The Fujifilm X-Half is a divisive digital camera. On the one hand, you have a new and interesting addition to Fujifilm’s extensive X-series, and on the other, it could split opinion by deliberately challenging the way we shoot with modern digital cameras.
One way of seeing this camera is that it limits the digital experience to mimic the feel of analogue shooting. There’s a 3:4 aspect ratio rear LCD monitor that displays your settings, a manual frame lever mode where you have to wind between shots, and perhaps most interestingly, the images taken can be sent to a companion app on your phone where they are “developed”. A nod to the film process.
You could argue this approach encourages you to stop “chimping” - the habit of checking your LCD after every shot - and instead, trusting the process and staying present in the moment. There’s something to be said for slowing down your photography to fully appreciate and feel the scene, rather than just rushing to the result. And even that manual frame lever mode could, in theory, make you think more carefully about each shutter.
While it’s easy to make assumptions about this camera, it’s best to hear from someone who not only has spent some time with the camera but understands and appreciates the ritual and artistry of shooting with analogue cameras.
Ian Howorth, our Product Content Manager here at Wex, has a deep understanding and appreciation for the art of photography. Here’s his first impressions review of the Fujifilm X-Half.
It would be easy to do a write-up based on specs and, more importantly, the intentions that Fujifilm has for the X-Half. But I was fortunate enough to actually go out and shoot with it for a short time before putting pen to paper.
Firstly, it looks great. Solid in the hand, with some lovely design touches. However, this is a radical shift for Fujifilm in terms of design and function; it is to the X-Pro 3 what the GFX100RF is to the GFX100 II - but even more extreme.
Covering the basics, you get a fixed 32mm equivalent lens that mimics the focal length of old disposable film cameras. And it produces approx. 18MP resolution files from its vertical 1-inch sensor (yes, that's right - vertical). There’s an optical viewfinder with no display data - just a simple eyepiece similar to old Leicas and rangefinders.
It features a rear vertical LCD that you can use for composing your images in ‘normal’ shooting mode - but here’s where it gets interesting - it includes a “film camera roll mode.” This lets you choose between 36, 54, or 72 exposures that you have to manually wind forward using a lever, just like a film camera. In this mode, the LCD can’t be used for composing - only the data-less viewfinder. You also can’t review images until you’ve “finished” the roll, which requires winding the lever before every shot. To see your photos, you then use the X-Half app, where your “negatives” are developed on your phone. All of this gives you that proper film photography shooting experience.
Other than that, you get many of Fujifilm’s iconic film simulations which can be further customised by adding various effects like light-leaks, heavy film grain and other artistic filters.
In terms of controls, you get an exposure compensation dial, that film advance lever, and as well as the main LCD; you have an additional smaller one that allows you to select your film simulation
Has FujiFilm hit the nail on the head with X-Half? Well, from an image quality perspective, I think so! Images are punchy, super sharp, and it’s a real boon to have so much image editing control to allow you to simply shoot and not spend time chimping.
It’s important to mention that this camera does not shoot RAW - which I dont think is too much a problem. After all, I think Fujifilm’s intention was to strip this camera down to basics and try to mimic that realistic disposable film camera shooting ethos, where surprises happen and having slightly less control is at the heart of the experience.
Look out for a more in-depth review soon!
And for anyone who is interested in seeing Ian’s work, you can find it all on his website or over on his Instagram feed.
Fujifilm X-Half Digital Camera - Charcoal Silver
The Fujifilm X-Half is a 240g compact digital camera designed for vertical storytelling. Inspired by half-frame film cameras, it features a fixed 32mm f2.8 lens, 1-inch back-illuminated sensor, unique 3:4 rear LCD, and 2-in-1 image mode for in-camera composites. With 13 Film Simulations, creative new filters, and the X Half App, it combines analogue charm with the ease of modern style shooting and sharing.
£699.00 View
