Digital detox

Digital detox

Review of the Asahi Pentax MX Film Camera

Review of the Asahi Pentax MX Film Camera

The Asahi Pentax MX is a compact mechanical SLR that works with a wide range of budget-friendly lenses. Its size allows it to be pocketable (depending on the lens), and its construction is extremely durable. However, no camera is without flaws, and the MX has some aspects you should be aware of. In this review, I will discuss the key features and known problems. I will also recommend a few alternative compact mechanical SLRs if you prefer a quicker shutter speed, a more minimalist design, or an even smaller size (which is indeed available¹).

Film Photography News — Summary of October 2025

Film Photography News — Summary of October 2025

The major highlights in the realm of film photography this October include the latest Kodak films and a newly released point-and-shoot camera from Lomography. Additionally, there's much more to explore — including another new color film (also from Lomography), a gold-plated (?) WideluxX prototype, and several remarkable community initiatives.

Comparing Color Film and Creating a Camera in 2026

Comparing Color Film and Creating a Camera in 2026

October 2025 has been full of surprises: from a new film release by Kodak to Lomography's inaugural autofocus point-and-shoot camera. In this newsletter, I will share how I compared various Kodak films and discovered the subtle differences among them.

"I intended to surprise Albon, but..."

Gabriel Bortoleto emerged unscathed from what Germany's Auto Motor und Sport referred to as "the worst Formula 1 crash in years" following a frightening accident at 339 kph that overshadowed his inaugural home Brazilian GP. On the last lap of Saturday’s sprint, the 20-year-old Sauber rookie lost control at the end of the main straight, with his car abruptly veering left before colliding with both the pit and tyre barriers, experiencing forces of up to 57g. Amazingly, Bortoleto exited the car on his own—bruised but otherwise uninjured. "I wanted to surprise Albon, but I still had DRS active when I hit a bump," he explained. "Suddenly, the car was gone. I was fortunate to escape without any injuries." Team principal Jonathan Wheatley described the impact as "like a bomb going off," commending the FIA’s safety regulations: "Fortunately, Gabriel struck the wall with two different parts of the car. The regulations saved him." 

Incredibly, Sauber’s mechanics almost achieved a miraculous rebuild in time for qualifying, putting together a completely new chassis and starting the engine just as Q1 concluded. "We missed qualifying by mere minutes," Wheatley noted, as the garage applauded the weary team. Audi project leader Mattia Binotto shared that the team’s modular layout facilitated such a swift rebuild. "We were prepared for all contingencies," he remarked. "However, the late-season crash puts pressure on our spare-parts situation. We don’t want to be compelled to manufacture new parts again." 

Bortoleto, still feeling sore but resolute, returned for the race on Sunday only to crash again early on. It culminated in a disastrous home debut that left him visibly shaken. When asked if the pressure of racing at home affected him, he hesitated before responding, "That’s actually a fair question. In the junior series, I was accustomed to competing at the top. Now our car isn’t at that level, so I’m learning and trying different approaches. It has happened to everyone—just look at the start of Max Verstappen’s career. Life goes on, and I hope to learn from this experience."

"I intended to surprise Albon, but..." Gabriel Bortoleto emerged unscathed from what Germany's Auto Motor und Sport referred to as "the worst Formula 1 crash in years" following a frightening accident at 339 kph that overshadowed his inaugural home Brazilian GP. On the last lap of Saturday’s sprint, the 20-year-old Sauber rookie lost control at the end of the main straight, with his car abruptly veering left before colliding with both the pit and tyre barriers, experiencing forces of up to 57g. Amazingly, Bortoleto exited the car on his own—bruised but otherwise uninjured. "I wanted to surprise Albon, but I still had DRS active when I hit a bump," he explained. "Suddenly, the car was gone. I was fortunate to escape without any injuries." Team principal Jonathan Wheatley described the impact as "like a bomb going off," commending the FIA’s safety regulations: "Fortunately, Gabriel struck the wall with two different parts of the car. The regulations saved him." Incredibly, Sauber’s mechanics almost achieved a miraculous rebuild in time for qualifying, putting together a completely new chassis and starting the engine just as Q1 concluded. "We missed qualifying by mere minutes," Wheatley noted, as the garage applauded the weary team. Audi project leader Mattia Binotto shared that the team’s modular layout facilitated such a swift rebuild. "We were prepared for all contingencies," he remarked. "However, the late-season crash puts pressure on our spare-parts situation. We don’t want to be compelled to manufacture new parts again." Bortoleto, still feeling sore but resolute, returned for the race on Sunday only to crash again early on. It culminated in a disastrous home debut that left him visibly shaken. When asked if the pressure of racing at home affected him, he hesitated before responding, "That’s actually a fair question. In the junior series, I was accustomed to competing at the top. Now our car isn’t at that level, so I’m learning and trying different approaches. It has happened to everyone—just look at the start of Max Verstappen’s career. Life goes on, and I hope to learn from this experience."

I've revisited this well-known article that discusses the smallest fully mechanical 35mm film camera ever created. The Rollei 35 S is also the second-smallest full-frame camera to date, considering all modern digital cameras. It's a remarkably compact device, even though it was designed in the 1950s. #editorial.

