Fujifilm launches X Half camera to make photography fun again
With the proliferation of mobile cameras, which have taken massive leaps in photographic technology, Fujifilm South Africa is reinventing what it calls the 'charm of film photography' in a digital format with the Fujifilm X half (X-HF1).
The X half compact camera introduced physical features such as a frame advance lever and optical viewfinder, plus digital ones, including Film Camera Mode.
Notable feature
Perhaps the most notable is the camera's eschewing of horizontal aspect ratios, rather opting for 3:4 vertical framing. Both images and videos are captured vertically, and this is reflected in the vertical orientation of the optical viewfinder and LCD display at the back.
The X half compact camera evolved from the concept of classic half-frame cameras, which were capable of shooting at half the size of 35mm film, allowing for two images per frame.
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Whose it for?
The FujiFilm X Half has no electric or hybrid viewfinder, no stabilisation and it can't even take RAW photos. So, who is it for?
The camera is for film photographers who want the convenience of digital cameras, as you can store images on an SD card. It's essentially a modern film camera, and feels like it has been inspired by the Pentax 17.
The X half's purpose is to offer a pared-back, no-frills analogue and digital experience and make photography fun again.
Memories
It's small, light and is designed to give you no excuses, you should be able to bring it with you everywhere, but so is the mobile phone that you carry in your pocket.
However, this is a camera for taking scrappy, quick photos, capturing memories and making photography fun.
Designed with travelling in mind, the X half features a compact 240g body that evokes the charm of a classic rangefinder camera.
Availability and pricing
The Fujifilm X half compact camera digitally recreates and evolves the analogue photographic shooting experience unique to half-frame film cameras.
The X half will be arriving in South Africa during June 2025 for a recommended retail price of R14 999.
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