Hey Community,
I’m excited to share the fantastic experience we had during the recent Nothing Community Photowalk in London, where we got hands-on with the newly launched CMF Phone (1) before its release. Even though the phones were enclosed in cases, we were more excited about how the camera would perform, especially considering the value proposition of the CMF Phone (1).
It was around 6:00 in the evening when everyone gathered at the Soho store. The community team— @Mattia ☀️, @Rob ⚡️, and @Natalie ✨—was there, along with familiar faces from the community. @Louis ☕️, our previous board observer, Daniel Wang, and @Allelujah, who always make time for these events, were present. Dmitry Novikov, a well-known photographer and community member, joined us, as did @Will.M, who had recently finished his A-levels and was enthusiastic about trying the phone. @lewis_morfitt, the Soho Store Manager and avid photographer, was there to host the photowalk. After signing NDAs and collecting the phones, we made our introductions and were ready to start. Lewis gave us a rough route map for the day, and with the weather looking perfect, we headed out. Zac Young from the store also joined us.
Our first stop was Golden Square, where Lewis explained some things about the CMF Phone (1)'s camera, including how to use the settings and some tips for framing and composition. He also talked about the single-camera setup and the purpose of the second lens. We took some photos there before moving on to Savile Row for some street photography, heading towards Berkeley Square.
On the way, I overheard Daniel and Dmitry talking about Dmitry’s Zero Cam app, which I had recently started using. I introduced myself again, mentioning that I’d been following him on X for a while, and told him how much I loved his app.
We reached Berkeley Square, which was perfect for some light and shadow play. After taking some pictures there, we headed towards Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, walking through Mount Street Gardens and capturing more shots along the way. During the walk, I chatted with Will, who seemed impressed with the CMF Phone’s camera quality. We talked about how he discovered nothing and what products brought him into the ecosystem.
At Speaker’s Corner, we met our friendly model for the day and started the portrait session. The sunny, bustling atmosphere was ideal for testing the camera. We spent some time there before exploring the park for more photo opportunities. I had a chance to talk with Zac about how he ended up at the Nothing store, and I also had an insightful conversation with Louis about his experience as a CBO.
Our last stop was Serpentine Bridge in Hyde Park, where we took some final photos and gathered for a group shot. As the sun was setting, we headed to a pub to celebrate and discuss our experiences with the CMF Phone (1)'s camera capabilities.
I was personally impressed with the camera, especially considering the phone’s price point. Most of the group had similar positive experiences, though we noticed some inconsistencies here and there. It’s important to remember these weren’t final devices, but I’m confident it’s a decent camera for the price.
We ended the day with wonderful conversations around the table before parting ways. While we were there to test the camera and get an early experience, for me, these photowalks are more about the conversations and time spent together. A huge thanks to the community team for organising this and to Lewis for being an excellent guide.
Here are some photos I took during the photowalk using the CMF Phone (1). For others who were there, feel free to share the photos you took here.
Until next time, keep exploring and stay connected!
Cheers!
