Retro-Inspired Fujifilm X Half is Half the Frame, Twice the Fun!

Gearing up for a bold move into a blend of the past and digital technology, Fujifilm Corporation just introduced its latest compact digital camera, the Fujifilm X half (X-HF1). Released officially worldwide in June 2025, the Fujifilm X half is a significant step in Fujifilm’s pursuit of the art of photography that not only freezes a moment but reinvents the way we see it.

Though weighing 240 grams, the X half is not so much light in weight — it’s specifically geared toward the era of vertical filmmaking, analog look, and experimental curiosity. By mixing up the legacy of half-frame film cameras with the requirements of modern digital media, the X-HF1 emerges as both a work-in-progress device and a cultural phenomenon.

What is Fujifilm X Half?

The new X half is a nod to Fujifilm’s FUJICA Half, which was released in 1963. It pays respect to tradition and accepts contemporary fashion. The camera is built for today’s creators. It employs a half-frame design that photographs in a vertical orientation. This aligns with the way individuals consume content on phones.

Rather than the conventional 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratio, it has a 3:4 aspect ratio. This means it is ideal for vertical images and videos. So is the optical viewfinder and the LCD screen. This renders it convenient to shoot and compose in portrait mode.

The name of the model is the X-HF1. It has the retro inspiration blended with a clean, mobile-first look.

Fujifilm made the announcement at launch that the Fujifilm X half is more than just image capture — it’s about returning to the thought-out pleasure of photography, where photographers consider each picture, and each second matters.

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Specifications of FUJIFILM X half (X-HF1)

Let’s look at some of the features and specifications of the Fujifilm X half to understand this innovation better: 

SENSOR
Max Resolution	3648 x 4864
Effective pixels	18 megapixels
Sensor size	1″ (13.3 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Colour filter array	Bayer
FOCUS & OPTICS
Focal length (equiv.)	32 mm
Optical zoom	1×
Maximum aperture	F2.8–11
Autofocus	Multi-areaCenterTouchFace DetectionLive View
Focal length multiplier	2.94×
SCREEN
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	2.4″
Screen dots	920,000
Touch screen	Yes
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (tunnel)
BATTERY
Battery description	NP-W126S
Battery Life (CIPA)	880
Weight (inc. batteries)	240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz)
Dimensions	106 x 64 x 30 mm (4.17 x 2.52 x 1.18″
PHOTOGRAPHY
Minimum shutter speed	900 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/2000 sec
Built-in flash	LED
Exposure Compensation	±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
VIDEOGRAPHY
Modes	1080 x 1440 @ 24p, 8-bit, H.264, 1x Crop
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
OTHERS
Body Weight	240g
Connectivity	USB
Printing	Supports Instax mini Link, SQUARE Link, WIDE

Film Camera Mode

Perhaps most touted is the new Film Camera Mode, which prevents previewing photos until the photographer has made a specified number of shots. This simulation of digital film rolls is an exercise in patience, forcing photographers to pace themselves, trust their instincts, and even enjoy the waiting for development.

Once the users go through the full sequence, they are able to “develop” their photographs using the X half mobile app, where the app shows pictures all at once as a virtual contact sheet — another sweet nod to film workflow. It is a step back from instant gratification and towards photographic mindfulness.

Key Features of Film Camera Mode:

1. True Film Feel: Restricts Film Simulation settings and disables screen preview, obliging the use of optical viewfinder.

2. Shot Limit: Imitates traditional film rolls of 36, 54, or 72 shots before needing to reset mode.

3. Manual Resetting: Upon depleting virtual film, users are required to exit the mode to change settings.

4. Contact Sheet Print: Contact sheet print functionality will be available in Japan first, and later in other regions.

5. Film-Like Workflow: Supports meticulous shooting, mimicking analog photography workflows.

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Filters and Film Simulations

Fitting Fujifilm’s pedigree, the X half ships with 14 film simulation modes, ranging from a palette of visual styles inspired by the look of old film stocks. These include favourite appearances like Velvia, PROVIA, REALA ACE, ASTIA, and several ACROS black-and-white filters.

Three New Creative Filters:

Adding to its vintage look, the camera also features new shooting filters:

• Light Leak: Simulates overexposure and the lens flare look that vintage film stock has on old film rolls.
• Halation: Creates a blurred and glowing highlight effect reminiscent of a magical, ethereal quality.
• Aged Film: Creates color variation and contrast that is similar to old film stock. 

Grain Effect Tool:

Adds texture to images to create an effect that resembles grainy film photos. 

Date Stamp Feature:

Adds a retro-styled date stamp to images and videos that delivers a vintage and analog aesthetic. 

