top of page
Writer's pictureIan Miller

The Original Fujifilm X100

Updated: Jul 23, 2023

The original Fujifilm X100 is a master creation but takes some skill to use it well.


The Fujifilm X100 is a compact camera that was released in 2011 and has since become a cult classic among photographers. It features a retro design, a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, and a hybrid viewfinder that can switch between optical and electronic modes. The X100 is praised for its image quality, handling, and simplicity, but it also has some quirks and limitations that require some learning and adaptation.

One of the main attractions of the X100 is its large APS-C sensor, which delivers excellent dynamic range, low-light performance, and shallow depth of field. The sensor is paired with a fast and sharp lens that produces beautiful bokeh and renders colours faithfully. The X100 also has a unique film simulation mode that mimics the look of classic Fujifilm films, such as Provia, Velvia, and Astia.


Another distinctive feature of the X100 is its hybrid viewfinder, which allows the user to choose between an optical viewfinder (OVF) or an electronic viewfinder (EVF). The OVF offers a clear and bright view of the scene, with an overlay of information and a parallax-corrected frame. The EVF shows a live preview of the exposure, white balance, and focus. The user can also switch to a hybrid mode that combines both views in a small window.


The X100 is not a camera for everyone, though. It has some drawbacks and challenges that may frustrate some users. For example, the autofocus system is not very fast or reliable, especially in low light or with moving subjects. The manual focus ring is also slow and imprecise, and the focus peaking feature is not very helpful. The fixed lens also limits the versatility of the camera, as it cannot zoom in or out or change perspectives. The user has to rely on their feet or crop the image later.


The X100 is a camera that requires some skill and patience to use well. It is not a point-and-shoot camera that can handle any situation with ease. It is a camera that rewards careful composition, exposure control, and creative vision. It is a camera that inspires the user to slow down and enjoy the process of photography. It is a camera that has a soul.



10 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Kommentare


bottom of page