The beauty of photography is not only in the act of image-making but also in the device with which we photograph. From wet glass plates to analog to digital—we have made leaps and bounds of advancement. But amidst this serious endeavor, some people want to break free from traditional practices and create something fun and enjoyable. For instance, Lomography cameras and Lego cameras. In the past, we did a round-up of exceptional cameras refurbished using Lego pieces, and now, it seems that we may get a new Lego camera from the company itself very soon.
The images are screenshots from Lego Ideas and Instagram.
First seen on Leica Rumors, the camera, titled ZH1, was designed by Zung Hoang and is a fully functional 35mm camera that has yet to be made official by Lego. It was seen on Lego Ideas, a page where people share their creations. When a creation receives 10,000 votes from the public, it goes on to the review stage. Currently, the ZH1 has passed the idea stage and is being reviewed by the Lego team. This means that the team of designers, product managers, and other key experts will evaluate the concept and see whether it meets the company’s standards for safety, playability, and brand fit. This also means that Lego will create a prototype of the camera and decide if the ZH1 can be sold as an official product. Once it is approved, it will move to the development stage, where the camera will be refined further; if not, then the idea will just be an idea. The entire process can take several months.
So, what does the camera do? Well, as a fully functioning device, it captures images unlike anything you have seen. The compact 35mm camera is created with 595 pieces of Lego, and the images evoke a sense of nostalgia. The lens uses a magnifying Lego glass, which was also the source of inspiration for the project. In an interview with Analog Cafe, Zung Hoang said, “It all started with the lens — a Lego magnifying glass. I knew Lego had that part and wondered if it could work as a camera lens.” After his research, he learned that people created cameras using some Lego pieces that were not entirely built from bricks. “That’s when I decided I wanted to be the first to do it. I already knew how film cameras work; I just needed to figure out how to build one entirely from Lego.”
The camera is pretty practical. It weighs a mere 500 grams and features a shutter button, film advance mechanism, take-up reel, wind lever with release, and even an accessory shoe. He also ensured that the camera had zero light leaks, which he achieved after multiple tests. In addition to the original ZH1 design with the Lego logo, the upcoming Lego camera has been customized and designed to appear like Fujifilm, Leica, and Lomography for the brand’s enthusiasts.
I hope this becomes true because it will likely become popular amongst film enthusiasts and Gen Z. The images the magnifying glass produces are magical in so many ways. They give one a break from the daily sterile images we see on social media while offering one a chance to explore a new way of looking. However, while that happens, the downfall could be the price and even the mainstream-ness of it all.
Ideally, we would like a fun and easy innovation like this from Canon, Nikon, or Sony, but we are certain that will not happen anytime soon. But if a Lego camera can give us what we desire, then we will happily take it.