Half year with Fujifilm x100V - honest opinion
Faster than one might think – half a year has just passed. For me - it was a first half year with Fujifilm x100V.
Has this camera managed to steal my heart during that time, or I’m starting to regret giving into the hype and spending a ton of money on yet another toy, already thinking about putting it up on local auction sites?
Let’s check.
As it happens, this half-year also marks the halfway point of my “one photo a day for 365 days” project, which - as it turns out - I’ve almost entirely carried out using the Fuji.
X100V was also with me on several trips (Mallorca, Poland, France, and many local outings). I took some portraits with it. I shot during the day, at night, in harsh daylight, and indoors. I took photos with it before work, at work, and after.
Given how frequently I’ve used it, I assume that over these six months we’ve gotten to know each other well enough for me to write an honest review. No one asked me to do it, and I myself hesitated for a moment - because, as a rule, I don’t like reviewing any kind of gear.
My relationship with it feels way too subjective for that (and I guess this is relevant to all gear users).
But - and here comes a spoiler alert - this little Fujifilm camera has totally stolen my heart, so I decided to write a little love letter here.
I’ve already talked about the behind-the-scenes of buying the Fuji, so here’s a quick recap.
My main camera up until now has been (and still is) the Sony A7III with a set of lenses. At some point, I started looking for a camera that I could take with me everywhere.
The Fujifilm X100 series had been tempting me for a long time, but spending that much money on it felt crazy. Nearly 1500 euros for a used camera with no interchangeable lenses?
But, damn, Fuji kept calling to me. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful digital cameras on the market, and I simply like beautiful things.
So, well, fate played a little trick on me. At the end of December 2024, I became the owner of a second-hand Fujifilm X100V. The camera was practically new (about 2,000 clicks, if I remember correctly), still under warranty, and came with the original case.
And from that moment on, we’re on a honeymoon together - and we’ve been practically inseparable.
What really bothers me about Fujifilm x100V
So it doesn’t get too sweet in here, let me start by talking about one of its personality traits that I was aware of - and even though I tried to ignore it at first, it eventually started to bother me a bit: lack of weather and dust sealing.
Which is pretty unfortunate, because I mostly shoot at the coast. Granted, the weather this year has been unusually kind and it hasn’t rained too often, but it’s been windy enough at times to keep me from taking the camera to the beach. I was worried the lens or sensor might get dirty with sand.
No sealing in the body and lens was the reason I didn’t take it with me on a trip to Ireland, and why I won’t take it on my upcoming trip to Scotland either.
I try not to think about what’s coming during the rainy Dutch autumn.
But honestly, I think that’s really it.
5 other Downsides of Fujifilm x100V and how am I feeling about them
As for the other potential downsides of the camera, over time I’ve found that I don’t really mind:
the small, weaker battery compared to the A7III - I bought two extras and that solved the problem - usually, I don’t even need two of them to use the camera all day;
the fixed lens - often considered a downside by many, but for me it’s actually this camera’s power - the focal length is super versatile, and being limited to it has had a really positive impact on how creatively I approach framing;
somewhat sluggish performance - it did lag a bit at first, but anyone with an X100 series camera who’s looked at forums or social media knows that you just need to reduce in-camera clarity to 0 and the problem disappears;
autofocus - it has a bad reputation, but honestly, I didn’t even notice any issues - are there really any?
the limited tilt of the screen (up and down only) - even when I shoot in portrait orientation, I still prefer using the viewfinder).
Hyped features In Fujifilm x100V that I could easily live without
There are a few things I initially reacted to with a lot of enthusiasm, but now they could just as well not exist for me:
film simulations - I did in the beginning, but don’t use them anymore. I prefer editing my photos myself; and if I’m in the mood for a Portra 400 or Kodak Gold look, I just grab my analog camera instead;
SOOC JPEG color quality - see point 1;
built-in ND filter and in-camera double exposure - I rarely shoot with long exposures, and I prefer creating double exposures in Photoshop, where I have much more control over the final edit.
Why I really love this camera
What truly made me fall in love with this camera were really simple basic facts and features:
its size – it fits into a large jacket pocket, and when I put it in a bag or hang it around my neck, I barely feel it at all, which I can’t say about the Sony;
ergonomics – I have small hands, so the camera fits perfectly in my hand, and I love the dials that resemble those on analog cameras;
the look – the beautiful design and vintage aesthetic are among the reasons I keep reaching for this camera with undiminished pleasure.
Techs and specs of Fujifilm x100V
When it comes to the technical side - most of all I mean dynamic range and colors - there’s really nothing to complain about.
It hasn’t let me down, neither in low-light conditions nor in situations where the contrast between light and dark areas of the image was very pronounced. Getting a properly exposed shot in demanding conditions is truly not difficult.
At high ISOs, it performs very well - the amount of noise isn’t traumatic. Personally, that’s of secondary importance to me anyway, since I enjoy adding a bit of grain to my photos.
As for the colors - ehh, let me just say this: with Fujifilm, I was able for the first time to achieve a satisfying color of sea water (I’m talking North Sea now) without using a polarizing filter or spending hours in Lightroom.
So - was it worth it?
Absolutely. The camera fulfills the exact purpose I had in mind when buying it: to be my everyday camera. It's with me almost all the time and almost everywhere.
Carrying it around is a pleasure, and that’s resulted in hundreds of photos that otherwise never would have happened.
It’s my first choice if it comes to travel (well - almost; see the paragraph about weather sealing). Especially since I usually travel light, with just a small carry-on bag, where every additional square centimeter makes a difference.
Its size and look also matter a lot if you're trying to blend into a crowd when doing street photography (though that’s rarely a big deal for me). Very few people, when they see such a tiny camera, will take you for a serious photographer - which means you can get the job done while staying under the radar.
And most importantly - the legends about this little camera refining your love for photography are not to be dismissed. It's a tool whose simplicity and functionality, combined with its beautiful design, make using it an endlessly enjoyable experience.
And as we know, the more photos you take, the more often, the more frequently - the better they get. In terms of that, this little camera will make you a better photographer.
One final important aspect
I understand that this isn’t a camera for everyone. Even a used one can be a little expensive.
But if I were just as determined to own this camera while on a tight budget, I’d still look for an older second-hand model (like the X100F). The price difference is significant, and the specs don’t differ so drastically that they’d ruin the overall experience.
Your Fujifilm fanboy
Below a few favorite pictures I made with this beautiful thing this year so far.
All pictures in this article are edited with my Lightroom presets.
They are are my current go-to’s when it comes to quick, but satisfying edit. They all add a nostalgic, slightly gritty character by leaning into soft tones and subtle mood. One is a timeless black & white.
And the grain! Grain brings the feel of 35mm camera back.
They are a great starting point to edit your pictures and will help you get closer to that >filmish< look.
Plus, by purchasing the presets, you support my blog enormously. Thank you!