The internet is a weird place, man. One minute you’re watching cat videos, the next you’re staring down the transparent soul of the TO BE CONTINUED (TBC) camera on Reddit. Yes, please!!
The TO BE CONTINUED (TBC) camera, a unique creation by Joshua Cirjak of IUTD Studios in Croatia (launched around November 2023), offers a glimpse into the inner workings of film photography, much like a captivating fish tank.
What immediately grabbed my attention? Not only does this unique 35mm camera have a completely transparent body, but it also hails from my home country!
Today, in this blog post, we will learn everything the TO BE CONTINUED (TBC) camera offers and see if it’s the right fit for you. Let’s dive into it.
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Dreamt It, Built It
Joshua Cirjak, the creative force behind IUTD Studios (“I Used To Dream,” love it!), isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Now, their passion for design and capturing memories has led them into a new realm: camera manufacturing!
This project, aptly named “TO BE CONTINUED” (TBC), began as a personal quest for Joshua, an industrial design student with a love for videography and photography. Tired of wasteful disposables, he dreamed of a reusable camera that retained the classic disposable feel, capturing those special moments without the environmental impact.
The journey started with some wild experiments – think Frankenstein’s monster of the camera world! They attached 3D-printed shells to disposable camera guts. Resourceful? Absolutely! But for the long haul, practicality won out.
So, Joshua and his university buddies – Shraeyas Massey (Canada), Ferj David (UAE), and himself (Croatia) – a creative spark that transcended borders – decided to level up. They found a camera with a wider lens for broader possibilities.
Then came months of meticulous work: a custom-designed shell that fit snugly, tricked-out cables, a brand new shutter button setup – you get the picture! They even threw in a carabiner for easy access and to avoid losing their creation in the backpack abyss.
The final product? A dream realized – a 35mm dream machine with a transparent PETG body. This “window into the soul of photography” (or at least the mechanics) lets you see all the beautiful inner workings. It’s a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and a good dose of tinkering!
TO BE CONTINUED (TBC) Camera Specs:
The TBC is all about vibes, man, and capturing the essence of the moment. So, grab your finest tinfoil hat and prepare to have your mind blown (or at least mildly confused) by these specs:
- Film Format: 24x36mm, ISO 400/800 – This bad boy uses real 35mm film, the kind that lets you capture moments like a boss. ISO? We got two speeds, baby: 400 for bright days at the beach and 800 to keep things looking sharp when the lighting gets sketchy.
- Optical Lens: 28mm/F8 – This ain’t no peephole viewfinder, bruh. The 28mm lens lets you squeeze the whole dang world into your frame. Plus, the F8 aperture shoots anything, from portraits to mind-melt landscapes.
- Shutter Speed: 1/120s – This camera’s shutter speed is a solid performer for its category. At 1/120th of a second, it can freeze most moving subjects, making it perfect for capturing that epic skateboarding trick. However, it might struggle to catch your cat mid-leap.
- Flash: 1-2m Flash Range – Don’t let the darkness stop your photographic adventures! The built-in flash can light up your subject from 1 to 2 meters away. Just don’t expect it to turn night into day – it’s more like a helpful friend than a blinding spotlight.
- Size: 115mm x 65mm x 35mm – This camera is small enough to throw in your backpack, purse, or even those cargo shorts you ironically wear. It’s like a little box of photographic magic that you can take anywhere. Just be warned, if your pockets are, like, super tiny, you might be outta luck.
- Focus Range: 1m to Infinity – This camera can focus on anything from a meter away (great for those awkward selfies) to infinity and beyond (well, not quite infinity, but far enough to make your friends think you went to space camp).
Price Tag and Availability of This Beauty
The initial 500 To Be Continued (TBC) cameras sold out quickly. They’ve used the funds to upgrade the camera and are producing another batch. Another 500 units were pre-sold to retailers, highlighting the high demand.
The good news is that the current price tag on their website is at €75 or $81.
The not-so-good news: Availability remains a challenge. They’re producing another 1000 units, but with the high demand, it’s unclear how long they’ll last.
Looking ahead, the IUTD team is exploring customization options like rub-on decals and collaborations with various brands. They’re also considering different shell options, both transparent and opaque.
So, the price is known, and the future looks promising, but snagging a TBC might require some quick action!
To be Continued (TBC) Camera Photo Samples
Gear Up for Lo-Fi Fun
The TBC camera arrives ready for adventure, but to capture those lo-fi memories, you’ll need a few extras. Here’s your quick guide to fueling your creativity:
- Film:
- Kodak Portra 800: A versatile film known for its warm tones, grain and excellent performance in various lighting conditions. (Great all-around film)
- Kodak Portra 400 & Fuji Superia X-TRA 400: Embrace softer tones and beautiful skin rendering for portraits and artistic shots.
- Cinestill 800T: A unique film with a cool color cast (halation), ideal for low-light photography and achieving a distinctive cinematic look. (Low-light and creative effects)
- Kodak Ultramax 400: Ideal for all-around situations or capturing action with a bit of extra grain.
- Power Up:
- Don’t forget to grab a pack of Duracell AA batteries to keep your TBC camera humming!
- Don’t forget to grab a pack of Duracell AA batteries to keep your TBC camera humming!
Who is the To be Continued (TBC) camera for?
The To be Continued (TBC) camera caters to photographers seeking a unique, affordable film experience. Its simple design, with fixed focal length, shutter speed, and aperture, makes it ideal for beginners who want to carelessly capture memories without getting bogged down by complex settings.
Say goodbye to the pressure of perfect exposure with the TBC camera! It lets you capture life authentically, one spontaneous shot at a time. Just point, shoot, and let the camera and film create their unique magic. This no-fuss approach makes it ideal for photographers who want to have fun and capture life’s fleeting moments, imperfections, and all.
For lo-fi enthusiasts, the TBC camera delivers a unique charm with its potential for light leaks and a touch of grain. This adds a distinctive character to your photos, making them stand out in the age of digital perfection. According to Joshua, films with an ISO speed of 400 – 800 will yield the best results due to the TBC’s fixed aperture and shutter speed.
Additionally, the price tag of €75 or $81 USD positions it as an accessible entry point into the world of analog photography, making it a great choice for budget-conscious photographers who want to experiment with film.
Until next time, folks! Pssst, take a quick peek at my latest post.
P.S. Got any sneaky tips or tricks up your sleeve? Drop ’em in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation rolling.
Credits:
Images by IUTD Studio
Photo Samples: Fuji Color 400, Portra 400, and Ultramax 400.