Tag Archives: Vintage

Colorful retro turntables bring back the free-spirited 50s to the present

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The predominant minimalism design trend has created hundreds of products with trivial, often singular color schemes with muted hues. Although there’s no rule that it has to be such, this has become the standard practice for those adhering to this aesthetic. This has caused some to label such designs as boring and lifeless, though many will undoubtedly beg to differ.

The retro fever gripping many fields, however, is throwing a splash of color and whimsy on products, whether they’re actually vintage designs or even modern-day objects. Taking inspiration from mankind’s equally colorful history, retro designs like these turntables capture the charm of the past and blend it with the comforts of the present to create an experience that is more memorable and more satisfying than simply listening to music off Bluetooth speakers.

Designer: Gadhouse

Although the television might have only shown black and white, the 50s was characterized by an overabundance of bright, saturated colors, sometimes to a disconcerting degree. The decade also saw the rise of the “Long Play” record format, popularizing the record players and turntables that are being revived today. It seems only fitting that a true-blooded vintage record player pays homage to its roots, at least on the surface.

The Brad Retro Mk II definitely looks the part with its boxy designs, analog controls, and, more importantly, its colorful personality. With a belt-driven mechanism, three-speed play, and support for 7-12″ vinyl, this retro-style record player brings out the analog goodness of the medium, letting you hear it just the way the music was supposed to be heard. Built-in 10W speakers even recreate that experience of not having to plug in speakers just to listen to music.

Of course, the Brad Retro Mk II is also a child of modern technology, and it doesn’t disappoint either. If you do want to play your music louder, you can stream to a nearby Bluetooth speaker or go old-school with a 3.5mm jack. What’s new in this second-gen model is a USB-C port of power, allowing you to play anywhere you want.

The Brad Retro Mk II comes in five color combinations to appeal to as many tastes as possible. The turntables exude a playful charm typical of that period, while still meeting the needs of discerning audiophiles. With vibrant hues, tactile controls, a unique tonality, and modern connectivity, this record player isn’t just a blast from the past but is also a product of humanity’s cumulative history.

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Vintage-looking ebike sidecar lets you ride around in style

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I am one of the estimated 50% of the world population that don’t know how to ride a bike and have no desire to actually learn how. But there’s one kind that I do know how to ride and given the chance, I’d probably willingly get on one: the sidecar. I can’t balance on two wheels but add a sidecar and another wheel to the equation, then yes, I can actually “drive” it. And if it’s an electric bike, then it also adds to the appeal.

Designer: Mod Bikes

The Mod Easy SideCar Sahara electric bike is something that may appeal to people like me or regular bike riders who want to get on this retro-looking thing that looks like a prop bike from Mad Max Fury Road. The design inspiration for the limited edition ebike is actually the BMW R75 Sahara motorcycle from the World War II era or the 1940s. But of course it has more bells and whistles given that it’s an electric bicycle.

The front wheel has a moto-style dual-crown suspension while the custom-made sidecar has dual headlights, an extended frame, and a cargo rack at the rear. And if your companion on the sidecar is a pet, it even has a built-in doggie door, which should work for pets and humans alike. There’s also a padded seat and a seatbelt for safety. As an ebike, it is equipped with a 750-W rear-hub motor plus give levels of programmable pedal-assist. It also has a responsive torque sensor and a thumb throttle.

The bike also has wide-beam LED headlight so you can be visible while driving around even when it’s dark already. There’s also a braking tail-light to add to the safety features. And if you want more control over the synched turn signaling and brake lighting, you can pair it with a Lumos smart helmet.

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Top 5 Vintage-Inspired Designs That Merge Classic Elegance With Modern Technology

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In today’s world, we are completely focused on the future, however, there is a certain satisfaction and charm in dealing with vintage-inspired products that take us back to a simpler and lovelier era. Vintage-inspired designs merge classic aesthetics with modern functionality, forming functional and visually pleasing products that add some timeless utility to our everyday lives. And, we’ve curated a collection of fantastic vintage-ish products that will give you a dose of nostalgia! From a LEGO vintage-inspired Radio to a wireless vintage radio speaker – these unique pieces are all you need to add some vintage flair and elegance to your home, and daily lif3.

1. LEGO Radio

This LEGO Radio feels like a playful blast from the past! It lets you build your radio, that plays pre-recorded tunes. You can turn the dial, and it is equipped with an extendable antenna and tuner window to offer those nostalgic feels. It is amped with Apple Music/Spotify support.

Why is it noteworthy?

The radio is functional, and you can use the Apple Music/Spotify support. The color palette has a real vintage vibe, taking you back to the olden days. It is 13 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep. You can tinker with the build, without spoiling it.

