The Vegan Camera, by Kübra Sobaci
The title actually came from a beloved customer description of this camera; it’s like a vegan sausage, it taste like a sausage, smells like a sausage but in reality it’s actually vegan. Just like this camera; it looks like an analog camera, has functions like one, shoots in the analog mode but it’s a still digital camera after all.
The Fujifilm X-HF1 is for everyone who wants to step into the world of analog photography quickly and safely, or explore it in a more affordable way, without giving up the convenience of the digital era.
Launched in June 2025, the Fujifilm X-Half is a digital camera with the soul and aesthetics of an analog film camera. With its compact size and feather light 240g body, it’s the perfect travel companion that practically disappears in your hand literally.
In a twist we don’t often see in cameras, the XHalf shoots in a 4:3 vertical format when held normally and switches to 3:4 when turned horizontally, almost as if it’s built to go against your instinctive framing.
First Impressions
When I took the XHalf out for a walk in the city, I kept checking my bag every few minutes to make sure it was still there; yes, it’s that light. I had to take my time with the unusual framing too, but once I got used to it, everything became easier: just point and shoot, and with the paired app, everything’s ready to post online.
I had some fun with the Analog Mode as well; the constant urge to check results had to wait patiently until I finished all the frames. The best part was watching my film “develop” and getting that dopamine rush from freshly revealed shots, exactly what I needed.
I found the camera easy to navigate and even easier to enjoy. I believe Fujifilm has launched a great camera for those just dipping their toes into the world of analog, offering the best of both worlds in one sleek body.
Analog Mode
To deliver a truly analog experience, Fujifilm has included a dedicated Analog Mode. Here, you can select your roll just like choosing a real film: 36, 54, or 72 frames, and pick your preferred film simulation.
Once you start shooting, you can’t review your images, just like with traditional film. After each shot, you manually advance the “film lever” on the top of the camera to prepare the next frame. The tactile process, the waiting, the discipline; it all feels genuinely analog, minus the developing costs.
When you finish your roll, simply connect your camera to the Fujifilm XHalf app or to your laptop via USB-C and watch your film “develop.” Only then can you view your photos, just like the moment of truth when your negatives come back from the lab.
Digital Mode
Beyond its nostalgic charm, this one is also a modern digital camera packed with clever innovations. Most notably, it’s one of the rare cameras featuring dual touch screens: the left vertical screen lets you choose film simulations and digital filters, while the right LED screen handles all your settings and adjustments.
The camera also supports video recording, best used with a tripod or stable surface for smooth results. It comes with an integrated flash, a USB-C rechargeable battery, and shoots exclusively in JPEG format, ensuring every image you take is already finished and ready to share, filters, tones, and all.
Value
At first glance, the price might seem steep, but consider what’s inside. Every film simulation, every development process; all the costs that come with traditional film photography are built in. In the long run, the X-Half doesn’t just save money; it saves time, effort, and space in your camera bag.
Kübra Sobaci is a photographer and graphic designer based in Germany. She is currently spending her gap year exploring creative experiences, through an Erasmus project, across Europe.