Original Fujifilm X100 Review: Why It Feels Like Film
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The quick verdict
The original Fujifilm X100 is a camera I enjoy for the experience of taking photos. Its familiar 35mm-equivalent view, physical controls and film simulations make me slow down and put more thought into each shot. If that sounds appealing, it can be a rewarding camera. If you want quick autofocus and effortless shooting, its slower operation is a real compromise.
This Fujifilm X100 review is about how the original camera felt to use, based on my August 2021 video and the photos I took with it. It isn't a comprehensive lab test or a review of a later X100 model. My film comparison is about the look I enjoyed and the process of shooting, rather than a claim that digital files are identical to film.
Watch my original Fujifilm X100 video
Watch my Fujifilm X100 impressions and photo examples on YouTube.
The original Fujifilm X100: the details that matter
I'm talking about the original FinePix X100, which Fujifilm launched in 2011. Its built-in lens is part of the camera, so you aren't choosing a separate lens system or buying a body that still needs a lens.
| Feature | Original X100 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS |
| Lens | Fixed Fujinon 23mm f/2, with a 35mm-equivalent field of view |
| Viewfinder | Switchable optical and electronic hybrid viewfinder |
| Still-photo files | JPEG, RAW or RAW + JPEG |
A correction to the video: I called the sensor X-Trans, but that was a mistake. The original X100 uses a conventional Bayer CMOS sensor. I also referred to 2010 in the video; the camera went on sale in 2011. Those corrections don't change what I liked about using it.
For the original specifications and controls, see Fujifilm's X100 owner's manual. Make sure any listing or tutorial you follow is for the original model, since similarly named X100 cameras have different features.
Why the 35mm-equivalent lens suits me
The lens was one of the easiest things for me to connect with. Its actual focal length is 23mm, giving a field of view similar to a 35mm lens on full frame. That's my favorite focal length: wide enough to show the setting without feeling extremely wide, but still useful when I want to photograph a person.
In the video, I described it as a comfortable middle ground for portraits, landscapes and street photography. That doesn't mean it replaces every lens. You don't have the reach of a telephoto or the coverage of an ultrawide, and there is no zoom lens to turn when you want a different composition.
For this kind of personal photography, I like having that one perspective to work with. If interchangeable lenses are a bigger priority, my Fujifilm X-Pro1 review covers another older Fujifilm camera I enjoy, including its appeal with vintage lenses.
The photos have a look I enjoy
What I liked about my X100 photos was their organic appearance. They didn't feel overly sharp or overly digital to me, while still being capable of clean, sharp-looking results. The examples in the video are the best way to decide whether that look appeals to you too.
That's a preference, not a measured property of every photo from the camera. I wouldn't buy it simply because an older sensor or a lower megapixel count is supposed to guarantee a film look. My enthusiasm comes from the pictures I made and how much I enjoyed making them.
I wasn't presenting the X100 as a match for newer high-end cameras in low-light performance or dynamic range. The appeal here was having a camera I wanted to use, even with its limitations.
Slow autofocus changes the way I shoot
The X100 was slow to work with in my use, and its autofocus was part of that. Once it locked on, I found it worked well, but getting to the shot took more attention than I was used to with faster cameras.
I described a process of checking the shutter-speed dial, focus and exposure before taking the picture. I was exaggerating the effort a little in the video. It doesn't take five minutes to make one photo, but it does encourage me to be more deliberate.
That extra effort made the pictures feel more personal to me. I felt like I had worked for each one. It is also a limitation you need to be comfortable with: if a slower camera would make you miss the moments you care about, enjoying its appearance won't solve that problem.
Film simulations: ASTIA was my favorite
The original X100 has a smaller selection of film simulations than later Fujifilm cameras. In my video, ASTIA/SOFT was the one I liked most. I found it natural-looking and used it for essentially all the images I discussed.
| Film simulation | Rendering choice |
|---|---|
| PROVIA/STANDARD | General-purpose color |
| Velvia/VIVID | Stronger color and contrast |
| ASTIA/SOFT | Softer color rendering |
| MONOCHROME | Black and white, also available with yellow, red or green filter effects |
| SEPIA | Sepia rendering |
These are built-in rendering options, not a promise that every image will match a particular film stock. My preference for ASTIA also isn't a complete custom recipe: I didn't provide a full set of white-balance, tone, sharpness and noise-reduction settings in this video.
Buying an original X100 used
When I filmed this in 2021, I mentioned finding the X100 for around $300 or less. That is historical context, not a current price target. Compare the asking price you actually find with the camera's condition and whether you want this slower shooting experience.
You can check original Fujifilm X100 listings at KEH through the link in my video description. Read the notes for the individual item, including the battery, charger and any missing parts. For more help comparing sellers, see my guide to buying used cameras from KEH, eBay and MPB.
Frequently asked questions
Does the original Fujifilm X100 have an X-Trans sensor?
No. It has a 12.3MP APS-C Bayer CMOS sensor. My reference to X-Trans in the video was incorrect.
Does the X100 really look like film?
I enjoyed the organic look of my photos and the camera's deliberate shooting process. That's my personal response to it, rather than proof that it reproduces film exactly. Watch the photo examples before deciding whether you like the result.
Which film simulation did I use?
ASTIA/SOFT was my favorite, and I said I used it for essentially all my images in the video. The video doesn't include a complete custom recipe.
Can you change the lens on the original X100?
The 23mm f/2 lens is built into the camera. It isn't an interchangeable-lens body, so choose it because you want that 35mm-equivalent perspective.
My verdict
I like the original X100 because it makes photography feel personal. The slower pace, familiar focal length and ASTIA rendering were the reasons I connected with it. I'd consider it for that experience, provided you're comfortable with its speed and the price of the specific used camera you're buying.
Watch more of my camera reviews and photography videos on FoxTailWhipz.