You may have already updated your camera’s firmware to get new features or improve performance, but did you know that you can do the same for your lenses, too?
Firmware updates are an important part of the X Series, with regular releases keeping cameras up-to-date with new features and performance boosts. It’s a pretty simple process, which you may have done either via the FUJIFILM Camera Remote app or by downloading firmware to an SD memory card.
It’s not just cameras that have firmware, though. Lenses do, too, and can be similarly updated to increase AF performance or IBIS compatibility etc.
Lenses can’t be firmware updated via the FUJIFILM Camera Remote app, but instead must be updated by downloading an update via computer and saving this on to a freshly formatted SD memory card, which is then inserted into the camera for installation. But before any of that takes place, it’s a good idea to check what firmware your lenses currently have and whether an update is necessary.
To do this, fit the lens in question to your camera and turn this on with the DISP BACK button held down. This will show you the current firmware of the camera body and the lens.
Compare the firmware of the lens with the most recent firmware available. You can find this by clicking here and selecting your lens from the list.
If your current firmware version matches that on the list, then you’re fine and you don’t have to worry about upgrading. But if not, then you should download the new firmware to make sure your lens is performing at its best.
Step 1 – Download the Update
Download the firmware update for your lens by clicking the firmware download link and following the instructions on the following page. Save the file containing the update to your PC or Mac computer.
Step 2 – Prepare the Memory Card
You’ll need a memory card to carry out the firmware update. Any SD card can be used, even one with images on, but you may want to format it. Remember that formatting will also erase all of the data on the card, so make sure this is safely copied somewhere else first.
Put the formatted memory card in your PC or Mac computer and copy the download firmware update to it.
Step 3 – Installing the Update
Put the memory card into your camera and turn it on with the DISP BACK button held down. The camera will show the current firmware of body and lens. Press MENU OK to begin the upgrade.
Select LENS as the destination for the upgrade and follow the on-screen instructions, pressing OK MENU when prompted.
The update can take 30 to 60 seconds to complete. Do not turn off the camera during this time or press any of its controls. A badly installed software update can stop a lens or camera from working correctly.
When the camera has finished, switch it off and on again. You lens is now using the new firmware.
- CHALLENGE With your lens up-to-date and working better than ever, now is the perfect time to get out and make some images! Post your favorite image to social media with the hashtag #MyFujifilmLegacy. You can also submit your work here for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.
- WATCH Check out our video below to learn more about firmware updates.
Header photo © Simon Thomas