Rediscovering and reinventing the charm of film photography in a digital format
Evolving from the concept of classic half-frame cameras
Compact, lightweight design at just 240g offering a film-like photography experience
FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) announces the global launch of the “X half” (FUJIFILM X-HF1) from June 2025. The X half will be the latest model in the X Series, rediscovering and reinventing the charm of film photography in a digital format. It allows users to enjoy film-like photography with a lightweight body weighing only 240g*1.
The “X half” is a digital camera evolving from the concept of classic half-frame cameras*2, film cameras capable of shooting at half the size of 35mm film. In the past, Fujifilm introduced various film cameras, including the “FUJICA Half*3” released in 1963, sparking a timeless passion for photography. The “X half” is a digital camera that recreates and evolves the analog photography experience with a Frame Advance Lever and film-like photographic expression in a digital format. Fujifilm named this product “X half”, envisioning it as a perfect companion for both photography enthusiasts and newcomers exploring the world of digital cameras for the first time.
The “X half” is a compact digital camera that uses a 3:4 aspect ratio, different from the 3:2,4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios commonly used in many digital cameras, enabling the capture of still images and videos in a vertical composition. Equipped with a vertical optical viewfinder and LCD monitor optimized for vertical composition photography, the camera also features the "2in1*4" function, which enables the combination of two vertically composed photos into a single image, allowing for the creation of story-driven works that fully utilize the vertical aspect ratio. Furthermore, it includes “Film Simulation” which allows users to enjoy various color tone expressions as if they were changing photographic films, and “Grain Effect*5” which reproduces the unique graininess of film photos. Additionally, new shooting filters such as “LIGHT LEAK*6” and “HALATION*7” have been adopted, enabling diverse shooting expressions tailored to subjects and scenes. Furthermore, the “Film Camera Mode” revived the shooting experience of a film camera. In this mode, shooting is possible using only the optical viewfinder without the LCD monitor. After each shot, the Frame Advance Lever is operated to proceed to the next shot. The operation feels similar to advancing the film in a film camera. The images can only be viewed after the specified number of shots have been taken, adding an element of excitement and anticipation for the captured images.
“X half” is designed with a focus on lightness and product design, featuring a compact 240g body that evokes the charm of a classic film camera. It can be carried anywhere and used anytime for casual shooting. Additionally, the dedicated “X half*8” app allows the transfer of still images and videos to a smartphone, viewing captured images in gallery and album format, and printing them using the smartphone printer instax™ Link series*9, greatly expanding the ways to enjoy and express creative work.
The “X half” is a compact camera that digitally recreates and evolves the analog photographic expression and shooting experience unique to half-frame cameras, condensing the joy of photography into one device.
*1 A camera that shoots two frames of 35mm film at approximately half size (18 x 24mm).
Image aspect ratio for images taken with a half-frame camera
Vertical composition shooting is possible with half the size of 35mm film
*2 Including attached battery and memory card
*3 35mm half-frame camera released by Fujifilm in 1963
*4 A photo collage composed by dividing the 3:2 aspect ratio screen at the center and arranging still images/videos with a 3:4 vertical composition on the left and right
*5 An effect that reproduces the unique graininess of film photography
*6 An effect that realistically recreates the light leaks characteristic of film cameras
*7 An effect that replicates the phenomenon where part of the image becomes blurred due to strong light entering the lens
*8 A free app for Android and iOS devices. It is available for download from Google Play for Android devices and from App Store for iOS devices. Android and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc. iPhone and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc. The iPhone trademark is used in Japan under license from Aiphone Co., Ltd. The iOS trademark is used under license from Cisco in the United States and other countries.
*9 Compatible models: instax mini Link 2™, instax mini Link 3™, instax SQUARE Link™, instax Link WIDE™
（1）Vertical composition shooting and “2in1” function enable a wide range of shooting expressions
Equipped with a 3:4 aspect ratio rear LCD screen and a vertical optical viewfinder, ideal for capturing vertical compositions. Both still images and videos can be recorded in vertical composition.
- Equipped with a back-illuminated 1-inch sensor and a 32mm F2.8 (35mm equivalent) prime lens, the “X half” achieves a high level of clarity and compactness. The focal length matches that of the One-Time-Use camera QuickSnap™, enabling shooting with the same familiar angle of view.
