“Photography-Related April Fools’ Day Pranks Over the Years”

Are you ready for some photography-related April Fools’ Day pranks that will make you laugh out loud? Over the years, photographers and camera companies have come up with some hilarious hoaxes that had us all fooled for a moment. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the best photography-related April Fools’ Day jokes that have graced the internet.

1. Kodachrome makes a comeback
Remember the iconic Kodachrome film that was discontinued in 2009, much to the dismay of photographers everywhere? Well, in 2018, The Phoblographer pulled off a brilliant prank by announcing that Kodak was bringing back Kodachrome in both 35mm and 120 emulsions. Photographers rejoiced at the news, only to realize it was too good to be true. The chemistry required to develop Kodachrome was too complex for a revival, leaving us all dreaming of what could have been.

2. Underwater instant camera
In 2014, Lomography teased photographers with the idea of an underwater instant camera called the Lomo’Instant Caribbean. The concept was simple yet genius – a camera that could capture and print photos underwater as you swam around. The playful prank captured the imagination of many, proving that sometimes the best jokes are the ones that make us wish they were real.

3. Rogge & Pott’s Re-35
One of the most sophisticated April Fool’s Day pranks in recent years was the Re-35 hoax. The concept claimed to bring digital imaging to old analog SLRs by using 35mm canisters with a Flexisensor that recorded images onto digital memory. While the idea was revolutionary, it turned out to be a clever marketing ploy by design company Rogge & Pott. Little did they know that their joke would inspire real products like the I’m Back digital backs for film cameras.

4. GoPro’s handy accessory
GoPro got in on the April Fools’ Day fun in 2018 with the introduction of Armie, a mount that gave the impression of companionship in solo adventure shots. The tongue-in-cheek product was a nod to the popular #FollowMeTo photography trend, where a person holds hands with the camera operator. Armie offered a humorous solution to the age-old problem of capturing the perfect solo shot.

5. DSLR for left-handers
In 2013, The-Digital-Picture.com announced a special edition Canon EOS 7D DSLR designed specifically for left-handed photographers. The EOS 7D L featured reversed ergonomics with the grip on the left-hand side, catering to the 10% of the population that are left-handed. While the camera was a figment of imagination, it sparked conversations about inclusivity in camera design.

6. Mirrorless camera for left-handers
Dutch retailer Kamera Express took the left-handed baton and ran with it in 2023 by listing a pre-order page for the Sony A7L V, a leftie version of the Sony A7R V. The retailer even went as far as creating a 3D-printed mockup and posting a video preview on YouTube. The prank was so convincing that it blurred the lines between reality and fiction, leaving many wondering if left-handed cameras could be the next big trend.

7. Medium format disposable camera
In 2021, Fujiaddict.com pulled off a very-credible hoax by announcing the Fujifilm GFX Disposable, a medium format disposable camera. The camera came with a 60mm f/4 lens and 25 frames of 400H 1600 ISO 645 film, offering a unique blend of disposable convenience and medium format quality. The prank even included the option for ACROS 645 film and 102MP scans of images, adding a touch of humor to the high-end photography world.

These photography-related April Fools’ Day pranks remind us that creativity and humor go hand in hand in the world of photography. While some jokes may be too good to be true, they serve as a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously and to embrace the playful side of our craft. Who knows what hilarious pranks await us in the future? Stay tuned for more laughs and surprises on April 01!