Fujifilm X-Half | 72 Frames
A First Walk with the Fujifilm X Half
This wasn't intended to be a serious photography outing. It was simply my first proper walk with the Fujifilm X Half and an opportunity to see how the camera feels when used exactly as it was designed. No expectations. No pressure. Just a camera, a walk along the beach, and 72 virtual frames waiting to be exposed.
Subscribe to My YouTube Channel
DxO PhotoLab 9
After processing the roll from the Fujifilm X Half, I wanted to see how far I could push the JPEG files beyond the camera's built-in film simulations. For this set of images I used the Harman Phoenix 200 Film Positive rendering inside DxO PhotoLab 9 which added a little more contrast, colour and character while still retaining the original feel of the morning.
PhotoLab 9 has become my go-to editing software for both RAW and JPEG photography. For projects like this it's a great way to experiment with different film looks and creative interpretations without overcomplicating the workflow.
Try DxO PhotoLab 930-day free trial available.
A Camera Designed for Memories
The Fujifilm X Half has divided opinion since its release. Some photographers immediately understood the concept while others questioned its limitations. After spending a morning with it, I find myself firmly in the first camp.
For me, this camera isn't about specifications. It's about slowing down and enjoying photography again. The X Half feels less like a modern digital camera and more like carrying a tiny film camera in your pocket. It's playful, uncomplicated and refreshingly different from the endless pursuit of technical perfection.
72 Frames and No Screen
For this walk I selected Film Camera Mode and set the camera to 72 exposures. Once activated, the rear screen effectively disappears from the experience and you're left composing through the optical viewfinder.
I normally enjoy shooting from the rear screen, especially for casual street photography, so this felt slightly strange at first. Yet after a few minutes it started making complete sense. Instead of reviewing every image, checking sharpness or worrying about exposure, I simply walked and photographed whatever caught my eye.
After every frame comes one of the most charming parts of the experience: advancing the film lever. It's entirely unnecessary in practical terms, but somehow it makes every photograph feel more intentional.
12, 36 or 72 frame options
Optical viewfinder shooting
Manual frame advance lever
No image review until the roll is finished
Montesilvano at 7:30am
The plan was simple. Arrive early and enjoy a quiet beach before the summer crowds appeared.
Unfortunately I had underestimated just how many people share the same idea.
By 7:30 in the morning the beach was already surprisingly active. Walkers, runners, dog owners and early swimmers were all making the most of the cooler temperatures before another hot summer day arrived on the Adriatic coast.
Rather than seeing this as a problem, it actually gave me plenty of opportunities to test the camera. The X Half seems particularly suited to these kinds of everyday moments. Nothing dramatic. Nothing spectacular. Just small observations collected throughout a morning walk.
The Contact Sheet Experience
The real magic happens when the roll is complete.
Back home, the images are transferred into the Fujifilm X Half app where the virtual roll is processed. The reward is a beautifully presented contact sheet showing every frame from the session.
This is probably my favourite feature of the entire camera.
There is something incredibly nostalgic about seeing an entire morning, afternoon or day represented on a single sheet. Every frame becomes part of a larger story. Instead of viewing photographs individually, you're seeing a sequence of memories and moments connected together.
I can easily imagine printing these contact sheets, framing them, or displaying them on a digital photo frame at home. They feel less like individual photographs and more like visual diary entries.
Taking the JPEGs into DxO PhotoLab 9
One thing I was particularly curious about was how far I could push the JPEG files.
The X Half doesn't offer RAW capture. Everything is built around simplicity, speed and in-camera creativity. For many users the images straight from the camera will be exactly what they want.
Naturally, I couldn't resist experimenting.
I imported the JPEGs into DxO PhotoLab 9, which has become my primary editing software, and applied the Harman Phoenix 200 Film Positive rendering. Combined with the Fujifilm Classic Chrome simulation I had used in-camera, the result created a look that felt punchy, contrasty and slightly unpredictable.
The colours became richer, shadows deepened and the images gained a character that suited the atmosphere of the morning perfectly. This wasn't about improving the files as much as exploring a different interpretation of them.
Final Thoughts
After only one proper outing, I already understand why the Fujifilm X Half has found a place in my bag.
It's small, discreet and genuinely fun to use. People barely notice it. There is no pressure to create portfolio images and no temptation to obsess over technical perfection.
Instead, it encourages something that many photographers forget from time to time: simply enjoying the act of taking photographs.
This first roll from Montesilvano was never meant to be a serious project. It was simply a test. Yet sometimes those unplanned outings produce the most enjoyable experiences.
And judging by how much I enjoyed this morning, I suspect the Fujifilm X Half and I will be spending quite a lot more time together over the summer.
Fujifilm X Half Fujifilm X Half Review Fujifilm X Half Film Mode Montesilvano Photography Italy Photo Walk Street Photography Italy DxO PhotoLab 9 Classic Chrome Harman Phoenix 200 Beach Photography Travel Photography Italy Photo Journal