Since its release earlier on this year, the Fujifilm X100s has become a sort of acme of photographic perfection. Its flawless vintage design harks back to the days of analog film, so much that passersby are stunned to learn it is digital. It isn’t without its share of quirks, including occasionally inaccurate autofocus and short battery life, but photographers who own the X100s love it unconditionally as they would their own child, quirks and all.
This is the power the Fuji X System has over us – it plays on our natural embedded desire to return to a simpler time, even if it means we have to slow down our shooting process and work around the flaws the camera presents us with. After all, that’s how things were back in the days of film.
Now, just as every parent loves to shower his or her child with gifts, Fuji X100s owners also make a point to spoil their camera with additional accessories. Some improve its functionality such as grips, soft buttons and extra batteries while others add protection such as lens hoods, straps and cases. In either case, there is a very precise list of useful accessories photographers tend to buy for their X100s.
Ethics statement: The following are accessories we have used and enjoyed on our Fujifilm X100s. We were not asked to write anything about these accessories, nor were we provided any other compensation of any kind. Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you decided to buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. Don’t worry – prices remain the same for you. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!
1. Gordy Strap
Gordy Straps have been recommended to us by almost every X100s photographer we know. Handmade from Latigo belt leather in the USA, they are extremely tough, flexible and pliable, and can sustain up to 25 pounds (!) in weight. (If you don’t believe me, check out the gallery on the Gordy Camera Straps website – there is an image of a strap holding up a computer monitor!) With a wide variety of straps available, from wrist to neck to tripod straps, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect strap for your X100s, or any other camera for that matter. If you’re having trouble choosing, you can always have a look at this Flickr gallery of Gordy Camera Straps for some inspiration.
Buy Gordy Straps online from the Gordy store
Find second hand Gordy straps on eBay
2. Lensmate Thumb Rest
The Lensmate thumb grip has been built to improve your grip on the X100s. Designed to be slipped into the hotshoe, it can be used in both portrait and landscape orientation. It does not interfere with the normal operations of the camera, and features an small, light and ergonomic build which won’t snag on clothes or cause discomfort.
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3. Official Fujifilm X100s Leather Case
The second version of the classic Fujifilm X100/s case is a very popular item as it has been specifically built for this model. It is made of premium, genuine leather, features sturdy magnetic closures, and is an official Fujifilm product. On the base, there is a handy flap which gives you access to the battery and memory card slot. This means that if you have to change either, there is no need to remove the camera from the case. Given its high quality build, this case doesn’t come cheap, but many photographers feel it is a great alternative to carrying around a camera bag, especially if the X100/s is your primary camera. Keep in mind that the camera won’t fit if you have the LX-100 lens hood and adapter ring attached.
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4. LH-100 Lens Hood
The LH-X100 Lens Hood is a product we are definitely considering for our X100s. Just last summer, the camera took a dive off a rocky wall while we were trying to take a product shot. Thankfully, it only sustained a minute injury on its metal frame but the experience taught us that a lens hood could make the difference between having an undamaged camera for years to come and sending it in for expensive repairs or worse. Not only does the hood protect the lens, but it also effectively prevents sun glare from ruining your shots. The only downsides are that the hood may obstruct your view through the OVF, and the lens cap cannot be used when the hood is attached. The set also comes with an adapter ring which allows you to use 49mm photo filters on the lens.
Note: In the comments section of this article, Robert Nichols suggested an alternative to the LH-X100 lens hood and adapter ring which he uses without issue – the JJC LH-JX100. We recently bought it ourselves and can confirm that it does the same job as the LH-X100 but costs far less.
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5. HandlePod
For those who use the X100s or any mirrorless camera at that, the HandlePod is a great alternative to the traditional tripod for long exposures on the street. It is a support that attaches to almost any surface that is small enough to accommodate its bungie cord, including small trees, poles, fences, and more. If you find a surface to which the cord cannot be attached, simply steady the device with your hand using the grip. I use the HandlePod quite often along with my set of LEE filters, and I find that the compact combo works a treat for night street photography.
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6. Soft Button
The Soft Button from Lensmate was an accessory we hadn’t really considered for our X100s but many people use it to cushion the vibrations generated from your finger pressing down the shutter button, thus minimising camera shake. Both sturdy and effective, it can be screwed onto all Fuji X series shutter buttons. It also adds a hint of “bling” to an otherwise very discreet-looking camera!
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7. Fujifilm WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens
If you want to experiment with some wide-angle photography with your X100/s, look no further than the Fujifilm WCL-X100, a wide conversion lens which will turn your X100s’ 35mm lens into a 28mm wide angle. Just like every Fujinon lens, it delivers exceptional image quality and produces a very pleasant bokeh. It also employs the unique Fujinon Super Electron Beam Coating for superior optical quality. Having this lens will, in a way, help you find the perfect middle ground between the fixed and interchangeable X series camera.
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8. Expert Shield X100s Screen Protector
The Expert Shield for the X100s is an accessory we can personally recommend as we’ve been using it on our X100s for the past few months. The pre-cut plastic shield protects the X100s’ LCD from scratches and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The company also guarantees that bubbles will never appear under the shield. So far, everything Expert Shield has claimed has proven true. It sticks on firmly, doesn’t come away at the edges, and keeps the screen well-protected. You can read our full review here.
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…and one bonus accessory every X100s shooter will need!
Extra NP-95 Batteries
An extra battery was the very first thing we bought after purchasing the X100s. Why? Well, after only a few hours of intensive shooting in Venice, we found that the battery was on the verge of dying. Since it didn’t make much sense to constantly return to our hotel to give the battery a boost, we opted for buying a back-up. It turned out to be the smartest choice of our holiday. If you talk to any X100s user, or any Fujifilm user for that matter, they’ll tell you that an extra battery or two is a must if you plan on shooting continuously for a full day.
Note: You can also find third-party batteries for the X100s that cost less than the brand name battery.
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Which of these X100s accessories can’t you live without? What would you add to the list?
A special thanks goes out to the talented photographers in the Fuji X Club Italia, Minipez on Twitter, Sandro Tasso and Steve Brill for their invaluable suggestions for this article!
