Analog

Split image: Left shows a black large-format camera with "Smartflex" branding and "4x5" on the lens. Right displays five colorful Smartflex cameras in orange, black, green, blue, and gray on shelves.

This Very Versatile 4×5 Film Camera Shoots Instax Wide and Works with Smartphones

Zhuoyao Chen and her partner are both large-format camera enthusiasts from China, now living in Tokyo, Japan. The pair, who especially enjoy landscape and portrait photography, have found existing large-format camera solutions lacking in certain key areas, so like many enthusiasts, they began custom-making cameras -- and now one of these will be available to all as the Smartflex Camera.

A vintage Pentax camera is centered between a roll of Adox Color Mission film and a black XH-2 device. The background features a colorful gradient within a filmstrip frame.

Analog Photography in 2024: Film’s Best Year in Decades

Film has long been considered a dying art since the rise of digital photography, with what seemed like nothing but bad news for many years. 2024, though, saw a welcomed resurgence of this analog medium. It has been a busy and fantastic year for analog photography.

A collage of five cameras, including digital and vintage designs. The cameras vary in size and style, featuring displays, lenses, and intricate details, showcasing the evolution of photographic technology.

The Best Budget Medium Format Cameras in 2024

Medium format cameras have long been cherished by photographers for their ability to produce images with exceptional detail, rich tones, and a unique aesthetic that’s difficult to replicate in smaller formats. While these cameras were historically the tools of professional studios and well-funded enthusiasts, the growing interest in film photography has created a vibrant market for medium format options that cater to a range of budgets. This guide is here to help you navigate the world of budget-friendly medium-format film cameras and find the perfect model to match your creative ambitions without breaking the bank.

A sepia-toned image shows an old photography van with a man seated on it, and a barren landscape with cannonballs scattered on a dirt road, evoking a historic wartime scene.

The Story of Roger Fenton: The World’s First War Photographer

Roger Fenton is best known for Valley of the Shadow of Death, one of the oldest-known photos depicting war. His relatively short 10-year photography career sparked accusations that he was a government propagandist while simultaneously being praised as one of the medium's pioneers.

Close-up of a Leica camera focusing on the lens with detailed markings and the distinctive red Leica logo on the camera body. The textured black grip and metallic finish are visible, highlighting the precision and elegance of the design.

The Best Leica M Lenses That Won’t Break the Bank

Leica M-mount cameras and lenses are legendary for their precision craftsmanship and stunning image quality. But let’s face it -- Leica glass can be intimidatingly expensive. If you’re dreaming of getting the most out of your Leica setup -- whether it be digital or analog -- without spending a small fortune, you’re in the right place. The truth is that these days, you needn’t buy the most expensive glass to get incredible results; most major manufacturers are making lenses that are, at minimum, good. Many of them are making excellent optics, including those relatively new to the scene.

A vintage Nikon film camera with a 50mm f/1.8 lens is displayed against an orange background. The camera features a black body with manual controls and a classic design.

The Best Budget 35mm Film Cameras in 2024

The resurgence of film photography in recent years has breathed new life into the world of analog cameras and for many, the 35mm format remains the gold standard. Its perfect balance of image quality, convenience, and affordability makes it a favorite among both newcomers and seasoned photographers.

A vintage 35mm rangefinder camera with a black textured body and silver accents is shown. It's accompanied by a detachable light meter on the side. The camera has dials and a viewfinder on the top.

‘One of the Most Remarkable’ Leica Camera Prototypes Ever Sells for Over $2.1 Million

Earlier this month, the Leitz Photographica Auction previewed some of the 423 lots that were for sale over the weekend in Vienna, Austria, including a rare Leica M prototype auction organizers expected to sell for as much as 700,000 euros (about $735,000). Now that the auction has occurred, it turns out the estimate was far too low -- the Leica M prototype sold for 2,040,000 euros ($2,143,509).