PGYTECH is taking a slightly unusual approach to mobile photography with its new RetroVa Vintage Imaging Kit, a Kickstarter project that turns recent iPhones into something that feels closer to a compact mirrorless camera than a phone with accessories bolted on.

The idea isn’t entirely new. Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo have already experimented with external camera modules and add-on optics, but RetroVa is one of the first attempts to bring that concept properly to iPhones.

The kit is designed for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, with hints that future models could also be supported. It’s clearly aimed at users who are happy with their phone but frustrated by the limits of smartphone zoom.

There are two main versions of the kit. The entry-level option is a grip and case combo that adds a proper camera-style handle to the iPhone. It includes a two-stage shutter button, a zoom rocker, a control dial, and extra buttons that can be mapped to settings like ISO or exposure. The goal here isn’t just convenience, it’s to make shooting feel more deliberate and controlled, closer to using a dedicated camera.

The more expensive bundle adds a screw-on 2.35x telephoto extender. When paired with the iPhone 17 Pro’s 4x telephoto camera, this pushes the effective focal length to around 235mm equivalent, or 10x optical zoom. On the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x lens, it goes up to 12x. The promise is cleaner results than digital zoom can offer, especially for wildlife, sports, or events.

One of the more interesting touches is the built-in microSD card slot for creators, which reportedly allows direct recording of ProRes video. There’s also a companion app with manual controls and a retro-inspired interface, though the grip itself has only a small battery meant to power its controls.

The Kickstarter campaign launched in late January 2026 and has already passed its funding goal comfortably. Shipping is planned for March and April, depending on the kit.

It’s still a crowdfunded product, so there’s the usual risk involved. But for iPhone users who want better zoom and more hands-on control — without buying a new phone or a separate camera — RetroVa is an interesting experiment.

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