The Analogue aF-1 compact camera’s release has been delayed because of ongoing work on its shutter unit, it has been revealed.
An update on the project was published earlier this week (20 February) and detailed extra work needed on the camera’s shutter blades and shutter motor.
“During extended stress testing, we found the shutter was fast but didn’t yet meet our long-term durability standards. So we had to improve mechanics, meaning testing several shutter blade thicknesses and shutter motor sizes.
“The good news: we found the right solution. The trade-off: it added some time.
“Most of the engineering team is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest for Chinese New Year. Once they’re back, we move straight into pre-production and will share updated timing.”
The camera, designed by the Dutch team behind the Analogue Shop camera store in Amsterdam, was originally announced in December 2024, and is an autofocus 35mm compact with a 35mm f/2.8 lens and sliding door like the Olympus Mju-II.
The camera has DX coding for film as high as ISO 5000 and has a splashproof casing.
The camera was originally supposed to have been ready for production by the end of summer last year, but was initially delayed over improvements to the lens design, the team said.
The first prototype was unveiled in September last year. Production cameras are expected to cost around £400 when they go on sale.
The camera is one of a number of 35mm compact cameras announced in the last two years, after the release of the Pentax 17.
It also follows the release of the Rollei 35AF designed by MiNT Camera in Hong Kong. Since the aF-1 was unveiled, Lomography also launched a new premium compact camera, the LOMO MC-A.
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