A New Era of Analog Photography: Overview of PENTAX "Film Camera Project" New Product | Release #63

Ricoh Imaging Company, under the brand PENTAX, is advancing its film camera project first announced in December 2022, with plans to release a new product around summer 2024. The anticipated fixed-lens, manual compact model has completed its research phase and is currently under development.

The eagerly awaited fixed-lens, manual compact model has completed its research phase and is currently under development. In a YouTube video released by the company, TKO from the PENTAX team appears holding photos taken with the prototype product.

According to the announcement, the camera features a unique vertical composition that fits the smartphone generation. It proposes a new shooting style adapted to the SNS era, redefining the enjoyment of analog photography.

Furthermore, to address the challenges of rising film prices and issues related to convenience and functionality in modern film photography, the design focuses on the following features.

Allows taking twice as many photos with traditional film. While the running costs such as development fees are significant for enjoying film photography, it brings analog photography closer to cost-conscious young people.

Manual winding and rewinding promote immersion and attachment to the shooting process, realizing the analog enjoyment not found in digital.

Enables intuitive and precise focus adjustments, allowing young people to expand their range of self-expression through photography.

The camera's name has not been announced yet, but it is expected to hit the market in some form by this summer. In an era dominated by digital, anticipation is high for what form the new film camera will take in response to the resurgence in popularity of film photography.

cover image by Ayumi