Where to buy the Fujifilm X100VI: current delivery estimates and the best retailers

Trying to get a hold of a Fujifilm X100VI? You're not alone. This much-hyped compact fixed-lens camera is easily one of the most successful camera launches we've seen for a long time, with demand massively outstripping supply.

It's not a huge surprise, given the popularity of its predecessor, but most stores are still scrambling to fulfil orders for the Fujifilm X100VI even many months after release. Simply put, if you order today you'll join a large line of photographers waiting to get their hands on the camera.

We've outlined the best retailers to check out just below, but note that nowhere has immediate stock right now and all retailers are generally operating on a first-come-first-serve basis. We do have a few tidbits of information to share, however, that might help you snag a camera. We've also included some alternative models that we've personally reviewed and loved here at TechRadar. They may lack the certain je ne sais quoi of the Fujifilm X100VI but they're great options that are actually available to buy right now. 

From our ongoing research, it seems that most of the people who were lucky enough to preorder a camera back in February have now received a camera. There may be a few exceptions where this isn't the case, however, which proves just how popular this camera is right now. 

The Fujifilm X100VI retails for $1,599 / £1,599 at all retailers right now, which we don't expect will change for a long, long time due to this camera's popularity. If you're interested in a full run-down of the camera, check out our recently published Fujifilm X100VI review for our detailed thoughts. 

Where to buy the Fujifilm X100VI

Current delivery estimates

Right now, no stores are officially listing delivery estimates so it's almost impossible to say when you'll get your camera if you order now. Up until very recently there were still reports of people who ordered their camera within the first week of available who hadn't received their camera yet. As of early August these reports seem to be getting rarer but I'd still say you're looking at a significant multi-month wait if you order a camera right now. It seems unlikely that you'll get a camera before the end of the year unless you try calling around at local shops or the Best Buy trick (read below).

From what I've read on the situation, it seems that most stores are being left in the dark in regard to how many cameras to expect from Fujifilm. Fujifilm itself has stated that it could take months to fulfil any backorders, despite reports of increased manufacturing capacity. According to industry news, Fujifilm doesn't seem to be too concerned about stock levels so it's likely we'll be waiting a long time until this camera is readily available. 

With all that said, stores are still fulfilling orders on a first-come-first-serve basis so there is a case for putting an order in sooner rather than later if you're willing to wait.

Probably the best way right now: try Best Buy 

Users on the Fujifilm subreddit have discovered a handy trick that seems to be helping a number of users secure a camera. The process involves heading over to Best Buy and using the chatbot to directly contact a sales rep. The thinking here is that a sales rep can help you scan Best Buy's stores nationwide to find stock in one of the local branches. The sales rep can also place you directly on a mailing list for stock alerts, which according to the lucky few who have received a camera, usually happen on Thursday. Right now, this seems to be the best bet for those who haven't already placed an order at another retailer.

Be aware: X100VI scalpers are active

Pro tip: I'll tell you where not to buy the X100VI - over on eBay. As expected, unscrupulous sellers are now posting their X100VI preorders on the auction site for absolutely exorbitant sums of up to $5,000 in some extreme cases. You don't need us to tell you that the X100VI isn't worth anywhere near this crazy amount, so definitely don't fall for the trap.

If you have $5,000 to spend on a camera, then there are plenty of other options right now - including some of the best compact cameras money can buy (hint: Leica Q3). You can also buy some superb Fujifilm cameras with up-to-date features and a gorgeous lens for much, much less - which we've covered just below.

Fujifilm X100VI: buying advice

What else can you do? Here's our advice

1. Call around at local retailers

This is a tried-and-true tip that we've used previously to snag stock on in-demand tech like the PlayStation 5 and graphics cards in recent years. Often, local retailers have smaller wait lists for recent releases and sometimes, just sometimes, you'll even find in-stock items hiding in the backrooms. Conversely, these retailers also tend to receive less stock when products are shipped so it's often a fine line to tread when actually placing an order. It doesn't hurt to call around, however, and this tip also applies to larger stores that have local brands like Best Buy.

2. Keep an eye on Amazon

Amazon and to a lesser extent, Best Buy, tend to release stock for in-demand products on a semi-regular basis. Unlike most photo specialist stores - which are still operating on a first-come-first-serve preorder basis - these stock drops are for items that are fully in stock and ready to ship immediately. The issue is that there's usually no prior warning for these stock drops and they also tend to be available in extremely limited numbers. It's well worth adding an item to your wishlist and checking in regularly at Amazon if you're willing to wait it out, however.

3. Check out other cameras

The X100VI is undoubtedly the camera of the moment (and for good reason) but there are fantastic alternative cameras to consider if you don't want to wait. I recently wrote a piece on seven excellent alternatives to the Fujifilm X100VI that's well worth reading if you want a detailed run-down of a few other options, but I'll also summarize here.

If you want a high-performance alternative to the X100VI, you could opt for the Fujifilm X-T5. This flagship interchangeable lens body features many of the same bones as the X100VI under the hood - like the 40.2MP APS-C sensor, image stabilization, and the latest subject-tracking autofocus. The downside? It's a little pricey at $1,699 / £1,449 - and you'll obviously have to buy your desired lens separately. It also doesn't have the fancy hybrid optical viewfinder that's unique to the X100 series, so you'll arguably not get that same old-school feel. Image-wise, however, the cameras are identical, and we're big fans of the X-T5 at TechRadar (see our Fujifilm X-T5 review for more details). 

For a cheaper Fuji alternative, you could consider either the Fujifilm X-E4 or Fujifilm X-T30 II - both of which are smaller-styled interchangeable lens bodies. They're last-gen models now, and subsequently only feature 26MP sensors, but they can be found for under $1,000 if you shop around on the used market and they both feature most of the brand's film simulation presets. Unfortunately, due to popularity, Fuji cameras are really, really over-priced on the second-hand market right now.

Outside of Fuji, there are compelling options in the form of the Ricoh GR III and Leica Q3. The Ricoh in particular offers fantastic tac-sharp images in a superbly pocket-friendly and affordable package. The Leica Q3 in comparison runs at an eye-watering premium but does offer the epitome of outright image quality thanks to its lavish 60MP full-frame sensor and Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens. Another fantastic full-frame option to consider is the retro-styled Nikon Zf - a recent addition to the brand's line-up and one that's been extremely well-received. If you're interested, check out our Ricoh GR III review, our Leica Q3 review, and Nikon Zf review for more details.

There's also a X100VI special edition

If you didn't manage to snag an X100VI preorder early, there's still potential to get a camera if you're lucky, although via a somewhat narrower and pricier path.

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Fujifilm created a special-edition X100VI that's limited to 1,934 units – 1934 being the year Fujifilm was founded. It also costs $1,934 / £1,934, which is a significant markup over the regular X100VI at $1,599 / £1,599. However, these are available in-person only on specific dates and locations, so this could be the best chance of grabbing the premium compact camera, provided you can travel. 

Sales of the special-edition X100VI begin in the US on March 28 (contact Fujifilm for specific locations), and it's anticipated all the units will sell on that day, while in the UK, sales are exclusively in-person at the London House of Photography from April 6 – expect queues.  

Functionally, the special-edition X100VI is identical to the regular version. However, you get a presentation box, a special-edition camera strap, the model's unique number etched onto the top plate, plus a different branded lens cap.