I bought the Fujifilm X100VI twice!

It was not until my mid-thirties until I was interested in getting a real camera. I'm still not sure whether it was peer pressure or the hype during COVID that got me interested in the Fuji x100. I vividly remember the first time I held the camera with my hand and took my first snap. It felt like a completely unique experience and as if I've never taken a photo before.

Feb 2024: I pre-ordered the camera as soon as it was announced and was one of the first ones to get it in Australia.

$3,000 Australian dollars.

It was expensive, possibly overpriced. The camera was in high demand. I'm surprised Fujifilm didn't charge more.

And by May 2024 I had already sold the camera. I had unplanned expenses that came up and it was prudent for me to sell the camera than partially liquidate my investments. It was a matter of principle. You can read about it here:

😢 Sadly bid farewell to a prized procession 📷

Life, inherently, has its highs and lows. Currently, I find myself in a challenging situation. Earlier this week, I came back from a one-week vacation in Queenstown, New Zealand. It was an incredible trip by any measure. However, we ended up spending more than we had budgeted, significantly more indeed 🤑. Additionally, my extended family has unexpectedly decided to hold a family reunion in South Australia next week. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m a family man. Family reunions provide a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. The combination of these two trips has placed an unexpected strain on my finances. While I maintain a rainy day fund as a responsible adult, it is not intended for this situation. The only immediate solution I could think of for generating quick cash is to sell something. After thoughtful consideration, I decided that the only item I could part with is my Fujifilm X100VI. It’s one of my prized possessions, and I was thrilled to obtain one on launch day. This device is a luxury item rather than a necessity. Notably, it’s my first camera that isn’t a mobile phone. Using the Fuji X100VI is delightful and enjoyable, a feeling I don’t get from any mobile phone camera. Granted, from my perspective, the difference in photography quality between the two isn’t significant. There are subtle differences, but perhaps this is because I lack the keen eye and skills of a photographer to fully utilize this device. This isn’t a new realisation for me. Today, I sold my camera on Gumtree. The sale brought a wave of sadness and a sense of loss. I considered changing my mind, but I reminded myself of the need to act responsibly. The camera fetched nearly AUD3000. While not a fortune, it’s what I needed at the moment. This is part of being a responsible adult.

Unfiltered by MereCivilian

Time went by..... and before I knew it, the X100VI was a distant memory. One thing my dad says, if you cannot get what you want, than you should learn to live without and that is exactly what I did.

Feb 2025

The X100VI's one-year anniversary filled my YouTube feed with reviews. Many praised the popular camera, which remains in short supply.

I got sucked into the hype.

I bought a used one on eBay for AUD2300. The price seemed too good to be true. I doubted the order would be fulfilled. However, miracles happen and I was a proud owner of a Fuji X100vi in black. My first one was in silver. Both colours have their appeal.

I was overjoyed!

Everything the reviewers say about this camera is true. It's pocketable, feature packed and the Fujifilm film simulations set this camera apart from its counterparts. In addition, the Fujifilm community is vast and very dedicated to the brand.

However, most reviewers who review this camera and those who buy it are photographers. Rarely have I seen a review from someone who was not into photography or from people who have previously only use mobiles for photography. The point is, people who buy this camera already have experience with a real camera.

A real camera gives you more control and with a bigger sensor, it gives you more freedom from a creativity perspective. All this is true.

However, this time around, I just found the X100VI cumbersome and created unnecessary friction.

The following are conveniences that a mobile camera provides that a real camera doesn't:

• Mobile camera is always within reach, it's in your pocket.
• Mobile camera is significantly lighter and takes up less space
• Geo tagging built in.
• Instant sharing of images to friends and family
• A real camera requires more decisions to be made by the photographer: whether a diffuser is required, which film simulation to use, should I turn on ND filter or not, where to put the lens cap, considering the exposure triangle. Etc. With an iPhone, you just take the photo.
• Mobile camera's view finder is bigger, better and brighter. Mobile displays are fantastic and the touchscreen is super responsive which on the X100VI it is not.
• Video recorded on the iPhone was better than on the Fujifilm.
• Findmy support which the Fujifilm X100VI does not have. Yes, I can have an airtag but that is something that can easily be taken off.

Photography enthusiasts value the control a real camera offers. They enjoy holding the camera and the entire photographic process, from shooting to editing.

I am not one of those people. I take pictures to document my life. Making so many decisions before taking the photo was feeling like a chore. It is shocking to me I didn't feel like this when I initially purchased the X100VI back in 2024. Perhaps, I was still riding the hype train.

However, when it had been weeks since my last use and I didn't even care enough to transfer the pictures from the camera to computer, I knew, this wasn't for me.

Basically, I like the idea of having a real camera. I also like the idea of taking pictures with a real camera but I dislike the practicalities of having a real camera.

Mobile cameras are just so good these days and they are so convenient to use. I can give my phone to anyone and most times, they will capture a reasonable image. However, when you give a person a real camera, they are lost. Believe me, I have tried this on multiple occasions. Perhaps I am just terrible at selecting people to take photos of my family and I.

I sold the camera for $2600 and made a $300 profit. That felt good 💵💵💵

This wasn't a pointless exercise. I got to be a person who carried a real camera, admittedly, for a short period. That was good.

I gave it a go, and it wasn't for me. I rather try something than wonder what it would be like using a real camera. Now, I know and its not for me.