Fujifilm has announced the global launch of its new digital camera, the X half (FUJIFILM X-HF1), coming June 2025. This camera is a compact, lightweight model inspired by half-frame film cameras of the past, aiming to offer a film-like experience for the digital generation.
Weighing only 240 grams, the X half reflects Fujifilm’s legacy in analog photography while reimagining it for today’s users. It blends modern technology with retro aesthetics and vertical creativity, making it a rare digital camera tailored for those who want more than just snapshots.
A Throwback to Half-Frame Classics in Digital Form
The X half reinterprets Fujifilm’s vintage FUJICA Half camera, released in 1963, through a digital lens. Built with a 3:4 aspect ratio, it invites users to think vertically. Both the optical viewfinder and LCD are optimized for vertical shooting, unlike the standard 3:2 or 4:3 formats found in most digital cameras today.
This format lends itself to social media storytelling and artistic composition. The highlight is the “2in1” feature, which lets users combine two vertical shots into a single composite image, making space for narrative within a frame. It also supports pairing videos with videos or videos with stills.
Film-Like Photography Without the Film
Fujifilm’s “Film Simulation” and “Grain Effect” modes allow users to mimic the tone and texture of classic film. Thirteen color modes, including “REALA ACE,” enable rich color expression. Users can select tones that suit each scene, preserving the analog feel in a digital workflow.
The camera also includes new filters like “Light Leak,” “Halation,” and “Expired Film,” along with Instax-style filters such as double exposure. A date stamp feature adds a subtle vintage flair to photos and videos.
In a nod to true film nostalgia, the “Film Camera Mode” disables the LCD preview. Users must complete a set number of shots before viewing them — just like waiting for a film roll to develop. The Frame Advance Lever is used after every shot to mimic winding the film.
Designed for Spontaneity and Portability
The X half houses a 1-inch back-illuminated sensor with a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens (35mm equivalent), echoing the field of view of Fujifilm’s QuickSnap disposable cameras. It’s compact, no interchangeable lenses required, and designed for daily carry.
Battery life supports up to 880 shots when using the optical viewfinder, removing concerns about power while out shooting. The overall body design echoes the feel of old film cameras with tactile controls like an aperture ring and lever advance.
Seamless Smartphone Integration and Creative Expansion
The dedicated “X half” app allows users to transfer media, create collages, and post directly to social platforms. Within the app, users can modify dividing lines in composite images and order prints or albums. It’s also compatible with Instax™ Link series printers, bridging digital creativity with physical print output.
This integration supports a full-circle photography experience — from capture to expression to tangible memories.
Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm X half is more than a compact digital camera. It represents an intentional return to photography’s tactile joy, recrafted for a digital audience. With vertical composition, analog-like operation, and modern features, Fujifilm blends retro spirit with innovation. The X half invites both enthusiasts and casual users to slow down and rediscover the delight of capturing moments thoughtfully.
