Shooting The Fujifilm X100 in 2023
The original (OG) Fujifilm X100 is one of those rare 'vintage' digital cameras that has recently captured significant attention. When it was first released in 2010, it faced various issues, which caused a division among users. The camera was slow and clunky, the focus was questionable, and the list goes on… However, over time, after a few firmware updates, it managed to carve out a special niche and developed a bit of a cult following, with many preferring it over the models that came after.
In 2022, and especially with the lack of availability for the X100V, there was an unexpected resurgence in interest in the original X100, driven mostly by a massive wave of users on Tiktok. 'TikTokkers' as they are known, began to express their admiration for the X100's image quality, praising it’s somewhat filmic look, bringing it back to the forefront once again, and dramatically driving up the price of the camera. If you'd like to know more about this, you can read the article on Petapixel for better insight.
I’ve owned a couple of the original X100’s in the past. In fact, the X100 played a significant role in reigniting my passion for photography because of its compact form factor (and looks). However, I must admit that I encountered some challenges with the camera and its 35mm field of view, especially since I was accustomed to using a 50mm lens before., so ended up moving it on for the X-Pro1 and a 35mm f/1,4.
Although I'm far from being a 'TikTokker,' my curiosity led me to reconsider trying out the X100 again. Carrying around a Nikon Z6ii with a 24-120mm lens for a few months made me realise the need for something more compact that I could easily slip into my pocket and use for documenting what I see. Enter the X100.
Despite my initial reservations about the 35mm field of view, my shooting style and subject matter have evolved significantly since my first experience with the X100, and when I had the X-T3, I’d even started to use a 23mm f/2 lens as part of my workflow. My appreciation of how versatile this focal length was had completely changed, and looking at it now, I totally can understand the camera's appeal and fully appreciate its popularity. For me, the X100 just clicks, and I can see why it has garnered such a dedicated following. With its fifth iteration (X100V), the Fujifilm X100 line has undeniably become a tremendous success among users, firmly placing Fujifilm onto the map as a prominent camera manufacturer.
Having shot with the digital Leica M series in the past, I wholeheartedly understand the notion of a camera having "soul." The X100, without a doubt, possesses a certain essence of soulfulness and, in numerous ways, allows you to focus on the art of photography. It may not have the build quality of an M, granted - but it will certainly save you a fair wedge of cash!
After spending a few days with my Nikon Z6ii, it feels incredibly liberating to switch to an X100 camera and relish in the sheer simplicity of capturing the world without the burden of lugging around a massive camera bag. The X100 possesses a unique quality that evokes emotions while photographing the moments around you. I refer to back to my point about having a camera with soul, and the charm of the original 12mp Bayer sensor delivers an imperfect yet filmic look that just further adds to its appeal.
Whether you adore it or despise it, there's no denying that in 2023, the Fujifilm X100 series, now 13 years old, has undeniably solidified its status as a classic.
All images shot with a Fujifilm Finepix X100
