Smallrig's New Accessories Breathe Ergonomic Life into Fujifilm’s X Half

Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 19:28 GMT by digitalcameraworld
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Fujifilm’s X Half has carved out a unique niche in the photography world – a compact, rangefinder-style camera blending vintage aesthetics with modern digital capabilities. While its retro charm is undeniable, the ergonomics have been a point of contention for some users. Now, Smallrig aims to address these concerns with a suite of new accessories designed to enhance comfort and usability without sacrificing the X Half’s distinctive character.

The X Half, as many know, is built around a modified Leica M mount, allowing it to utilize a vast array of legacy lenses. This versatility comes at a cost: the camera body itself is relatively small, and mounting larger, heavier lenses can lead to an awkward and fatiguing shooting experience. Smallrig’s new offerings directly tackle this issue, focusing on providing more secure grip and stability while maintaining the X Half's classic appeal.

A Focus on Grip and Stability:

The core of Smallrig’s solution revolves around a series of cage systems and hand straps. The Smallrig X-Half Cage Kit (Model 2678) is arguably the most significant addition. This full cage wraps around the camera body, providing multiple mounting points for accessories like the new hand strap and other potential future additions. Crucially, it’s designed to be low profile, minimizing its impact on the camera's overall dimensions and preserving its retro aesthetic. The cage itself is constructed from aluminum alloy, offering robust protection against bumps and scratches while remaining relatively lightweight. It also provides access to all of the X Half’s ports and controls without obstruction.

Complementing the cage is the Smallrig X-Half Hand Strap (Model 3058). This strap attaches securely to the cage's designated mounting points, offering a comfortable and secure grip for extended shooting sessions. The ergonomic design aims to reduce strain on the hand and wrist, particularly when using heavier lenses. It’s made from durable nylon webbing with a soft, textured rubber pad for enhanced comfort and grip. The strap is adjustable, allowing users to customize its length for optimal positioning.

Beyond Grip: A Quick Release Baseplate:

Recognizing the need for even greater stability and versatility, Smallrig has also introduced a Smallrig X-Half Quick Release Baseplate (Model 3057). This baseplate allows photographers to quickly attach and detach the camera from tripods or other support systems using a standard Arca-Swiss compatible clamp. This is particularly useful for landscape photography or situations where precise framing and stability are paramount. The baseplate also features multiple accessory mounting points, further expanding the X Half’s capabilities.

Design Considerations & Aesthetics:

Smallrig has clearly put effort into ensuring these accessories don't detract from the X Half's vintage charm. The cage is designed to be as minimal as possible, exposing much of the camera body while still providing essential protection and mounting points. The hand strap’s nylon webbing and rubber pad are chosen for their durability and tactile feel, blending seamlessly with the camera’s classic design language. The baseplate maintains a clean profile, avoiding unnecessary bulk or ornamentation.

Why This Matters to X Half Users:

The Fujifilm X Half appeals to photographers who appreciate a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. However, its compact size can present ergonomic challenges when paired with larger lenses. Smallrig’s new accessories directly address these concerns by providing improved grip, stability, and mounting options. This allows users to enjoy the camera's distinctive character without sacrificing comfort or usability.

Pricing & Availability:

As of this writing, the Smallrig X-Half Cage Kit (Model 2678) retails for approximately $59 USD, the Hand Strap (Model 3058) for around $29 USD, and the Quick Release Baseplate (Model 3057) for roughly $39 USD. All three accessories are readily available through Smallrig’s website and authorized retailers.

Conclusion:

Smallrig's new accessories represent a welcome addition to the Fujifilm X Half ecosystem. By focusing on ergonomics and usability without compromising the camera’s distinctive aesthetic, these additions enhance the overall shooting experience for both seasoned professionals and casual enthusiasts alike. For those who have found the X Half’s ergonomics limiting, Smallrig’s offerings provide a practical and elegant solution, allowing users to fully embrace the camera's unique appeal. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the X Half community's needs and a commitment to supporting this increasingly popular niche camera.

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Smallrig's New Accessories Breathe Ergonomic Life into Fujifilm’s X Half