I’ve been asked a few times recently what adapter and filters I use on my Fujifilm X100V. I will state right off the bat that my choices aren’t necessarily the “best” ones, it’s just what I’ve done. There are likely better options, and perhaps different choices that would be better for you, so keep that in mind. With that said, let me get right into the adapter and filters that I use on my Fujifilm X100V.
The X100V doesn’t initially appear to be able to accept filters. There are no screw-in threads visible. But there’s a “secret” ring around the lens that unscrews to reveal threads, but these threads cannot accept filters. You need to buy an adapter to screw into those threads that has its own threads that filters can screw into. Make sense?
The top reason why you want to do this is because the X100V is almost weather-sealed. The one unsealed point is the lens, but Fujifilm says that if you put a filter in front of it, that should give you protection from the elements. To complete the weather-sealing process, you need to buy an adapter and filter.
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Fujifilm offers their own adapter, but it’s not cheap. I’m a cheapskate, so I went with the $10 Haoge adapter instead, and saved about $40. I think the only disadvantage is that the lens cap fits a little loosely over the adapter, but probably fits snugly on the Fujifilm option (just guessing). There are lots of other choices, including some that have a lens hood included. I don’t think which adapter you choose is all that important, but obviously it’s got to work for you.
I have tons of filters, some going back to the film days. Many of them are not 49mm (the correct filter size for the X100V), but some are, and I don’t use all of them. The number one most used filter is the Fotasy 49mm Ultra Slim UV, which is less than $10. For under $20, it’s possible to add that layer of weather protection to give you some peace of mind. I also own a Hoya UV filter (that predates my X100V), but it’s black and I prefer silver, so I don’t usually use it (yet I have used it), and a Nicna UV filter, which I have no idea where it came from. The UV filter doesn’t do much for you photographically, but it does give a layer of protection, and 90% of the time this is how my X100V is configured.
About 10% of the time I use a diffusion filter instead of (or in conjunction with) the UV filter. The one that I use the most is the 5% CineBloom, which gives a very subtle effect. A 10% CineBloom and 1/4 Black Pro Mist are occasionally used, while a 20% CineBloom is almost never used because it is so strong. If I could only have one, it would be the 5% CineBloom, but I do use the 10% CineBloom and 1/4 Black Pro Mist sometimes, and even use them together, so it’s nice having them around. I have considered buying a 1/8 Black Pro Mist because I think I’d use it frequently, but I haven’t pulled the trigger on that one yet.
What’s left? I own a Tiffen 49mm Circular Polarizer that I rarely use. I probably should use it more, because CPLs are great for reducing unwanted reflections. To some extent, it’s theoretically possible to mimic Color Chrome FX Blue with a CPL filter, I think, although I’ve never tried. I also have a Hoya Intensifier (a.k.a. Didymium filter or Starscape filter) that I’ve used a few times. I have some 49mm color filters for B&W film photography, but obviously those don’t work well on the X100V (I tried). I also have a Hoya 80A filter, which actually does work on the X100V, but I pretty much never use it.
I’m not sure which filters are right for you, but at the very least consider attaching an adapter and UV filter to give your Fujifilm X100V a little more weather protection. I like using diffusion filters sometimes, but not all of the time, and usually less is more when it comes to these. That’s what works for me, but you’ll have to figure out what works for you. Hopefully, this article is helpful to some of you. Let me know in the comments which filters you use on your X100-series camera, because I’d love to know.
Thanks for this nice article. I want to ask a question about something. I am using XT30 and there is no clarity option. I like the softness of recipes that contain -5 clarity. What filter do you think I should use to compensate for this? 1/8 1/4 or any other option.
To mimic -5 Clarity, consider 10% CineBloom or 1/4 Black Pro Mist.
Thank you very much for your answer. Good luck, have a nice day!
Just a confidence comment on Haoge products, they are Superbe! I found square lens hoods for the 23mm f2 and the 35mm f2, also 58mm square for the 14mm 2.8. I think it’s 58mm, anyway they’re built precision! The way they use a rubberized gasket in the bayonet is genius. Coupled with the X-E4 the thumb grip and hand grip makes for a formidable kit.
Thanks for the vote of confidence! I’ve only used this one, but no complaints from me, I’d definitely by their stuff again. I appreciate the comment!
I have a Marumi EXUS circular polarizer, is excellent; a H&Y ND1000 filter; a couple of 84.5mm Reverse GND and a soft GND square filter; and lastly a KnightX 4 Star that I used yesterday in very satisfactorily way in a beach here in our summer. I was surprised because it was quite cheap but it hasn’t the magenta tint of cheap filters and I don’t notice a drop in sharpness. I have seen Nisi has made a package for four filters fit for the Fujifilm X100 series, looks tempting, although it would duplicate two of my filters.
I’ve been tempted to get an ND filter, but the built-in one does well enough most of the time. A stronger one would be nice sometimes, but not often enough to make it worthwhile for me.
Believe it or not, I’ve never used a Graduated ND filter, partially because I’ve seen too many poor results from improper use (basically, the transition not being where it should be), but I definitely get why they are used and why they can be be good tools. Thanks for the comment!
Indeed the built-in is perfecta. Modern cameras are not that necessary to require graduated filters because their dynamic range is pretty good. My Fujifilm X100S despite its age can handle sunsets. Also one can add a polarizer to reinforce the built-in ND. In fact the only time where I would need my graduated filters would be when using the ND1000 filters, due the long exposure there is, in that extreme circumstance, risk of overexposure in the sky or the foam of the waves of the ocean crashing the beach. As a reader and viewer of your work I think you are right in the assumption that you wouldn’t use them quite often, maybe never.
I appreciate the feedback, very helpful!
The lens cap doesn’t fit any better on Fuji’s filter. I ended up buying a Sony lens cap, which fits much better. I’ve been using the Hoya close-up set for cheap and cheerful macro.
That’s too bad about the lens cap, interesting that a Sony one fits better. The Hoya close-up filters are a great idea! Maybe I’ll have to try that. Thanks!
I am using the NiSi Allure Soft diffuser or the NiSi UHD-UV filters designed for the Fujifilm X100 series. They are $55 and $39 respectively. Excellent optical performance. They also compliment the esthetic of the X100 line well. I appreciate that the metal Fujifilm lens cap works with these filters for an extra layer of protection when out and about.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!