The Widelux panoramic film camera is making a significant comeback in the photography realm, thanks to an ambitious project led by Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges, his photographer wife Susan “Sue” Bridges, and experts Charys Schuler and Marwan El Mozayen from SilvergrainClassics. Their initiative aims to modernize the classic Widelux model, all while honoring its historical significance.
The project, known as WideluxX, seeks to revitalize the beloved camera, which was originally manufactured by Panon before its factory was destroyed in a fire two decades ago. In a newly released video, Jeff Bridges expresses his dedication to this revival, stating, “Twenty years ago, the Widelux factory burned down, so we decided rather than let our favorite camera die, we’d bring her back to life.” Sue Bridges reinforces this sentiment with her commitment to maintaining the camera’s traditional essence, emphasizing that it is a handmade film camera sourced from Germany.
The creative minds at SilverBridges have embarked on reverse-engineering the last model produced by Panon—the Widelux F8. Schuler and El Mozayen have indicated that while several enhancements will be made in the new design, the foundational characteristics of the original will remain intact. “There’s going to be a lot of small improvements,” Schuler explains, reinforcing that “its DNA is still an F8.”
This revival marks more than a mere restoration of equipment; it represents a deeper commitment to the future of analog photography. A team representative articulated this vision, stating, “I think we see ourselves as the missing link between the history of analog photography and the future of analog photography.” Their goal is to equip modern photographers with the tools needed to embrace the craft of traditional camera artistry.
Bridges shared a personal reflection on his journey with the Widelux camera, mentioning, “I didn’t really start getting into photography until I got a hold of a Widelux camera. There’s a certain kind of blurred motion in it. And it was sharp and blurry all at the same time.” This unique ability to capture a blend of stillness and motion is what profoundly influences his photography.
While the team recently unveiled the first prototype, they acknowledge that the final production version will show variations from what is currently displayed. Nevertheless, both longtime fans of the original Widelux and newcomers are filled with anticipation for the creative opportunities this revival will foster. The WideluxX project not only rejuvenates interest in analog photography but also sparks a spirit of exploration and adventure among photographers.
As SilverBridge and its dedicated team invite the community to partake in this panoramic journey, they aim to create more than just a camera; they aspire to build a bridge connecting the rich history of photography with its vibrant future. This initiative offers a hopeful vision for the world of analog photography, suggesting a promising resurgence as creators embrace the art form anew.