Fujifilm EU services the professionals

Fujifilm Europe will launch a dedicated professional photographer’s service and repair centre in its biggest European markets, the UK and Germany, from March.

Fujifilm is developing its reputation as a professional photographer’s camera brand, and the GFX-50s, a 51.4-megapixel medium format camera, demonstrates this direction. But a pro’s needs go beyond the average consumer.

From there Fujifilm Professional Service will gradually expand to other major European markets during the year, including Turkey and Russia.

Fujifilm has continued to strengthen its arsenal of professional line X-series cameras and XF lenses, but hasn’t offered a dedicated service centre to professional photographers anywhere in the world.

A real push is the upcoming release of its highly-acclaimed GFX-50S medium format mirrorless system. It stole the show at Photokina last year, drumming up the most hype of all releases, and is an indication that Fujifilm has its sights set on the high-end photo market.

Obviously the Australian pro market is far smaller than most countries in Europe.

However, Fujifilm is working on something but is tight-lipped as to how or when it will take shape. Fujifilm Australia professional division national manager Kevin Cooper informed ProCounter that ‘support is an integral part’ of the GFX-50S release strategy.

The body alone is $9999, and add another $2399 for the standard 63mm f2.8 lens. A photographer investing in Fujifilm’s most advanced (and expensive) system wouldn’t want the headache of dealing with a consumer service provider. Especially when jobs are booked.

The Euro service will cost a working Fujifilm photographer €300 per year, but will be free for the first two years to those who qualify.

To qualify European photographers must own a GFX system, or two professional X camera bodies and three XF lenses.

Fujifilm says it will offer a maximum turnaround time of 15 days – from pick-up to delivery – for an X-series systems and 10 days for GFX bodies and lenses. If this cannot be met, due to a shortage of spare parts for example, photographers will be given a free loan until the repair is returned.

Additionally, there’s free ‘health checks’ and sensor cleans for two products per year; a dedicated telephone support line; and a 15 percent discount on any out-of-warranty repairs is provided.

‘Fujifilm is aware that professional photographers may also work outside Europe and will be in close touch with repair centres in other major territories to ensure qualifying photographers are afforded a similar high level of service,’ the company says.

Fuji Rumors reckons a US release isn’t fair off, so says an anonymous source.


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