[Insta Walk] Elly Camera - What Memories Are Contained in the Minolta Camera Donated by a 90-Year-Old Grandfather?

Experience and Exhibition Space at Yeonnam-dong 1st Branch
CEO Kang Hyewon Captivated by UK 'Full View'
Exhibiting 400-500 Camera Models Collected Over 14 Years
Produced in Europe and UK During 1800s-1900s

Popular One-Day Classes Offering Development and Scanning
Some Customers Donate Unwanted Cameras
Most Memorable Customer: 90-Year-Old Grandfather Three Years Ago

Yeonhui-dong 2nd Branch 'Deuktem' Space, Reservation Only 3 Days a Week
"Aim to Sell to Those Who Appreciate Camera Value... A Space for Inspiration and Comfort"

A Minolta camera donated to 'Elly Camera' by a grandfather who was 90 years old in 2017. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Photographs are excellent mediums that take us back to memories of the past. The reason for pressing the camera shutter is likely to reminisce about the place and emotions of that time in the future. Since the advent of smartphones following digital cameras, we have been able to easily take photos even on ordinary days. It is an era where you can take great photos without having to manually adjust focus or brightness values by simply pressing the shutter button. There is no longer a long wait to develop film after shooting, and you don’t have to check the results later. You can freely and instantly take photos without worrying about film, check them immediately, and delete them if you don’t like them. Although this is a remarkable technological advancement, it also means that many photos are taken carelessly. More fundamentally, the process of interacting with the subject through photography has disappeared due to the enormous increase in photo-taking. Perhaps because of this, there are those who long for film cameras, which required care and attention for each shot. Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, ‘Eli Camera’ is a treasure island-like space that embraces those with such nostalgia. Specializing in vintage film cameras, this place is popular not only among camera enthusiasts but also among those who want to create special memories.

About a 15-minute walk along the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail, known as ‘Yeontral Park,’ from Exit 3 of Hongik University Station on Subway Line 2, you will be captivated by a shop with an exotic exterior that looks like it belongs in a small European town. With a blue exterior wall, arch-shaped windows adorned with rose vines, and a red door, this place is enough to attract the footsteps of passersby. Upon entering, cameras of various shapes fill the roughly 10-pyeong (approx. 33 square meters) space. Although many cameras with unique appearances that might make you think of a ‘camera museum’ are handled here, all 400 to 500 types of cameras are displayed without any barriers. This means anyone can touch and press the shutter of every camera here.

The 'Full View' series produced by the British company Ensign. CEO Kang started collecting various vintage cameras beginning with 'Full View.' Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

Established in a deep alley of Yeonnam-dong in 2016, ‘Eli Camera’ is filled with vintage cameras produced in Europe and the UK during the 1800s and 1900s. CEO Kang Hyewon (39) began collecting cameras as a university student and has been collecting for 14 years now. The collection started with the ‘Full View’ released by the British company Ensign. Kang explained, “The ‘Full View’ sparked my fascination with the design and craftsmanship of cameras, and I became captivated by analog cameras, wondering how such items could have been made in that era.” Later, while studying abroad in the UK, he attended various camera-related events like a fish in water, completing his current collection.

From folding cameras from the late 1800s that you might only see in a camera museum to the Argus C3 model from the US, which gained popularity after appearing in the movie ‘Harry Potter,’ you can easily find rare and unique models here. Although these cameras each have different histories, Kang encourages visitors to freely touch and experience them. This is because, during his collector days, he regretted having to look at cameras displayed behind glass cases without being able to touch them. Kang said, “I felt awkward touching cameras and didn’t want to feel pressured to buy them.” He added, “Our rule here is never to sell cameras. Once we sell, the place becomes limited to those who intend to buy cameras, and visitors start feeling self-conscious. We don’t want people to feel that way, so we never sell cameras here.”

This place operates mainly as an experience space. The one-day class is especially popular. Visitors choose one of the 16 cameras prepared by the store, learn how to operate it, then go outside to freely take photos. The film loaded in the camera holds 36 shots, and most participants take photos carefully. After shooting, they return to the store for development and scanning. Kang added, “Some apply to this program to spend a fun day in Yeonnam-dong, but many are attracted by the chance to try out our unique cameras.” This program, which allows people to roam the alleys of Yeonnam-dong while using distinctive cameras, is already famous among camera lovers.

The Argus C3 camera model, made famous by the movie 'Harry Potter.' Its unique appearance captures attention. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

Some visitors occasionally donate cameras here. They believe it is more meaningful for cameras they no longer need, which gather dust in a corner, to be displayed for many people. Kang recalled a memorable visitor, an elderly man. “Three years ago, a grandfather who was 90 at the time donated two cameras as he was organizing his life,” Kang said. “I was so grateful that I took down his name and contact information. We display his cameras in the most visible spot in the store and often reflect on his sentiment.”

While the first branch is solely a space for experience and exhibition, the second branch in Yeonhui-dong offers camera enthusiasts opportunities to ‘score great finds.’ Kang said, “Last year, during a business trip to Europe, I realized many camera shops I visited during my study abroad days had disappeared. It felt like the chance to experience cameras was vanishing.” He continued, “At the same time, I thought, ‘I haven’t created opportunities for many people to experience film cameras,’ so I immediately signed a lease for the store last year.”

The second branch, operating only three days a week by reservation, aims to sell cameras to those who understand their value. Kang said, “I don’t try to sell many cameras. Even with inexpensive products, I feel satisfied when selling to customers who appreciate their value and understand the charm and history of cameras.”

Kang hopes ‘Eli Camera’ becomes a space that revitalizes tired people. He shared, “One customer said our store has the power to make others like what they love. I hope this space inspires anyone who enters and becomes a place of comfort when they are weary.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.