Photo above by Dan Bracaglia, Courtesy of DPReview
I was asked the other day to share my thoughts on the ongoing retro camera design trend for an article that has since been published on Lifewire, titled ‘What’s with all these Cool Retro Cameras’. In this instance, the question was asked in response to the latest ‘cool retro camera’, the Nikon Z fc – which even to someone as perennially uncool as me, is indeed quite obviously designed to be ‘cool’. But, for all that style is definitely a factor here, I do think there is more to this than just coolness.
The following is a slightly expanded version what I sent to Charlie Sorrel, when he asked me to share my thoughts for the benefit of his article – he just asked me for a quote, but I got a bit carried away, so thought I’d share it here.
I’m pretty certain this “retro” thing is actually the product of quite a few different contributory factors. On a more shallow level, yes, I think the ‘cool’ or ‘style’ factor definitely plays a part. To a degree, this feels a little cynical, it feels as though the likes of Nikon are just grasping at a trend for the sake of the trend. This is somewhat emphasised by some of the marketing waffle I’ve read about it being more aimed at a “style-conscious audience”. Not being a “style-conscious” photographer myself, I’m not 100% sure what that means. And besides this, if it was just about style, then surely the specific types of controls Nikon have used on the camera wouldn’t be as much a factor in the design.
In reality – for some at least – I think the “retro” thing taps into something a little deeper than style. Perhaps it does come from some sort of nostalgia as seems to often be stated in the endless arguments about it all on social media. It might even come from a growing distaste with touch screens and apps etc. I for one just chose a new oven on the basis of it having knobs rather than touch screen, and was annoyed that I couldn’t find an induction hob with knobs to go with it. But is that because I’m fed up with touch screens, or have I just learned a user experience preference? Personally, I think it’s the latter. I’m perfectly happy with my iPhone and it’s user interface – I certainly wouldn’t appreciate it more if it had knobs on it. But when it comes to an oven, I do like a knob to twiddle.
The same goes for cameras. I personally prefer a dial that allows me to see at a glance where I am within the settings, but this, I believe, is just a simple a user experience preference. In fact, I find the same with analogue clocks. I can read a digital clock just fine, just as I can use a digital camera with a jog dial and digital readout just fine too. But somehow, when I look at an analogue clock dial, I get more of a direct and instant appreciation for the time. I have the same with a camera with dials. I’m not going to attempt to explain this in great detail, I don’t feel I need to, it’s just my preference, and I don’t think it needs to be anything more complicated than that.
The thing I find odd is that clocks in all their various forms seem to be accepted. We have readily available choices when it comes to the type of clock we choose to buy, and when making that choice we are just able to select what works for us without being bombarded with marketing nonsense about “style”. I’m also almost certain that there isn’t nearly as much time spent arguing over the validity of digital clocks over analogue clocks on social media – though maybe I just don’t mix in the right circles to experience such delights…?
This, I hope, is where we are going with camera design. Wouldn’t it be great if in a few years there were more options from more manufactures when it came to camera user interface? Screens and jog dials for those who they suit, and dials with numbers on for those who prefer that type of user experience instead… and moreover an acceptance from more consumers that it’s ok for their favourite camera manufacturer to bring out a camera that doesn’t necessarily appeal to them.
Maybe that time will come, maybe it won’t. In the meanwhile though, I’m sure there will be a lot of needless arguments on social media, and a lot more garbage marketing nonsense too. I for one though will keep doing my best to ignore the noise, and will continue to quietly sing the praises of the likes of Nikon for trying something a little different to what they usually churn out. Choice, options, variety – especially in areas like user experience – are what keep cameras interesting to me, and I continue to hope to see more!
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John Furlong on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Bob Janes on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
There appears to be a part of Japanese culture which embraces innovation and new ways of doing things, while at the same time retaining a rich nostalgia for the past.
Other cultures possibly also display this to a greater or lesser extent, but the Japanese model seems to work very well for blending new ideas and revisiting old ones as well.
