Fuji S3 Pro and Nikon AF-S 18-200mm VR incompatibility issue

The problem has been identified on Fujifilm's US support website and a firmware update will be offered to resolve this issue.

This page will be updated as soon as there is any news from Fujifilm UK.

Press Release:
For customers using the camera with a Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6G lens.

Thank you for always using FinePix products.

This notice is to inform you that the problem described below may arise if you use your FinePix S3 Pro/S2 Pro with the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6G lens.

Problem:
When the zoom is set to the wide-angle position, if you attempt to focus using AF (Auto Focus) when the distance scale is set to infinity (∞), the camera may very occasionally fail to focus on close- up subjects. This problem is due to a partial incompatibility in AF control at short distances between the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6G lens and the FinePix S3 Pro and S2 Pro.

Accordingly, to provide full compatibility with the above lens, an upgrade service is being implemented for the FinePix S3 Pro and S2 Pro. Note that this upgrade is NOT required by anyone NOT using the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor ED 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6G lens.

Scope of Upgrade Application:

FinePix S3 Pro
This upgrade applies only to cameras with serial numbers (on the bottom of the camera body) lower than the following numbers:
61L10001, 61W10001, 61010001, 61Q10001, 61A10001
This upgrade does not apply to cameras with serial numbers outside the above range.

FinePix S2 Pro
Applies to all serial numbers.

Firmware Upgrade
US Fujifilm camera owners can download a .pdf form to receive the update from here

Uk Fuji S2/S3 Pro owners can also get the neccessary firmware upgrade. Details of how to get your camera updated are included in the following statement from Fujifilm UK:

This upgrade involves installation of parts into your camera and is not simply a firmware update and ust therefore be carried out at our service centre.
The upgrade is, however, free of charge.

Please send your camera to the following address along with a covering letter explaining that you would like the Nikon lens upgrade to be carried out:

Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd
Camera Service Centre
PO Box 403
Bedford
MK42 0LF

If you have any further queries, please call our helpline on 0870 084 1310 where one of our specialists would be happy to help.