Fujifilm X100F Walkaround – Why This Little Camera Is Still So Good
Some cameras come and go. Others somehow become more desirable after they've been replaced.
The Fujifilm X100F is firmly in the second camp.
Launched back in 2017, on paper it's now several generations behind Fujifilm's latest X100 models. In the real world? It's still an absolutely cracking little camera — compact, beautifully built, simple to carry and capable of producing gorgeous images.
And that's rather the point of buying used camera gear.
Newer doesn't automatically mean better for you.
Sometimes an older camera that does exactly what you need — for considerably less money — is the smarter buy.
This photograph was taken with the very camera we're talking about.
No laboratory charts. No photographing brick walls at 400%.
Just an X100F out in the real world doing what an X100F is supposed to do.
And that's something we'll be doing throughout these UPG24 guides — showing you the gear and showing you what it can actually produce.
A Small Camera With a Big Personality
The X100F combines a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor with Fujifilm's fixed 23mm f/2 lens, giving roughly the classic 35mm-equivalent field of view.
That fixed lens might initially sound restrictive.
No zoom. No changing lenses. No enormous camera bag containing seventeen things you won't actually use.
Terrible, isn't it? 😂
In practice, that's a huge part of the X100F's appeal. Pick it up, stick it over your shoulder and go and take photographs.
Its traditional shutter-speed and exposure-compensation dials also make it wonderfully tactile. You're controlling a camera rather than navigating a small computer with a lens attached to it.
UPG24 GEEK BIT 📸
The X100F uses Fujifilm's hybrid viewfinder, allowing you to switch between an optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The optical finder gives that traditional rangefinder-style shooting experience, while the EVF shows you much more closely what the final exposure will look like.
Two very different ways of shooting. One little camera.
Why Do People Still Love the Fujifilm X100F?
Despite its age, there are some very good reasons these remain popular on the used market.
They're compact and discreet, produce lovely colours straight from the camera and have that excellent hybrid viewfinder.
Then there's the build.
The X100F feels like a proper camera. Physical controls, sensible ergonomics and none of the feeling that you've bought something designed to be obsolete next Tuesday.
And, of course, there are Fujifilm's famous Film Simulation modes.
For photographers who don't fancy spending their evening staring at Lightroom sliders wondering whether +7 warmth looks better than +6, being able to produce great-looking JPEGs straight from camera is a genuine attraction.
What Should You Check When Buying a Used X100F?
This is where buying used becomes less about finding the cheapest one on the internet and more about finding the right one.
Body condition: A few cosmetic marks aren't necessarily important, but check carefully for heavy impacts, dents and damaged corners.
Lens: Shine some light through it and look for scratches, haze, fungus or excessive internal contamination.
Viewfinder: Check both the optical and electronic viewfinder. Make sure they're clean, clear and switching correctly.
Controls: Test the shutter-speed dial, exposure-compensation dial, focus selector, Q button and rear controls.
Battery compartment: Make sure the door closes securely and check the general condition of the battery and contacts.
And obviously...
Take some photographs.
A camera can look magnificent sitting on a desk. Its actual job description remains taking pictures.
UPG24 TIP 💡
Keep that fixed front element clean and consider using the appropriate hood when shooting in strong light.
Because the lens is permanently attached, you can't simply swap it out if it gets damaged.
Look after the little chap.
So, Is the Fujifilm X100F Still Worth Buying?
Absolutely — for the right photographer.
If you want the latest autofocus technology, interchangeable lenses and every modern feature available, there are better choices.
But if you want a beautifully made, compact camera that encourages you to take it with you and actually make photographs, the X100F remains a cracking used buy.
And that's one of our favourite things about used camera equipment.
Yesterday's flagship doesn't suddenly forget how to take a great photograph because somebody released a new one.
UPG24 – We Know Used Gear.
Pro Gear. Amateur Prices.