Kickstarter Campaign of the Month: For millennials, DIYers, trend-setters, and traditionalists, this is welcome news (and, some would say with the revival of Vinyl records, inevitable): A Kickstarter campaign that has already reached its initial fundraising goal intends to bring back the film SLR. Reflex will take a completely modular approach. From interchangeable lens mounts that allow users to use the most popular interchangeable lenses independent of brand to light-tight interchangeable film backs that can be swapped out in mid-roll, the camera is an entirely new system.
It couldn’t have come at a better time: Supply of existing new film SLRs is dwindling, and in some states, such as California, there is a law requiring schools teaching film photography to supply students with new cameras. Used cameras are plentiful, but for some, they’re not an option. And the only new film SLR still available, the Nikon F6, is pricey at . So, there may be a built-in demand for a new film SLR.
Key features of the Reflex 35mm SLR include:
- I-Back interchangeable film back: Film can be pre-loaded and changed quickly, similar to how it’s done in many medium-format cameras. Advantage: You can change emulsions in mid-roll so you’re not tied to one ISO, or color, or B&W, for an entire 24 or 36 exposures.
- I-Plate interchangeable lens mount: You can swap out between Nikon F, Olympus OM, Canon FD, M42 Screwmount and Pentax PK mounts, so if you have multiple lenses in different mounts, you’re not tied to one brand.
- Built-in Flash and LED light: Reflex will be the first film camera to offer both types of light. Each will offer three intensities.
- Reflex App: If Reflex reaches its “stretch” goal of £150k, they will develop an app that will let you connect the camera to your portable device to record the settings of each film so you can keep track of your settings.
Here the specs provided by Reflex. Note the last one and have a giggle:
- Type: Single Lens Reflex Camera
- Format: 135 film, 35mm/FF
- System: Reflex RM
- Lens Mount: Reflex I-Plate (in M42, Nikon F, Canon FD, Olympus OM, Pentax PK)
- Focus: Manual
- Film Loading: Reflex I-Back
- Film Advance/Rewind: Manual
- Exposure: Manual – Aperture Priority (+ 4 stops EV)
- DOF: inverted preview
- Viewfinder: x0.86 magnification, +90% coverage, glass pentaprism
- Shutter Speeds: 1s – 1/4000th, Time and Bulb, Flash sync: 1/125th
- Metering: AV + Spot + 4 stops EV (LED readout)
- ISO: 25-6400
- Controller: Arduino based, modular design
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (BLE) enabled
- Body: Magnesium Alloy
- Weight: 490g
- Dimensions: 134mm x 74.5mm x 34mm
- Electronic system: 5v Ion Lithium rechargeable via USB-C
- Resolution: Zero Megapixels
The early-bird pricing for the system (including one lens mount of your choice) is approx. $460. Funding for this project is open until December 7. Learn more on Kickstarter.
Would you be interested in buying a new 35mm DSLR? Leave a comment!
