I suspect this is going to be very much a "niche" camera. But that niche could be quite large. Last time I saw some figures Fuji had sold 70,000 of the X100, and they were apparently both pleased and surprised by that. Its very much in the "upmarket" compact(ish) market sector. The Contax G system has been mentioned and it seems that Fuji are going for this sector in the digital era.
It looks great, the lenses look great, but I'm hoping that they don't just turn out an X100 with interchangeable lenses. I had an x100, and while I appreciated its image quality, there were certainly operational issues, with overall sluggishness and that ill thought out menu system.
Fast primes, no AA filter is aimed straight for the "Leica envy" market. Sorry its such an unpleasant phrase, but I'm sure you know what I mean. Many photographers like the idea of Leicas, but not the price and the lack of options. There has always been a gaping hole to my mind in what camera manufacturers offer to this market.
Fuji took a punt on what seemed to them an opportunity, and they have been rewarded with a resounding success with the x100. M4/3 and NEX users seem to be split between those who have no interest whatsoever in something like the Fuji, and indeed probably think it looks and works like their "Grandads camera" and those who might be interested. Releasing a camera and 3 primes straight off is much more of an investment, and indeed a gamble, than the x100 ever was.
Fuji are to be applauded for giving this a try, and I don't think they will be disappointed by the reaction they get, or indeed initial sales, which I would assume will be substantial. I also think that they are in a much better position to estimate demand, and get the cameras and lenses to those who want them than they were before. The Tsunami obviously caused immense problems, and hopefully that, or something like it or the floods in Thailand, won't slow them up.
Its not however the "one true camera" and as someone once observed about the x100, "It won't solve world hunger!" but its a serious attempt to satisfy the demand for "nouveau retro" that is currently unsatisfied. Other manufacturers have had a dabble, the Olympus Pens, Panasonics GX1 and the NEX-7 (to a certain extent) are all moves to address that "old school looks, cutting edge technology" movement, and Fuji seem to have embraced it more enthusiastically than most.
Personally, the lack of an AA filter (if true) made me suddenly pay more attention. It would be nice if more camera manufacturers realised that this is something that many would like to see (and certainly something Sony could take note of) The GXR m-mount module(s) are a move in the right direction, and while some companies seem to be continually weakening their AA filters, few take the decision to remove it altogether. While on that point, isn't it about time anyway that we can get a sensor to record what our lenses are capable of without either having moire all over the results or some kind of visual "muffling" in place?
I must admit I wasn't sure at first but now I can feel my credit card getting VERY nervous. If the flange distance allows for alternative / legacy lenses then I may find my resistance crumbling altogether. Just as I thought I was "sorted" with the NEX-7 along comes this!! Why can't they all just stop and leave me in peace!