A new(?) point and shoot autofocus camera

[charlotteRF]

I have only seen some light discussion of this project so far, and not much of it is as critical as it should be.

The Analogue aF-1, an apparently €399.99 auto focus, F2.8, 6 element point and shoot that, despite not having a physical prototype yet, is apparently releasing in June/July and are taking preorders.
The preorders even have a discount, at only €339.99

It's an extremely optimistic roadmap, keep in mind, MiNT, who had years of experience producing film cameras up to that point, still had prototypes years beforehand, and was around €900.

The CEO has some things to say about their product on reddit, which is some of the only information online about this camera, besides their 3d renders:

Since 2022, we’ve been working on a wishlist and spec sheet for what we envisioned as the ultimate P&S camera. After completing that, we spent a long time searching for a manufacturing partner - but no one seemed to fit (there are just none producing anymore). That was until we connected with an optics factory that used to produce and assemble analog cameras for Konica, Minolta, and other big brands in the 80's and 90's. The craftsmanship and legacy were exactly what we were looking for. Over the past year, we’ve been collaborating with them to develop prototypes and refine the specs. We do have handmade functional prototypes and we’re close to having the first functional dev. prototype.

I would just like to clarify a few concerns that you rightfully have:

• This camera was designed based on input from photographers and our community. We have been working closely with some professional photographers on the strategy and development like Wesley verhoeve (he also wrote about that in his journal (https://wesley.substack.com/p/174-2024-win…-and-whats-next)
• The aF-1 is being manufactured from scratch but together with a partner that produced millions of quality cameras throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.
• We know the timeline is ambitious, and we’re aware of the challenges other projects have faced. But we’re working with trusted engineers and experienced partners.
• This isn’t something we dreamed up overnight, we’ve been working on this since 2022.
• Image quality is the main top priority. The aF-1’s 6-element, 4-group double Gauss lens is crafted from high-quality glass (not aspherical though)
• The aF-1 isn’t here to replace the legends—it’s an option for those who want a reliable, quality analog camera with a warranty and service.

The specs listed on their website is as follows:

f/2.8 - F16 | 35mm
Large aperture lens
Double Gauss construction
6 elements / 4 groups
Image circle: 43.3 mm
Angle of View: 63°
Shutter speed: 1/1000 - 4 sec.
Autofocus: LiDAR x ToF
Focusing range: 0.5m – ∞
Focus & Exposure lock
Two-stage shutter release
GN8 Flash
3 meters @ ISO 100
Recycling time: 0.5 – 3 sec.
Auto/Forced/Anti Red-eye/Off
Albada galilean bright viewfinder
LED indicators for flash/focus
Automatic winder
Forced rewind button
35 mm film
Frame size: 36 x 24 mm
ISO 25 - 5000 (DX coded)
10 sec. Selftimer
Power source: CR123A 3V
IPX4 splashproof
2-year warranty

Now for my opinion.
I have bolded the shutter speed for a reason.
I don't believe there is a shutter in production that matches those specs, and there hasn't been for many years.
A kickstarter modern film camera project years ago ultimately died because they could not source shutters, nor could fund the R&D to make one.
It's also been admitted that the photos featured on the promo website were not taken with the camera.

If this new camera is real, and not simply vaporware, my prediction is this "minolta partner" from decades ago is sitting on a huge stockpile of old camera parts, including shutters, and those will be utilized to build this.
Otherwise, I can't think up an explanation as to how a camera this cheap, and this complex, with no working prototype as of yet, is releasing in 5 months.

 

[koraks]

If this new camera is real, and not simply vaporware, my prediction is this "minolta partner" from decades ago is sitting on a huge stockpile of old camera parts, including shutters, and those will be utilized to build this.
Otherwise, I can't think up an explanation as to how a camera this cheap, and this complex, with no working prototype as of yet, is releasing in 5 months.

I think there are a couple of assumptions underlying your assessment that may not hold true.
You assume, for instance, there's no working prototype. Yet, the CEO indicated they've been working on this for 2+ years. It's therefore very likely that there are several prototypes in existence. Which is also what theys pecifically state. Likewise, the assumption that a shutter system would somehow be a similar bottleneck it was for an open-source camera design (the one you linked to) does not necessarily hold true.

This seems plausible to me, really. Ambitious? Perhaps; it depends on how far they've come already. It seems that these guys are being cautious when it comes to releasing information to the general public, given that they've apparently been working on this for 2+ years.

