Fujifilm X100V: Longterm Review

The Fujifilm X100V has been one of the most talked-about cameras over the past four years. It's stylish and compact and delivers photos with beautiful film-like colours. I owned one for three years before selling it in January 2024. Did it live up to its hype and price tag?

Almost four years ago, in March 2021, during the pandemic’s peak, I was bored and bought an X100V on a whim from Camtec Photo in the heart of Montreal. I was impulsive, a case of gear acquisition syndrome; I was lured by its retro looks to complement my X-T3. I didn't need it, but I sure as hell wanted it. 

Indeed, the Fujifilm X100V and its successor, the X100VI, have been the most hyped social media cameras over the past few years. They're stylish and compact and deliver film-like colours. Fortunately, I bought mine new, even negotiating a small discount. A few months later, TikTokers and Gen Z discovered it, making the X100V nigh-on impossible to buy for its retail price. The crazy thing is that I sold my X100V for $300 more than I paid for it brand new.

Design and Build Quality

The X100V’s rangefinder-esque design turns heads, and most people, myself included, buy this camera because it looks nice. I don't see anything wrong with that. Objects that look pretty and are well-made are more likely to be used. While it features a rangefinder design, the X100V is NOT a rangefinder camera, and the optical viewfinder does not have a rangefinder patch like the one found on Leica M cameras.

Although only partially pocketable, its size is okay for most on-the-go photography scenarios. The camera's construction blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality, including a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder unique to the Fujifilm X-series. This feature allows users to switch between a traditional optical viewfinder and a more precise electronic option, enhancing the user experience for those who appreciate the analog feel. I'll be honest: I rarely used the optical viewfinder; manual focus on an X100V, with its fly-by-wire focussing, is not enjoyable.

Image Quality and Performance

The X100V has a fixed 23mm F/2 lens, which translates to a 35mm equivalent on its APS-C sensor, making it an attractive option for street photography and casual use. The camera has a 26-megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, shared with models like the X-T3, X-T4, and X-Pro3. It delivers pleasing image quality, benefiting from Fujifilm's beloved film simulations, such as Classic Chrome, Classic Negative and Acros. No other manufacturer delivers the film-like JPEG colours that Fujifilm cameras output and these simulations add an extra layer of charm to the images, reminiscent of classic film stocks. Most people, except the most insufferable of camera snobs, will be happy with photos taken with an X100V or with most Fujifilm cameras.

Fujifilm offers the best JPEG customization of all camera companies. You can tweak the looks you get by creating custom profiles (also known as Film Recipes) that adjust the shadows, highlights, white balance, clarity, grain and colours you get straight out of the camera. I rarely edited my X100V photos in Lightroom and would convert the RAWs in-camera into JPEGs. Check out Fujifilm X Weekly for an extensive library of "film recipes" that you can add to any Fujifilm camera. 

The 23mm fixed lens is good and sharper than the prior X100F version. Its close-focus capabilities allow for a shallow depth of field when photographing close-ups despite the modest maximum aperture of f/2. The camera also includes an integrated ND filter, a boon for shooting in bright light without overexposing the image. All X100 series cameras use leaf shutters, which are much quieter than focal plane shutters and are ideal for discreet street photography and photographing in quiet environments where you don’t want to disturb those around you. Another thing I love about X100 series cameras is their built-in flash units, which are great for low-light portraits with a point-and-shoot film camera vibe.

Fixed Lens: Creative Freedom or Frustration?

The X100V's fixed 23mm lens (35mm equivalent) offers advantages and disadvantages, which should be the deciding factor as to whether this camera is for you. On the one hand, it encourages a more disciplined approach to photography, forcing you to engage more actively with your environment and explore unique compositions you might not have thought of without a zoom lens. This is a valuable exercise in creativity. On the other hand, it can be limiting for photographers used to the versatility of interchangeable lenses, potentially leading to missed shots in dynamic shooting environments. That said, 35mm is a versatile focal length for documentary, street, environmental portraits and travel photography. I used my X100V mainly as the camera I had on me at all times, making it ideal for spontaneous street shots and as my travel camera. Sometimes, I’d get frustrated by its limited focal length, but looking back at the four years of photos I took, I think they brought consistency to my image-making and encouraged me to see the world in a certain way.

If you want a change of perspective, Fujifilm offers two conversion lenses that provide a 28mm or 50mm field of view. I can't comment on either because I haven't used them, but the 50mm converter makes the X100V look cartoonishly out of proportion. But I recommend buying an X-Pro or X-T line camera if you're thinking of different focal lengths.

Usability and Features

The X100V's physical controls are intuitive, with shutter speed, aperture, and ISO dials that hark back to older film cameras. The touchscreen LCD is only for focusing, not menu navigation, which might be a downside for some. The camera's body combines metal and plastic elements, with the top plate and dials made of metal for a premium feel, although some users might find the plastic buttons less appealing. 

One important addition to the X100V is weather sealing, a first for the X100 series cameras. While it offers some “protection” against the elements, it isn't foolproof, and it only works when you attach a filter in front of the lens. I experienced moisture intrusion during a trip to the Peruvian Amazon when I got caught in a downpour during a boat ride in the middle of a lake (see image below). The camera died shortly after (to its credit, Fujifilm Canada replaced it under warranty). All this to say, I’m sceptical about how effective the weather sealing is.

Drawbacks

While I enjoyed using my X100V, there are a few things I didn’t like. The autofocus isn’t the fastest and has this annoying sound akin to a dot-matrix printer from the early 90s. Additionally, the lack of built-in image stabilization limits its video capabilities and low-light performance. Although the F/2 lens produces perfectly pleasing images, I can't help but wish it were F/1.4 instead. More to the point, I wish it had a full-frame sensor, but that’s not happening. I used the X100V alongside a GFX 50R for three years, and the image quality of the 50R’s medium format sensor spoiled me even though the X100V delivers great images for an APS-C sensor. I know this is an unfair comparison, but it is worth mentioning still.

While the X100V wins points for aesthetics, a significant annoyance surfaces with the non-detachable eye cap. This design leads to constant friction between the eye cap and clothing for owners like me who wear the camera with a strap slung around the waist. This causes wear and tear and highlights a troubling aspect of the camera's design: the eye cap cannot be replaced without sending the entire unit back to Fujifilm for repairs. It's attached directly to the glass of the viewfinder, which means any damage or wear significantly impacts usability and could necessitate a costly fix. The rubberized eyepiece on my unit started wearing out within a matter of weeks, and although it didn't impede the function of the camera, it was unsightly. Finally, one more point. Battery life on this thing is bad. You can expect to get around 250-300 shots per charge, so I'd recommend buying one or two spares to take with you, fortunately you can buy cheap third-party batteries online.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Fujifilm X100V stands out for its stylish design, portability, and the distinct image quality characteristic of Fujifilm's X Series. While it commands a premium, especially in a hyped-up resale market, its limitations—such as the fixed lens and modest weather sealing—should be weighed carefully. For those captivated by its rangefinder-esque design and do not need interchangeable lenses, the X100V offers a rewarding photographic experience. However, for versatility, cameras like the X-Pro might be a better value. The X100V is ideal for photographers looking for a compact and stylish camera with a classic feel, but it’s essential to consider all options within the X Series based on your specific needs.