Everyone wants to buy a Fujifilm X100VI – but there’s one camera that is a much better retro choice

I can still remember the first time I saw the camera, with its stylishly sleek lines, reassuringly chunky build and retro design that referenced its maker’s distinguished heritage. Classic looks were back – and I knew this camera would be an instant hit.

No, I’m not talking about the viral success that’s accompanied the Fujifilm X100V and its VI successor. I’m talking about the ‘OG’, a camera with all the above attributes that debuted a decade ago: the Olympus PEN-F.

This was 2016’s digital re-imagining of 1963’s film era Pen F, the world’s first half frame 35mm SLR. And if I was lucky enough to still own one in 2026, I wouldn’t be selling it on.

No mere fixed lens compact, the digital era Olympus PEN-F is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless model on which I can swap the optic to best suit…