For those macro photography-loving owners of Fujifilm’s X-series interchangeable lens cameras, two new lens accessories may catch your interest. Fujifilm has announced two new Macro Extension Tubes that add high magnification to Fujinon XF and XC lenses.
The MCEX-11 and MCEX-16 rings retain all the function of the attached lens, while letting you get close to subjects and objects; the latter gives you even more close-up magnification. Available in mid-December, the adapters cost $100 each.
Fujifilm also said that the X-T1 firmware (version 3.0), originally announced in September 2014, has a firm release date of December 18 (click here to read more about the update). X-T1 users can download it then, which will add several enhancements to the camera.
Related: Fujifilm X-T1 receives a durable, luxe limited-edition Graphite Silver body
Also on December 18, firmware updates for the X-E2, X-E1, and X-Pro1 will be downloadable. The update for the X-E1 and X-Pro1 adds autofocus and manual focus control for all X-mount lenses, while the X-E2 update adds WLAN remote control, interval timer shooting, “Classic Chrome” film simulation, and the AF and MF focus control. A firmware update for the X30, which adds an autofocus lock function, is available now.
Finally, Fujifilm has new software for tethering a camera to a Windows PC. PC Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5 for Windows Ver. 1.0 gives users two modes, Camera Mode and PC Mode. In Camera Mode, images taken on the camera can be viewed and saved on the connected computer, while a camera can be operated remotely via PC Mode. The software will be available in January 2015.
