Welcome to TechRadar Photography Week 2024 – a week-long celebration of analogue photography marking World Photography Day, which takes place on August 19th each year.
Despite advances in digital technology, the increasing use of AI in modern cameras and AI image generators in photography, more and more people prefer to use analog retro technology.
In 2024, interest in retro cameras has continued to grow, and for good reason. From Pentax’s introduction of the first new film camera in over 20 years, the Pentax 17, to a regular line of instant cameras, including the first interchangeable lens model, the Nons SL660, we’ve had plenty of fun with film.
There are exciting new models in the starting blocks, such as the Rollei 35AF, and film camera enthusiasts are also loudly demanding that the established brands Canon and Nikon get back into the analogue business.
Throughout Photography Week, which ran from August 19-26, we published new stories every day, including a review of the new Alfie Tych+ multi-lens and a retrospective of the best moments in film photography of the year. You can see highlights of the week’s content below.
- Are you interested in film photography and want to know your options? We have our best film cameras lead and best instant cameras Guides during Photography Week 2024 to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
We’ve looked at all the latest film cameras coming in 2024 that we’ve covered in depth in the TechRadar review, including the Pentax 17 and Lomography Lomatic 110. We’ve also shared what we expect to see next in analogue, including what we’d like to see, and of course, explained why film photography is trending today. Film’s appeal is more than just superficial: beyond the vintage feel associated with film cameras, it’s the permanent, less-than-perfect medium for capturing experiences that people are interested in again.
It’s not perfect, but that didn’t stop us giving the Alfie Cameras Tych+ five stars in our in-depth review. We love what Alfie Cameras has done with its exciting half-frame compact camera: it offers four lens options for a nice range of creative possibilities in such a small and compact package. It’s quite expensive for those who just want to have a bit of creative analogue fun on the side, and besides, there are plenty of cheaper options on the second-hand market, such as the classic Olympus Trip. However, if you’re looking for a tiny film camera with a twist, we highly recommend this charming snapper.
Are you new to film photography and confused by all your options? We’ve published an article explaining all the available film formats for cameras and why you should choose each one, as well as the types of film you can choose between in each format. No matter which film camera you choose, you’ll find that the art is a slow and magical process that offers something that digital photography lacks. Film photography isn’t easy or cheap, but it is rewarding.
It’s been decades since I last shot decent instant photos with my beloved Polaroid SX-70. It’s one of the most beautiful cameras ever made, but unfortunately my camera was out of commission for years due to its inconsistent performance and washed-out prints. Luckily, I came across Retrospekt in the US, a company that specializes in restoring retro tech, and was able to get them to work their magic on my classic instant camera. This article looks at the history of my Polaroid SX-70 and my experiences with it after it was given a new lease of life.
If there’s one film camera that has us excited, it’s the Rollei 35AF. Coming 58 years after the original model, it’s made by analogue photography micro-business Mint, who have been working on a modern take on the classic point-and-shoot compact camera for some time. We’re told it’ll launch in 2024 and will feature autofocus and built-in flash. The new everyday 35mm camera has the same retro charm as its vintage predecessors and a full metal body, as well as a host of new features that make it easier to use today, such as an automatic mode and a selfie button. We’re one of many who’ve put our name on the waiting list on the dedicated Rollei 35AF website, and hope to get our hands on the charming snapshot camera before the end of the year.
