FUJIFILM X Acquire is free. It pulls files from a tethered Fuji into a folder, and you review them somewhere else. Fuji's forums have "Tethering not working with Fuji Acquire" threads going back years. The fix is almost always the USB mode.
Short answer: TETHER STUDIO replaces X Acquire on Mac for Fujifilm X and GFX bodies over USB, with live review, AI culling and client view, for $99 once. Set USB Mode to USB Tether Shooting Auto first.
Fujifilm tethering fixes
- Camera: Connection Setting → USB Mode → USB Tether Shooting Auto. Card Reader and RAW CONV modes won't tether.
- Quit X Acquire, Image Capture and Photos, then killall PTPCamera ptpcamerad.
- USB-C data cable direct to the Mac.
- GFX bodies are the most reliable Fuji tethering cameras.
The alternatives
| Price | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| TETHER STUDIO | $99 once | X-T, X-H, X-S, X-Pro, X100 and GFX over USB, with culling and client view |
| Lightroom Classic | Subscription | Native Fuji tethering since 2025. X-T5 and GFX 100 II listed |
| Capture One | Subscription | Tethers most current Fuji bodies |
Full walkthrough: Fujifilm tethering on Mac.
Frequently asked
What can I use instead of Fujifilm X Acquire on Mac?
TETHER STUDIO tethers Fujifilm X and GFX cameras on Mac over USB for $99 once, with live review, AI culling and client view. Lightroom Classic (native Fuji tethering since 2025) and Capture One tether Fuji on subscription.
Why is my Fujifilm not tethering?
Set Connection Setting, USB Mode to USB Tether Shooting Auto. Card Reader and RAW CONV modes do not tether. Then quit other apps and run killall PTPCamera ptpcamerad.
Which Fujifilm cameras tether best?
GFX medium format bodies are the most reliable Fujifilm tethering cameras.