Compact cameras are making a comeback – and if you’re looking for a retro model that has interchangeable lenses and doesn’t cost a lot of money, Fujifilm’s rumored X-M5 could soon be a tempting new option.
The first rumors about the surprise launch of an X-M5 – tipped as a successor to the X-M1 in June 2013 – appeared in July. And now some new images shared by Fuji Rumorsplus a teaser from Fujifilm itself Instagramhave given us a clearer idea of what to expect from the APS-C camera.
In short, the X-M5 looks like a cheaper, viewfinderless alternative to the existing Fujifilm (which is still on back order).
Fuji Rumors’ side-by-side image comparison shows that the X-M5 will likely be similar in size to the original X-M1 (which measures 117 x 67 x 39mm). For comparison, that would make it smaller in all directions than the X100VI (128 x 74.8 x 55.3mm) and the travel-friendly Fujifilm X-T50 (123.8mm x 84mm x 48.8mm).
Fujifilm’s own teaser post ahead of the latest X Summit event, which kicks off on October 14, shows a mysterious camera slipping into the back pocket of a pair of jeans. To achieve that, you’ll probably have to pair the camera with a pancake lens like the XF18mm f/2 R, unless you’re a fan of clown pants.
Meanwhile, a previously leaked image on October 6, Fuji Rumors also revealed that the top plate of the X-M5, like the X-T50, could have a special film simulation button. Opinions are somewhat divided on that feature, with beginners appreciating the quick shortcuts to Fuji’s digital reproductions of old film stock, and more advanced users seeing it as a waste of a button.
Still, both camps would certainly appreciate improved autofocus, which apparently is also on the way for the X-M5 Fuji Rumors. Fujifilm has recently come under fire for its faulty autofocus system, but the company has promised a range of firmware fixes for that – and we got our first glimpse of what’s to come at the X Summit on October 14.
What else is on the way?
The return of the XM series would be a surprise, but it also fits in with current camera trends. Both film cameras and small digital cameras have seen a resurgence in recent years, but regular photographers are also unlikely to pay the $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,899 required for an X100VI (if they can find one). Thus the rumors that the X-M5 could fill the gap.
Exactly how affordable the X-M5 will be remains to be seen. The original under that mark. The X-M5 is tipped to land with Fujifilm’s XC15-45mm lens, so that would certainly help.
Still, it looks like Fujifilm could have something potentially even more intriguing for film camera fans in 2025. new message from Fuji Rumors suggests that the company is planning to launch a digital equivalent of the half-frame Pentax 17, the first new film camera we’d seen in many years when it emerged from its time machine in July.
The Pentax 17 shoots 35mm film, but squeezes twice as many photos from a standard roll thanks to that half-frame format (which means 17 x 24mm vertical shots). Why exactly Fujifilm would make a digital equivalent isn’t clear, but it’s clearly cashing in on its heritage with its film simulation dials, retro styling and new cameras like the rumored X-M5.
Expect to hear more about the latter, and perhaps some new XF lenses, at the X Summit on October 14.