A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

How many shots has my Fuji taken?

Knowing the number of shots your digital camera has taken is useful as an indicator of device usage and remaining shutter life expectancy. Fujifilm embeds information on the number of images taken for some of its cameras, in particular those released since 2017, in EXIF (EXchangeable Image File) data. These metadata are saved alongside each and every image file. EXIF-readers can access this information (see the App below) and, thus, convey how many images a camera has taken so far.

Fujifilm shutter
Shutter unit of a Fujifilm X-T20

How to find the actuation count?

In order to find out how many shots your Fujifilm has captured, just upload a new, unedited JPG image using the dialog box below. Smaller files will upload faster. Your image will be deleted from the server once the EXIF-information has been read.

Drop Your Image File Here

or

Click to Select from Computer

loader
logo
Current value of your camera at
ebay.com
If you like it, make sure you link it:

  • Mention this webpage in your network of friends and followers.
    FB TW.
  • Bookmark it in your browser for future reference.
  • Create a hyperlink by copying the text below into your web-project or discussion forum entry.
Please note the following:

  • The uploaded image contained only very rudimentary EXIF data.
  • Did you perhaps submit an image that was photoshopped or transferred wirelessly between devices?
  • If so, you may want to try again by uploading an image that comes directly from the camera.

Try again with an
unprocessed image
 
Please note the following:

  • Canon includes the shutter count in EXIF data only for a few, older cameras.
  • However, other methods exist to retrieve the shutter count for more recent EOS cameras.
  • Find out about the available options in the Canon Shutter Count Hub.

Canon Shutter Count
Retrieval Options
 

Camera compatibility

The Fujifilm X-T1 was the first camera for which Fujifilm implemented EXIF-based actuation recording. However, the internal software does not seem to have been mature at launch, so that, for example, firmware updates have been disrupting the counter. As a result, the image count information contained in EXIF metadata is not reliable for the X-T1. For cameras that were released since 2016 the actuation count in the EXIF data seems to be correct, even though there have been reports that it can be disrupted through certain operator actions. Kindly send me a brief note if you have a Fujifilm camera that is not mentioned below, but for which you managed to obtain the image count via the EXIF-reading App above. I will then add the camera to the list.

The following Fuji cameras embed the shutter count in EXIF information:

Conversely, some Fujifilm cameras don't make it possible to retrieve the shutter count from EXIF data. Here are some models for which, unfortunately, the image upload does not make it possible to read the number of shots taken:

ad

How to interpret the shutter count?

Unlike other camera manufacturers, such as Nikon, Pentax and Sony, Fujifilm does not limit the actuation count to images taken with the mechnical shutter, but also includes pictures taken with the electronic shutter (videos do not increment the counter, though). This aggregation of shots with the mechanical and electronic shutter makes it unfortunately more difficult to assess the remaining shutter life, since only the mechanical shutter is subject to wear and tear, while the electronic one is not. Moreover, when using the Film Simulation Bracketing function that is available on many Fujifilm cameras, three files are recorded on the memory card with a single shutter (manual or electronic) actuation. These one-click captures augment the image count in the EXIF data by three, thus inflating the total count. Hence, the reported result on the image count represents an upper boundary for the true shutter count, and if you use the electronic shutter and the Film Simulation Bracketing regularly, your mechanical shutter will have experienced much less action than indicated by the EXIF image count.

Mechanical focal-plane shutters consist of a pair of light-tight curtains that move to uncover the sensor during the exposure time. Every actuation, that is every shutter opening and closing, will cause some minimal wear and tear that will eventually result in malfunction and the need for repair or replacement. A shutter can fail completely on one incident, but more likely it will deteriorate gradually. It becomes unreliable when shooting at high shutter speeds or the first and second curtains get out of sync, so that the shutter speed becomes inaccurate. If these warning signs appear, it is time to take action and get your camera shutter replaced. Shutter replacement costs generally fall into the range of US$200 to US$400, plus the hassle of having to send the camera to the service center.

That said, the actuation count is not just an indicator on whether or not the shutter might soon need to be replaced, but more generally on the overall condition of the camera. A high shutter count indicates that the camera has been intensively used and probably also been subject to more bumps and knocks, more frequent exposure to dust, and more recurrent usage in the rain than a camera that has been kept in a drawer most of the time and therefore shows a low actuation count. As a result, second-hand buyers on Ebay or Craigslist are willing to offer a higher price for a camera with a low number of shutter releases than for the same model with a high actuation count.