What we like

  • Has a lovely vintage-inspired green and beige palette
  • Your smartphone can be plugged into a hidden compartment on the back panel, letting you play your fav tunes

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t have a transmitter to play live radio stations

2. Limited Edition Apollo Collection

The Limited Edition Apollo Collection uses genuine Walnut, Cherry, or Maple. The computers include three important components, and a beautiful contrast is made between the wooden organic shapes and the aesthetic of modern technology. The PC looks more like an art object, than an electrical appliance.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Apollo Collection computers consist of three parts – the keyboard holds the computer. A portable screen is attached to the keyboard via a cable, while a magnetic screen stand brings the configuration to a full circle. Each component is made to order by hand.

What we like

  • Uses custom circuitry, and a bespoke operating system
  • The wooden materials add a more organic and natural feel

What we dislike

  • Unknown hardware specs

3. Beeper-Inspired Power Bank

This quirky-looking portable battery concept adopts the vintage aesthetic of a beeper while adding a few modern twists. It utilizes a translucent shell and uses colors besides black and gray. However, the battery maintains a simple interface, incorporating a few buttons and ports. However, it is amped with a 10,000 mAh battery that can power up phones and tablets.

Why is it noteworthy?

The beeper-inspired power bank features a two-line monochrome display with a font like those found in old-school gadgets. It shows messages that have been sent from your phone through Bluetooth, so in a way it replicates the functionality of the original beeper.

What we like

  • Adds a fun and modern twist to the age-old beeper design

What we dislike

  • The viewing space is still quite limited like the original beepers

4. Jollylook

The Magic!

Say hello to Jollylook – the first cardboard vintage instant camera! This unique vintage-inspired instant camera works on Instax mini film, and it is handmade from recycled cardboard. The simple fold-out camera is made completely from recycled paper and cardboard and includes no electronics.

Why is it noteworthy?

Besides cardboard, the camera includes a pair of lenses and a cartridge of instant mini photos. It is an environment-friendly design, and fewer materials have been used than in the packaging of a conventional camera. Thick paper and laminated cardboard have been used to create the camera body, shutter, and aperture.

What we like

  • Features a vintage design with a little steampunk-ish aesthetic
  • Has a foldout and compact body

What we dislike

  • Some users felt the bellows did not fully extend

5. Lofree Poison

Meet the Lofree Poison – a portable and vintage-inspired wireless radio speaker that will take you to an era gone by! It delivers a powerful audio experience while bringing back the vibes of the good old days. The speaker merges a vintage classic aesthetic with modern digital audio technology.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Lofree Poison features an enhanced bass driver that delivers a full-bodied bass without compromising on mids and trebles. It can play around six hours of CD-quality music wirelessly, taking you to the precious days of radio channel surfing.

What we like

  • Available in a bunch of different and fun colors
  • Compact and portable design

What we dislike

  • The speaker’s box is a bit too bulky for everyday storage

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This Rotary-Phone-Inspired Label Maker Is A Nostalgic Blast From The Past!

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I’m sure I’m not the only one who appreciates the cuteness of small objects, there’s just something special about tiny objects, especially when they mimic bigger stuff. As amusing as the future seems, the retro charm is has a sense of warmth that most of us connect with on some level. Imagine the classic charm of an old-school telephone, but shrunken down and upgraded to handle your modern labeling needs. It’s a journey through time and creativity as one explores the adorable universe of this labeling machine. It’s a small package with a big dose of charm!

Designer: 102 Design Lab

The body of the labeling machine boasts a rounded design, reminiscent of the classic form of retro telephones. However, what truly sets this product apart is the incorporation of the iconic rotary dial as the switch design element. The rotating switch key serves as a metaphorical time tunnel, transporting users back to an era when telephones were more than just communication devices—they were symbols of nostalgia and romance.

As users rotate and slide their fingers across the switch key, a tangible connection to the past is established. The tactile experience evokes a sense of pleasure as if one is traversing through time and reliving the romanticized memories of bygone days. Each turn of the switch key becomes a delightful journey, immersing individuals in the soft embrace of a bygone era.

What adds to the appeal of the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine is its graceful color palette. Available in three distinct colors, the machine is not only a functional tool but also a stylish accessory that effortlessly complements any setting. The attention to detail in the design ensures that the labeling machine becomes a statement piece, blending seamlessly into both modern and vintage environments.

Despite its retro aesthetics, the labeling machine is not just about reliving the past—it also brings a touch of practicality to its users. Although seemingly limited to printing numbers on the telephone, the device excels in its simplicity and functionality. It manages to strike a perfect balance between form and function, offering users a unique and enjoyable experience without compromising on usability.

