Here’s Why I Love the Fujifilm X half’s Unique Film Camera Mode

Introducing the Fujifilm X half

So, as an owner of a Fujifilm X100VI, I’m kind of a biased bystander here as I’m already a fan of the Fujifilm film look. I’ve also shot quite a bit of 35mm color negative Fujifilm film over the years on my Canon AE-1 and a few other analog cameras.

I’m by no means a photography expert, but as a film school graduate who mostly worked on digital for the majority of my career, it’s been nice to explore the world of analog photography. Yet, as rewarding as analog is, digital offers so many other perks and eases that it’s hard to stay away.

The Fujifilm X half aims to meet photographers and creators in the middle by mixing the best of both worlds. Along with the vertical 1” sensor design, the Fujifilm X half also features a fixed wide-angle prime lens. It includes several film-reminiscent shooting functions meant to replicate the enjoyment and decisiveness of shooting film.

Fujifilm X half Film Camera Mode

Most notably, the Fujifilm X half features a Film Camera Mode, which is a shooting style that requires users to choose one specific Film Simulation setting and a 36, 54, or 72-shot "roll" of film. (Of course, when you pair a Fujifilm X half with an OWC Atlas SD card, you're never truly out of shots. But I digress.)

What’s more, when using this Film Camera Mode, shooters are only able to see the results of their shots after they’ve finished the roll and digitally "developed" their shots using the FUJIFILM app or transferred the files to their computer.

The Fujifilm X half also automatically produces an additional contact sheet image, fitted with film strip borders, to review all of your shots at a glance after you’ve finished your roll.

Why I Love it

Again, I might be just a perfect fit in the niche audience for this camera, but I love that Fujifilm recognizes the dilemma of the modern photographer / content creator and is looking to help bridge the gap between the old school and the new school.

One of the best fuels for creativity is restriction and analog film had that in spades. Knowing you only have so many shots left on a roll of film, or that you can't peek at a shot right after you've taken it to check whether or not you've nailed focus or exposure is sometimes a great combination for staying focused on your subject or the project at hand. This kind of restriction sometimes provides exactly the focus you need to create something truly unique or of the moment.

Is the X half a perfect bridge to this type of focus? Perhaps not to some. But at the very least, the restriction of an artificial film mode could make your photography more fun. For that alone, I think it's a worthy option for your own personal projects and enjoyment. If you’d like to find out more about the Fujifilm X half, here are the full specs and purchase price.

Specs, Features, and Price

• 18MP 1" Vertical 3:4 CMOS Sensor
• FUJINON 10.8mm f/2.8 Lens (32mm Equiv.)
• Rear Vertical LCD & Sub LCD Screens
• Optical Window Viewfinder
• Film Camera Mode & 2-in-1 Mode
• 13 Film Simulation Modes and 26 Filters
• Frame Advance Lever & Exposure Comp Dial
• 1080 x 1440 Vertical Video Recording
• X half App for Image Development

Price: $849