Key Takeaways
1. Echolens is a compact camera launching on Kickstarter in mid-2025, featuring a retro design inspired by the Leica M.
2. The camera has a leather-textured body, rounded shape, and a location for the flash similar to vintage Leica models.
3. It includes a large optical viewfinder and a small segment screen for settings, lacking a traditional rear display.
4. Functionality appears to be primarily automatic, with limited manual controls, focusing on user-friendly operation.
5. The camera offers Wi-Fi capability and various filters for an analog film look, with image quality described as “vintage.”
Echolens is an upcoming compact camera set to launch on Kickstarter in mid-2025. Its standout feature is a retro design that closely imitates an analog Leica M. The logo of Echolens, featuring white letters within a reddish circle, is a clear nod to the Leica branding.
Design Inspirations
The camera’s body sports a leather texture and a rounded shape that lacks a handgrip, reminiscent of the Leica M’s design. Additionally, the flash is located similarly to the rangefinder window found on older Leica models. Instead of a rear display, Echolens opts for a sizable optical viewfinder, complemented by a small segment screen for showing specific settings.
Functionality Overview
At first sight, it may seem like the camera has three dials; however, this isn’t entirely accurate. One dial serves as the shutter release, and another controls the flash. It appears that adjustments to settings can only be made using the thumb wheel located on the back. This suggests that the camera is likely built for fully automatic use, which doesn’t completely align with its retro aesthetic.
The camera features Wi-Fi capability and includes a variety of filters aimed at providing images with an analog film appearance. While the specifics regarding the sensor or lens are not yet revealed, the small front lens implies the presence of a compact, smartphone-sized sensor. The manufacturer describes the image quality as “vintage,” and the sample images resemble those taken with a digital camera from two decades ago.
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