PRESS: Retrospekt and Pabst Blue Ribbon Unveil Limited-Edition 35mm Camera and T-Shirt Collaboration
May 21, 2024
Retrospekt, a product design and development studio dedicated to creating unique experiences through new and refurbished retro tech products, has teamed up with iconic American beer brand Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) to produce an exclusive, preloaded 35mm film camera and retro-inspired T-shirt, featuring a classic PBR pitchman enjoying a quintessential piece of music tech.
“This collaboration is about designing products that enable experiences,” said Retrospekt Creative Director Michael Kempen. “PBR has a long and storied history but is also something that people continue to interact with very directly and choose for reasons besides just its pedigree. In a similar sense, while retro tech represents the building blocks of current technology, appreciation for it goes beyond simple nostalgia. Regardless of its place in time, it offers a very immersive, focused experience that’s still relevant today.”
The centerpiece of the collaboration is a newly manufactured point-and-shoot camera designed to make film photography accessible to enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Pabst Blue Ribbon Simple-Use 35mm Film Camera comes pre-loaded with 27 exposures of 400 ISO 35mm film for versatile shooting in various lighting conditions. The fixed-focus lens and built-in flash ensure ease of use, allowing anyone to capture vibrant analog images without requiring manual adjustments.
Merging the charm of retro tech with the timeless appeal of PBR, the camera’s design features retro-inspired typography and classic Pabst imagery, such as an old-timey bartender, goblets of beer and the Blue Ribbon logo. Its cohesive design approach emphasizes heritage, aligning Retrospekt's passion for retro electronics and PBR's long-standing brand identity.
Retrospekt’s simple-use camera format closely follows the template of the “disposable” 35mm film camera models of other brands, with the added — and more sustainable — benefit of reusability. Unlike traditional disposable cameras, Retrospekt provides detailed instructions for reloading the film to extend the camera's value and lifespan, allowing film enthusiasts the option to reuse the camera or save it for their collection.
In addition to the camera, a limited-edition T-shirt pays homage to the brands' shared roots in Milwaukee. The front features a pocket print with a cleverly modified PBR logo reading "Pabst x Retrospekt.” On the back, a vibrant, full-color illustration takes center stage, depicting "Cool Blue" — the PBR spokescharacter featured in classic Pabst advertisements — enjoying a beer while listening to a cassette player, fusing two iconic pieces of vintage cool.
The camera, which costs $29, will be sold through Urban Outfitters and retrospekt.com starting May 21, 2024. The T-shirt will be available exclusively through Retrospekt’s official website.
Visit the Pabst Blue Ribbon x Retrospekt Collection
Full Resolution Photos and Other Assets
via Google Drive
(These assets are available for media use)
Media Contact
Lexie Capperella, Retrospekt
lexie@gregoryfca.com
About Retrospekt
Retrospekt is a highly-specialized workshop and product design studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin committed to the exploration, restoration and curation of retro technology. They started their foray into the world of retro tech by supplying Polaroid with refurbished and restored vintage instant cameras and now offer a full line of vintage camera models in addition to developing official Polaroid camera collaborations with both national and international brands, such as Mattel, Sanrio, Peanuts and FENDI.
Since 2008, they have pursued vintage electronics and the delight of analog technology, breathing new life into cameras, portable cassette players, classic gaming consoles and other retro tech oddities. Over the last decade, their team has saved over 300,000 devices with a comprehensive refurbishment process that faithfully restores each item to perform like it did the day it was originally manufactured.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, it can be easy for digital convenience to become digital overload. Retrospekt hopes the items they offer will provide people an opportunity to slow down, step back and enjoy a more tactile and intentional experience. Visit Retrospekt.com for more information on Retrospekt and its offerings.
About Pabst Blue Ribbon
Since its founding in 1844, Pabst Blue Ribbon, the original American lager beer, has been connecting with local communities across America. Pabst Blue Ribbon engages and supports individuals who are passionate about forging their own path in life, and will continue to empower new generations who believe in the future of America. Pabst Blue Ribbon is owned by Pabst Brewing Company. American-owned and operated since its founding in Milwaukee in 1844, Pabst Brewing Company is America's largest privately held brewing company. Please visit pabstblueribbon.com for more information.