We are all susceptible to a bit of nostalgia – back nearly thirty-odd years ago, I and thousands of my contemporaries queued for hours to pick up Thunderbirds toys for our children. Nostalgia sells. I prefer this rendition of the Nikon logo, but then I mourn the passing of the old lower-case ‘minolta’ logo too…
The Nikon is a good looking camera, however it does have some purely faux features – I love the look of the logo being raised on the little plate at the front of the pentaprism ‘hump’, but note that while there are justifications for having the viewfinder in that hump despite the lack of an actual optical system that required such a design originally (suiting left and right eyed and better for vertical grips), the ‘plate’ seems to be purely cosmetic, as in the past it would have covered the ‘Aperture Direct’ window (I did wonder if they would house a little low-res camera here to view the aperture rings of old manual focus F mount lenses, but it would seem not…).
Having said that -the retro doesn’t seem to get in the way with this camera – I guess the main ergonomic loss is the grip, but they have an add-on one that should work very well. They seem to allow for use of dials or wheels as is required by the photographer.
Cameras, of course, don’t have to be good looking – some of my favourites from Minolta were basically pug-ugly (the XK1 & Dynax 800si spring immediately to mind), but a thing of beauty is a joy forever…
John Earnshaw on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Stuart Jenkins on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Long-term sales trends and genuine 'ordinary' user feedback then become measurable. At that point it becomes appropriate to re-assess and take corrective steps. Take cars as an example. For a few years there has been a trend to move minor controls such as HVAC away from having physical knobs. First they went to little pushbuttons, and then to touchscreens. The advantage is a reduction in manufacturing cost. The disadvantage is they're downright dangerous because you have to take your eyes off the road to adjust them. So, after long-term user feedback and sales trends, we're seeing some models going back to having good old knobs. Thankfully the same trend is likely to happen in DSLRs/MILCs.
Hopefully Nikon will wake up to the surge of interest around this camera. I would be very pleased if they produce a full-frame 45MP version of this, maybe with a decent grip (which is genuinely useful). Then all we would need is a new Z-mount to F-mount adapter with a physical aperture feeler for AI lenses. Voila! - a true digital equivalent for an FM2n.
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
WIm on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Best regards from the Netherlands...
James E Hofweber on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Khürt L Williams on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Mr Richard Byrne on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Just to add one more example - speedometers.
I can think of three designs on cars that I have driven - the conventional dial, digital display, and ribbon (once seen as very modern and stylish, and now creeping back with some electronic displays).
I am pretty sure that if controlled tests were conducted, the time taken to read a conventional dial would prove to be by far the shortest.
And therefore implicitly safer. Both in terms of keeping accurate track of speed, and of how much time the driver's eyes are taken from the road ahead, refocussed to the dashboard, then back to the road.
My guess is that - provided with good clear dials - most drivers have good enough peripheral vision that they can remain pretty accurately aware of their speed without ever having to shift their gaze.
How that might apply to cameras - who knows?
Perhaps just a little when it comes to shutter speed dials. The single -digit/two-digit /three-digit/four digit numbers do form basic zones on the dial, noticeable from the corner of the eye. Perhaps just enough, at least, to prevent some basic cock-ups.
Leaving me blissfully free to perform all those other basic cock-ups. Again.
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Justin Kingery on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Andrew on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
I put in an order the date of the announcement, w/ the 28mm. for me, I've stopped being hung up on APS-C size (the Leica X Vario showed me the error of my ways), and the small form factor dials made it a good choice for me. And I've always hated the grip on the Z6.
so it might be designed to be retro, but it conincidentally fits my needs of having the complications readily available, don't have to dig into the menus, and form-factor/lens mount.
also, I want to use the 28mm on the Z6.
Did I mention I hate the grip on the Z6?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Jim on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Comment posted: 19/07/2021
Louis A. Sousa on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 20/07/2021
Dan Castelli on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 20/07/2021
Comment posted: 20/07/2021
Comment posted: 20/07/2021
Comment posted: 20/07/2021
Huey on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 20/07/2021
Away on Island in the Net on ‘Cool Retro Cameras’ – The Nikon Z Fc – Just ‘Cool’? Or Something More?
Comment posted: 25/07/2021