The Alfie Boxx Camera

credits: Alfie Cameras

Alfie Cameras, a small UK-based company, is getting ready to launch its next camera, the Alfie Boxx. It is a pretty unusual concept compared to most cameras today, since it combines both shooting and developing film into a single device. In simple terms, it turns the camera into a sort of portable darkroom.

The camera uses a wooden box-style design with a ground glass viewing screen, along with what Alfie calls a “Pocket Darkroom.” Inside, there is a magnetic film holder that lets you go through a full black-and-white reversal process right after taking a photo. That involves several steps, including applying developer, bleach, and clarifier solutions, with rinses in between. After that, the paper is re-exposed to light and developed again to produce a positive image. Each step uses small amounts of chemistry (around 10mL) and requires some manual work, like agitation and timing, so it is definitely not a fully automatic process.

In terms of hardware, the Boxx supports a modular lens system, with options like a 100mm f/8 Wollaston lens, a 55mm f/16 Steinheil Periscopic, and a 65mm pinhole lens. Because it uses black-and-white reversal paper, its sensitivity is quite low. Therefore, the company says you will need to pay more attention to lighting conditions than usual. The body itself is made from stained and lacquered hardwood with brass fittings. Alfie Boxx is going live on Kickstarter on May 19.