Fujifilm has launched an interesting new camera, and it’s unlike anything else on the market right now.
Dubbed a “concept camera,” the Fujifilm X Half (officially, the FUJIFILM X-HF1) is a vertical-shooting, fixed-lens compact that mimics the charm of half-frame film cameras but with a few clever tricks.
Fujifilm X Half: All you need to know
The X Half is designed to be light, simple, and charming.
Intended to live in your pocket, the Fujifilm X Half weighs just around 240 grams, battery, and memory card included. It’s made mostly of durable plastic which makes it very light and a daily easy carry.
Aesthetically, it leans heavily into Fujifilm’s retro DNA with a sleek, boxy design, clean lines, and a textured grip. It comes in three colors: Silver, Charcoal Silver, and Black.
On the top plate, you’ll find tactile controls including an aperture ring on the lens that gives you a range of f2.4 up to f11.
Unique to the Fujifilm X Half is the Frame Advance Lever, which you pull to activate the half-frame shooting mode. In Film Camera mode (discussed below), it’s used to advance the “film stock”.
Around the back is a vertically-oriented 2.4-inch LCD with a clean layout and responsive touch controls beside it is a tiny pill-shaped screen to show what film simulation you’re currently using or what effects are currently in play.
For those wondering, yes, it has a built-in LED flash and also a cold shoe mount if you want to attach an accessory (though there are no electronic contacts for full flash control).
Inside the box, you’re getting an NP-W126S battery, a USB-C cable, and a wrist strap
How this modern half-frame camera works
One of the things you have to know about this camera is that it puts fun first; which means it puts specs in the backseat and focuses on the experience first. It’s meant to slow you down — just like film photography used to.
The Fujifilm X Half uses an 18MP 1-inch back-illuminated sensor that’s vertically mounted to match the 3:4 aspect ratio typical of half-frame film.
The lens is a fixed FUJINON 10.8mm f/2.8 prime — equivalent to about 32mm in full-frame terms.
Another unique feature of the Fujifilm X Half is its Film Camera Mode which fits nicely and well into this retro-ristic theme of this camera.
You access it by swiping down the main screen. When activated, it asks you to choose a film simulation and a roll size and how many shots you want (36, 54, or 72).
Once you start shooting, you won’t be able to review or delete your photos until you’ve finished the roll, and you’ll need to manually pull a lever after each shot, mimicking the traditional way of of advancing film on older cameras.
In contrast to today’s unlimited shoot-and-go attitude smartphones have ingrained in us, the X Half intends to slow you down and encourage you to think more about your composition and enjoy the anticipation of seeing your images later.
Once you’ve finished your “roll” you can review your photos through companion app or by connecting the camera to your computer. The photos also automatically “develop” once you remove the SD card even if you haven’t finished your film roll. Photos are saved in JPEG only (no RAW).
Surprsingly, the X Half also supports vertical video recording up to Full HD 1080p video at 24fps.
There’s even a basic slow-motion option and the ability to combine photos and videos using the creative 2-in-1 diptych mode. The X Half also supports direct printing to Fujifilm instax Link printers, bringing the analog feel full-circle with physical prints.
A whole lot of fun filters
Fujifilm cameras are know for its Film Simulations and the X Half gives you 13 classic Film Simulations, plus new effect filters like Light Leak, Halation, and Expired Film.
There’s also a Grain Effect and even a Date Stamp to mark your shots with that familiar film-era timestamp.
A particularly fun feature is the 2-in-1 function, which lets you capture two shots — stills, videos, or a mix — and merge them into a single diptych image.
The new X Half app ties everything together, giving you a space to “develop” images from your film rolls, view them in sequence, apply tweaks, and share them online.
It also handles camera connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with the usual USB-C port for charging and data.
Price, availability, and where to get it
The Fujifilm X Half is priced at $849.99 which did catch audiences by surprise because, if talking specs vs specs, the X Half is way below others in its price class.
Clearly, though, this camera is aimed at creatives and younger users (i.e. Gen Z) who value experience and aesthetics over technical spec sheets.
It’s expected to ship by late June 2025.
Fujifilm X Half (X-HF1) – Quick Specs Recap
Sensor: 18MP 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS (vertical orientation)
Lens: Fixed FUJINON 10.8mm f/2.8 prime (35mm equivalent: ~32mm)
Aspect Ratio: 3:4 (vertical format)
Video: 1080p/24fps vertical video, 2x slow motion
Viewfinder: Vertical optical viewfinder
Rear Display: 2.4-inch vertical touchscreen LCD (0.92M dots)
Secondary Display: Small pill-shaped LCD for Film Simulation
Built-in LED flash
Cold Shoe (no electronic contacts)
Film Camera Mode:
Frame Advance Lever
Film Simulations: 13 presets + creative filters
Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Instax Link printer compatibility
Battery: NP-W126S (approx. 880 shots via OVF)
Dimensions: 105.8 x 64.3 x 45.8mm
Weight: Approx. 240g
Colors: Silver, Charcoal Silver, Black