So if you’re looking for a cozy hug from the past in this contemporary tech world, this vintage phone labeling machine is for you! It’s a nod to the good old days when phones had that classic charm. This labeling machine isn’t just a tool; it’s a trip down memory lane. It lets you feel the nostalgia and romance of the days when phones were more than just devices – they were a whole experience.

 

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Vintage-looking desk clock is handmade with brass and copper materials

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Time-telling has become one of those things we take for granted since we only have to look at our computer or our smartphones or our smartwatches to find out the current time. Sure there are still some places that have actual wall clocks or desk clocks but even those have become few and far between. It’s also rare now for people to collect unique-looking clocks but for those who actually do it, there is a “rare find” clock that you can find on Etsy if you can spare around $900.

Designer: Sergey

If you’re very much into hand crafted stuff that looks pretty unique and classic, the Nixei tube vintage clock may interest you. It looks like something that would have fit in during the Victorian era in a 19th century home. Its design is basically a hydro-mechanical column with manual drive and is made from brass, copper, bronze, and glass. They are soldered and threaded together and all these parts are connected by hand.

It can tell time in either the 12 and 24 hour format and has seven different colors as indicators. You can turn off the glow of these indicators if it proves to be too distracting at night. There are three buttons to control the different functions of the clock and you don’t need to be connected to a network to make it function. It is powered by a 5V adaptor and has a 24 x 29 x 11 cm dimension.

Oh and aside from telling time, it can also serve as a phone stand as there’s a cylinder shape on the side of the clock that can hold your smartphone. Of course it destroys the illusion of being a vintage piece if you put a modern device there but if you’re going for a contrast, then that’s the perfect thing to add to this desk clock.

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Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera Review: Vintage Design, Modern Strengths

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PROS:


  • Beautiful vintage design

  • Dedicated Black & White mode switch

  • Fully articulated touch screen

CONS:


  • No proper hand grip

  • Outdated micro HDMI port

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Nikon Zf mirrorless camera finally gets the right mix of a classic design that photographers love and the modern performance that photographers need.

The powerful cameras inside our smartphones were touted to spell the end of dedicated cameras, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Not only are smartphones severely limited by their sizes, mobile photographers actually graduate into pros and switch to these more powerful and larger cameras. Digital cameras, both DSLR and mirrorless, have also been progressing in their designs, though some seem to have hit a wall in bringing classic aesthetics to present-day specs. Nikon has had a few hits and misses in the past, but that hasn’t stopped it from trying yet again. With the Nikon Zf, the brand makes another attempt at reviving its classic SLR aesthetic for the 21st century, and we give it a good look to see if it manages to finally pull it off.

Designer: Nikon

Aesthetics

Unless you count outliers inspired by Polaroid-style instant cameras, the basic design of cameras hasn’t changed that much in decades. Sure, there are new components like LCD touch screens, D-pads, joysticks, and buttons, but the shape, knobs, dials, and even the location of these elements have mostly stayed the same. There is definitely staying power in the classic camera designs, and Nikon has been trying to bring back those memories and grow a new appreciation for them with the new Nikon Zf, and to much success, we’re happy to say.

The Nikon Zf accurately captures the look and feel of the brand’s early SLRs almost to a fault. It has that all-black finish on a simple and almost featureless rectangular body, wrapped in leatherette covering, and topped by a collection of chunky dials made from brass. The back does have modern amenities like a touch screen, a directional pad to navigate certain options, and buttons as shortcuts to most-used functions, but the overall look remains classic and vintage to some degree. Unfortunately, Nikon opted to really stick close to the old design of cameras like the 80s FM2 to the point that it barely added a hand grip that has become a necessity in this day and age.

Unlike the camera maker’s previous attempt, namely the Nikon Zfc, the Nikon Zf feels just as premium as it looks. You can definitely feel the magnesium alloy body that gives it a solid build, and the brass controls add more to that heft, for better or worse. Unfortunately, the choice of materials may have limited Nikon’s color options, as there is no combination that uses a silver finish for the top section, though there are other leatherette colors available to match your preferred style.

Ergonomics

The Nikon Zf’s solid construction helps it feel premium, but that also works against it in one particular manner. The mirrorless camera has quite a bit of heft to it, which wouldn’t be a problem except for one design quirk. Unlike some cameras today, the Nikon Zf doesn’t have a substantial hand grip that would have improved the ergonomics of the design. It does have a small elevation on the right side of the camera body, but not exactly enough to offer confidence and stability. And that’s not even considering the weight of the lenses you will be attaching to the camera.

