Originally Posted by Leisesturm

You only loosen (and tighten) 'backwards' on the left hand (non-drive side)pedal. The pedal on the drive (chain) side has 'normal' threading and behaves like you would expect. The pedals pictured on the right are not (IMO) antiquated just yet, it is more the case that the black ones are unique, in my experience. WTF. Can you position the camera for a view into the end of the pedal? I've seen newish pedals use 8mm Allen keys for installation/removal; with or without 'flats' for crescent wrenches, but the threading still has to be external to go into the crankarm.