FujiFilm X100VI . Still Learning. Already Loving.
Why the Fujifilm X100VI Might Just Change the Way You See Photography
There’s something about the Fujifilm X100VI that goes beyond specs, sensors, or performance charts. It’s a camera that invites you to step outside, wander with intention, and rediscover the joy of photography in its purest form.
1. A Retro Look That Gets You Out the Door
Let’s start with the obvious: this camera is gorgeous. With its vintage rangefinder styling, tactile dials, and minimalist aesthetic, it doesn’t just look good—it feels like an invitation. You don’t carry the X100VI to impress people. You carry it because it makes you want to shoot. It sparks the same excitement as grabbing your favorite notebook or pen. Before you realize it, you’re out the door, chasing light in alleyways and cafés.
2. The Fixed Lens: A Blessing and a Curse
The 23mm f/2 fixed lens (35mm equivalent) is a defining feature of the X100 series—and also its biggest challenge. On one hand, it forces you to slow down and think. There’s no zoom to rely on, no lens swapping. Composition becomes deliberate. You move your feet. You work your angles. And over time, that limitation becomes a creative superpower.
But make no mistake: it can be frustrating. Sometimes, you wish you could just zoom in a little. Or out. You’ll miss a few shots. But you’ll also make more meaningful ones. It’s a trade-off worth embracing.
3. Tactile Joy… That Can Make You Miss the Shot
One of the X100VI’s biggest charms is the pleasure of using it. The dials. The aperture ring. The manual switches. Everything begs to be touched, adjusted, experimented with.
But here’s the catch: in street photography, where moments come and go in fractions of a second, this beautiful dance with the camera can sometimes cost you the shot. You’re thinking about ISO when the decisive moment walks past. It’s a camera that rewards intention—but punishes hesitation.
4. Autofocus That’s Good Enough… Mostly
Let’s be honest: the X100VI doesn’t have the best autofocus on the market. It’s not bad, but it won’t match the speed and reliability of high-end mirrorless systems in challenging conditions. That said, for most street photography situations, it’s good enough. You learn to work with it, anticipate it, and even override it when needed. It becomes part of the rhythm.
Final Thoughts
The Fujifilm X100VI isn’t perfect—and that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. It strips away convenience and forces you to be present, to observe, to commit. If you’re looking for a tool that makes photography feel alive again, this might just be the camera for you.
