Yes, the Fujifilm X100 camera does need a lens hood to protect the lens from dust and scratches. Lens hoods also help shield the lens from stray light which can cause flares and reduce contrast in your photographs. The Fujinon 23mm f/2 fixed prime lens that comes with the X100 requires an LH-X100 39mm screw-in metal lens hood for optimal protection. Not only does this type of hood provide essential physical protection, but it also helps create softer background blur (bokeh) in photos by keeping out any extraneous light coming from outside of its intended field-of-view.