The Kodak H35 half frame camera

[tomkatf]

I've had one of these since the '70's... Love the spring wind motor...

 

[xkaes]

Just gotta hunt one down I guess. Interesting about the Chaika and enlarger.

http://www.subclub.org/shop/mmz.htm

 

[Bronson Dugnutt]

back in the days the cost of film and developing isn't much. The main cost is the printing. Today the cost of film and developing is a much larger portion of the cost. Scanning and printing are relatively cheap today. So today the half frame would save more money than in the old days.

Camera scanning is a natural choice for half-frame, but might not be casual users' first choice unless they also developed the film.

Automated film scanning software will usually operate on half-frame pairs including the black bar between frames unless one manually intervenes to select individual half-frames. Non-optimal corrections are applied if the two half-frames are of significantly different densities or the shadow density in the image area(s) do not closely match the central rebate density. The fixed exposure helps minimize the effect, but it will still happen and squelch some otherwise scannable 18x24 frames. $0.05 out the window...

I've had one of these since the '70's... Love the spring wind motor...

A great way to expend 5" of TMZ.

 

[Huss]

I always wanted to try a Konica Recorder. But the prices are nutty.

 

[xkaes]

I always wanted to try a Konica Recorder. But the prices are nutty.

That's for sure. They are just as high as for the Konica AA-35, but they ought to be -- since it is the same camera.

FYI, there is a NEW, still in the box with a roll of film SUPERHEADZ half-frame HELLO KITTY on EBAY right now for $50. It has a 22mm lens, like the Kodak Ektar H35 -- I think it's the same lens -- but it has a variable aperture, AND a hot shoe. Like the H35, it has one shutter speed, but if you attach an auto-exposure flash -- set to the f-stop set on the lens -- you basically have an auto-exposure half-frame. You can't do that with the H35 -- and it's much more collectible, for sure.

 

[Huss]

..

FYI, there is a NEW, still in the box with a roll of film SUPERHEADZ half-frame HELLO KITTY on EBAY right now for $50. It has a 22mm lens, like the Kodak Ektar H35 -- I think it's the same lens -- but it has a variable aperture, AND a hot shoe. Like the H35, it has one shutter speed, but if you attach an auto-exposure flash -- set to the f-stop set on the lens -- you basically have an auto-exposure half-frame. You can't do that with the H35 -- and it's much more collectible, for sure.

Must have sold already, could not find it.

 

[Ces1um]

Does anybody have the camera yet? Despite a lot of negative feedback it seems like a cool point and shoot, waiting for some reviews, if they are positive I would buy it. In the article it states it will be a two-element optical acrylic prime lens: a 22mm f/9.5. If the lens could be closed and opened with a sliding door or something similar the acrylic lens would be more protected, I fear it will scratch in my pocket.

acrylic lenses are pretty easy to polish. Look for a product called "Polywatch". It's used for buffing scratches in watches that use acrylic crystals.

 

[Huss]

I see you have the K version of the Agat 18.

It's basically the same camera as the Agat 18 except for the following items. This model appears to be designed, at least originally, for the home market. The name of the camera and the name of the lens appear in Russian, and "CCCP" appears on the back. The film speed is dialed in -- oddly enough ISO markings from 25 - 1600. This is a much wider range that the Agat 18. There is no DIN - ASA conversion scale on the back. The lens cover is black (instead of clear) and is attached to the wrist strap so you can't lose it (nice idea). The f-stop scale is the same but there are seven idiot symbols instead of six (I guess you can be a "finer-tuned" idiot with this version). The main difference between these models is that with the18K, you have the option of using a rapid film cassette system. That is, the take-up spool can be removed and an empty 35mm cassette can be installed instead to take up the film. This makes for quick removal of film, if pairs of cassettes are loaded ahead of time. For the normal shutterbug, it's a pain because the take-up spool is looser than normal in this model and has a tendency to fall over when you are trying to close the camera. But I'd still opt for the Agat 18K over the Agat 18 due to the increased film speed range. Most commonly seen in all black, but a black and yellow model was also made.

View attachment 308102

Just shot a roll through it, will be fun to see how it handles Across II. Question - I just noticed it has a hot shoe! Take that Leica M4! Anyway, my manual is in Russian.. what settings are to be used w/ a flash?

 

[xkaes]

Thanks to this discussion on the new H35, after some searching, I discovered yet another 35mm half-frame. I don't have all of the details, but it looks almost exactly like the H35 -- and even has a flash in the same place. It has a single shutter speed, and I assume a fixed f-stop. The only difference I can see is that it has a more "normal", 31mm lens. Apparently it has appeared under two labels, ESCUDO and VIBE. I would not be surprised if it is made by the same "people" that make the H35, and the SUPERHEADZ "Golden Halfs".

Will this list ever end?

 

[Huss]

Agat 18K

 

[Huss]

Thanks to this discussion on the new H35, after some searching, I discovered yet another 35mm half-frame. I don't have all of the details, but it looks almost exactly like the H35 -- and even has a flash in the same place. It has a single shutter speed, and I assume a fixed f-stop. The only difference I can see is that it has a more "normal", 31mm lens. Apparently it has appeared under two labels, ESCUDO and VIBE. I would not be surprised if it is made by the same "people" that make the H35, and the SUPERHEADZ "Golden Halfs".

Will this list ever end?

