Fujifilm X-Half: the incredible compact retro miniature that frames … vertically!
Once again, Fujifilm does nothing like the others. Faced with the race for pure technology, the manufacturer continues to cultivate its retro universe by announcing the X-Half, the only camera on the market which frames by default in vertical mode. Point of 3/2 or 4/3, the X-Half therefore offers a 3/4 vertical ratio, which puts it in the filiation of argentic devices such as the case Pentax 17 that we tested last year. And perfectly sticks to the current uses of social networks like Instagram, or image consumption is mainly vertically done.
Note the two screens: on the left, the small cartridge for film simulation. In the center, the aiming screen placed vertically. © Fujifilm
But while the Pentax 17 and the ancient devices of the genre (Olympus Pen F of the 60s) literally recorded on half of the surface of a 24×36 mm installation, the mention in half (half in English) no longer has the same direction: the surface of the 1 inch sensor (see below) is 116 mm², while a 24×36 mm sensor offers an area of 864 mm ². It is therefore more an allusion to the vertical framing format, tinged with a photosensitive surface actually smaller than the X100.
Designed in an obviously retro look, the X-Half (X-HF1 of its code name) also surprises by its compact format, its small optical viewfinder of Galileo (undoubtedly imprecise). But he surprises even more by the design of his orders.
Unique ergonomic, extraordinary compactness
The X-Half has two touch screens, one of which is surprising. All in length, this vertical screen placed next to the visualization screen displays in real time the film or artistic rendering that you are using. And its touch technology allows you to quickly change film simulation (13 simulations available) or rendering filter.
Coder and wheel wheel, the X-HF1 is mainly piloting since the largest of its two screens. But like a smartphone, the different sides call for different functions. It remains to be seen if ergonomics will be intuitive enough for the general public. But one thing is certain: on this level too, the device stands out.
Last fundamental block of its management: the case is, even more than the previous boxes, intimately linked to its application.
The material ergonomics will be greatly influenced by its Lilliputian template: with only 240 g on the scale, the Fujifilm housing is a response to the expectations of a market that is lacking in really compact devices.
1 inch sensor
This is a first for Fujifilm: Classic compact sensor point that we found in the X20/X30 for example. Nor an APS-C sensor as in its six x100 iterations and its old X70. No, for this X-Half, Fujifilm called on a 1 inch sensor producing images of 18 Mpix (3648×4864).
To our knowledge, Sony is the only 1 inch sensor supplier on the market. And there is no reference in the Sony catalog which displays 18 Mpix. In addition, the 18 Mpix shots it produces are at the 4/3 ratio, undoubtedly to produce balanced PLU images than 3/2 vertical. In all likelihood, the sensor is undoubtedly a 20 mpix slightly cropped to obtain the desired ratio.
Optics equivalent to a 32 mm
Displaying 10.8 mm on its facade, this optics therefore offers a 32 mm field cover in 24 x 36 mm equivalent (the 1 inch sensor multiplier coefficient is x2.7). A kind of just medium for those who find the equivalent 28 mm (like the GX100RF) too wide, and the 35 mm equivalent of the X100 (like the X100) too tight.
The optics are quite simple, made up of six elements (including three aspirials) united in five groups. Fujifilm wanted to continue on its momentum with the old -fashioned feeling by equipping its optics with an opening control ring. Who is, fortunately for beginners, equipped with a car position.
The strength of simulations and filters, the search for argentics
The X-HALF makes it possible to combine the diptych assembly here, a film simulation, an addition of the film and the overrimplementon of the date as in the era of the electronic argentic compacts of the 90s. © Monica Figueras for Fujifilm
The X-Half is not a technological performance device-there does not seem to be a burst mode-but a “creative” case. With its “dandruff” change mechanism by sliding of the thumb and its many effects (light leak, halo, exhaled film, grain, date overprint, etc.), Fujifilm capitalizes on digital recipes that allow you to create different images. Without going through the computer box. Small disappointment for fans of Fujifilm: the absence of pro Neg renderings. STD and pro Neg. Hi, two very rich rendering (as well as Eterna Bleach bypass, monochrome and monochrome YE/R/G.
If you have noted an armament lever on the case, know that it is not there by chance. Fujifilm has developed a unique “silver camera” mode in the current digital world. It consists in inserting an SD card, choosing a number of views, shooting only to the viewfinder using the lever to rearm virtually between each shot. Before developing photos via the dedicated X HALF application. Any removal of the card leading to the stop of this mode (if necessary). A gimmick for some, the discovery in a way of blind/old -fashioned shooting for others.
Available in black, anthracite and silver version, the Fujifilm X-Half (X-HF1) will be available from June 12 at a price of € 799.
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