Feature | Cameras That Inspire Joy of Ownership: Focus on Retro Designs of Latest Models Like the X-T10
DESIGN / DIGITAL
June 9, 2015

Feature | Cameras That Inspire Joy of Ownership: Focus on Retro Designs of Latest Models Like the X-T10


Retro Faces Reborn as Digital Cameras


Designs Like Film Cameras Evoke the Joy of Shooting (1)


The classical design, brimming with the functional beauty of a traditional tool like a film camera, also makes a striking fashion statement. However, the styling of the latest cameras with classical designs is, of course, not merely about being a fashion item. The premium tactile feel and precise tuning, crucial for any tool, further enhance the joy of ownership. And the dial operations reminiscent of film cameras, along with the world seen through the viewfinder, elevate shooting from a routine task to the creation of art.

Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by TSUCHIYA Motohiro (OPENERS)




Classical Designs That Deepen the Joy of Ownership


Digital cameras with classical designs inherited from film cameras are becoming more common. Their nostalgic retro faces are not simply imitations of past masterpieces. Beyond their visual presence, it is precisely this classical design that allows users to rediscover the joy of shooting, deepen their connection with the camera, and savor a more profound sense of ownership.

Simple Designs Filled with the Designer's Vision
Fujifilm "FUJIFILM X-T10"


The "FUJIFILM X-T10," released in June, is Fujifilm's latest mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Like its higher-end sibling, the "X-T1," it captivates viewers with its retro design, reminiscent of classic rangefinder cameras. This latest model further emphasizes a compact and lightweight design, pursuing simple operability.




The "FUJIFILM X-T10" Released June 25th






The design of the "X-T10" originated from the desire of Masayuki Sakai, Fujifilm's product designer, to offer a camera similar to the first film camera he ever purchased. The film camera Sakai first owned, the "FUJICA AX5," was compact and easy to carry, yet offered full-fledged shooting capabilities. The "X-T10" aims to replicate the usability of this model.



The form factor, designed to fit comfortably in the hand and be easily portable, is flat like a box with the lens centered.

Retro Details That Ignite the Urge to Shoot





While the body is compact and lightweight, the front and rear grip shapes, as well as the high-hardness textured rubber applied to the body, have all been newly designed for this model to ensure a secure hold during shooting.

The "X Series" dials, designed for intuitive operation and logical placement as a tool, are further enhanced to accelerate the urge to shoot. The dial parts are made from machined aluminum. Each dial features two click balls to provide a satisfying tactile click.

The classical and high-quality details of the "X-T10" are captivating even just to look at, but the comfortable hold when in hand and the pleasing response of the dial operations further stimulate the desire to shoot. This is a camera that evokes the joy of ownership, leading to the joy of shooting, and ultimately, an even stronger joy of ownership.



Hard rubber with textured finish


Two click balls on each dial













FUJIFILM X-T10 18-55mm Lens Kit
Estimated Price: Open Price (Street Price around ¥120,000)
Scheduled Release: June 25, 2015
Body Dimensions: Approx. W118×H83×D41mm
Weight: Approx. 381g (including battery and memory card)
Mount: FUJIFILM X Mount
Image Sensor: APS-C size
X-Trans CMOS II sensor
Effective Pixels: 16.3 megapixels
ISO Sensitivity: 200–6400 (expandable to 100–51200)
Kit Lens:
Fujinon Lens XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS



Fujifilm FinePix Support Center
Tel. 050-3786-1060
http://fujifilm.jp/






Retro Faces Reborn as Digital Cameras


Designs Like Film Cameras Evoke the Joy of Shooting (2)





The "OM-D E-M5 Mark II": A Lineage of Compact, Lightweight Designs Inherited from Legendary SLR Cameras


The Olympus "OM Series," the world's smallest and lightest film SLR camera, once defined an era. Born in 1974, it cemented Olympus's global reputation in the field of compact film SLRs. The digital cameras that strongly inherit the design of this "OM Series" are the mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras of the "OM-D Series."

The latest "OM-D E-M5 Mark II" is the successor to the "OM-D E-M5," a camera that packed the high image quality and shooting style of an SLR, along with the world's first 5-axis image stabilization, into a compact body, allowing users to immerse themselves in shooting without taking their eye from the viewfinder. The in-body image stabilization has been further enhanced from the previous model, offering up to 5 stops of compensation.




OM-D E-M5 Mark II 12-150mm EZ Lens Kit
Price: Open Price (Street Price around ¥160,000)
Body Dimensions: W123.7×H85×D44.5mm
Weight: Approx. 469g (including battery and memory card)
Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Image Sensor: 4/3" Live MOS Sensor
Effective Pixels: 16.05 megapixels
ISO Sensitivity: 100–12800 (expandable to 25600)
Kit Lens:
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II



Among Olympus's mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, the "PEN Series," with its particularly broad fan base, is also a popular model with a retro aesthetic. However, the "OM-D Series" was born with a different approach to satisfy the demands of photographers. In particular, the design of the electronic viewfinder has been given special attention during development.

With the prevalence of smartphones and digital cameras featuring LCD screens, shooting while looking at the rear screen has become more common, making the viewfinder itself a somewhat retro component. However, for those who wish to immerse themselves in shooting, a viewfinder is indispensable.

The viewfinder of the "OM-D Series" was developed with reference to the "OM Series." While maintaining the same feeling of looking through a viewfinder, it offers a precise image, akin to the display in an aircraft cockpit, visible through the viewfinder. Users can check even parameter information while looking through the viewfinder, combining the benefits of digital technology with a classic style.

Olympus Customer Support Center
0120-084215
http://olympus-imaging.jp/






Retro Faces Reborn as Digital Cameras


Designs Like Film Cameras Evoke the Joy of Shooting (2)





The "Nikon 1 J5": Refreshing the Image of the Nikon 1 J Series


While previous models in the "Nikon 1 J Series" often featured flat, contemporary designs, the "Nikon 1 J5" has arrived with a completely new exterior, adopting a retro aesthetic.

In terms of shooting performance, this "Nikon 1 J Series" camera features a tiltable LCD monitor, expanding the joy of shooting by making it suitable for low-angle portraits and selfies. The internal design has also been completely revamped, incorporating a newly developed sensor and image processing engine. Furthermore, with a lens kit including a bright F1.8 prime lens, users can enjoy beautiful bokeh unique to interchangeable lens cameras.








Nikon 1 J5 Double Lens Kit
Price: Open (Street Price around ¥73,000)
Body Dimensions: Approx. W93×H59.7×D31.5mm
Weight: Approx. 265g (including battery and memory card)
Mount: Nikon 1 Mount
Image Sensor: 1-inch CMOS sensor
(Nikon CX format)
Effective Pixels: 20.81 megapixels
ISO Sensitivity: 160–12800
Recording Format (Still Images): JPEG, RAW
Lens Kit: 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM, 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8



The design incorporates mechanical dials, premium metal materials, and command dials and grips, representing a new approach that expands the joy of ownership. Meanwhile, the series' design philosophy, prioritizing casualness and ease of use, is maintained, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary functional beauty.

Along with the digital SLR camera "Df," which has continued to gain popularity for a year and a half since its release, this model marks a new lineage of retro design in Nikon's camera history.

Nikon Customer Support Center Navi Dial
Tel. 0570-02-8000
www.nikon-image.com/