The Analog Chronicles

A collective exhibition by Mathias Depardon, Ismail Ferdous, Théo Giacometti, Gaia Squarci, and Alessandro Silvestri.

At a time when digital photography dominates and artificial intelligence is redefining the visual imagination, the 99 Cameras Museum, in collaboration with Blind Magazine, Studio Harcourt, Ilford Photo, Nation Photo and Pelloche Moi, is proud to unveil a brand-new photographic project: The Analog Chronicles.

This exhibition brings together five renowned photographers - Mathias Depardon, Ismail Ferdous, Théo Giacometti, Gaia Squarci, and Alessandro Silvestri - who photographed the summer of 2024 with five iconic cameras, manufactured between 1935 and 1964. These documentary photographers, renowned for their discerning appreciation of today's world, embraced the challenge of creating a series that engages with the history of analog photography.

Under the artistic direction of Jonas Cuénin, director of Blind magazine, 'The Analog Chronicles' reaffirms the importance of taking the time to live, and turning free time into a space for artistic creation, in an age marked by instantaneity and mass digital production.



The 99 Cameras Museum : a collection that spans time and generations
Housed in the prestigious Studio Harcourt in Paris, the 99 Cameras Museum was born of a family passion. Founded in 2023 by Federico Benincasa, in homage to his father Gianpaolo, a relentless collector of mythical cameras for over fifty years (more than 2,000 pieces), the museum offers an intimate look at these technical feats of the 20th century. This pocket-sized museum presents a constantly evolving collection, where each camera is chosen for its role in the history of photography. Located in the heart of Studio Harcourt, the space invites us to consider argentic photography, far from being relegated to nostalgia, as an enduring source of inspiration for new generations in search of authentic photography.

Using analog photography, Mathias Depardon, Ismail Ferdous, Théo Giacometti, Gaia Squarci and Alessandro Silvestri revisited the universal theme of summer photos. Each of them took a camera with them on vacation, documenting southern European landscapes, swimming, playing, walking, intimacy, special family moments - all those simple moments that make summer such a sweet time to live. This project also nurtures a tradition among professional photographers: photographing one's own existence and turning it into an artistic work, alongside commissions, topical subjects and long-term projects on the issues facing our world.


A universal theme explored by five photographers
Mathias Depardon is an award winning social documentary photographer. His work reveals significant social, economic, and political questions, challenging the idea of borders and identity.

Ismail Ferdous, winner of the 2023 Leica Award, is a Bangladeshi photographer and filmmaker based in New York, USA. He documents social and humanitarian issues in the contemporary world.

Gaia Squarci, photographer and filmmaker, splits her time between Milan and New York. She teaches digital storytelling at ICP and focuses on a personal approach in her work

Théo Giacometti is an independent photojournalist and member of Studio Hans Lucas since 2018. Based in Marseille, he produces visual reports on social and environmental issues for the press and NGOs

Alessandro Silvestri, originally from Rome and now based in Paris, is one Studio Harcourt’s official photographers since 2009. Passionate about old cameras and film photography, he explores anthropology, visual communication, and artistic research.

Nikon F: Introduced in 1959, it has become a legend among photojournalists.
Canon 7: An icon of the 1960s, known for his unique lens nicknamed “the dream lens”.
Widelux F6: An iconic panoramic camera that captures large scenes with a unique aesthetic.
Kodak Retina 117: A 1930s model that revolutionized the use of 35mm film.
Contax 1: Introduced in 1932, this device marked a turning point in the design of top-of-the-range rangefinders.

Mathias Depardon (Widelux F6), Ismail Ferdous (Contax 1), Théo Giacometti (Canon 7), Gaia Squarci (Nikon F), and Alessandro Silvestri (Kodak Retina 117)

The cameras, some of which are almost one century old, have been precisely restored by Pelloche Moi to full functionality. They have been equipped with Harman's Phoenix film, an innovative film developed in 2024 to meet the needs of a new generation of film photographers. The films are developed by Nation Photo, a key player in the silver revival in France.


An exhibition during the Month of Photography in Paris
The Analog Chronicles will be on exhibited from November 6, 2024 to February 15, 2025 at Studio Harcourt, Paris.
Alongside the exhibition, a series of NFTs, developed in collaboration with Obscura.io, Europe's largest NFT platform, will enhance the experience.