FUJIFILM Wide Conversion Lens WCL-X100

The wide conversion lens WCL-X100 widens the internationally-acclaimed X100's field of view to 28mm (35mm film equivalent).
The development team of the X100 have again pursed the very highest levels of image quality, operability and design which means that the WCL-X100 allows for added creativity. It accommodates the use of the hybrid viewfinder, and its design is consistent with that of the camera body to offer an unprecedented conversion lens.

This is how WCL-X100 has been developed and how it should be utilized to achieve its full potential.

1. Widening the world of X100 and enriching photographic expression at 28mm ―"Another interchangeable lens"
2. Premium image quality: The mission of the X series This concept has been kept alive with the wide conversion lens.
3. Offering X-series' image quality while enhancing functionality Original firmware ("Ver.1.30" or later)
4. Changing the Hybrid Viewfinder display to "wide"
5. Manipulating "wide angle" light ― WCL-X100 techniques
6. The snap-on lens cap with the FUJIFILM logo: A special feature only available for WCL-X100

Normal (35mm)

With the wide conversion lens (28mm)

1. Widening the world of X100 and enriching photographic expression at 28mm
―"Another interchangeable lens"

X100's 35mm (35mm film equivalent) lens covers a wide range of scenesincluding sweeping landscapes and close-up subject matters. Yet, having another focal length would broaden the camera's world of photographic expression further. WCL-X100 has been developed to add wide-angle capability to extend the shooting capabilities of the X100.

Normal (35mm)

With the wide conversion lens (28mm)

1. Widening the world of X100 and enriching photographic expression at 28mm
―"Another interchangeable lens"

WCL-X100 is a wide conversion lens that broadens the focal length by 0.8 times to a field of view of 28mm (35mm film equivalent) when fitted on the master lens. 28mm is a useful focal length that is not too wide. Expanding the horizontal field of view from around 54 degrees to 65 degrees allows you to shoot a broader landscape.

Normal (35mm)

With the wide conversion lens (28mm)

1. Widening the world of X100 and enriching photographic expression at 28mm
―"Another interchangeable lens"

In wide-angle macro, the sense of perspective can be accentuated further. Adding the new lens makes photography much more enjoyable. X100 retains its minimum focus distance of 10cm even when the wide conversion lens is fitted.

The lens is finished with materials and coloring identical to those of X100 for a uniform look.
Similarly to the master lens and its lens hood, WCL-X100 has a metal barrel with alumite coating. It is available in silver and black, in line with the color options of the main body. X100 maintains its beautiful appearance even when fitted with the conversion lens.

It is as if WCL-X100 turns the fixed single focal length lens camera X100 into an interchangeable lens camera.
The moment you get hold of this lens, you will see a whole new potential for X100.

2. Premium image quality: The mission of the X series
This concept has been kept alive with the wide conversion lens.

Lens configuration

MTF curve

Vertical axis： Contrast
Horizontal axis：Distance from the center of the image

S：Sagittal (radial) M：Meridional(Concentric)

WCL-X100 has been developed as the world's "ultimate wide conversion lens" that maintains the renowned image quality of the X series. A conversion lens that compromises the image quality of X100 would not be suitable for use with X100. The developers, who know every single characteristic of X100,have created a conversion lens that offers the image quality comparable to X100's master lens by ensuring optimum compatibility with the camera's light channel and sensor.

The wide conversion lens has all-glass optics consisting of 4 elements in 3 groups. It has been designed not as a standalone wide conversion lens but as an extension to X100's lens, so that the combination of the camera's master lens and the wide conversion lens delivers optimum image quality.
For image optimization, image processing technology has been used to minimize distortion, lateral chromatic aberration and vignetting.

The common theory of image degradation with the use of a conversion lens has been overturned by combining WCL-X100's quality optics with dedicated image processing.

MTF(*1) of all the conversion lenses is measured and inspected at the time of shipment, with only the units that meet the quality standards delivered to the market.

*1 MTF: A method to measure lens resolution

2. Premium image quality: The mission of the X series
This concept has been kept alive with the wide conversion lens.

As X100's lens, sensor and image processing have been designed to work together for optimum performance, the wide conversion lens has also been developed in this system to eliminate any compromise. This is how the wide conversion lens has come to offer image quality comparable to that of X100's master lens.