- By pulling the Frame Advance Lever between shots, it becomes easy to create a composite photo combining two vertically composed images, similar to a half size camera, with the “2in1” feature. Photo sequences can also be created by combining videos with videos or videos with still images*10. Additionally, the dedicated “X half” app enables the creation of collages. Furthermore, within the app, elements such as changing the color and size of the dividing line or swapping the left and right images can be easily and intuitively edited.
- Enjoy a variety of color tones with “Film Simulation,” which combines faithful color reproduction and vivid gradation with “REALA ACE” and 13 other modes*11. Select the mode that best suits the subject and scene to explore a wide range of color expressions.
*10 Video-included photo collages can only be created within the camera itself and cannot be created using the app.
*11 The “X half” film simulation mode includes 13 modes: PROVIA, Velvia, ASTIA, CLASSIC CHROME, REALA ACE, CLASSIC Neg., NOSTALGIC Neg., ETERNA, ACROS STD, ACROS + Ye FILTER, ACROS + R FILTER, ACROS + G FILTER, and SEPIA.
（2）Providing film-like expression and shooting experience
- Three newly developed filters have been added: “Light Leak”, “Halation”, and “Expired Film”. These filters make it possible to enjoy the distinctive expressions of film cameras in digital form. Additionally, eight popular filters from instax™ products, including double exposure, are also included.
- The “Grain Effect” feature adds natural graininess to the entire photo, making it simple to create a film-like look. The graininess of the film can be adjusted to modify the texture of still images and videos as desired.
- A new “date stamp” feature has been added. Similar to film photos, a stamp with the date the photo was taken can be added to the bottom right of still images and videos.
- The newly developed “Film Camera Mode” is now available for the “X half.” This shooting mode replicates the experience of film photography, allowing captured images to be viewed*12 only after completing the pre-set number of frames*13. After taking a photo, the next shot can be taken by pulling the Frame Advance Lever on the camera's top plate. Once the set number of photos has been taken, the shooting data can be transferred to the dedicated “X half” app to perform digital development, enabling photos to be viewed, edited, and shared within the app. A contact sheet*14 is also saved simultaneously after digital development.
- The dedicated "X half” app allows captured still images and videos to be enjoyed as if viewing a gallery or album. Additionally, it enables direct uploads to various social media platforms from within the app. Printing is also supported via the smartphone printer instax™ Link series*15, along with the ability to order print products*16 tailored to the photographic expressions of "X half." This provides the enjoyment of both printing and creative production.
The application allows the creation of 2in1, and contact sheets can also be saved simultaneously.
When viewing within the application, two background colors and six types of frames can be selected.
*12 The number of shots in “Film Camera Mode” can be selected from 36, 54, or 72.
*13 The "Film Camera Mode" can be canceled at any time by double-tapping the sub-LCD. Even after cancellation, the captured data can be transferred to the "X half" app to view the images taken up to that point.
*14 A feature that allows you to view a list of photos taken in “Film Camera Mode.” This replicates the “contact sheet” used during film development to view all captured frames in a list.
*15 Photos taken in modes other than “Film Camera Mode” can be printed directly from the “X half” device using the instax™ Link series.
*16 Features such as “Contact Sheet Print,” which allows printing of contact sheets. Available in Japan first, followed by other regions.
（3）Compact, lightweight, high-quality product design and high operability
Lightweight and compact body weighing only 240g. Interchangeable lenses are not required, making it an ideal everyday camera that can be carried around without feeling burdensome.
Lightweight and compact body that can be carried around every day
- The X series features a high-quality product design that combines the high design and operability common to the X series with the appeal of classic cameras. The design is finished to provide the comfort of analog operation, such as the feel of the aperture ring and Frame Advance Lever.
- A new user interface has been adopted, utilizing two types of touch operations—swipe and flick—for the rear LCD screen. Smooth touch operations enable intuitive changes to shooting settings and film simulation, ensuring operation feels seamless and stress-free. Comfortable operability has been achieved while maintaining an overwhelmingly compact body.
- Equipped with an optical viewfinder, allowing subjects to be captured as seen through a clear and unobstructed view. When using the optical viewfinder, up to 880 shots can be taken without concern for battery life, enabling full immersion in photography.