As far as I am aware, 2024 had a couple of surprises for us, film users: the determination with which Kodak increased their film production, the lowering of film prices (well, not all of them, but some, like the Tri-X 400 or Ilford’s HP5 400, which went down quite a good bit), and the apparition of new film cameras (such as Pentax 17). Suddenly, the film appears to be fortifying its position out there, which is to be cheered at. If you add to this the Kodak Ektar H35 (out kind of recent), not bad at all. Of course, not all news are good (see Fuji), but from what I see and read, it’s much better than a couple of years ago. Film market is not exactly a speedy runner, but it’s not on its knees either, not anymore. On the whole, there is hope still, I would say.
Writing recently for 35MMC photo magazine, I briefly reviewed the old Rollei B35 (you can read it here). And that reminded me that I have seen, quite recently, a new camera announcing its birth: the new (and apparently long awaited and overdue) Rollei 35AF, which apparently will be selling come September this year. And while I do not believe I’ll be indulging in splashing almost 900 euro on one, I can’t wait to hear the proper reviews on this new kid on the block.
All photos courtesy of Rollei
While the new camera boasts some of the most desired nowadays features on a film camera, two of these features caught my attention: the automatic exposure and the auto focus function. I would add to this the built-in flash which of course is a desired thing on a compact film camera (although I am not one of those who uses flash). But the first two features are going to make this camera a real contender to the Pentax 17 and Ektar H35 (if one disregards the difference in format, which one cannot easily do, right?).
Not much said about the glass used: only that it’s a Rollei lens, which means just that: Rollei lens, with no indication on the glass itself (Tessar? one can only hope). The 35mm focal with a max aperture of 2.8 is probably a very well thought of combo, as many film users are indeed looking for a focal between the ubiquitous 50mm and the (too wide for some) 28. Also, the exposure compensation dial looks like Rollei took the trouble to listen. A really good feature to have on a film camera, if you ask me (and any other film user).
Of course, this camera retains the legendary looks and form of the Rollei 35 lines of the vintage ones. Where the resemblance stops and the new begins is exactly the auto focus and automatic exposure, two capital improvements. And they are welcomed too, for this way the new film users out there will be more encouraged to shoot film, I guess. Where many were deterred (probably) in the recent past by the chances of ruining their first film rolls (a real deterrent, given the recent film costs), now they stand a real chance for their film to yield good and consistent photographs. AF and AE will take care of that; the number of film users will increase.
Another thing to consider is the “integrated lightning”, meaning the flash of course: as no number has been released for this lamp type, I cannot explore the subject. By the looks of it, it will be probably suitable for some types of generic scenery. But the size is small; can it deliver? that remains to be seen.
So, yes, good news for film photography; I do believe the price is kind of steep if you ask me, and perhaps a bit inflated by the recent ears resurgence of the film photography. That said, I am certain this camera will prove to be a good addition to the film world. I am not sure if the price will be an issue, but as with all things new out there, this remains to be seen. Obviously, we’ll have to wait for the camera to appear physically out there, be used, get reviewed and so on.
And who knows what 2025 will bring. Perhaps a new SLR ? Why not?
All photos courtesy of Rollei