Canon x Transformers Optimus Prime and Refraktor

Takara‘s end of the franchise had some really odd collaborations. There have been Optimus Prime that transforms into a PlayStation One console, Nike shoe that transforms into a robot, Optimus Prime disguised as a rather convincing hat and a functional pen, and there’s, of course, Optimus Prime the watch holder, and now, there is Optimus Prime the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. Yup. I kid you not.

Canon x Transformers Optimus Prime R5

Optimus Prime is taking on a camera alt mode, seemingly challenging the only camera bot, the Reflector aka Refraktor. Speaking of which, there is also a Reflector version too, aptly named Reflector R5. However, the Reflector R5 is a limited-edition, Takara Tomy Mall Exclusive.

Like many of such odd alt mode transforming toys, the bot mode of either toy is quite a bit of a stretch. As you probably already noted both bots are not ashamed to show off the Canon EOS R5 body which is practically the entire torso. The Optimus Prime R5 and Reflector R5 are essentially a Canon EOS R5 with limbs and a head.

Canon x Transformers Reflector R5
Reflector aka Refraktor is a Takara Tomy Mall Exclusive.

On the bright side, both transformed into a perfectly accurate Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera, complete with a removable lens cap and a removable lens with lens adjustment function, and well, that’s about it. It is not clear if the buttons are clickable and if the dial can be turned.

NOW READ  LEGO Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion (76294) Building Set Announced

Canon x Transformers Optimus Prime R5 comes supplied with a miniature model of the EOS R5 so Prime can take photos as well as Matrix of Leadership which can be placed behind the lens.

Meanwhile, Canon x Transformers Reflector R5 comes supplied with a miniature model of G1 Refraktor in its camera mode and a Quantum Dial, which can also be placed behind the lens.

Both the Canon x Transformers Optimus Prime R5 and Reflector R5 will be released in February 2023 for 19,800 yen (around US$147). Reservation is happening in Japan for both figures.

Canon x Transformers Optimus Prime R5
Smile for Optimus Prime the camera.
[UPDATE August 10, 2022, 9:18 PM ET: Takara Tomy has shared a Japanese language video showing the transformation for the Optimus Prime R5. It looks simple enough. Here, have a look:

All images courtesy of Takara Tomy [JP].