As interest in film photography grows, should Canon and Nikon consider making a newer version of the AE1 or FM2 for today’s retro enthusiasts?
Both Canon and Nikon have a long history. And because analog photography has increased the level of interest. Now is a good time to update one of their classic designs. while having to make a few tweaks along the way
In either case, Nikon would have been better suited to that movement. The company’s recent decision to adopt a retro design for the mooted Zfc shows it’s keen to tap into customers’ love for older cameras to build brand loyalty. As a high-end body, the Df might not sell for the amount Nikon had hoped for, but an affordable APS-C body with a thick bezel that takes buyers back to the 70s and 80s might inspire. Moved from the desired marketing department to carve Nikon̵
7;s niche into the current offering.Interest in movies has grown.
You wouldn’t have imagined that since the digital age Filmmaking is more popular than ever. There are countless YouTube channels run by movie enthusiasts filming everything from 110 to 8×10, and last week, SmarterEveryDay’s Destin Sandlin. Reminds his ten million members that these chemical processes are fun and wonderful to feel. In an era where the Sony a1 can produce more afternoon images than it does Cartier-Bresson Taken all his life Something about film physical appearance and a slower process that makes the experience feel more digital. in the world of marketing Authenticity weighs a lot.
Of course, the media probably thought the price of second-hand cameras increased. And film processing labs are busier than ever. But what is the truth? The Darkroom, a California lab that has been operating since 1976, has seen significant growth in recent years. “Our headcount has doubled from a few years ago. And we are expanding our lab to keep up with volume,” said Trev Lee, Darkroom’s lead photographer, adding that interest in social media continues to grow. “Yes, interest in film is definitely growing.”
Seeing that it gave a deadly sound The digital age has made photography on film a lot easier. Home scanning can take advantage of your existing camera. And now the lab is integrating scanning into developing services. Once you’ve sent your camera roll out. You have a choice not to watch it again. Instead, you get a cloud storage link which gives you a collection of beautifully scanned files at high resolution. All of this is dust and scratch free. Your movie archive no longer requires the same time and resources. And those digital files are not molded either.
With that in mind, retro-loving customers would love to see a manufacturer like Canon or Nikon update one of their classic cameras, or they want to remove all the fun from digging through eBay and sifting through thrift stores first. To associate yourself with something that may or may not work?
Leica leading the way?
Leica seems to believe in the potential of analog with a new film camera to be announced in the next four or five months. According to Leica Rumors, an M film distance meter similar to the M6 TTL is coming, and hopefully without that expensive price tag. Because they currently sell for three or four large second-hand machines.
Leica makes an interesting comparison. Because this is not a mass market camera company. But these are niche deals. which often has limited runs that are directed to smaller markets. Of the true enthusiasts of this brand and the unique experience of shooting with a Leica camera, many may be inhaled, but the appreciation is real. And I will give you a comparison of Biros and fountain pens. They are good, expensive, people like them, and they pay good money for them. (Which, of course, makes them especially susceptible to ridicule).
Is it worth Nikon to do something similar? Brand affection certainly exists. Just as the number of people filming the movie is increasing coupled with a growing appreciation for an aesthetic that makes you feel like Gordon Parks, Don McCullin or Steve McCurry. To me, such a camera must be mechanical (or almost) leaning towards the style of the Giugiaro-designed FM2 or F3 and the iconic red stripe. This required a cast alloy chassis. And this is where we inevitably run into problems.
The remaining tanks
Cameras of the 1970s and 80s were built like tanks. And there is no shortage of equipment in the second-hand market. Film cameras will have a limited interest in them. and the cost of precision equipment machining in the 21st century and other adjustments. One or two things can make such cameras expensive. And as a limited edition item with collectible-like value, we’re now heading to the Leica territory.
As the camera industry is struggling with declining sales as a result of the global pandemic. So few companies — at least among all Nikon — are in a position to pursue a niche hobby. That said, perhaps Canon is looking to crowdfund such a project. and perhaps more successful than the revamped AE-1 than made by the disastrous and quickly forgotten IVY REC. Which is a camera that the design team seems to have forgotten that teenagers have smartphones .
In short? No, don’t be silly.
Sadly, the answer to the question of whether Canon and Nikon should make new film cameras is almost nonexistent. This camera will be a great exercise in making the brand a fan favorite. more available And perhaps with some new cameras, it’s hard to imagine how this camera will be financially efficient. And with the swirl of film cameras on eBay, anyone looking to indulge in analogue bliss doesn’t have to struggle to find options.
However, it’s fun to guess what a camera like this should be. What will your innovative and technologically improved ideal film camera look and feel like? And do you think anyone other than yourself will buy it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Image taken by G_a_D_o, used under CC BY-SA 2.0.
