I have been on several waiting lists for over 2 months on this lens and just yesterday, I received a strange e-mail from BH stating:
"I can order this lens now as only a special order" this means that it will not be returnable unless there is a problem with the lens, and I still can't exchange it for another Fuji lens. This not the normal policy for B&H so I am curious if this particular lens is no longer going to be manufactured, and if if a newer version is coming out. I was concerned by B&H's wording that I could not return it unless damaged, and I didn't want purchase it if something new is just around the corner.
When I called B&H, they were as usual pretty vague, the rep. I spoke to first told me I was totally wrong, then I forwarded him the B&H email and then he told me "well if you order it from me today I can make sure it's only a backorder not a special order" I choose not order it for now.
This lens has received great reviews from both end users and "reviewers" but has been out of the delivery channel now for quite a while.
The only ones I can find for sale are either U.S. used for full list (not interested) or Japan versions with only Japan warranty, again not interested.
Paul Caldwell