Why This Camera Makes You Want to Shoot Every Day

The Fujifilm X100 series has always been wildly popular, and for good reason. Its compact design, fixed lens, and film-like rendering have made it a favorite for people who want a camera that feels simple yet powerful. More than specs, though, what matters is how a camera changes the way you see and photograph, and the X100 has done that for many.

Coming to you from Mike Chudley, this thoughtful video explores what makes the X100 series such a unique tool. Chudley explains how it became the first camera he carried everywhere, not just on planned shoots. That shift is bigger than it sounds. It turned daily life into a chance for photographs, making casual walks feel like creative opportunities. He connects this to his journey into street photography and even how it influenced him later to pick up high-end cameras like the Leica Q2 and M11. The point isn’t just about gear, but about how the X100V changed his relationship with taking pictures.

Chudley also highlights something you might not expect: how much other people enjoy using the camera. Friends and family, even those with little interest in photography, pick it up without hesitation. It feels approachable, and the JPEGs look so good straight out of the camera that he can drop them into group chats without editing. That social side of the camera isn’t on the spec sheet, but it matters. A camera that makes people want to take part creates different kinds of moments, and that’s rare.

The video mixes these personal insights with his ongoing project of photographing coastal towns in Essex. Alongside the talk about the X100V, you see him walking through small harbors, documenting benches decorated in memory of loved ones, and even striking up a quick portrait session with a local named Vic. These encounters underline how the portability of the camera shapes the work. Because it’s always with him, he’s able to catch these chance meetings. The video makes clear that the project isn’t about perfect light or technical perfection but about what happens when you show up with a camera in hand. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Chudley.