Fujifilm X-Half

6 minutes read time.

A Digital Camera with an Analog Soul

Let’s get this out of the way: this is not a review. Just some random thoughts after watching a rather in-depth video on Fujifilm’s quirky new X-Half – a camera that somehow stuck with me longer than expected.

So… would I buy it myself?
Honestly? Probably not – the price feels a little steep.
But it does make sense. Designing a new kind of camera like this isn’t cheap. Between R&D, marketing, and the fact that this little half-frame oddball isn’t exactly made for the masses, you start to see where the price tag comes from.

Why am I even writing about it then?
Because I see potential — especially for younger folks who are just dipping their toes into photography. I’m talking about the kind of people who dream of shooting film on a vintage camera but also live their lives on Instagram and TikTok. You know the type.

This isn’t a real film camera – let’s be clear – but it flirts with the vibe hard. From the film-style UI, the film advance lever and the “you-can’t-peek-until-the-roll-is-done” mode ! it’s got just enough throwback charm to make even old film snobs (hi) raise an eyebrow.

Honestly, it struck me as possibly the perfect bridge between digital convenience and analog soul. If it were just a tad cheaper, I’d probably buy one right now – for me or my grandkids.

Give it a few months on the market, maybe a price drop, and who knows? I just might.

If I had to slap an age range on it, I’d say it’s made for that magical 12-to-22 range – but hey, if you’re 77 and still feel the itch, don’t let me stop you.

So, if you’ve still got analog cravings, young (or young-at-heart) people around the house, or grandkids with a curious eye, keep reading. And maybe check out Fujifilm’s official page — just don’t blame me if you end up wanting one too.

website: https://www.fujifilm-x.com/global/products/cameras/x-hf1/ and also https://www.fujifilm.com/de/en/news/hq/12389

header picture courtesy of fujifilm.com

So, what is it?

The X-Half is a fixed-lens, half-frame digital camera. That means your photos are vertical by default (just like in your Instagram dreams), and everything from the design to the controls feels like a love letter to old-school film shooters. Maybe – and I say this a bit reluctantly, as a long-time Pentax fan from the old-school days – it’s actually a better idea than the “real film” half frame Pentax 17. Especially when you look at it from an environmental perspective alone.

Key Specs & Features:

• Sensor: 18MP 1-inch CMOS — plenty of resolution for daily shooting, and it keeps the file sizes lean.
• Lens: Fixed 32mm f/2.8 (full-frame equivalent), a versatile street-friendly focal length.
• Film Simulations: 13 Fujifilm classics onboard — Provia, Velvia, Classic Chrome, plus some dreamy extras like halation and light leaks.
• No RAW, no problem: JPEG only — just like in the film days. What you shoot is what you get.
• LCD Display: Rear screen oriented vertically to match the half-frame format.
• Viewfinder: Simple optical finder — no EVF, no overlays, just look and shoot.
• “Film roll” mode: Shoot 18 or 36 photos before you’re “done” — and you can’t review them until the roll is “developed.” Gimmick? Maybe. Fun? Definitely.
• Diptych Creator: Pair up two frames with the flick of a lever. Perfect for visual storytelling or just making your feed look cooler.
• Mobile App: Apply filters, simulate contact sheets, and relive that film lab moment on your phone.
• Build: Lightweight (around 240g), pocketable, and delightfully plasticky in a retro kind of way.
• Price: Around €799 – $849 – £699, not cheap, but cheaper than building your own darkroom.

Who’s it for?

In my view, this camera’s made for the young – or the young at heart. Sure, I mentioned ages 12 to 22 earlier, but that was just to give you a ballpark. Maybe your 10-year-old is already ready to dive in, or maybe you’re 77 with a soft spot for analog but no patience (or garage space) for darkroom chemicals anymore.

It’s definitely not built for pixel peepers or spec-sheet warriors. But for casual creatives, street photography wanderers, or nostalgic nerds who enjoy a little friction in their process — this thing might just hit the sweet spot.

The Fujifilm X-Half is expected to land in stores around June 2025. Might not replace your main camera, but it just might be your most fun one.

Note:

Alright, like I said before — this isn’t a review. And I haven’t held this camera in my hands.
What I did do, though — as I always do — is dive deep into the rabbit hole of everything that’s already out there. Specs, sample shots, early hands-ons, and the carefully polished thoughts of reviewers and YouTubers who have spent time with the little guy.

Digging past the marketing fluff and reading between the lines, I found a few quirks. Nothing that would make you throw it back on the shelf — but still, worth mentioning.

Two things stood out to me. Minor issues, yes – but they might keep the camera from feeling truly “complete” – not dealbreakers.

First: the flash. Or rather, the LED.
Yes, technically it does have a flash, but it’s not the kind that’s going to freeze motion or light up your living room. There is a hot shoe too — but it’s cold. No electrical contacts, so no “real” flash support.
Not a dealbreaker for most, I know — but still, a bit of a missed opportunity.

Second: the film advance lever in “film roll” mode.
Nice idea, lovely throwback — but from what I’ve read, it moves way too loosely. No tension, no satisfying click or friction to let you feel like you’re winding film.
If I were designing a camera to simulate the analog experience this closely, I’d have made that lever feel a little more tactile — something that gives feedback and lets you know, without glancing at the screen, that you’ve moved to the next frame.

Again, nothing fatal. But in a camera that gets so close to recreating the charm of film, those little details could’ve pushed it from “fun experiment” to “instant classic.”

Well, those were my thoughts on this very unusual little camera. I’m trying to stay away from it – hope I can manage… tempting, tempting 🙂

Marc.