Fuji 0.8x wide angle lens for X100 - WCL-X100

[Chris Dodkin]

Yep, that's right, Fuji have come up with an add-on lens for the fixed lens X100, which makes it into a 28mm (eqiv) wide angle. The new WCL-X100.

This is an add on lens, that Fuji claim retains all of the image quality and bokeh of the original lens, yet gives you that wider field of view.

WCL-X100 is a wide conversion lens specifically designed for the X100 to offer the field of view equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm film camera, without compromising premium image quality, operability or design.
The WCL-X100 has been engineered to ensure the X100’s supreme optical quality remains intact. Created by the same experts who designed the X100’s lens, the WCL-X100 delivers comparable image quality even at f/2 wide aperture setting, retaining all the original optical characteristics, including the attractive bokeh effect.

Looks like it's available in original silver, and also black.

And has it's own lens hood (hope it's included in the price!)

Fuji have also updated the camera firmware to include a new 'Wide Conversion Lens' mode.

How to turn on the Wide Conversion Lens Mode

Go to [SHOOTING MENU] > [WIDE CONVERSION LENS] and turn it ON to obtain optimum settings for WCL-X100. Turning the Wide Conversion Lens mode ON is a key operation as it not only optimizes shooting settings but also adjusts the frame shown in the Hybrid Viewfinder, as explained later. When using WCL-X100, make sure to upgrade the firmware to Ver.1.30 or later.

This changes the frame lines in the viewfinder

Original on the left - new WIDE mode on the right

IQ looks good as you'd expect from Fuji

More information here: "Astonishing image quality" that is unprecedented for a wide conversion lens | FUJIFILM X Accessories

Price is said to be £250 UK

 

[Hamish Gill]

No mention of effect on light gathering power?

Looks interesting!
Id like a 50mm equivalent over 35 though

 

[Pete Askew]

I have a similar accessory for my GR Digital III. Like you Hamish, I would probably have found a longer adapter more use. Nice idea but mine lives in a drawer most of the time.

 

[Larry Bolch]

Conversion lenses worked very well on the early Nikon bridge cameras, with little impact upon exposure or image quality. In this case, the conversion is only 0.8×—28mm equivalent—which does not pique my interest. Were it 24mm or wider, I would give it some thought. On the other hand, it does add bulk to the camera, making it much less pocketable.

 

[Dave Moss]

If there going to bring out a range of conversion lenses why bother with the X1-pro!! I was under the understanding the ethos behind the X100 was to take digital photography back to the film days were a 35mm rangefinder with a fixed lens was the best type of compact camera you could get easily transported ect

 

[Larry Bolch]

If there going to bring out a range of conversion lenses why bother with the X1-pro!! I was under the understanding the ethos behind the X100 was to take digital photography back to the film days were a 35mm rangefinder with a fixed lens was the best type of compact camera you could get easily transported ect

True, but it is a product, not a belief system. For those who do not have both cameras, it will add some versatility, and I expect there will be quite a number of sales.

Though the cameras share Fuji DNA, they are actually quite different. Leaf-shutter vs focal plane. The X100 syncs up to 1/2000th of a second, making its built-in flash superb for fill-flash outdoors or anywhere. It is also silent, greatly adding to the camera's stealth. It truly is the descendant of the pocketable compact rangefinders we carried after work in the film era. I rarely step out the door without it.

The XP1 is not quite as stealthy, though much more stealthy than say, my D700. With true interchangeable lenses, it has far greater potential for versatility—not only the superb Fujinon primes, but almost every lens made over the past decades via adapters. It is a system camera in the spirit of cameras like the G-series Contax or Leica. Excellent for street, and vital for any assignment I had photographing potentially dangerous people. Conversion lenses work, but for convenience and variety can not match primes.

Once I have the full compliment of lenses, I will carry the XP1 when I have something specific in mind to shoot. The X100 is in my pocket or pouch when I have absolutely nothing in mind to shoot. The D700 is carried when working from a vehicle or when a shoot is in a fixed location and versatility triumphs over stealth.

This mix is very much like my kit during film days, just lacking medium- and large-format cameras and a couple of single purpose specialized cameras. However, both Fuji cameras can shoot panoramics like my WideLuxe140, and for large panos, I can stitch. No need now for a dedicated panoramic camera. Even better, the XP1 is light enough to use either of the smaller GigaPan robots, while the D700 would require the monster. A GigaPan is back on the shopping list.