Academy Award-winning actor and photographer Jeff Bridges has reached a major milestone in his ambitious project to revive the beloved Widelux panoramic film camera. Just over a year after announcing the formation of his camera company SilverBridges, the team has unveiled their first prototype, designated WideluxX Prototype 0001, showcasing remarkable progress in bringing this iconic camera back to life.
The prototype was officially revealed last Friday at the International Association for Panoramic Photography convention in Minnesota through a special video presentation. According to Charys Schuler of SilvergrainClassics, holding this one-of-a-kind prototype represents an extraordinary moment, especially when personal investment and dedication have gone into its creation. The full video, featuring Jeff and Susan Bridges introducing the project, is expected to be published online in the near future.
SilverBridges represents a unique collaboration between photography enthusiasts and industry professionals. The company was formed as a partnership between Jeff Bridges, his wife Susan Bridges (née Geston) - herself an accomplished photographer, Charys Schuler, and SilvergrainClassics editor-in-chief Marwan El Mozayen. The company name cleverly combines 'SilvergrainClassics' with the 'Bridges' family surname, reflecting this creative partnership.
The project stems from a significant loss to the photography community two decades ago. The original Widelux factory burned down 20 years ago, effectively ending production of new cameras and severely limiting repair options for existing models. Jeff Bridges, who has extensively used his personal Widelux camera on numerous film sets over the years to capture remarkable behind-the-scenes photographs of significant artistic and cultural value, was determined not to let this unique camera disappear forever.
"Twenty years ago, the Widelux factory burned down, so we decided that rather than letting our favorite camera die, we'd bring her back to life," Jeff and Susan Bridges explained in the presentation. "We're keeping it old school; it's a film camera handmade in Germany, built to last generations." This commitment to traditional craftsmanship reflects the team's dedication to preserving the authentic experience of analog photography.
The development process has required extensive reverse engineering and manufacturing innovation. As Japan Camera Hunter reported after speaking with Schuler and El Mozayen, the team had to completely reverse engineer the original Widelux camera since no existing parts inventory remains available. Every component had to be redesigned and manufactured from scratch, presenting significant technical challenges that the team has successfully overcome.
Despite the need to recreate every part, the team has remained faithful to the original design philosophy. "There will be many small improvements, but its DNA is still the [Panon Widelux] F8," Schuler and El Mozayen stated. "We see ourselves as a bridge between the history and the future of analog photography. It's about the art and craft of camera manufacturing, and about giving a new generation of film photographers the tools to create with."
The prototype demonstrates the team's commitment to quality and authenticity while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques. Based on the initial images and video, the WideluxX maintains the distinctive characteristics that made the original Widelux cameras so beloved among photographers seeking unique panoramic perspectives. The robust construction and attention to detail visible in the prototype suggest that SilverBridges is well-positioned to deliver a product that honors the legacy of the original while meeting contemporary quality standards.
Photographers and enthusiasts interested in following the WideluxX project's progress can stay updated through the project's dedicated website, where additional information and the complete introduction video will be posted. The successful development of this first prototype marks a significant step forward in reviving one of photography's most distinctive and cherished camera systems for future generations of film photographers.
