PGYTech Launches RetroVa Modular Camera Accessory System
Chinese company PGYTech has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the RetroVa Vintage Imaging Kit, a modular accessory system designed for the iPhone (16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max) introducing physical camera-style handling and extended optical reach on such smartphones.
“Smartphones have become the most widely used cameras in the world, but the shooting experience itself hasn’t evolved at the same pace,” said Wei, Product Development Director at PGYTECH. “With RetroVa, we wanted to rethink mobile photography from the creator’s perspective — bringing back physical interaction, optical authenticity, and a sense of craft. This is the crucial step in a broader commitment to developing meaningful mobile imaging systems.”
The kit combines a dedicated phone case, a slide-on grip with integrated controls, and, in its more advanced configuration, a 2.35× telephoto extender. The grip incorporates mechanical controls, including a shutter button with half-press focusing, along with dials for adjusting parameters such as ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation. It also features a built-in microSD card slot for external storage, a function not present in most smartphone camera accessories. PGYTech indicates that the grip will remain compatible with future iPhone 18 Pro models, requiring only a replacement case for hardware updates within the same size category. The device supports recording in formats including ProRes (although 4K60 ProRes external recording is not available), HEVC, and RAW. Charging and data transfer are handled via USB 3.1, with transfer speeds rated up to 312MB/s.
The telephoto 2.35× optical extender uses a 13-element, three-group construction with ED glass and is optimized for the iPhone’s f/2.8 aperture and attaches to the native telephoto camera: on the iPhone 17 Pro, which includes a 100mm equivalent telephoto lens, it increases the effective focal length to 235mm; on the iPhone 16 Pro, the extender delivers an equivalent focal length of 282mm. The company also references extended equivalent zoom figures when digital magnification is combined with the optical system.
The RetroVa system operates exclusively through the PGYTech Pro Imaging app rather than Apple’s native camera application. The app provides manual control over exposure settings and includes additional features such as film-style rendering options, custom borders, and watermarks. The hardware is MagSafe-compatible and supports additional accessories, including filters, straps, lighting modules, and alternative telephoto attachments.
The RetroVa Vintage Imaging Kit is being offered on Kickstarter in multiple configurations, with pricing tiers ranging from $72 for the grip and case to $184 for the complete set including the 2.35× telephoto extender. Initial shipments are scheduled to begin this month.
