The Fujifilm X Half's Film Mode promises to recreate the authentic film photography experience by imposing real constraints on digital shooting. Unlike typical menu options, this mode locks users into predetermined roll lengths, disables the rear LCD screen, and forces photographers to rely solely on an optical viewfinder without digital assistance. The feature aims to capture both the deliberate pace of film photography and the decision-making constraints that shape composition and timing choices.
Photographer Jason Friend recently conducted a comprehensive day-long test of the Film Mode, treating the camera exactly like a traditional film roll. Users must select a film simulation preset and commit to either 36, 54, or 72 frames before beginning their shoot. Once activated, the mode eliminates image review capabilities, histogram displays, and provides only the optical viewfinder for framing compositions. Friend noted that the viewfinder feels imprecise without digital guidelines, adding an element of uncertainty to each shot.
The camera includes a frame advance lever that contributes to the ritualistic feel of film photography, though Friend observed it lacks the genuine resistance found in actual film cameras, which somewhat diminishes the tactile illusion. Despite this limitation, photographers still experience the tension of uncertainty - never knowing whether the last shot achieved proper focus or if the composition captured all intended elements within the frame boundaries.
During his casual photography session at a National Trust estate, Friend approached the X Half like a pocket point-and-shoot camera, embracing its inherent limitations. The camera's 1-inch sensor is oriented vertically, making portrait orientation the default format, which fundamentally changes how photographers scan scenes and arrange compositional elements. The Auto ISO feature maintains usable exposures when lighting conditions deteriorate, but the camera struggles in low-light situations without the ability to switch to RAW format for additional exposure latitude.
Focus confirmation proves minimal, offering only a small indicator light, which makes quick recomposition attempts near close subjects largely guesswork. While this uncertainty adds to the authentic film experience charm, it also consumes frames more rapidly than photographers might expect. The optical viewfinder's loose accuracy emerges as a recurring frustration, resulting in slight misalignments that accumulate across an entire 36-frame roll.
The workflow concludes in Fujifilm's companion smartphone application, which Friend praised for its smooth operation and authentic contact sheet presentation that reinforces the film photography theme. Users watch as negative images appear first, followed by individual frame rendering that recreates the anticipation of traditional lab processing day. For those seeking physical prints, the camera integrates seamlessly with Fujifilm's smartphone printers, including the instax mini Link 2, allowing immediate conversion of casual shots into tangible keepsakes.
However, the results clearly reveal the mode's limitations. Several frames would have benefited from rear screen composition or histogram guidance, options that the Film Mode deliberately restricts. The optical viewfinder's imprecise framing remains the most significant pain point, creating compositional issues that become apparent only after the digital "development" process. Despite these challenges, some exceptional frames emerge, providing just enough encouragement to continue shooting.
The value proposition raises important questions about the camera's market position. Photographers pay a premium for what essentially amounts to an artificially constrained experience that mimics film's shooting pace rather than its complete workflow. Alternatively, photographers seeking authentic half-frame aesthetics could purchase a used film camera body and inexpensive film rolls, gaining genuine development waiting periods and complete tactile rituals. Those prioritizing technical control might prefer other compact cameras offering modern precision, image stabilization, and RAW file capabilities.
Friend's measured assessment, rather than enthusiastic endorsement, suits a camera designed to slow down the photographic process. Users should expect a unique shooting rhythm, pleasing color reproduction from film simulations, and inevitable missed shots due to framing or focus limitations. Paradoxically, the free nature of each digital click undermines film photography's "every frame counts" mentality, as photographers tend to shoot more liberally than they would with actual film stock.