Let's see where this goes, but so far, I don't see anything that would make me believe this is somehow impossible. And, speaking of 'Impossible' - it's certainly a heck of a lot easier than that particular project.

 

[charlotteRF]

I think there are a couple of assumptions underlying your assessment that may not hold true.
You assume, for instance, there's no working prototype. Yet, the CEO indicated they've been working on this for 2+ years. It's therefore very likely that there are several prototypes in existence. Which is also what theys pecifically state. Likewise, the assumption that a shutter system would somehow be a similar bottleneck it was for an open-source camera design (the one you linked to) does not necessarily hold true.

From 2022-2024 no prototype was produced, as is shown on their roadmap, and when asked the reply was:

The digital prototype is all over the page. All the product and lens renders are made from the original CAD models. We definitely will show physical samples once they're available

This is from 21 days ago, the CAD model on the webpage also doesn't have a slot for the battery or the film door.
But regardless, taking preorders and using photos from other cameras to promote this when they don't have much in hand evidence of it's existence isn't something that sits right with me.
I'd like to be wrong but I warn against people putting money down, as it stands.

 

[koraks]

The 'pre-order' is a €5 down payment. That doesn't sound too outrageous to me. It's a lot more manageable than most kickstarters etc. we get to see in the analog domain.

Of course, the proof of the pudding is running a roll through one of these as they appear on the market. April isn't too far off. Let's see what happens.

 

[koraks]

This involves some discussion on the sourcing process. There's also some discussion on the YouTube page with the business responding to people's comments.

I don't see anything at this point that makes me doubt that these people are making a serious and credible attempt at this.

 

[dutchsteammachine]

What a freaking ass website!

 

[ic-racer]

I have tried so many times over the years to warm up to point and shoot viewfinder camers but they just don't click with me. In fact I have film in two on my desk now trying to like them (Canon 80u and Nikon Fun touch 6). So, though I'm no fan of this type of camera, I'm always interested in 'maybe something better.'

I did have the new Rollei 35 on my x-mass list but no one got it for me

 

[4season]

I only heard of this a few days ago myself. Am guessing that the timeline and price are "impossible", but I hope that they prove me wrong!

 

[Arthurwg]

What a freaking ass website!

Is that good or bad?

 

[MattKing]

Is that good or bad?

I was wondering the same

 

[xkaes]

Since "hole" wasn't mentioned, I guess that's "good".

 

[dutchsteammachine]

Is that good or bad?

I think is bad. Maybe I am not all up to date with things.

You have to scroll to find anything. The moving picture thing was cool 5 years ago when I first saw it but now everyone does it in a crappy way.

Just give me some photos and I do upfront, don't blueball me with an hour of scrolling and digging for information.

 

[koraks]

I prefer less scrolling and simply a couple of static pages, as well.

 

[Agulliver]

I believe they are serious about the project. Whether they can do it is another matter. I certainly wish them well. Another decent film camera on the market is no bad thing at this juncture.

 

[Oldwino]

They certainly have the marketing side of things up to speed. Not so sure about the camera side...

 

[Eric Klingberg]

I'm also expecting the deadlines to get pushed back. The fact that there's no physical prototype says a lot. One feature that I'd like to see but seems to be missing, is DX override.

 

[brbo]

If this camera is half as good as its specs and its looks... for 339 EUR...

... Contax Ts, Yashica Ts, Minolta TC-1, Fuji Cardias... will soon (not) be selling at half the current price. This camera is exactly where the premium compact camera market was when film colapsed.

I don't drink coffee, but I imagine this 5 EUR gave me the same rush, so well worth it already. And if this camera actually materialises someday (I give it about 10% chance at that price)...

 

[brbo]

Got a snail mail from Analogue shop today with a confirmation that they received my pre-order deposit (of a mighty 5 EUR).

Those guys certainly don't know that you don't spend half of your quick money grab on sending cards all around the world thanking the suckers. Or... there is a bigger money grab planned.

Or...

 

[mshchem]

Got a snail mail from Analogue shop today with a confirmation that they received my pre-order deposit (of a mighty 5 EUR).

View attachment 393475

Those guys certainly don't know that you don't spend half of your quick money grab on sending cards all around the world thanking the suckers. Or... there is a bigger money grab planned.

Or...

Maybe not bigger just repeating.

 

[mshchem]

I would wait for the next Pentax offering

 

[film4Me]

Snazzy looking camera

Perhaps the very low deposit is predominately to gauge interest in the project.