A Japanese Tale
SIGMA BF
An Extraordinary Journey to Japan to Discover the Future of Photography
Ph. Francesco Riccardo Iacomino
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unique in Japan. It wasn't just a leisure trip but something much more special: SIGMA invited me to participate in a mysterious event. No one knew exactly what to expect, except that it would be something innovative and exciting.
The expectations were high, and I must say, they were far exceeded.
SIGMA CEO Kazuto Yamaki
THE EVENT: AN ANTICIPATION FILLED WITH EMOTION
During the event, held at SIGMA’s headquarters in Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, the brand introduced two new lenses – and up to this point, everything seemed "normal" (although the new SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 is anything but ordinary, being yet another lens that sets the market ahead and forces other brands to follow… but by now, we are used to this from SIGMA).
The surprises came immediately afterward. First, a complete rebranding of the company was announced, featuring a new logo and font—both very elegant.
I also had the opportunity to improvise a brief interview with SIGMA's visionary CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, who conveyed all the emotion and vision behind this new corporate direction.
Finally, the moment arrived for the unexpected "one more thing."
And there, right in front of us, SIGMA unveiled the new SIGMA BF camera.
A revolutionary product with a minimalist and extraordinary design, featuring a simple and essential interface.
The most surprising thing? Not a single rumor had leaked. The surprise effect was absolute.
After the presentation, a select few lucky attendees were granted the opportunity to try the camera at SIGMA's headquarters—a place where technology and nature blend in an incredible way.
But that’s not all: we were also given a demo version of the SIGMA BF to test freely in the following days.
My trip to Japan turned into an extraordinary opportunity to put this new camera to the test.
After the event, I first had the chance to use it in Tokyo, during my free nights between one SIGMA event and another.
Later, SIGMA took us to Aizu, in Fukushima Prefecture, the home of their "Factory of Dreams".
Stepping through the doors of the SIGMA Factory felt like entering the legendary Willy Wonka factory—a place where technology meets art, where every component comes to life with an almost magical precision. Among cutting-edge machinery and skilled hands shaping pieces of optical engineering, the feeling was that of being inside a secret laboratory where extraordinary objects are born. It was an immersive experience that deepened my connection with this brand even further.
Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?), no photos were allowed inside the factory. This made the experience even more exclusive—a secret preserved only in my memories, like a fragment of magic that cannot be replicated in images, only lived.
SIGMA BF: the camera for creative minds
SIGMA has described the BF as "everyday system camera for creative minds."
And that is exactly what it is. A design object, technologically advanced yet designed to be immediate and accessible to everyone. It is not just a tool for professionals but a device that stimulates creativity.
Its real competitor? Probably high-end smartphones. SIGMA is well aware that everyday photography now happens primarily through these devices.
However, the BF is much more than just a camera—it is an extraordinary design piece, captivating and capable of making every shot special. Its minimalist and intuitive interface transforms the act of photography into a pure, essential, and fulfilling experience.
It is designed for those who deeply love photography, for those who want to express their creativity without constraints, and for professionals who, in their everyday moments, set aside their pro gear but never compromise on style and the joy of shooting.
A device that not only inspires the desire to photograph but also elevates and enhances the very experience of photography, even in the simplest moments.
Design and build quality: simply perfect
Let’s talk about design: the SIGMA BF is a single block of aluminum, the result of a machining process that takes seven hours. I had the chance to witness its production phases at the SIGMA factory, and I can say with confidence that this is the most beautiful camera I have ever seen.
In the world of photography, the dominant trend often leans toward vintage aesthetics, but SIGMA has chosen to look ahead. The result is an object of timeless beauty, one that you’ll want to have with you at all times.
Performance and ON-field experience
The 24 MP full-frame sensor produces DNG files of extraordinary quality. Paired with SIGMA's I series lenses, now also available in aluminum finish, it creates a perfect match.
Every element of these lenses is made of aluminum, from the barrel to the lens hood, down to the magnetic caps. A small masterpiece of engineering. I tested the camera with the 35mm from the I series, but I had already had the chance to try almost the entire range during previous trips, finding them all excellent.
FIELD TEST: Tokyo
Between nights in Tokyo, events, and shooting sessions, I had the chance to test the SIGMA BF even in challenging conditions: night photography, handheld shots at high ISO, and complex urban environments. I was impressed by the quality of the files it produced and the performance of the sensor.
Since it is not a "PRO" camera in the traditional sense, some components that a professional photographer might consider essential are missing: it has no optical viewfinder and no flip/tilt screen. However, it is perfect for anyone who wants to rediscover the joy of shooting with fun and immediacy—even professionals looking for a more relaxed experience.
Additionally, the face detection system is incredibly fast and accurate, even in low-light conditions.
The autofocus system, with touch control on the screen, is intuitive and functional. For someone like me, who is used to using a viewfinder, its absence might seem like a limitation at first. However, it actually makes the photographic process more direct and engaging.
Later, I also took this camera to Yokohama, where the CP+ trade show took place, during which SIGMA officially introduced its new direction to the world.
Conclusions: the desire to photograph
After testing it for several days in Japan, I can confidently say that the SIGMA BF is the most fascinating camera I have ever held. It is a design object, a piece of advanced technology, and a constant source of inspiration for anyone who wants to tell stories through photography.
I can’t wait to test it on my next trip, but I already know that I won’t want to part with it.
Francesco Riccardo Iacomino
Thank you!