Fujifilm's next compact camera may feature screenless shooting mode akin to Leica M11-D rangefinder camera

After weeks of vague leaks promising a new compact camera from Fujifilm, more details about the Fujifilm X-Half's real-world capabilities and features have started trickling out. The latest feature leak comes courtesy of Fuji Rumors, claiming that the X-Half will have what the leaker has dubbed a "film roll mode."

According to the new leak, this film mode will disable the LCD on the back of the camera for a certain number of shots or until the user manually disables the setting. The idea is to force a film-like photography experience, where the photographer would be unable to review images until the moment is over. Whether anyone asked for a feature like this is unclear, but switching up the photography experience has been Fujifilm's modus operandi for a while already.

Previously, Fujifilm introduced features like the film simulation dial, which received somewhat mixed reviews from users online, but seems to have found a niche. It's likely a similar turn of events will play out when it comes to this film mode. This feature almost seems like an imitation of the shooting mode for the Leica M11-D, which is entirely devoid of a display on the back, forcing users to use the rangefinder instead. It also seems as though Fujifilm will implement some sort of secondary LCD to display the current film simulation, as teased in an official YouTube video by Fujifilm recently.

Previous reports indicated that the Fujifilm X-Half will have a vertically oriented rear display just below the optical viewfinder. The leaks also point to a 1-inch sensor, although it's as-yet unclear what the resolution of the sensor will be.

Supposedly, the new compact camera will feature an f/2.4 lens, although details about the focal length have not yet emerged. The X-Half will also apparently trade some image capability for a more compact design, with previous leaks claiming that it will be even smaller than the Fujifilm X-M5 (curr. $1,099.99 on Amazon with a kit lens). Given the compact size, unique shooting experience, and expected vertical sensor orientation, it seems as though Fujifilm is targeting social media users and those looking to step away from the usual monotonous smartphone photography experience.