It maintains X100's original specifications with full aperture of F2 and the minimum focus distance from lens surface of 10cm, while also delivering a comparable auto focus speed.

3. Offering X-series' image quality while enhancing functionality Original firmware ("Ver.1.30" or later)

Wide Conversion Lens Mode OFF

Wide Conversion Lens Mode ON

Photographs taken at the courtyard of Palm & Fountain Terrace Hotel®

How to turn on the Wide Conversion Lens Mode

Go to [SHOOTING MENU] > [WIDE CONVERSION LENS] and turn it ON to obtain optimum settings for WCL-X100. Turning the Wide Conversion Lens mode ON is a key operation as it not only optimizes shooting settings but also adjusts the frame shown in the Hybrid Viewfinder, as explained later. When using WCL-X100, make sure to upgrade the firmware to Ver.1.30 or later.
Upgrading the firmware

Just like an interchangeable lens, the wide conversion lens is likely to be put "on" and "off" frequently according to a photographic subject. This is why you can assign the activation and deactivation of the Wide Conversion Lens mode to either the Fn button or RAW button by pressing and holding down the applicable button. This is a convenient function that allows you to turn the mode on and off with a touch of the button.
Note that the EXIF data for photographs shot in the Wide Conversion Lens mode indicates the focal length of "19mm" on a computer. Photos in the RAW format are displayed with the Wide Conversion Lens Mode conversion applied. Use the included SILKY PIX software to process RAW pictures to automatically apply the Wide Conversion Lens Mode conversion.

4. Changing the Hybrid Viewfinder display to "wide"

Normal view through the Optical Viewfinder

Optical Viewfinder (OVF) when the Wide Conversion Lens Mode is ON (at 28mm) The finder's bright frame is indicated with      four yellow corner markings.

What would happen to X100's biggest feature, the Hybrid Viewfinder? Needless to say, the Hybrid Viewfinder works with WCL-X100 fitted. Turn the Wide Conversion Lens Mode on, and the bright frame in the Optical Viewfinder changes from a white frame to four yellow corner marks. The change of color and design for the bright frame provides a visual cue that the Wide Conversion Lens Mode has been turned on.

The field of view is approximately 80% when the Wide Conversion Lens Mode is turned on (90% when the mode is turned off). The distance indicator in manual focus is also adjusted to the focal distance of 28mm when the Wide Conversion Lens Mode is turned on. This is another advantage of having a dedicated wide converter for X100.

*The Optical Viewfinder magnification stays constant.

*Sample photo is simulated a image.

4. Changing the Hybrid Viewfinder display to "wide"

Comparison of Electronic Viewfinder display between 35mm and 28mm

Normal Electronic Viewfinder display (35mm)

Electronic Viewfinder display when the Wide Conversion Lens Mode is ON (28mm)

Needless to say, live view is available for the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and the LCD monitor. This is particularly useful to frame the picture with 100% coverage, or to check exposure / white balance while taking pictures.
When you turn the Wide Conversion Lens Mode ON while using the EVF / LCD Monitor, the mode icon appears on the top right of the screen. It disappears when you press the shutter button halfway.

As you can see, the displays assist users in avoiding mistakes even when the wide conversion lens is put on and off frequently according to various scenes.

*When the Wide Conversion Lens Mode is turned ON, the "focal length" is shown as "19mm" in EVF tag information.

*Sample photo is simulated a image.

5. Manipulating "wide angle" light ― WCL-X100 techniques

Ghosting

Halation cut by attaching a lens hood

WCL-X100 has the "Super EBC" coating, the same treatment used on X100's master lens. The optical design technology that Fujifilm has nurtured over many years can effectively minimize ghosting.

If you are still concerned about ghosting, then just attach a lens hood to held shield the light.

*An adapter ring is unnecessary when attaching a lens hood to WCL-X100.

The wide conversion lens WCL-X100 inherits the premium quality of the X series in image quality, operability, design and materials. It is, of course, "Made in Japan", as is X100, the proof of high quality.
The WCL-X100 wide conversion lens broadens the world of the X100 and will allow you to fall in love with it…all over again.