Fujifilm’s New “X half” Camera Brings Back the Feel of Film - Without the Hassle
At a Glance:
Super portable: 240g. Toss it in your bag and forget it’s there.
Designed for vertical shots: 3:4 aspect ratio with a vertical viewfinder.
Feels like film: Classic film simulations, grain effects, and a mode that mimics shooting on a roll.
Fujifilm just announced the X half (officially the X-HF1), and if you’ve ever used an old half-frame film camera or just liked the idea of it - this is worth a look.
It’s digital, yes, but it borrows a lot of personality from Fujifilm’s 1963 FUJICA Half. Think compact body, vertical shooting, and a shooting experience that slows you down a bit in all the right ways.
Most cameras are built around horizontal framing. Not this one. The X half flips the default: it's built for portrait shots.
Vertical by Default
Most cameras are built around horizontal framing. Not this one. The X half flips the default: it's built for portrait shots.
You get a vertical optical viewfinder and a screen to match, both designed to make vertical composition feel more natural.
The 3:4 aspect ratio might take a minute to get used to if you're coming from standard 3:2 or 4:3, but it actually feels kind of nice - especially if you're the type to shoot for Instagram or just like the tall frame.
There’s a clever “2in1” feature too. You can take two vertical shots and stitch them together into one image.
There’s a clever “2in1” feature too. You can take two vertical shots and stitch them together into one image.
It's a neat way to experiment with diptychs or story-style layouts, and it pushes you to think in sequences, not just single frames.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Film Camera Mode. When you turn this on, the camera works more like an old film camera.
Digital, But with Analog Vibes
Here’s where it gets interesting: Film Camera Mode. When you turn this on, the camera works more like an old film camera.
You can only use the optical viewfinder, there’s a manual lever to “advance” each shot, and -get this - you can’t see your photos until you’ve taken a full batch. It’s like digital film with fake rolls. Weirdly satisfying.
If you’re the kind of person who chimp-checks every single shot, this forces you to let go a little. And that’s kind of the point.
Of course, you get Fujifilm’s usual lineup of Film Simulation modes - Classic Chrome, Provia, Velvia, etc. - plus a Grain Effect setting that adds some texture to your images.
If you’re the kind of person who chimp-checks every single shot, this forces you to let go a little. And that’s kind of the point.
Fujifilm’s Signature Film Simulations
Of course, you get Fujifilm’s usual lineup of Film Simulation modes - Classic Chrome, Provia, Velvia, etc. - plus a Grain Effect setting that adds some texture to your images.
These aren’t just filters. Fujifilm's color science is one of the reasons people stick with their cameras, and it works just as well here.
It’s small. Really small. At 240 grams, it feels closer to carrying a smartphone than a traditional camera. It has a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to 35mm in full-frame terms), which is about as versatile as you can get - wide enough for street shots, but still okay for portraits.
Touch controls are smooth. Menus are simple. No need for a manual just to change a setting.
“Holding this camera took me back, in a good way. That feeling of winding the lever between shots, not knowing if you nailed the photo until later - it made me slow down. I thought more about each frame. It reminded me why I started shooting in the first place.”
A Quick Word on Handling
It’s small. Really small. At 240 grams, it feels closer to carrying a smartphone than a traditional camera. It has a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to 35mm in full-frame terms), which is about as versatile as you can get - wide enough for street shots, but still okay for portraits.
Touch controls are smooth. Menus are simple. No need for a manual just to change a setting.
My Take
“Holding this camera took me back, in a good way. That feeling of winding the lever between shots, not knowing if you nailed the photo until later - it made me slow down. I thought more about each frame. It reminded me why I started shooting in the first place.”
The X half isn’t trying to compete with full-frame powerhouses or replace your phone. It’s here to offer something different. It’s small, nostalgic, and fun - and honestly, that might be what makes it stick.
Extras and App Support
There’s also an app (called X half, naturally) that lets you move your photos to your phone, build collages, and print to instax™ Link printers.
So yeah, Fujifilm wants you to actually do something with your photos, not just dump them in a cloud folder and forget.
Earlier we covered Instagram Says Meta Verified Users Get More Story Views: Real or Hype - read here
The Fujifilm X half (X-HF1) is a niche camera - but in a good way. It’s for people who like taking their time with photos. People who miss the feeling of film but aren’t looking to buy rolls or scanners.
Bottom Line
The Fujifilm X half (X-HF1) is a niche camera - but in a good way. It’s for people who like taking their time with photos. People who miss the feeling of film but aren’t looking to buy rolls or scanners.
It’s easy to carry, fun to shoot with, and brings some personality back to a process that’s gotten a little too polished.
If you’re looking for something different - something that makes photography feel fresh again - this might be it.
Note: Specs and availability could change. Check Fujifilm’s official site for the latest info.
Sources official Fujifilm newsroom
If you’re looking for something different - something that makes photography feel fresh again - this might be it.
Note: Specs and availability could change. Check Fujifilm’s official site for the latest info.
Sources official Fujifilm newsroom
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