Next Fuji X100vi pre order re supply in April? Here's what we know

Firstly, congratulations to those that pre-ordered the new Fuji X100vi, especially those that had their fingers ready on the pre order button the moment the order sites went live. Many of the early shoppers are gleefully sharing news now about shipment confirmations and even orders received. On the other side of the table though there are those, even folks that ordered only a few hours after announcement, that were stunned to find their shipping estimates moved back even as far as June. This has led many to believe that once again Fuji had either not planned for the popularity of the x100v's full frame successor or are possibly toggling supply.

So after investigating, this is what we know currently:

Per a live stream by German photographer Thomas B Jones, it was revealed that reviewers had been testing a final hardware production unit since late November. Additionally Fuji seems to have confirmed they have been manufacturing 15,000 units per month which led to some (ex. Fujirumors) assuming they have 60,000 units on hand for pre-order fulfillment worldwide. That doesn't sound like much (even though to Fuji that means $96,000,000 USD in sales). Is it really enough to fulfill pre-orders though?  Well it seems: no, since even Fujifilm UK's own general manager Theo Georghiades has claimed publicly that the new x100vi is "Fujifilm's biggest ever launch in terms of number" (in an interview to Amateur Photographer).

That may be so, especially if you believe this: Early reports find that there may be up to half a million (480,000 to be exact) committed pre-orders in China alone (per CameraBeta). 

(a reminder the Fujifilm x100vi is now made in China, vs the x100v original in Japan, a major reason for the successors announcement delay).  Is this number true? Maybe not since there are already conflicting reports whether these are truly committed orders (fujirumors). 

As for those claiming Fuji is toggling sales, they may be on to something...

 The all to early-to-sellout Amazon link (e.g. https://amzn.to/49YKcVz) capped first, but how many units were actually pre-ordered through it? Based on the North American Amazon customer sales estimate on their search page, just over 200 people pre-ordered. Granted these estimates are known to be slightly off, but usually by about 10-20 percent.

 Thus it can be assumed Fuji had only supplied about 200-300 cameras to Amazon for North American fulfillment. That is an incredibly low number indeed but are they toggling supply just for hype or is this a hiccup in Fuji's x100vi North American pre-order-potential estimate prior to launch? Let us know what you think in the comments below...

 Otherwise what we do know is all vendors have exceeded their initial pre-order supplies. Per DPReview, North American customers who pre ordered the Fuji x100vi on Best Buy have already received emails notifying them that the "response to the launch of this new camera has been overwhelming and far exceeded Fujifilm's expectations". You may be asking yourself, when is the resupply? When costumers reached out to Best Buy they were told they "expect to receive another supply by early April". 

Sure, that's some wait but the good news is they have an estimate and there should only be about a month delay for many. That's good news for those that pre ordered during round 1, but what if you haven't yet pre ordered?  

Here's what we suggest: Don't give in to the scalpers just yet, support your local camera shop first and check with their pre order list. 

If that doesn't work out, do note there have been reports of cancellations on many sites including Amazon, we ourselves posted a blog about this just the other day. The reason being many early customers resorted in pre ordering through multiple sites then cancelling once a shipping estimate was published on one. So one may assume, that sites like Amazon that had only granted pre orders for their exact supply amount (if the 200+ sold posted is accurate) may soon relaunch their pre orders pages as more continue to cancel and resupply comes in.

So keep checking the links [Amazon: Silver Black Adorama: https://adorama.rfvk.net/AWe0RD ]

However, don't set hopes TOO high. Fuji may redirect supply to the Chinese market if those earlier mentioned numbers are to be believed. As Asobinet states, "Similar to the X100V, there may be a long-term global shortage. Even in Japan, if you miss the first lot, it looks like there won't be another [soon] (just like the X100V, which was not taking orders for more than a year)"

 

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