The Camera I Can No Longer Recommend
I used to think the Fujifilm x100v (it’s successors and predecessors) would suit everybody.
Which is a bold statement but…that’s what I really thought at the time.
From more serious street photographers trying to get a grasp of the moment, to your average consumer who just needed something to bring along day to day, an x100 seemed like a great choice.
It had the quality of a higher end camera, sure the price was also on the higher end, but what you were getting was still very worth it.
Not to mention the versatility:
a solid focal length for all purpose use
flash and nd filter (making it easy to expose both during the day and at night)
the silent leaf shutter
the size (which made it easy to bring around when traveling, going to concerts and festivals, and out on road trips)
It was a great option for any photographer, even if it wasn’t your main driver and seemed too good to be true.
And yet, at the time of writing, that statement doesn’t feel right to say anymore.
It’s a bit sad to say, but nowadays, the x100 series is probably not for you.
Here’s why.
Pushed Past Premium
The x100 cameras these days are too damn expensive - you and I both know that.
It’s decent if you manage to get it at face value, but otherwise resale is your best bet.
But even at face value it’s still a premium camera, and out of budget for most people.
Which makes it near impossible to recommend, despite all the good things I’ve said about it.
Years ago, when I first got the V, it was a more niche camera.
If you weren’t already into photography, you probably didn’t know the x100 even existed.
But since mainstream appeal and social media has blown up both the V and Fujifilm, basically everyone wants one.
But the camera probably won’t suit everyone - more on this later.
Similarly, people have already cast judgements based on the fame and hype surrounding the camera.
Such that some people don’t like it simply because it’s overhyped, even if it’s good.
As if this wasn’t bad enough, it’s possible that tariffs might lead to a further increase in price and probably a lower supply.
I’m not too clear of the details but I heard Fujifilm had even paused U.S. shipments temporarily.
Making the VI a camera that’s impossible to get at face value, unless you’re lucky or wait forever.
This is a camera that’s not simply premium, but pushed past premium.
It doesn’t just work well, with all the bells and whistles and a nice design - rather, you’re paying extra for something else, the name maybe.
And what was once a camera made for enthusiasts, artists, documenters, street photographers, is now entering the echelon of collectors and fanatics.
You Might Just Like How it Looks
Let’s be honest, the x100 series, the newer ones especially, are very nice to look at.
And nowadays, more and more of Fuji’s releases seem to be aiming for a similar shape and feel, like the xHalf, the Instax Mini Evo, and the X-E series.
The overall design of the x100 is somewhat reminiscent or inspired by the Leica M, give or take a few variances here and there.
The manual controls make the camera look and feel film like.
The pancake lens built into the camera saves a lot of space while still functioning well.
It’s not your tiniest camera, but it’s on the smaller size, and in my opinion perfect for everyday carry.
It’s got a decent weight and shine so the camera feels like a camera and not a toy.
And honestly, it’s still the camera I get the most compliments on.
That’s not the reason why I have it obviously, but bringing it out increases the chances someone will say, “Hey I like your camera.”
But simply liking how a camera looks doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like the camera itself.
Cameras ought to be suited towards the type of photography you do and the outcome of the resulting photos.
Design and shape can help with that of course, but other factors like focal length, genre, and your preferences may not agree.
If those don’t match up it’s likely you’ll have a harder time doing your photography and wondering why it doesn’t work.
Or you’ll realize you can do what you want to do with much less.
So if you really want this camera, make sure it also suits your photography needs, and it’s not just a fashion statement.
Let’s cover that.
Understanding the x100
To understand why I can no longer recommend this camera we have to understand what this camera is built for.
The x100 series are supposed to be the ultimate 35mm eq cameras.
Meaning everything around the design, philosophy, functions, and features are to optimize this specific focal length.
Upon realizing this, you’ll see why it’s pointless to list it’s lack of lens interchangeability as a downside - because that’s not the point.
But regardless, you’ll still hear people complaining about how it’s a fixed lens or wishing it was another focal length.
I do see where they’re coming from though.
The 35mm eq focal length, although very versatile, isn’t for everyone.
Many would prefer a 50mm or 28mm eq.
Of course the WCL and TCL add-ons exist, but they add bulk and are non-preferable.
So the commitment to this one specific focal length doesn’t make sense, especially at this price, unless you already know you love it.
For some indication, the 23 or 35eq is great for:
street photography (especially slightly crowded areas)
everyday photography (friends, food, and coffee)
travel photography
documentary or lifestyle photography
It’s not suited for obvious things like:
tighter portraits
wildlife photography
astrophotography
macro photography
And other things that are clearly outside it’s range.
But even within the realm of say street photography, there are other great focal lengths like the 28mm and 50mm equivalents.
Which makes it hard to commit to the x100 because, how do you even know if the 35 eq is suited for you?
Let’s talk about that.
