Kodak, Olympus and Fujifilm – The Rise and Deep Fall of the Camera Industry

Three companies with completely different endings:

Kodak once dominated the global photography market, inventing the first consumer-friendly camera and giving the world the “Kodak Moment.” At its peak, it held over 80% of the U.S. film market. Ironically, Kodak also invented the first digital camera—but leadership shelved it to protect film profits. As the world went digital and smartphones replaced dedicated cameras, Kodak failed to adapt. After years of decline and missed opportunities, it filed for bankruptcy in 2012, a cautionary tale of innovation ignored.

Olympus, best known for its high-end optics and medical equipment, faced a different kind of crisis. In 2011, CEO Michael Woodford uncovered a $1.7 billion accounting fraud hidden for decades. When he blew the whistle, he was fired and forced to flee Japan. The scandal rocked the corporate world, led to mass resignations, and exposed systemic issues in Japanese corporate governance. Olympus survived—but only after a painful reckoning and full internal restructuring.

Fujifilm, Kodak’s longtime rival, took a radically different path. When film began to die, Fujifilm didn’t cling to the past. Under bold leadership, it pivoted aggressively—repurposing its chemical expertise into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and digital technology. It shut down film plants, diversified rapidly, and emerged as a highly profitable, multi-sector innovator. Fujifilm’s transformation is now considered a textbook example of corporate reinvention done right.

Breaking news: Viltrox could soon make their own new mirrorless camera system!

ThePhoBlographer chatted with the Viltrox management. And when the editor asked about a possible Viltrox camera this is the answer they gave:

As for cameras, while our current focus remains firmly on lens development, we are actively exploring adjacent technologies that enhance the photographic experience. Our commitment is to create a seamless and responsive ecosystem for creators—and we will continue to innovate with that mission in mind.

I think it’s only a matter of time before Viltrox and other Chinese companies start producing their own mirrorless cameras. And that would be great news for us, because I expect them to bring lots of affordable innovations!

When asked about making lenses for other mount systems this is what they said:

We are continuously evaluating opportunities to expand lens mount compatibility, including potential collaborations with the L-Mount Alliance and Fujifilm’s GF medium format system. Our R&D team is actively conducting in-depth technical research and feasibility assessments, while maintaining open communication with relevant partners.
As for the L-mount system, we expect to have a clearer update on our progress within this year. Looking ahead, we aim to bring Viltrox lens solutions to more camera systems and serve a broader community of photographers worldwide.

First leaked image of the new Laowa 200mm f/2.0 autofocus lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF, Fuji X/GFX mount

I already told you that Sigma will announce a new 200mm f/2.0 E/L mount lens on August 19. But there’s a curious surprise: Venus Optics will also soon announce a new FE 200mm f/2.0 lens, and we already have a picture of it!

Laowa 200mm f/2.0 specs:

  • Full Frame autofocus lens
  • Less than 1,6kg
  • Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon EF and future Fuji X and GFX mount versions coming

There is no information on the price yet, but I’m sure it will cost less than the Sigma, although I expect the Sigma lens to be optically superior.

Full Ricoh GRIV presentation leaked in China!

The new Ricoh GRIV has been presented at a chinese press event and someone leaked out all the info. We now have full images and specs to share:

