Mamiko Maeno is a small, quiet first-year middle school student who finds herself unable to fit in. Just one week into the spring semester, she feels lost and isolated at her new school, with no club activities or friendships drawing her out of her shell. When her mother suggests she simply choose a cram school if she has no interests, Mamiko recalls the days she spent with her late grandfather, who loved photography. In a moment of decision, she declares that she wants to take proper pictures with a proper camera.

Her grandmother responds by sending her a memento from her grandfather: an enormous, heavy, and old-fashioned Pentax film camera so large that its nickname, Bakepen, is a contraction of monster-sized Pentax. The camera is cumbersome and difficult to use, but Mamiko becomes fascinated by the tactile sensation of operating it, finding joy in the feedback and the mechanical feel of the device. Armed with this imposing piece of vintage equipment, the lonely girl begins to step into a new world, using photography as a lens through which to connect with her environment and the people around her.

The story follows Mamiko as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while learning the art of analog photography. The series explores her personal growth as she moves from being a solitary student who cannot even enter her classroom to someone whose world expands through the viewfinder. Alongside Mamiko, the manga features a variety of classic cameras and equipment, offering insights into the history and techniques of film photography. As the narrative progresses, the camera becomes not just a tool but a companion that helps her process her grief for her grandfather and build a new identity for herself. The narrative is currently in its early stages, with details on specific long-form arcs still unfolding as Mamiko’s journey of discovery continues.