Viewpoint David Healey Will it sell?
Ever thought of designing your own camera? Reflex tries to merge the old with the new
As I stood behind the camera shop’s counter, customers often compared two or three SLRs side by side to decide which (ergonomics being very important) felt ‘right’ and had the best viewfinder for their eyes. Then came a discussion about other features. Those who were buying an SLR for the first time would often say ‘I wish brand X had brand Y’s lens mount.’ Their ideal camera might have been the amalgam of several makes’ best ideas. Yet the facility to have Nikon lenses on a Pentax body was not available. The ‘perfect’ camera is probably a mirage and, of course, partly a matter of opinion.
Yet Reflex, a new Kickstarter-funded film SLR due for launch at Photokina in September this year, will have a modular, interchangeable lens mount (Pentax M42, Nikon F, OM, Canon FD and Pentax PK) and interchangeable backs (so one can change ISO mid-shoot on a film camera after all). This is not a remake of an old design but brings together established ideas with the contemporary.
But why? There are many legacy lenses lying unused in college, university and domestic photographic cupboards and a growing body of people who are passionate about film. Reflex’s backers and product champions perceive a gap in the market. They are people who believe in what it is designed to do: the bottom line is not the only benchmark of worth. If it succeeds, this will help fulfil the need for a relatively affordable film SLR – the only other option is the pricier Nikon F6 as I believe sale of the Canon EOS-1V and Leica M7 is being discontinued. All credit to those behind Reflex for trying; maybe the big four are watching, and it will spur them to reintroduce film SLRs. As another AP contributor observed, Pentax could usefully expand their range: a new Pentax 35mm and 645 film SLR ( just as they used to make) would complement their excellent digital offerings and stimulate lens sales, as would the application of Ricoh’s copier know-how to a new film scanner.
In any case, Ilford, Kodak, Agfa, Adox, Ferrania, Foma and Fujifilm will welcome further stimulus for the expanding film market. The industry needs not only innovation, but also courage to try new things like Reflex. And, of course, cooperation – for instance, will Reflex bundle their camera with a range of films – to encourage new generations of photographers to experiment.
David Healey ARPS chairs the RPS’s Analogue group and tutors photography at King Edward VI Aston www.keaston.bham.sch.uk and Handsworth schools. www.facebook.com/groups/rpsanalogue