Finding Your Focal Length
The x100 cameras, although beginner friendly, are probably not for beginners.
Because, after years of shooting I’ve asked myself questions about how I’d relearn photography if I could, and in what way.
Upon thinking about it, I think the best path is this:
grab a cheaper camera with a solid standard zoom lens (18-55)
spend a lot of time familiarizing yourself with each focal length
invest in a prime lens of a focal length you enjoy
or a focal length you’re weak at for the purpose of learning
(maybe even step 5 or 6) buy something like the x100 series
You see, the x100 series is a camera you’d buy after you’ve gone through these steps, understand photography well enough, and like the focal length enough to commit to it.
But it’d make no sense to buy it prior to this, because if it doesn’t mesh, you won’t enjoy the camera.
All of these reasons, friction, and barriers get in the way and make the camera harder to recommend, especially for beginners.
Some people, like me, take a gamble on these “all in features”, and it works out.
The 35eq is my favorite focal length and I use the camera for just about everything.
But I had no way of knowing that before I bought the V and I didn’t really even understand the different focal lengths back then.
So I got lucky - and it could have easily backfired, wasting my money and making it another camera I’d have to resell or leave on the shelves.
Granted, the resale prices of the camera were reasonable then, so it wasn’t as big of a gamble.
But in my opinion, you’re better off saving some cash and simulating what this camera might feel like with another body and a 35mm prime.
Or rent the camera or try a friend’s out first.
And then make the dive when you know you’re down for it.
Who knows, you might quickly realize that it’s not the camera for you and something else would work better.
Let’s explore some other options.
Exploring Other Options
When it comes to getting into and learning photography, you’ve got options.
You don’t need the fancy up to date x100 just because it looks good and everyone seems to like it.
And like we mentioned earlier, unless you’ve checked all the boxes down the list, the x100 might not suit you, especially at it’s current resale price.
When the series as a whole was more affordable, it was competitive, but now other options are more attractive.
So until you feel ready to commit, here are some other options.
To straight up just learn photography, you can:
buy a cheap film camera (just for fun)
get an old digicam (just for fun)
use the phone that you already have
invest a few hundred bucks into an older mirrorless camera (which are still good btw) with a prime or zoom of choice
Use those until you begin to get a sense of what photography is or to just scratch that photography itch.
To emulate the x100 series cameras, you can:
use whatever camera you have with a zoom and only take photos at a 35mm eq
buy a 35mm eq prime (there’s a new pancake one for the x-mount coming soon that could simulate the x100 quite well)
Pretend these are x100s and take a bunch of photos.
If you like it enough, an x100 could work for you.
And if you want other fixed lens cameras you can look into the:
Ricoh Gr III (for a 28mm eq or 40 eq)
Leica Q series (for a premium full frame 28mm eq)
Sony Rx1R series (full frame 35mm)
These aren’t by any means cheap but can be alternatives if you like the fixed lens style but want a different focal length or sensor size.
I’d explore these options first before committing to an x100 series camera.
And if you’ve gone through all of these, checked all the boxes, and are still interested, then you might be ready.
Ready to Commit
The x100 series certainly could but probably shouldn’t be your first camera.
I think it’s better to familiarize yourself with the various focal lengths and genres of photography first, such that you know it’s something you’d like to commit to.
Because all things considered, the x100 is an all-in 35eq type of camera.
That’s what makes it so great, but also exclusive.
And many will get an x100 only to realize they’d be better off with something else.
But if you’re looking at the x100, you’re liking what you’re seeing and you’ve confirmed it in your photography, then you may be ready to commit.
It’s only then that I can safely recommend this camera, given that resale prices are nearly $2000 and any base price is backordered or unavailable.
An x100 in the hands of someone it’s suited for is like lightning in a bottle.
It doesn’t just feel like another camera, but rather something that was built for you.
Going out and taking photos with one is like photography without all the fluff.
You don’t need to worry about changing lenses because you’re committed - and you like it that way.
You have all the exposure tools at hand: built in nd-filters, flashes, f2 aperture, high iso performance.
You can sling and bring the camera everywhere because it’s portable and discreet (leaf shutter), making photos of candid moments much easier to get.
You get the same quality as many top end cameras making it convenient to make prints or work on photography projects with an “everyday camera”.
And you can do photography and enjoy life at the same time, because using a tool that suits your preferences makes things effortless.
It’s hyper optimized for a specific way of photography.
It’s not for everyone, but for the right person it’s like striking gold.
If you’re that person, consider yourself lucky, because there are many photographers who didn’t pass the checklist.
And if you’re not that person, don’t worry - there’s another camera out there somewhere that is suited for you, and hopefully cheaper.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this.
If you’ve got a friend who really wants to buy an x100, send them this first, I think it’ll help.
If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in photography, check out Photography Essentials - it’s free.
And we’ve got new prints and limited merch available in the links.
Thanks for reading, see ya later.
