Gear
SUMMARY
Fujifilm is exploring a concept mirrorless lens that draws inspiration from its 1990s Cardia Travel Mini point-and-shoot camera. This retro camera uniquely offered two fixed focal lengths, 28mm and 45mm, by switching lens elements rather than using a zoom. Fujifilm recently surveyed photographers about potential new lenses, and a dual focal length concept, dubbed "XF 18mm and 30mm inspired by Travel Mini," ranked highly. While the original camera's 45mm lens had image quality limitations, Fujifilm's interest suggests a potential revival of this dual-prime concept for modern mirrorless systems.
TAKEAWAYS
Fujifilm is developing a concept mirrorless lens inspired by the 90s Cardia Travel Mini.
The original Cardia Travel Mini used a dual-lens system with fixed 28mm and 45mm focal lengths, not a zoom.
A survey showed significant interest in a Fujifilm XF 18mm and 30mm concept lens based on this dual-prime idea.
Image quality concerns with the original 45mm lens may have previously prevented such a design.