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Last Updated on 04/09/2025 by Chris Gampat
We have been hearing of the new innovations at Fujifilm for a while now. For instance, we reported on the development of the medium format compact camera, the GFX100 RF, way before it was officially announced. Similarly, we have updated you about newer cameras, such as one with panorama and a 1-inch sensor, which can become a reality anytime soon. Today, we are here to finally shed some light on one such camera that is also said to launch soon: a Fujifilm half frame camera that was previously reported on last year. But could Fujifilm really be making what would essentially be a digital version of the Pentax 17? Here is a look at the fresh reports.
Additional reporting was provided by Chris Gampat.
According to Fujifilm Rumors and Photo Rumors, Fujifilm has registered a new camera with the FCC. The camera registration, FF240003, was published on February 26. It features a vertical LCD screen, and there are a few sketches of the same available. From the looks of it, reports say this could be the half-frame camera, which we spoke about last year.
Fujifilm Rumors state that the camera is going to smaller than the X-M5, as the half-frame camera will measure 105.8mm x 64.3mm. Here is an image below.
As soon as the registration news hit the industry, FujiAddict gave us mock renders of what the camera could actually appear like.
Frankly, we’d take the renders as seriously as you would a flat-earther’s claims. Fujifilm wouldn’t use a lens with a 35mm focal length on a camera like this because it would otherwise mean that the effective field of view would be something like 70mm.
On top of all this, photographers should keep in mind that Four-Thirds sensors are around the size of half a full-frame sensor. That’s why the crop factor is 2x — meaning that a 50mm lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras renders a 100mm field of view. With that said, a true half-frame camera would be around the size of a Four Thirds sensor but also flipped vertically. If it were paired with the Fujifilm 35mm f1.4, which has a back element that can cover a full-frame sensor, the field of view would be 70mm, and the render of the depth of field would be 2.8.
In contrast the half-frame camera could be a marketing tactic for selling 1-inch sensors. However, the kind of images one can make is still undercover. This camera could be like a digital sibling of the Pentax 17, or the Yashica Samurai X3.0. In addition, the reports suggest this could also help photographers to make diptychs, where they can release the shutter two times to make a single image. The in-camera diptych, if proven true, would actually be very fun for varied photographers to use.
In addition, the design and the layout are different from those of any camera we have seen. The vertical screen means this would be perfect for content creators who run after a vertical format. The placement of the buttons is also similar to EVO and LiPlay Instax cameras. In addition to having a distinct quality, a retro-design and the price of the device could further help people pick this device.
If you are wondering why a 1-inch sensor is needed, then you must remember that they are much better than a smartphone. The reason why vintage cameras are making a comeback is because phones are no longer what they once were. Similarly, Fujifilm is trying to tap into a market that is pretty huge (phone users), who want a device that is powerful from their phone cameras but also gives additional features such as control over images. Packed with Fujifilm film simulation, this camera can be an instant hit amongst the younger generation.
But with this, the question of the X Pro 4 still lingers in the air. A lot of photographers want the camera, but it seems the company is stalling it as much as it can. If the device happens to be a rehashed version of the X-H series, Fujifilm will lose the trust of many. Until then, we shall keep you posted.
