The grafter.
It’s hard for any lens at the 35mm equivalent range to grab the headlines. This focal length is how the human eye sees the world. It cannot ‘wow’ the crowd with any optical party tricks: No super-wide special effects, and no telephoto wizardry in the form of compression and giant bokeh. This 23mm isn’t even small, like the pancake F2.8 version that was released in 2025, so it can’t show-off in that department either.
But this particular 23mm lens works hard to do a little bit of everything, and to a decent level too. In footballing terms, it is the equivilant of a ‘midfield enforcer’. It can defend and attack. It is ‘no-nonsense’ and it will do whatever you tell it to do.
When you need a portrait, it can get you one. When you are in a tight space, it will work, and when you need a landscape it will get you the shot. Heck, if you wanted to chance-your-arm at some astro photography…you could give it a darn good go.
Trustworthy.
The XF23mm F1.4 R can be trusted. If you were to venture out into the wilderness, this is the loyal friend that you want by your side. Other lenses are certainly more glamorous, but the 23mm will get you out of a jam in 99% of situations.
Over the years, this lens has been used the most across my photography. Probably because if you can only take one lens away with you, this is the one. There is a reason the x100 is the same focal range.
There are lots of places where 35mm(50mm equivalent) is could be too tight. Alleys, train carriages, archetechture. Not a problem if you can bring a couple of lenses. But if you want to be light and nimble…this is the badger. This allows you to also sprinkle in some family snaps in between too.
Different needs.
It totally depends on what you do. I do low light, and I do tight spaces. I also like to snatch a portrait here and there as a bit of a bonus.
It’s big-ish, but it’s still not too big for the smaller X-Series bodies. It feels natural, I like it.
Facts and figures.
It weighs 297g ( 344.5g with caps and hood). It has a filter thread of 62mm and a focus distance 28cm.
It comes with a plastic, petal-style hood. This is very large and makes the lens look odd, and should maybe be left in the box.
The lens does have one really cool physical feature… the ‘Focus Clutch’. It’s awesome. The focus ring can be pushed forwards and backwards, which toggles the lens between manual and auto focus. It a handy feature which can be done without taking your hands away from the camera.
Alternatives.
If getting to F1.4 isn’t important to you then there are smaller options to consider: the ‘Fujicron’ 23mm F2, and the ‘pancake’ 23mm F2.8. Fujifilm have also updated the F1.4 model too in recent years, making it Weather Resistant. If you need even more options at 23mm, there are also 6 different x100 models to choose (fixed lens camera – see my guide to this range).
This lens is sharp wide open.
It has good colour rendition. I haven’t noticed any issues optically, but if there are any, they seem well corrected (with the. In-camera Jpeg, or in Lightroom when you import.) It is famously solid.
Weather Sealing & Autofocus.
I havent had issues in terms of lack of weather sealing, and I take this lens out much more than the others. But, I do tend to cruise around at a leisurely pace, in fairly mild conditions, so I doubt I am a good barometer for use in extreme weather.
This has the older style of Fujifilm autofocus. This is slower and more noisy than the linear motor AF in newer lenses, but I didn’t find it was that noticeable. Perhaps it bothers me less, as I don’t often need it to be particularly fast for my work.
When used responsibly.
During the time of X100v being out of stock and overpriced. I built myself an alternative with a X-S10. This was alot of fun (23mm, IBIS and F1.4) and I found it fairly compact too, although not as retro-cool(…but still cool!). That combo was a little powerhouse.
Is it magic?
Yes. The focal length is great for people. It may not be at the extreme end of the magic spectrum. It’s not yelling from the rooftops, but it quietly plugs away with a modesty about it, covering landscapes, people and low light images, with a serene grace. It’s a special lens that will do its best to help get you out of any sticky situation (when the 35mm or the 56mm are at home.
Buying guide.
At the moment, the XF23mm F1.4 R is well priced on the used market. You cannot buy this lens new, but you could get the updated WR version for £819 new, however the lens is fairly different. £819 also seems like quite a lot of money.
You could however try a used ‘excellent’ copy (with a warranty) for between £250-300 from your local camera shop, (or Park, Wex, MPB etc.), which feels like good value for the MVP in your camera bag.
Fuji Magic Blog 
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