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Fuji X-Pro1 X-E1 firmware updates

Fujifilm announced two new camera body updates for the X-Pro1 and X-E1. The first update available today, June 25th, allows for one-handed operation of the focus selection frame by pressing the function button. A second function button, the down arrow on the command dial, has also been added so you do not have to give up you current fn setting.

For me, this update is a huge improvement in the operation of this camera. One of the drawbacks of the older version was that it took two hands and a cumbersome move to change the focus point selector. The procedure was very slow and awkward. Now, with a single press of the down arrow you can quickly turn on and move the focus point selector. This is a one handed operation and can be performed without moving your eye from the viewfinder window.

A new function button, the down arrow indicated by the red 1 arrow, has been added. Press it once and you can move the focus selector frame (2) to any point on the overall image frame. 

This update also enables control of the aperture for the new lenses, such as the 27mm and 16-50mm, that do not have an physical aperture ring.

You can download this new update here:

X-PRO1:   http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/xpro1/index.html
X-E1:   http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/xe1/index.html

and read about them here:

http://www.fujifilm.eu/nc/uk/news/article/news/fujifilm-announces-x-pro1-and-x-e1-firmware-updates-to-offer-faster-af-and-the-addition-of-a-focu/

A further firmware update is scheduled for July 23rd and will add focus peaking to manual focusing. I am already familiar with this feature on the new Leica M (240) and find it to be very helpful for pinpoint focusing accuracy. In addition to another improvement in autofocus speed, this update will also improve the speed dial magnification feature in manual focus mode by allowing you to press the dial and alternate between 3x or 10x simply by turning the dial right or left.

Congratualtions to Fuji on these firmware updates. They are definitely moving the X-series cameras in a positive direction by adding features photographers will find helpful for operating the camera controls quickly and efficiently with the least amount of interruption to the picture taking process.