Mastering the Art of Film Photography: Kodak Ektar H35 Review Uncovered
Kodak Ektar H35: A Point-and-Shoot Film Camera for the Modern Era
A Two-Minute Review
As a photography student, I used to complain about the cost of film, even when buying in bulk. Little did I realize how expensive film would become in the future, leading to a resurgence in popularity of half-frame cameras like the Kodak Ektar H35. This point-and-shoot camera is as simple as they come, offering two exposures per 35mm frame, doubling the number of photos you can take on a roll.
Kodak Ektar H35: Specs
- Lens: 22mm; 2-Element Optical Grade Acrylic Lens
- Focus: 1M – ∞ (infinity)
- Lens Aperture: f/9.5
- Shutter Speed: 1/100sec
- Film Format: half-frame (using 35mm film)
- Flash: Yes, with push switch
- Power source: 1x AAA battery (not included)
- Weight: 3.53oz / 100g
Kodak Ektar H35: Design
The Kodak Ektar H35 may not be a high-quality Kodak camera, but it’s a film camera that works. The camera is available in four colors: black, brown, sand, and sage. I opted for the brown version, which features a brown leatherette finish and brushed chrome accents. The camera’s design is retro-inspired, giving it a distinct 1970s look.
Image Quality and Handling
Image quality is generally low due to the small amount of celluloid used in half-frame cameras. The poor lens quality also contributes to a lo-fi aesthetic that some may love and others may hate. Handling the camera is easy, with a point-and-shoot design that requires minimal effort. However, I experienced stiffness in the film advance dial when winding the film on, and the flimsy handle on the dial at the bottom of the camera didn’t feel robust.
Should I Buy the Kodak Ektar H35?
Buy it if:
- You’re looking for a unique, retro-inspired film camera
- You want to experiment with half-frame photography
- You’re willing to compromise on image quality for a fun, lo-fi aesthetic
Don’t buy it if:
- You’re looking for high-quality images
- You’re not willing to compromise on build quality
- You’re on a tight budget
How I Tested the Kodak Ektar H35
I tested the Kodak Ektar H35 over a couple of hours walking around a city center, shooting a range of subjects in different lighting conditions. I focused on the handling and build quality of the camera, as these were tangible at the point of shooting. A roll of film was enough to get an idea of these aspects of the camera, as you have to go through the whole process of loading, exposing, winding on, and then rewinding the film manually before processing the film.
