Echolens: A Digital Camera That Feels Like Film in Your Pocket

In an age where everyone’s glued to phone screens, a small group of friends from Southern California wants to bring back the surprise and magic of film photography, with a twist. Meet the Echolens, a quirky point-and-shoot camera that just launched on Kickstarter, blending old-school vibes with modern digital perks.

The Echolens looks like something straight out of a vintage camera shop, taking cues from Leica’s timeless design but swapping in an orange logo for its own flair. It sports a built-in 35mm-equivalent lens, a true optical viewfinder, and, in a bold move, zero screens. Instead, there’s a simple crank dial that mimics winding film, a tiny but fun detail that sets it apart from today’s click-and-swipe cameras.

Don’t expect DSLR-level specs here. The camera’s creators hint at an 8-megapixel sensor, which is perfectly fine for capturing life’s raw moments without fussing over megapixels. In fact, that’s the whole point: imperfect, grainy shots that look like they belong on an early 2000s photo album.

To push that nostalgic feel even further, Echolens includes four built-in film emulations, Kodagrain, Dreamroll, B&W, and Rosebyte, so every snap has a moody, retro vibe straight out of the camera. Plus, it comes with an actual Xenon flash instead of a basic LED, giving night shots that classic pop.

What about sharing? You won’t find a screen to check your pictures instantly, but once you’ve filled up your 54-frame “digital roll,” you can send them to your phone over Wi-Fi using the Echolens app on iOS or Android.

This little camera is more about slowing down and enjoying the moment than chasing perfect shots. Maybe that’s why over 650 backers have already pushed the Kickstarter well past its goal, with prices starting at $99 for early birds. Retail price will settle at $200, and first shipments are expected this October.

If you miss the thrill of waiting to see how your photos turned out, Echolens might just scratch that nostalgic itch, without having to buy and develop actual film.

Visit echolenscamera.com for more info.