PGYTECH wants RetroVa to turn your iPhone 17 Pro into something you shoot with, not just type. It’s an iPhone camera grip with camera-like ergonomics, physical controls, and a retro case that’s clearly designed to scratch that compact camera itch.
According to the campaign, an optional 2.35x telephoto lens extender on the iPhone 17 Pro can achieve an optical focal length of up to 235mm. This specification is intended to ensure that distant subjects look less like spots than with strong digital zoom.
RetroVa is live on Kickstarter and a featured bundle for an iPhone 17 Pro Max setup costs $184 with a higher MSRP. Shipping timing by region is not clear in the excerpts provided here, so you should check before committing.
Real buttons you’ll actually use
Many phone grips add bulk and require you to pretend it feels like a camera. RetroVa puts more strain on muscle memory. PGYTECH positions the layout as camera-inspired, with a dedicated interface that prioritizes fingers over glass.
The campaign also calls for physical controls mapped to core functions such as focus and shutter. This is important if you’re trying to take a quick shot or keep the frame stable while moving.
The film look, burned in
Hardware is only half as big. RetroVa is linked to PGYTECH’s Pro Imaging app, providing a faster way to achieve a film-like result without lengthy post-processing.
The app offers manual controls like shutter speed, ISO and white balance, as well as settings designed to tone down the iPhone’s usual sharpening for a more natural result. It also includes quick additions like watermarks and frames.
What you need to confirm before backing up
Technical data does not say how useful a device feels in everyday life. Real photo examples will be. See how the tele extender performs in mixed light and whether it stays sharp enough to justify carrying extra glass.
Also check the fit. The campaign message highlights the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro models, but the full compatibility list is not shown here. Finally, if you’re buying this for a serious video workflow, be aware that the campaign lists limitations for external recording, including the fact that external recording in 4K60+ ProRes is not supported. The Kickstarter deadline is February 28, 2026, so you have time to consider everything.
