Let's talk about the Fujifilm X half

A little background information

I would like to mention, before anything else, that I have never personally used a real film camera. My parents would buy me a disposable camera before every trip, but I have never owned a reloadable film camera.

That said, I have very vivid memories of taking the disposable camera to Familiprix and picking up the developed photos a week later. The day we went to pick them up was a bit like Christmas! We couldn't wait to see the results, and I often opened the envelope in the car on the way home, much to my mother's despair.

The Fujifilm X half fills me with nostalgia and gives me that same feeling of taking photos, not knowing what to expect, and looking forward to “developing” them. I use mine almost exclusively in film camera mode for this reason (more details below).

But what is the X half?

The Fujifilm X half has the soul of a film camera, while being digital. It can be used as a normal compact camera, in which case it can be controlled like a fixed-focus compact (equivalent to 32mm in this case, with a default vertical format) with manual functions. As mentioned earlier, it has an 18-megapixel sensor and no RAW function.

Once you have the device in your hand, you can choose one of Fujifilm's most popular film simulations, or you can select a filter, such as light leak, retro colors, or expired film. I must admit that I often have a lot of fun trying out these modes, but I still prefer to use the film simulations. Then you can either take a photo... or you can swipe your finger up and down on the touchscreen and put the camera in movie mode. The camera will then lock the filter or simulation for 36, 54, or 72 exposures (which you can choose, and which you can also interrupt if you want, but that spoils the fun :p), ask you if you want to use aperture priority or automatic mode, and allow you, if you wish, to stamp the date directly on the image. After that, the screen will only be used to display some information, such as the number of photos taken on that “roll” or the focus distance. It cannot be used for framing; you have to use the optical viewfinder.

An experience like no other

And that's the beauty of it. You can't edit each photo after you've taken it, which keeps you in the moment, and you can't change styles in the middle of a “roll.” The limitations force me to be creative; if I choose to use Classic Negative, for example, I have to keep in mind that this film simulation is very high contrast, with colors that are slightly different from reality. So I choose my subject accordingly and accept this style for an entire “roll,” just like film photographers of the past.

Once I've taken my photo, I have to “advance the film” like on an old film camera, which limits the speed at which I can take another photo. The wonderful thing is that it forces me to think about each photo, not from a technical point of view, but from a compositional point of view. Is my subject interesting? Is it worth taking the photo? Would it be better to wait for the decisive moment, for someone to walk through my frame and add a human element to the photo? These are all questions we ask ourselves less when we can take 10 or more photos per second, but which become more important when we have 36 photos and can only take one photo every 3 seconds.

When you've finished the “roll,” you then have to “develop” the photos by connecting the camera to the dedicated app, because even if you press the button to view the photos, they're hidden! But don't worry: it takes 30 seconds max to connect, and the photos are then transferred to your phone or tablet. The idea is that you spend a day taking photos, then “develop” them once you're home, or while taking a break in a café. Once the photos are “developed,” you can access them via the app or via the photo gallery on your phone or tablet. You can then share them, or even create diptychs.

An everyday companion

Certainly, the Fujifilm X half is not a camera designed for sports, action shots, photojournalism, or even studio portraits. However, it really comes into its own thanks to its small size, light weight (a hefty 240g), and the fact that it's easy to carry around with you at all times. It allows you to leave your phone in your bag while you take photos and focus on the moment, and it's so enjoyable to use that you'll want to take it with you even if you're just going to the dentist.

Used in this way, it is there when you see a beautiful light on the corner of the street, a breathtaking landscape once you've climbed the hill, or a patch of fog during a walk near the river. It is there when your niece blows out her sixth birthday candles or when you bump into a friend on the street. It allows you to document a morning walk in the neighborhood or a hike in a national park.

This is definitely not the camera that will find its place with every photographer, but every photographer who gives it that place will have the opportunity to capture precious moments without the distraction of phone notifications.

Give him a chance, and he'll be there for you. Good photo!