Fujifilm releases a new firmware update for its GF 500mm lens, but doesn't say what it does!
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
Fujifilm has issued a firmware update for the GF 500mm f/5.6, although having read the update notes, I have no idea what it does!
I have been writing about firmware updates for some of the best mirrorless cameras and lenses for a year, and during that time I have seen updates that add new features and those that fix issues, I have never, however, seen a firmware update so devoid of information!
The update note along with the download link can be found below:
" The firmware update Ver.1.02 from Ver.1.01 incorporates the following issue:
• A minor bug. "
Yes – that's all we get! This begs the question of whether it's worth updating the lens at all if we don't know what we are doing to it. It is often reported that in addition to fixing issues, firmware updates also cause issues, so with this one, is it worth the risk if you don't know the reward?
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(Image credit: Fujifilm)
The Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 was released earlier this year alongside the Fujifilm GFX 100S II and is currently the longest focal length mirrorless medium format lens on the market.
Overall the lens has ranked very highly in reviews, and after some digging online the only negative comments were attributed to its AF speed. Unfortunately, I do not think that this update will fix any AF issues as I imagine Fujifilm would have mentioned that in the notes.
We do know that Fujifilm is planning a big update to three of its cameras which will improve AF performance for video, however, this is scheduled for November.
If you are inclined to update your GF 500mm with this update, the download page is linked above and features a step-by-step guide on how to update it.
Kalum Carter is a photographer, photo editor and writer based in the UK, and for almost a decade he has worked with brands and publications to create, edit, and sequence imagery. Having recently graduated with a Master's Degree in Photography from the University of the West of England (UWE), Kalum joined Digital Camera World as a Staff Writer, covering news, reviews, and his biggest passion – photography books!
Kalum's photography has been published and exhibited around the world, and he continues to photograph on a project-by-project basis. He is currently working on a personal project capturing the people and landscape of Gower, South Wales. Currently untitled, this body of work will be exhibited for the National Trust later this year.