Half-Frame Camera Heritage:

Captures two frames of 35mm film on reduced size (18 x 24mm). This allows for a notably vertical framing for a new way of sharing content. 

Collage Feature:

Divides a 3:2 screen ratio and allows you to create vertical shots (3:4) side by side. It may be constructed as a diptych-type presentation. 

Battery & Memory Card:

The X half comes with a battery and memory card, so you can be good to go and snapping pictures right out of the box. The camera’s compact size, 240g to be exact, has both built-in features, which makes it ideal for travel.

Camera Body

Short in size but expensive in character, the X half weighs 240 grams with battery and memory card. Fujifilm X encased the camera in a retro-styled case that comes in three designs — Silver, Charcoal Silver, and Black, thus rendering it perfect for everyday usage, casual excursions, and creative adventures.

Fujifilm equipped the X half with a 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a fixed 32mm F2.8 lens (35mm equivalent). The modest wide-angle focal length is well-suited for street shooting, environmental portraiture, and travel reporting. It also utilizes the same field of view that was utilized in Fujifilm’s QuickSnap disposable film cameras — a clever throwback to longtime fans.

“2in1” Vertical Collage Feature

Beyond its one-image functions, the X half offers a new tool for storytelling photography: the 2in1 mode. The 2-in-1 mode allows users to couple two vertically shot images (or videos) into a single side-by-side collage. It’s a diptych made for the digital world — ideal for before-and-after photos, thematic pairing, or suggestive visual narratives.

Users can further personalize their 2-in-1 designs in the X half app. They can rearrange frames, edit divider lines, and choose export formats.

The feature is enabled natively on the camera for image+video combinations and opens up new possibilities for visual expression.

Connected Creativity with X Half App

Fujifilm also launched a standalone X half smartphone app. It’s designed to be the camera’s partner for transferring content, editing, sharing, and printing. It is available for Android and iOS platforms, and the app enables users to:

• Wirelessly transfer photos and videos
• View and organize images in album/gallery structures
• Create and edit 2in1 compositions
• Print images through Instax Link series printers
• Order customized print products and contact sheets

The app ensures that creativity doesn’t end in the camera. It extends to the final output — be it a printed photo book or a share-ready story sequence.

ISO and Autofocus

ISO 200 is its native setting, and there are three Auto ISO presets. If you like, you can pick to shut the camera off at ISO 800, 3200, or 12,800 — allowing you to work with different light levels and keep noise to a minimum.

You have two autofocus modes: one where the camera centers its focus on the center. Another with a focus zone that can be moved across nine areas. You can also rely on this feature to find and highlight faces in your photos, no matter where you place the focus box.

The autofocus isn’t the fastest you’ll find. In continuous AF mode, things can be a little slow.

Video Features

The video resolution is 1080p at 24fps, and the bitrate stretches up to 50Mbps. The default resolution is an unusual 3:2 (1080 x 1440), and the Fujifilm X half is equipped to record video in 2x slow motion as well. You may also create a diptych from video clips and stills, exported at 2160 x 1440 in MOV format.

The box also comes with a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C adapter, but it’s designed for headphones rather than an external microphone, as with other Fujifilm products.

Battery Life

Like several of their compact line, the camera relies on Fujifilm’s NP-W126S battery. Although the camera is tiny, the battery takes up about one-seventh of its total size.

That spare power means you can shoot as many as 880 pictures through the OVF on a battery charge. And you don’t have to worry about running out of power for long shoots. An additional bonus is that the camera can be charged using the universal USB-C port.

Cost and Availability

The Fujifilm X Half is making waves in the market from the moment it launched. It is expected to first come to market in Japan in late June 2025 and later will be available in other countries. There is no official notice on the price, however, according to experts, it will cost $849. Moreover, it will be available in three colours, namely silver, charcoal, and black.

Targeting Creative and Casual Alike

Though the Fujifilm X half will obviously find a home with experienced Fujifilm enthusiasts, the styling and specifications also make it comfortable for novices and social content producers.
Its de-cluttered controls, fixed lens, and retro-style features take the fright factor away from premium equipment.

This happens without sacrificing enough complexity to please photographers who desire to have control over their art. With its usable form factor, deliberate shooting flow, and colourful expression tools, the X-half occupies a special space. It’s a part daily camera, part creative journal, and part homage to analog enchantment.

Final Word 

The Fujifilm X half is not merely a new camera – it’s a new avenue for photography in 2025! Fujifilm was able to offer an object that feels deeply personal, a melding of the look of vintage film, vertical first storytelling, and digital ease. At the same time, it is also creatively liberating.

Ultimately, if you’re a retro-fancy photo enthusiast, an established analog individual in a digital world, or simply a creator who wants something more, the X half might be the camera to put the soul back in your photos!

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