Fuji X Half: A Retro Revolution in Your Pocket

May 26

Two Formats, One Camera

Sometimes we get caught up in technical specs, bells and whistles, and features we’ll probably never use. But photography, at its core, should be about experiencing and capturing the moment, as we see it, as it happens. Whether you’re just picking up a camera or you're a full-on photography wizard, sometimes it’s refreshing to return to the pure, simplistic bliss of shooting, with just a touch of modern convenience.

Sounds great, right? That’s exactly where the Fuji X Half Digital steps in. This compact digital camera brings together modern tech with a stylish nod to vintage film aesthetics.

Now, the Fuji X Half isn’t exactly new. In fact, it’s borrowing a page from the past to inspire the future. Originally released in 1963, the Fuji X Half was designed to be portable, affordable, and fun. What made it unique was its ability to double the number of exposures on a roll of 35mm film, giving you 72 shots instead of 36, by shooting two vertical images per frame in portrait orientation instead of landscape. This method, known as diptychs, offered a creative twist and made for a fun, artistic shooting experience. No wonder it has such a passionate cult following.

Fuji X Half

But back to the present. Fuji officially announced the modern X Half on May 22nd, 2025, with availability expected in late June. This version stays true to its roots while mixing in the best of today’s digital tech.

At its heart, the Fuji X Half is built for photographers who want a different kind of shooting experience. Whether you're a casual snapper or a creative enthusiast, this camera is here for fun. With its retro design, film-like aesthetic, and distinctive image style, it’s easy to imagine Gen Z and Gen Alpha scooping these up to create that trendy throwback content. The Fuji X Half is on track to carve out a whole new fanbase.

Now before we get to the price tag, let’s check out what’s inside.

The X Half features an 18MP 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor with a vertical 3:4 aspect ratio. It comes with a fixed FUJINON 10.8mm F/2.8 lens (a 32mm equivalent in 35mm terms). You’ll find an optical viewfinder, a rear vertical LCD touchscreen, and a sub-LED display showing which film simulation is currently active.

Film Simulations on the Fuji X Half

Explore the rich visual possibilities of the Fuji X Half with its built-in film simulations. Whether you're after bold colors, soft portraits, or timeless black-and-white, there's a look for every story.

1. PROVIA / STANDARD – Balanced, true-to-life color for all kinds of scenes.
2. VELVIA / VIVID – Punchy colors, perfect for landscapes.
3. ASTIA / SOFT – Gentle tones and soft contrast, ideal for portraits.
4. CLASSIC CHROME – Muted colors and deep contrast with a documentary vibe.
5. NOSTALGIC Neg. – Warm tones and soft contrast for a true vintage feel.
6. REALA ACE – Natural color with extra sharpness and clarity.
7. CLASSIC Neg. – Retro-style contrast, great for street photography.
8. ACROS – Stunning black-and-white with deep blacks and fine detail.
9. ACROS + Ye Filter – Yellow filter adds contrast to skies and skin tones.
10. ACROS + R Filter – Red filter darkens skies and boosts contrast.
11. ACROS + G Filter – Green filter adds softness, great for portraits and greenery.
12. MONOCHROME – Classic black and white.
13. SEPIA – Warm, nostalgic brown tones for that old-school charm.

26 analog-inspired filters

And for those who really want to lean into the analog vibe, Fuji’s also included 26 analog-inspired filters, think light leaks, halation, and expired film effects. At the time of writing, the full list hasn’t been officially published, but expect plenty of creative options to play with.

no RAW support

There is one limitation: the Fuji X Half only shoots JPEGs, no RAW support. But for the kind of fun, spontaneous photography this camera encourages, most users probably won’t mind.

2 - IN - 1

Another standout feature is its diptych mode, which lets you pair two images together, both in photo and video formats. It's a unique feature that I can’t wait to explore, and I’m excited to see the kind of content users will dream up.

Digital vintage analog camera

There’s also a film camera mode that simulates shooting with a vintage analog camera. You’ll get limited image preview and you even must “advance the film” between shots, just like the old days.

Battery life?

Fuji claims up to 880 shots per charge. And if you’re itching to print your masterpieces, you can connect directly to select instax™ printers. Sharing is easy too, thanks to the dedicated X Half app for sending your creations out into the world.

Compact and Pocketable

And here’s the best part, it’s compact and lightweight, weighing in at just 240g (around 8.5 ounces).

Now for the price.

The Fuji X Half will retail for $849.99 USD, about half the cost of the Fuji X100VI. It’ll be available in three stylish colors: silver, charcoal silver, and black.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re looking for a camera that puts the fun and simplicity back into photography, while still offering enough tech to keep things interesting, the Fuji X Half might just be your next favorite creative companion.

Time to tell your story, one vintage-inspired frame at a time.

Robert Betzler