The analog movie renaissance continues to maneuver ahead as MiNT’s Rollei 35AF digicam appears set to be launched this 12 months. The Hong Kong-based digicam maker first launched boutique instantaneous movie cameras, incorporating classics just like the Polaroid SX-70. Now, the corporate has launched a web site with a ready record for potential clients within the compact 35mm digicam.
The Rollei 35AF is the reincarnation of the unique Rollei 35 from 1966, however whereas nonetheless firmly caught within the analog previous, the brand new design options lidar-based autofocus and autoexposure choices for its 35mm f/2.8 lens. It nonetheless has the identical boxy metallic physique as the unique and appears to keep up a really compact measurement. In response to reviews from MiNT through PetaPixel and Kosmo Foto, the Rollei 35AF is predicted to price between US$650 and US$800 when it’s launched later this 12 months.
With Leica re-releasing the M6 rangefinder in 2022 and rumors {that a} new Pentax movie digicam could also be on the way in which, new movie cameras that are not simply reusable disposables seem like catching on. I personally shudder on the present movie costs and lab growth prices, however I nonetheless love that the analog images bubble hasn’t burst but.
I keep in mind utilizing the unique Rollei 35 in faculty just a few years in the past and it was a enjoyable little digicam – albeit one which made calls for on many customers. Not solely did the unique have a handbook focus lens (the unique was 40mm), but it surely additionally relied on zone focus through a spotlight scale and a few muscle reminiscence. It could be actually attention-grabbing to see what the AF remix of the Rolleiflex appears like.