You can add a hand grip courtesy of an official Nikon accessory, but that’s an added $40 on top of the camera’s already substantial price tag. There are Nikon cameras that do have such a large hand grip built-in, so it’s not like it’s an alien concept for the manufacturer. It just intentionally chose to stick to this old-school design that, unfortunately, didn’t have that kind of focus on ergonomics.

Fortunately, using the Nikon Zf isn’t that much of a difficult chore, with most of the important dials and buttons within easy reach of your right thumb. The analog dials give a satisfying tactile experience while switching modes, ISO levels, and more. The vari-angle LCD screen makes it possible to capture photos and videos even from difficult angles, though the mushy circular directional pad makes it a little less enjoyable to navigate the camera’s menus, at least compared to a joystick.

Performance

It might look vintage, but the Nikon Zf is definitely equipped to handle the challenges of modern photography. In addition to the tried and tested 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor that it has been using on well-received mirrorless cameras, Nikon has installed a newer Expeed 7 processor that opens up more possibilities for photographers, particularly when it comes to subject recognition and object tracking with autofocus. It’s quite an impressive combination that puts the Nikon Zf on par with many modern digital cameras these days. Admittedly, it’s not exactly a revolutionary new feature but at least it won’t be lagging behind its peers.

The images the Nikon Zf produces are definitely no joke, with clear and crisp details matched with accurate colors that are neither too warm nor too cold. The 8-stop in-body image stabilization makes short work of shaky hands, though you’ll still want to grab a tripod for features like pixel-shift multi-mode that composes multiple shots together for a higher-res image, or 14fps continuous shooting. The Nikon Zf has plenty of other interesting modes that let photographers flex their artistic muscles. Black and white modes offer basic Flat or red filter Deep Tone controls, and it even has a dedicated switch on the dial for this mode. You can also record videos, something the original SLRs couldn’t, at up to 4K 30fps (full-frame) or 60fps (1.5x crop).

The mirrorless camera, powerful as it may be, also has a few design quirks when it comes to hardware. Some of them look good on paper, while others might leave you scratching your head. There’s a second memory card slot that can be used for backup, for example, but it can only fit a slower microSD card compared to the main UHS-II SD storage. There’s also an HDMI port for an external monitor, but it’s of the older and somewhat rare micro HDMI variety, not even a mini HDMI port. Not exactly deal breakers, but something you might want to keep in mind when buying accessories.

Sustainability

The choice of magnesium alloy for the body and brass for the controls gives the Nikon Zf a bit of an edge when it comes to sustainable materials. Sure, there is still plenty of plastic inside, especially in places where Wi-Fi radio signals have to pass through, but the amount of plastics used is reduced to some extent.

Those materials also help preserve the camera’s longevity and long-term value. The solid construction adds to the product’s durability, while the magnesium alloy shell is advertised to be dust and drip-resistant. The brass metal components also gain character as the surface develops unique patinas over years of use.

Value

One of the biggest hurdles that aspiring photographers have to climb over is the seemingly insurmountable price tag attached to these cameras. You could easily buy two or even three of the most powerful smartphones for the price of a single mirrorless or DSLR camera and you’d be able to use those devices for more than just photography. Of course, this is comparing apples to oranges, but it’s a challenge that all budding photographers will have to overcome someday.

The Nikon Zf, for example, goes for a hefty $1,999.95, and that’s for the camera body alone, which you can’t use as-is. You’ll need to attach a lens, and if you’re scratching from scratch, you’ll need to throw in another $400 or more for a complete kit. Might as well add the $40 SmallRig to get the extension grip that will help prevent accidents that will flush that expensive investment down the drain. In the end, the Nikon Zf is exactly that: an investment. It definitely has the right mix of features that will let you capture stunning and potentially award-winning shots or videos, features that won’t become obsolete in just a few years, unlike smartphones.

Verdict

The digital camera market is far from dead, though some will definitely say it is crawling to a stop. That doesn’t mean there’s no more room or opportunities for improvement, especially when trying to find the right mix of design, performance, and price. We only need to look back to the past to see where we went wrong and what we did right, and the Nikon Zf is definitely putting those hard-earned lessons to heart in order to bring a fusion of the past and the present while looking toward the future.

It’s far from being the best mirrorless camera in town, even among Nikon’s roster, but it strikes a good mix of essential features that photographers from all ranges will be able to appreciate and utilize. It packs those in a design that embraces Nikon’s legacy wholeheartedly, as if trying to prove that those designs are far from being obsolete, even decades later. Sure, there are some things we wished Nikon did differently, especially with the grip, but those don’t detract from the fact that the Nikon Zf is one solid and stylish mirrorless camera that photographers need to take note of.

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