depict both WWII and the Korean War - as they are recreated in museum. Though Brian does't invoke the brick wall or resolution tests, he provides anecdotal evidence that Nikkor lenses could rival the best from Germany.

It's worth a look. 

Chicago Sun-Times fire celebrated togs, hire newbies with iPhones

​John H. White was only the most celebrated photographer to be given the boot at the Chicago Sun-Times. The others: his students, comrades, and long-time work mates, many of whom have helped shape the landscape of professional photojournalism, are gone. 

In their stead, Chicago Sun-Times place iPhone-wielding newbies- not, of course, without a crash-course on how to point and shoot. The new programme is called 'iPhone Photography Basics'. News agencies have had a hard time of it, but not hard enough to warrant the trade of professionals for untrained plebs. That is, unless they don't mind dialling quality down a notch or three.

In most industries, the importance of quality is superseded by ​quantity and thrift. I've felt it here, too; several times in the last year, media agencies with good intentions offer experienced photographers 'exposure' rather than cashy money for event coverage. For years, I've covered events for various organisations. Never once have I opted for exposure. It is a waste of time- unless those in attendance are hiring agencies. Or the Queen. 

I've turned down every one with: "If you are looking for good coverage, you need to be willing to pay for it."​

If this issue touches a chord, PetaPixel have a great summary of the times entitled: How the Internet Killed Photojournalism.​

Thanks, Daring Fireball.​