iPhonegraphers who have been envious of phones like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra that offer a complete, camera-style accessory suite designed specifically to make a phone behave like a dedicated camera, well, you can stop now. PGYTECH has made a kit that pretty much does the same for your iPhone, and then some. Folks, meet the ultimate iPhonegrapher’s accessory, the RetroVa Vintage Camera System.
Smartphones set out on a different path from standalone cameras, but it has now come full circle thanks to an accessory like RetroVa, which brings tactile mechanical control and master-grade optics to phone imaging. The Ultimate Set—which is the whole point of this product, IMHO—includes a camera grip that works with the included case, turning it into a dedicated camera lookalike. The case lets you use the supplied 2.35X telephoto lens, or attach the lens adapter ring to further expand its optical options. Completing the package is a carrying strap, a lens pouch, and a tripod collar.
That is it, but also not it. On the underside of the camera grip is a microSD slot for storage expansion and, alongside it, a USB-C charging port and a 1/4”-20 threaded tripod socket. Over on the top, there is a shutter button with an integrated zoom lever and a control dial. The shutter button is full-function hardware, featuring half-press to focus, full press to shoot, and long press for burst shooting. Meanwhile, the zoom lever switches focal lengths in Vintage Mode, or lets you have free rein over zoom in Standard Mode. Finally, the control dial works with the Mode Button to change ISO, exposure, white balance, and more. You can fine-tune those settings with the dedicated retro camera app, too.
Speaking of which, the app also lets you unleash your creativity, including applying filters on the fly. The construction is worth mentioning as well. When installed, the classic black pebbled leather finish, premium leather grip, and metal buttons with a knurled control dial transform the iPhone 16 or 17 into a device indistinguishable from a point-and-shoot camera. It is not a pretend-to-be camera, by the way. In addition to the aforementioned hardware controls, there is also a multi-function button on the top that functions as the Power, Quick Start, Mode Switching, Camera Flip, and Bluetooth Pairing button.
The grip features a strap point, and the case itself has another strap point. Together, they let you create a traditional camera-style carrying setup. The grip further touts a locking mechanism that securely attaches to the case and is easy to remove when you do not need it. The tripod collar is compatible with Arca-style quick-release plates for camera accessories. Oh, did we mention that the case is magnetic? This allows you to use MagSafe-compatible accessories like additional lights and more to further expand your phone imaging capabilities.
There is the option to purchase just the case and the grip, but you would not be maximizing the potential of this accessory. You know what they say about going big or going home. This is something like that. Just saying. There is a catch, obviously, and that is price. The basic case and grip combo is 72 bucks, but the full setup costs a heftier US$184. And those are the crowdfunding prices while it is on Kickstarter. Sounds good, but here’s the thing: it is only for the iPhone 16/17 Pro series. Bummer.
Images: PGYTECH.