  • Model: Ricoh GR IV
  • Sensor: APS-C BSI CMOS, 25.73MP effective resolution
  • Processor: GR Engine 7
  • Lens: 18.3mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent), 7 elements in 5 groups (2 aspherical)
  • Image Stabilization: 5-axis in-body IS, up to 6 stops
  • Max Resolution: 6192 × 4128
  • Bit Depth: 14-bit RAW
  • ISO Range: ISO 100–102,400 (expandable to ISO 204,800)
  • Shutter Speed: 300s to 1/4000s mechanical, up to 1/16000s electronic
  • ND Filter: Built-in 2-stop ND
  • Continuous Shooting: Up to ~12 fps
  • Video: 4K 30p, Full HD 24p/30p/60p
  • Autofocus: Hybrid phase + contrast detection AF
  • Face/Eye Detection: Yes
  • Subject Detection: Human, Animal, Vehicle (AI-based)
  • Touch Focus & Tracking: Yes
  • White Balance: Auto WB (Normal / White Priority / Warm)
  • Scene Recognition: Yes
  • AI Exposure & Skin Tone: Improved rendering with AI processing
  • Screen: 3.0″ LCD, 1.84M dots, fixed position, touchscreen
  • Viewfinder: None
  • Body: Magnesium alloy
  • Dimensions: 109.4 × 61.0 × 33.4 mm
  • Weight: ~275g with battery
  • Battery Life: ~290 shots (CIPA)
  • Charging: USB-C charging supported
  • Storage: Single SD card slot (UHS-I) and 53GB of internal storage
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C (data & charging)
  • Film Effects: Positive Film, Bleach Bypass, Monochrome, Soft Monotone, etc. (10+ total)
  • Snap Focus / Zone Focus: Supported
  • Interval Shooting / Multi-Exposure: Yes
  • USB Streaming: No
  • Remote Control: Via smartphone app
  • Expected Price (Japan): ¥149,800
  • Expected Launch: Autumn 2025

Improvements over the GRIII:

  • Improved sharpness from the center to the edges of the screen
  • The lens unit is made thinner by appropriately arranging high-refractive-index, low-dispersion glass and glass aspherical lenses.
  • Thanks to the revamped telescope barrel mechanism, the GRIV has a shorter startup time than the previous model.
  • Autofocus speed improvement
  • Exposure compensation has been changed to button operation, allowing for more intuitive and quick adjustments.
  • Image Control “Cinema” –
  • A new function that references the color tones of past films
  • AUTO option for automatically adjusting the brightness of the LCD monitor
  • New anti-fouling and anti-static coating on UV/IR filters
  • 53GB of internal storage
  • High-capacity 1800mAh DB-120 battery
  • The fastest startup time in GR history: 0.6 seconds
  • Granular “size” and “strength” can be selected
  • Newly developed GR ENGINE 7
  • 5-axis 6-step image stabilization
  • Added “Auto WB (White Priority)” option

 

Japan’s 20 Best-Selling Cameras in July – Full List

This highly reliable ranking from BCN reveals the top 10 best-selling cameras in the Japanese market for July:

  1. Canon EOS R10 RF-S18-150 IS STM Lens Kit ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  2. Fujifilm X-T30 II XC15-45mm Lens Kit Silver ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  3. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  4. Sony ZV-E10 II Double Zoom Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  5. Canon EOS R50 Double Zoom Kit White ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  6. Sony α6400 Double Zoom Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  7. Panasonic Lumix G100D W Kit ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  8. Fujifilm X-M5 XC15-45mm Lens Kit Silver ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  9. Nikon Z 30 Double Zoom Kit ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  10. Sony ZV-E10 Power Zoom Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  11. Nikon Z50II Double Zoom Kit ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  12. Sony ZV-E10 II Power Zoom Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  13. Nikon Z fc 16-50 VR Kit Silver ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  14. Canon EOS R50 RF-S 18-45 IS STM Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  15. Fujifilm X-M5 XC15-45mm Lens Kit Black ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  16. Sony α6400 Double Zoom Kit Silver ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  17. OM System PEN E-P7 EZ Double Zoom Kit Silver ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  18. Canon EOS R50 RF-S 18-45 IS STM Kit White ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  19. Nikon Z50II 16-50 VR Kit ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )
  20. Nikon Zf II ( B&H Photo, Amazon, Adorama, FotoErhardt, Calumet, WexUK )

Get Ready for 6mm Madness – AstrHori’s New APS-C Lens Arriving Soon

AstrHori is preparing to launch a new 6mm f/2.8 ultra-wide lens for APS-C cameras, and it looks set to be available in Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount versions. Like other lenses from the brand, it’s fully manual with no electronic contacts—but thanks to the extremely wide field of view and deep depth of field, focusing should be straightforward.

This upcoming model will complement AstrHori’s recently released 6.5mm f/2 circular fisheye lens, which offers a dramatic 192-degree field of view, extra-low dispersion glass, and a 9-blade aperture. That lens is currently priced at just $129, suggesting the 6mm f/2.8 could also come in at an attractively low price.

While no official release date has been confirmed yet, the lens already appears close to production, so its retail debut likely isn’t far off.