A small cube shaped camera designed for film photographers is offering a new hybrid approach to analog photography. Escura’s Ligar hotshoe camera allows photographers to capture a digital image at the exact moment a film photo is taken, effectively creating a digital twin of every shot.

The Ligar attaches directly to the hotshoe of a film camera and automatically takes a digital photo when the shutter is released. The device recently completed a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter where it raised about 24,000 dollars, significantly surpassing its initial goal of 5,000 dollars.

The concept behind the device is simple but practical. Film photography carries inherent risks such as development errors, accidental exposure, or even forgetting to load film. By capturing a digital version of the moment at the same time as the film exposure, the Ligar provides photographers with a backup image while preserving the traditional film shooting experience.

Weighing just 40 grams, the compact cube shaped device includes a 12 megapixel sensor capable of capturing still images as well as recording video at a resolution of 1440 by 1440 pixels at 30 frames per second. Because it is mounted directly to the hotshoe of the camera, it works with virtually any film camera that includes a standard hotshoe mount.

The device operates automatically when the film camera shutter is pressed. This synchronization allows both the film camera and the Ligar to capture the same scene simultaneously. Escura describes the concept as a hybrid photography experience that merges the tactile process of film shooting with the convenience of digital capture.

Beyond acting as a companion to film cameras, the Ligar can also function independently as a standalone camera. It includes a small 240 by 240 pixel LED viewfinder and features a fixed shutter speed of 1/125 second. The camera is equipped with a 3.2 millimeter f/2.8 wide angle lens with a 0.45x field of view and a focusing distance that ranges from 0.3 meters to infinity.

The lens includes a 17 millimeter thread, allowing photographers to attach compatible filters. Escura has also built several digital filters into the device, called time capsule filters, which simulate visual styles from different decades ranging from the 1950s to the 2010s.

Another feature of the device is the ability to record short videos while shooting photographs. According to Escura, this allows photographers to capture the moments leading up to a photo or record action between shots, adding an additional storytelling dimension to the shooting process.

Escura has previously gained attention for experimental camera designs including its Instant 60s instant camera and a credit card sized camera called InstantSnap. The Ligar continues that tradition by focusing on simplicity and portability while exploring new ways to blend digital and analog photography workflows.

The company plans to release the Ligar at a retail price of approximately 167 dollars, with shipping expected to begin in July following the successful crowdfunding campaign.

For film photographers who enjoy the creative process of shooting analog but want a safety net for important moments, the Ligar represents an interesting attempt to bridge the gap between traditional and digital photography.