Super 8 cameras were the consumer’s tool of choice for recording images before VHS and other video systems became affordable. The Fragment 8 from Loft Factory is a digital camera that aims to replicate the look, feel and image quality of 1960s and 70s Super 8 cameras using modern technologies.
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It can record in either MP4 or GIF formats at 720p resolution on a 1/3 CCD sensor and is targeted of users of Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms that can process short video clips and animated GIFs. It produces the characteristic Super 8 shutter sound and the frame rate can be set to either 9 or 24 fps for authentic results. An optional filter attachment lets you use three effect filters: Kaleidoscope Six, Star Filter and Radial Filter.
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Operation is deliberately kept simple, with a fixed-focus lens, no manual controls and a built-in viewfinder. The camera features a tripod mount on the bottom of the handle and weighs just 250g (8.8oz), which should make it fairly portable.
The team behind the Fragment 8 is currently looking to raise funds for large scale production on Kickstarter and pledge options are plentiful. You can pledge as little as $ 78 for the Fragment 8 camera and one basic lens, or up to $ 128 which includes the camera body with genuine leather trimming, the basic lens, one rotating lens plate and three filter lenses. Shipping is estimated for May 2020.
More information is available on Kickstarter or on the Lofty Factory website.
Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.
New Kickstarter Project Revives the Super 8 Retro Camera with GIF Format
“Fragment 8,” the World’s First Camera to Directly Shoot GIF’s is a Perfect Replica of a Super 8 Camera, Including Shutter Sound, 2-Minute Time Limit and Vintage Image Look
Introduced in 1965, Super 8 cameras launched a home movie revolution by giving regular people the ability to instantly capture a moment of their lives using a small, affordable hand-held film camera. The nostalgic feel of Super 8 movies is instantly recognizable in their characteristic faded color tone, graininess, slightly jerky motion and the short lengths (typically 3 minutes max per Super 8 film cartridge) which made them feel so spontaneous. A new Kickstarter project called the “Fragment 8 Retro Camera” has launched for a new camera that not only duplicates the visual look of Super 8 movies – in MP4 or GIF output so they can be shared online in seconds – but faithfully recreates the actual act of using a Super 8 camera itself, complete with clacking shutter sound.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fragment8/slice-of-life-fragment-8-retro-camera
Produced in Hong Kong by the Lofty Factory, Ltd., the “Fragment 8” camera uses modern digital technology to faithfully recreate the authentic look of Super 8 home movies, but with the convenience of USB output in either MP4 or GIF formats at 720p resolution. The Fragment 8 can shoot in either 9 frames per second or 24 and options include three different add-on lenses – Kaleidoscope Six, Star Filter and Radial Filter – for specialized effects – as well as a standard 17mm lens mount. The camera is faithfully made with a simple built-in viewfinder and focus-free operation. The artfully crafted curves are accented with optional genuine leather and there’s a standard tripod mount on the bottom. The camera weighs only 250 grams – easy to carry anywhere, all day.
Kickstarter pledges begin at HK $ 600 (USD $ 78) for the “Dare to Try” level which will be rewarded with one of the first 100 pieces of production in the “Classic Package” which includes the Fragment 8 camera, one basic lens and beautiful gift packaging. Kickstarter Early Bird pledges are HK $ 700 (USD $ 90) for the Classic Package (USD $ 128 retail value). The third Kickstarter level is at HK $ 980 (USD $ 128) for the “Combo Pack” which includes the Fragment 8 body with genuine leather, the basic lens, one rotating lens plate and three different filter lenses (Kaleidoscope Six, Star Filter and Radial Filter) and beautiful gift packaging (USD $ 198 retail price).
Reward delivery is estimated for May 2020.
The Fragment 8 camera was developed by Hong Kong software artist Manhin, who completed the ID & MD design and software development, in cooperation with the graphic and film director Chun Yin.
There’s nothing quite as uniquely beautiful as a Super 8 movie,” said Fragment 8 camera co- creator Manhin. “And the short Super 8 format makes perfect sense with today’s popularity of GIF loops and TikTok videos. Inspired by natural aesthetics, your story can be shared with friends at a new level with romantic and retro effects. You don’t have to fiddle around with
aperture, IOS, or white balance. All you need do is experience the gorgeous vintage feel in your own videos.”
“The Fragment 8 Retro Camera embodies the bright and soft appearance of the mid-century classic analog film. With natural tones, subtle color changes and slight discoloration, it makes a video of even the most mundane subject look artistic, nostalgic and well- composed,” said Fragment 8 co-creator Chun Yin.
FRAGMENT 8 TECHNICAL DETAILS
- 1/3 inch CCD sensor
- 720p HD resolution
- Built-in viewfinder
- 9 or 24 frames per second
- MP4(H.264) or GIF output
- F/2.5 with a 4-Element Lens
- 17mm mount compatible
- Electronic shutter
- Focus-free
- Li-ion battery pack
- Aluminium, metallic printed ABS and Leather
- 110 W x 90 H x 40 D mm (body)
- 250g (body)
For complete information, sample videos, tech specs and to pledge, visit the Fragment 8 Kickstarter page at – https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fragment8/slice-of-life- fragment-8-retro-camera
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