What is the shutter life expectancy of my Fujifilm?

Shutter life ratings differ across cameras. Unlike some other manufacturers, Fujifilm does not provide any indication on the life expectancy of the shutter in its cameras. That said, most modern interchangeable lens cameras have shutters that support at least 100 000 actuations. Semi-pro models, similar to the Fujifilm X-T3, are rated for at least 200 000 shots. In any case, it is important to note that the shutter rating does not provide a guarantee of a certain photo count before shutter maintenance or replacement are needed. The shutter might fail earlier, or it could last longer without causing any problems. The shutter rating should, thus, be seen as representing a statistically determined failure average or Mean Time Before Failure.

Most photographers are unlikely to come close to the shutter life expectancy of their imaging tools. For example, if one were to take 100 photos each and every day, this would mean 3 000 actuations per month and 36 000 shots per year. In this case, one would reach the end of the expected lifespan of a digital camera's shutter that is rated for 100 000 actuations in about three years. Few people use their cameras as regularly and intensively, and if they do, their cameras might well be up for a replacement after three years anyway for reasons other than shutter failure. Nevertheless, shutters do sometimes break down during photo sessions and such adverse events are getting more likely as the shutter count increases.

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to Adam from Frankfurt for transmitting information on how images taken with the electronic shutter are counted, and to Thomas E. for alerting me to the over-counting issue when the Film Simulation Bracketing function is used.

FAQ on checking the shutter count

Below are some frequently asked questions concerning the camera shutter count.

How to find the shutter count on a X100-series camera?

The X100-series of cameras is particular in the sense that Fujifilm provides access to the actuation count via the operating menu (menu > setup > user setting > shutter count).

What is a good shutter count for my Fujifilm camera?

A large number of shutter actuations is a sign that you enjoyed shooting with your camera and that it has been a useful tool. However, if you are trying to sell on Ebay or Craigslist, you should be aware that a camera with a shutter count that exceeds 50 percent of the rated shutter life will be traded at a marked discount.

How are videos reflected in the shutter count?

When recording moving images, cameras use their electronic shutter and not their mechanical one. Taking videos, thus, does not increment the shutter count by the (large number of) image captures in movie mode.

Shouldn't the shutter count of my brand new Fujifilm camera be zero?

Cameras undergo final quality checks at the factory that frequently involve a number of shutter releases. It is, thus, normal to see a low, non-zero shutter count for a new camera.

Isn't shutter failure covered by Fujifilm's warranty?

If a shutter malfunctions because of a manufacturing fault (and not because of wear and tear) and if this failure happens during the warranty period, Fujifilm will indeed replace the shutter free of charge.

What should I do if my Fujifilm camera reaches the end of its rated shutter life?

You can continue to use the camera, but should be mindful that the likelihood of a shutter failure is heightened. Hence, you might want to avoid using the camera during an important event or trip, or ensure that you have a backup camera available.

What happens to the actuation count if my camera's shutter is replaced?

If your shutter malfunctions and needs replacement, the service center will disassemble your camera, substitute the shutter with a new one, and reset the shutter count to zero.

Can I reset the shutter count on my Fujifilm camera?

No, it is not possible to reset the actuation count to zero. Only Fujifilm service centers can do this if they install a replacement shutter.

Can I replace the shutter of my Fujifilm camera myself?

Yes, if you are a capable mechanic (and a bit daring), you can dissemble your camera and replace the shutter. Shutter units for many camera models are sold on ebay.

How can I extend the lifespan of my camera's shutter?

Exposure to dust and dirt will result in increased wear and tear on the moving parts of the shutter mechanism. Hence, being careful and protecting the camera from the environment when changing lenses can help to make your camera's shutter last longer.

Camera comparisons

Does your camera show an elevated shutter count? Is it time to start thinking about a camera upgrade? Check out how different cameras – new and not quite as new – compare in terms of size, sensors, features, and their reception by expert reviewers by selecting two comparators from the menu below. You will then promptly be taken to a detailed side-by-side comparison.

~
    loader
    ad

    You are here Home  »  Shutter Count Finder  »  Fujifilm Shutter Count