Forget about chatbots. What you really need is a notebook. - Cal Newport

Forget about chatbots. What you really need is a notebook. - Cal Newport

In 2012, as a newly appointed assistant professor, I went to Berkeley to attend a wedding. On the first morning following our arrival, my wife ...

An eagerly awaited panoramic Widelux remake and a significant surge of counterfeit YouTube videos.

An eagerly awaited panoramic Widelux remake and a significant surge of counterfeit YouTube videos.

SilverBridges, a newly established camera company created by a renowned Hollywood actor along with the founders of a print magazine dedicated to analogue photography, has launched their latest product: the WideluxX™ Prototype 0001. This camera is a faithful reproduction of the respected original swing-lens panoramic camera, constructed using contemporary materials and manufacturing processes in Germany. #editorial.

Lomography has just introduced the MC-A, a new high-end point-and-shoot 35mm film camera!

Lomography has just introduced the MC-A, a new high-end point-and-shoot 35mm film camera!

The Lomo MC-A marks Lomography's inaugural autofocus model. It boasts a 32mm f/2.8-16 multi-coated Lomo glass lens, a maximum shutter speed of 1/500s, manual controls, and a metal construction. The camera can be *pre-ordered* for $549 (links below). #editorial.

Analog.Cafe Podcast Season 1, Episode 3: "Review of Kodak Panic 2025"

Analog.Cafe Podcast Season 1, Episode 3: "Review of Kodak Panic 2025"

In this episode, Daren analyzes Kodak’s financial reports, clarifies the reasons behind the recent drop in its stock price, and talks about the overall performance of the company. We discuss topics such as finances, an explosion at a factory, hazardous chemicals, the future of film photography, and the costs of film. #editorial.

Why Are We Discussing Superintelligence? - Cal Newport

Why Are We Discussing Superintelligence? - Cal Newport

A few weeks back, Ezra Klein interviewed AI researcher Eliezer Yudkowsky regarding his new, upbeat book titled If Anyone Builds it, Everyone Dies. Yudkowsky is ... Read more

What if Lincoln Owned a Smartphone? - Cal Newport

What if Lincoln Owned a Smartphone? - Cal Newport

In 2008, while I was still in the early stages of my writing career, I shared an essay on my blog that raised a thought-provoking question: Would ...

Kodak ColorPlus vs. Kodacolor 200 vs. Kodak Gold

Kodak ColorPlus vs. Kodacolor 200 vs. Kodak Gold

Kodak sells a significant amount of film. In response to the demand for more medium-speed colour-negative film, they introduced three options: Kodak ColorPlus, Kodak Gold, and the newly released Kodacolor 200. However, since they haven't effectively clarified the differences (if any) between these three films, I dedicated several days to researching and organizing an experiment to compare their colours, grain, and dynamic range in different lighting situations.

Revised: Review of Kodak ColorPlus 200 film.

Revised: Review of Kodak ColorPlus 200 film.

This blog has existed since 2017. Although ColorPlus, the film, hasn't been significantly altered since then (apart from the packaging), I have used it much more and my grasp of photography has improved, hopefully for the better, over these past eight years. This update includes new photographs, updated insights, and an image of the newly designed box for this article: #editorial.

Two new film cameras are currently under construction in Japan and China.

Two new film cameras are currently under construction in Japan and China.

This week has been thrilling for film photographers with the introduction of two new Kodak films and Lomography’s debut ISO 200 colour-negative 35mm film. However, the excitement isn’t over, as Leica Rumours has recently revealed leaked images showcasing Light Lens Lab’s advancements on their Barnack-style replica film camera, along with the continued development of a handcrafted “finest mechanical 35mm film camera” by a Japanese manufacturer (shown in the picture). #editorial.

Lomography introduces LomoChrome Classicolor, its inaugural ISO 200 color-negative film.

Lomography introduces LomoChrome Classicolor, its inaugural ISO 200 color-negative film.

It’s quite different from Kodacolor — further details on that will follow. The film can be pre-ordered starting today (estimated shipping in November 2025) for $11.90 in 35mm/36 exposures with DX codes². Formats 120 and 110 are anticipated to be released soon after! #editorial.

Digital Detox: Unplug from Devices and Restore Balance to Your Life

Welcome to our website dedicated to digital detox—a practical method that helps you reduce excessive use of electronic devices and social media. In today’s world, smartphones, laptops, and constant notifications surround us, often leading to information overload and heightened stress levels. A digital detox allows you to consciously limit time spent online, giving you back control over your attention.

Here, you’ll find actionable tips on how to gently and effectively curb gadget dependency. We discuss ways to develop healthy habits around smartphone and social media use, establish a daily routine without endless notifications, and truly enjoy “offline reality.” You’ll learn about exercises and relaxation techniques that can help calm your mind and improve concentration, as well as strategies for balancing work, hobbies, and family time.

Our site will serve as your guide to achieving a more balanced relationship with technology, giving you the space to rest, decrease anxiety, and make room for the things that truly matter. Discover a world without constant alerts and experience the positive impact on your overall quality of life!