Retro cameras are back in fashion big time. Older models from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and more are now circulating in the second-hand market, with some selling for far more than their original price. To cater to the retro camera market, several companies, including Lomography and Camp Snap, have introduced their own variants, which have now gained a following. To compete with them, a new camera is developed, which is non-disposable in nature: RewindPix. Here is a look at how it offers far more features than any other retro camera on the market.
All images in the article are screenshots from RewindPix’s website.
According to the creator, Xiao Liu, RewindPix is created with the intention to offer the following: “retro look, bright viewfinder, high resolution lens, powerful enough processor, true film-like filters, and a winder.” So far, there is only a prototype model available, but it already captures images that look exactly like film.
According to its website, RewindPix has been inspired by the Agfa Optima and features a large shutter button that can be customized to switch colors. There is also a large viewfinder with an accurate FOV. In addition, there is the M12 (35mm equivalent) lens and a 43mm filter thread for creative photography. The model may include a hot shoe later on, as Xenon in-camera flash can not be as powerful. As for the viewfinder, the prototype model uses Otima’s OVF, which measures 2.5cm X 2cm.
Now, on the rear, the retro camera comes with a winder. As Liu said in his blog post, “With customized and complex photo processing logic, the RewindPix processor needs a moment after you take a shot. So, while you’re immersing yourself in the winding action, the processor is actually working hard to deliver the best possible result.” In addition, you get a filter slider switch, which also allows you to switch between three filters: Sunny Warm (inspired by Kodak), Breezy Cool (from Fujifilm), and Monochrom (plain black and white). You can see these changes on a 1-inch LCD. The last one is also helpful in viewing WiFi settings, the “film roll” count, in-camera mode photo count, and battery status.
In a Reddit post, Liu explained his goals for the final product:
- Allow 20-30 fine-tuned filters as “film stock” upon its launch
- Allow users to adjust settings such as white balance, contrast, grain, exposure, and more, which will help them create a customized filter. As he said, “Think of it as you develop your own ‘film roll’ before load it to your camera. This will help to reduce as much post-editing work as possible.”
- Since it is a digital camera, one can select three films from their film stocks from a separate app.
The website also notes that the retro camera will come with its own filter app. This will help photographers to “load and unload” their film roll in the camera, choose between 30+ filters (which will increase on a monthly basis), and you can “develop” your images in the “dark room” of the app. With the latter, you will see your images as “negatoves” in the app, which then can be edited and saved to your phone’s gallery.
Overall, what Xiao Liu is working on is truly exciting. In an era when cameras are all focused on megapixels, RewindPix aims to offer a nostalgic experience that many photographers crave. With features such as a rewinder and the various filter app functions, it just may stand a chance to surpass Camp Snap. It remains to be seen how the retro camera fares when it launches, but for now, it is safe to say it will be going places. For more information or updates, head to RewindPix’s website.
