Interesting to read another take on this camera, which poses some questions that go beyond this particular object.
It is obvious it is aimed at young people, and it is pretty obvious that it is trying to dig into the retro nostalgia market. I think most generations have a curiosity about past technologies and equipment. This camera talks to that market. A film camera with free film, now that film prices are rising, probably sounded a good idea to the marketing bods at Fuji.
But I think they have missed a couple of points. The intended market for this camera seems to be going for old SH point and shoot cameras, to get that different "look". I am told the analogue photography revival is starting to fade. The second point is that this camera is expensive for its intended market. My son is in the intended age bracket for this camera, and he and his friends have other priorities.
Getting back to the article. Is a crippled in many ways, pretend film camera, the best way to bring new people into the photography world? I think "normal" mirrorless cameras are doing a better job in this respect, for those who discover they want more than their cell phone can offer. A camera that produces wonderful out of camera JPEG files, is more likely to retain youthful users.
Is it not patronising to believe young people want a crippled pretend film camera?. This camera is just lazy marketing. Why not market the advantages of a "proper" camera, over a cell phone.
This camera will not foster the next generation of photographers. It is a dainty fashion toy that will be forgotten in six months. Something else is needed to capture and foster the next generation of photographers.
When I developed my interest in photography in my late teens, I was interested in the pictures I made rather than the means. But I also played with cheap SH folding cameras to explore the look of those old uncoated lenses. I hope the new rising generations of photographers are interested in making pictures rather than funky gear.
