Back in the spring of 2011, I embarked on a photographic journey by purchasing the Fujifilm X100 camera along with a matching Fujifilm leather case. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of a long-lasting bond with what has now become my favorite compact camera. Over the years, I’ve owned and cherished various iterations of the X100 series, from the original FinePix X100, X100S, X100T, Fujifilm X100F through to the latest. the Fujifilm X100V.
This versatile little camera has accompanied me on adventures spanning from the majestic Mournes to the summit of Mont Blanc, from the bustling streets of Belfast to the iconic avenues of London and Paris. Simply put, I carry a Fujifilm X100 camera with me everywhere I go. As the Fujifilm X100V is so difficult to find I thought I would shine a light on the also brilliant X100F camera.
Table of Contents
About the Fujifilm X100F
With each new generation of the X100 series, Fujifilm has added exciting enhancements. The Fujifilm X100F, continued this tradition, ushering in an important chapter in the X100 story.
Much like its predecessors, the X100F is a versatile camera suitable for both landscape and documentary photography, combining portability and Fujifilm’s renowned image quality. Please note that some of the images featured in this post are from a pre-production Fujifilm X100F. If your heart is set on the X100V then check out the Fujifilm X100 Gallery.
The Fujifilm X100F Review:
I had the privilege of shooting with a pre-production X100F for three months before its official launch. I meticulously documented my journey in 4K video, courtesy of the Fujifilm X-T2 (details below). Despite the typical challenges associated with pre-production prototypes, the X100F has been an absolute joy to use since day one.
Notable updates over the X100S and X100T models range from obvious improvements to more subtle refinements, all of which contribute to making this the most exciting generation yet. Perhaps the most striking difference is the inclusion of the X-Trans III 24-megapixel sensor, the same sensor found in Fujifilm’s flagship X-Pro2 and X-T2 cameras.
The Mournes with the Fujifilm X100F
The image quality delivered by this sensor is truly stunning, boasting remarkable dynamic range and detail. This camera is a powerhouse neatly packaged within an elegant and portable shell.
To accommodate the larger sensor and enhanced processor, the X100F now uses the NP-W126D battery, the same as found in Fujifilm’s interchangeable lens cameras like the X-T2 and X-Pro2. This battery change is particularly convenient, especially if you’re using both the X100F and one of the flagship cameras. Furthermore, the X100F offers the convenience of USB charging, a boon for those who like to travel light.
Fujifilm X100F Documentary Photography
During my time at Millbank Music Studios, I had the opportunity to utilise the X100F’s 24-megapixel X-Trans III sensor, along with on-camera film simulations, to capture the exceptionally talented Amy Montgomery. I highly recommend checking out Amy’s work on Spotify or Apple Music.
I’ve also put together a hands-on video featuring the X100F, providing a sneak peek of one track from her upcoming debut album. See below.
The good news is that Fujifilm has included the ACROS simulation for capturing high-contrast monochrome images. The X100F delivers exceptional low-light performance with minimal noise, even at higher ISO settings. The image exposure compensation has also been expanded to plus or minus five stops, offering increased versatility.
Improved Focus Selection:
One significant improvement in the X100F is the focus selection, thanks to the addition of a focus thumb-stick. The camera’s 23mm lens (equivalent to a 35mm focal length) can be complemented by additional lens attachments or by the newly added digital tele-converter.
Please note that the digital tele-converter is currently available when shooting in JPG format. During my testing, I captured several images with the physical teleconverter, and it was a delight to explore Belfast with a 50mm field of view.
It’s the X100F’s blend of portability and performance that makes it an attractive choice for everyday use. Whether capturing the streets of Belfast or the serene beauty of the Mourne Mountains, the X100F excels in various settings.
Firmware and Physical Changes:
The camera’s firmware introduces the ability to automatically embed your copyright information into the image EXIF data, a valuable feature that also made its way to the X-T2 and X-Pro2 firmware.
Physically, the X100F is ever so slightly larger (likely due to the battery change) compared to the X100T. This difference is subtle, measuring only in millimeters. However, the build quality is exceptional, exuding a sense of luxury. It strikes the perfect balance between power and elegance.
The Fujifilm X100F, like the others in the series, is a reliable companion whether navigating forest trails or scaling the peaks of County Down’s Mourne Mountains. Notably, the ISO adjustment has been relocated to a physical dial, further enhancing usability, especially in rapidly changing lighting conditions.
This feature proved particularly handy during late winter afternoons when daylight fades quickly. Moreover, you can easily assign ISO ‘A’ settings to the dial’s COMMAND position, enabling quick ISO adjustments without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
Long Exposure and ND Options:
Much like previous models, the X100F includes a ‘T’ mode for exposures of up to 30 seconds, along with a bulb mode. When combined with a shutter release cable, these features open up the possibility of capturing stunning long-exposure images. Additionally, the camera offers a built-in ND filter, and the threaded lens allows for the use of additional ND filters, enriching the long-exposure photography experience.
Fujifilm X100F Panorama Mode
Another notable feature is the X100F’s ability to capture sweep panoramic images, effortlessly creating a single JPG file that is automatically stitched in-camera.
Fujifilm X100F Launch Video
Final Thoughts:
The X100F transcends the realm of a mere point-and-shoot camera. It is a versatile tool capable of tackling every landscape and documentary scenario I threw at it. The appeal of the Fujifilm X100F lies in its ability to seamlessly blend portability with image quality.
The Fujifilm X100F represents an exciting chapter in the X100 series, a camera that excels in travel, documentary, and landscape photography. With its exceptional low-light capabilities and diverse film simulations, the X100F is set to remain a steadfast companion alongside my Fujifilm X100V for the foreseeable future.
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