Fujinon XF 35mm F1.4 Review
The Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is a lens that has achieved near-legendary status among Fujifilm photographers, and for good reason. This 50mm-equivalent prime lens combines a fast aperture, compact design, and unique optical rendering that gives images a distinctive and almost magical character. It’s not the newest lens in Fujifilm’s lineup, but it remains a standout, often preferred for its artistic qualities over newer, more technically perfect options.
First, the build. The XF 35mm f/1.4 is compact and lightweight at 187g, making it a joy to carry and pair with any Fujifilm X-series camera. The all-metal construction feels solid and premium, with an aperture ring that clicks confidently through its settings. While it lacks weather sealing, it compensates with its classic design and portability. It’s the kind of lens that feels right at home on a retro-styled Fujifilm body, like the X-T or X-Pro series.
Optically, the lens delivers stunning results. At f/1.4, the centre sharpness is excellent, and while the corners are softer wide open, the overall rendering is what sets this lens apart. It has a unique, almost cinematic quality, with a natural falloff that gives images depth and dimension. The bokeh is beautiful—creamy and smooth without being overly clinical—making it a perfect choice for portraits, street photography, and anything where subject isolation is key. Colours are rich and vibrant, and contrast is pleasingly punchy, giving your shots that signature Fujifilm look.
Flare and ghosting can appear in backlit situations, and chromatic aberration is noticeable in high-contrast edges when shooting wide open. However, these imperfections add to the lens’s charm rather than detract from it. Stopping down improves sharpness across the frame and reduces aberrations, making it versatile enough for landscapes or general-purpose photography.
Autofocus is where the lens shows its age. While not slow, it uses an older motor that’s audible and less snappy compared to Fujifilm’s newer lenses with linear or stepping motors. For most still photography, it’s more than adequate, but for fast action or silent video work, it might not keep up as well. That said, the manual focus ring is smooth and responsive, making it a good option for those who prefer to take control.
Despite its quirks, the XF 35mm f/1.4 has something that few lenses can claim—soul. Images shot with this lens have a timeless quality that’s hard to define but impossible to ignore. It’s not about clinical perfection; it’s about creating photographs that feel alive and emotionally resonant. For many photographers, that quality alone makes it indispensable.
In conclusion, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is not just a lens; it’s an experience. While it may lack the modern refinements of some of Fujifilm’s newer offerings, its unique rendering, fast aperture, and lightweight design make it a beloved choice for photographers who value character over perfection. If you’re in the Fujifilm ecosystem and haven’t tried this lens, you’re missing out on one of the true gems of the XF lineup.
Samples
Here are some recent photos I captured using the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R. These sample shots highlight the lens’s performance across different conditions, settings, and subjects. To view the complete collection of photos taken with this lens, the link.