Escura, not Escudo

I like the way the new "Kodak" looks more, plus the lens seems to be different, plus I like the flash on/off switch more too on the Kodak. It is around the lens instead of under the flash. The Escura is a little more expensive but comes with a roll of B&W film. And you can get it w Hello Kitty finish.

 

[xkaes]

The Escura Snap 35 Half has a 31mm f9 ONE-element lens and a 1/120 shutter speed. The built-in flash uses one AAA battery like the H35. It comes is a variety of coverings and names.

 

[Huss]

Sure for fiddy bux you could buy an F75 with lens... but if you want a new camera which would make a really nice gift, and it is for someone (or someone buying for themselves) who just wants to wind and take film shots, and wants next to zero dials, knobs buttons, modes etc, and wants it to be very compact and fun to use (pretty sure I could add more ands and make this sentence longer), cameras like this appeal.
Plus it is half frame. With half frame cameras - like this $50 new one - I can create images that my Nikon F6 cannot just because it is a full frame camera.
Of course there are "better" half frame cameras, but new? Lots of old "better" cameras do not work as claimed, or need work to make them light tight, get them going etc.

 

[Huss]

Welcome to LOMOGRAPHY. There are lots of half-frame (and other format) film cameras that have better features -- such as an adjustable aperture or shutter speed, or better lens -- for less money.

A two-element, fixed-focus, f9.5 lens and a single shutter speed for $50? You might as well buy a keychain 110.

At least the SUPERHEADZ half-frame cameras have an adjustable shutter speed and a hot shoe -- and MUCH better camera covers:

http://www.subclub.org/shop/superheadz.htm

The cheapest Superheadz I could find was $110. I did the math, and you can buy 2 of the new "Kodak" cameras for one of those.

 

[Huss]

For that kind of money one could buy a real 35mm film camera. Might not be half frame, but just crop the shots.

??? Just crop the shots? That will give you 72/roll or allow you to make diptychs on one frame?

 

[xkaes]

The cheapest Superheadz I could find was $110. I did the math, and you can buy 2 of the new "Kodak" cameras for one of those.

I got my SUPERHEADZ TELEPATHY for $20 -- just lucky, I guess. I use it with a Vivitar 283 flash -- so I have an auto-exposure half-frame, just as I do with my Bell & Howell Dial 35 (but that has a spring drive!).

 

[Cholentpot]

??? Just crop the shots? That will give you 72/roll or allow you to make diptychs on one frame?

Native portrait VF, that's a big deal too.

 

[Huss]

I got my SUPERHEADZ TELEPATHY for $20 -- just lucky, I guess. I use it with a Vivitar 283 flash -- so I have an auto-exposure half-frame, just as I do with my Bell & Howell Dial 35 (but that has a spring drive!).

Total score. Yah, the ability to use any flash is really cool. I was looking on ebay at the Chaika 1/2 frame cameras, but pretty much all are broken/as is/untested etc and for much more money than the new Kodak.
There are also cameras like the Canon Demi etc which are very sweet, but those also may need work plus I have a perfect Oly Pen FT anyway, so the appeal of the new Kodak is at the low end/cheap/just take a pic scale. With the bonus of being able to hand it to someone w zero experience and have them take pics too.

 

[foc]

so the appeal of the new Kodak is at the low end/cheap/just take a pic scale. With the bonus of being able to hand it to someone w zero experience and have them take pics too.

Exactly, you hit the nail on the head.
I think it is a fun, retro looking camera and it will appeal to people with no film experience and hopefully to film users with GAS.

IMO any new film product, camera or film, is always welcome.

 

[Chan Tran]

I wouldn't care for such a camera at any price but I welcome it because it would create some film sales which is good for all of us who use film.

 

[xkaes]

I support any new film camera sales, of course, but you can get some GREAT 35mm cameras for a lot less than these new half-frames. Want a take anywhere, even give to e newbie camera? You can geta Minolta Hi-Maric GF for under $40:

(1984) The Hi-Matic GF is the last, and simplest, of the Hi-Matic series -- a very light, plastic, uncomplicated, and pocketable camera -- but with lots of possibilities. It has a 38mm f4.0 (3/3) lens. This slower, simpler lens has its advantages. First, the rangefinder is no longer needed, but the lens does have 4-zone focusing -- to 3.3 feet. There are three aperture settings -- Waterhouse stops -- f4, f8, f16 (using weather icons). This makes the construction of the camera simple and inexpensive. It also has a built-in flash powered by two, easy-to-get, AA batteries. The mechanical, leaf shutter is fixed at 1/125 second. The camera was obviously designed to be used with ISO 100 speed film, but other films can be used, of course. There is a switch to select ISO 100 or 400 speed film -- which controls a LOW LIGHT/USE FLASH indicator light. With ISO 100 film, on sunny days, f16 is perfect. Cloudy? Use f8. In the shade? Use f4. Indoors? Use the flash -- which sets the aperture at f4 and has a ready light. Quick and simple. Film advance is by a wheel, not a lever. PLUS, it can be used without batteries if you keep in mind the f-16 rule. Not sold in the U.S.A.. Great to use in places where you don't want to risk your quality camera, but still want great results -- and need some control of the exposure.

There are also a ton of FREEDOM FIXED-FOCUS models that you can get for a lot less. They have less control of the exposure, and slower lenses, but usually have a flash that you can turn ON or OFF.

Want something slightly better. Check out the Hi-matic G or G2. I got both of mine for under $10 each. It has a faster f2.8 lens and a hot shoe. GREAT results.

 

[Huss]

I support any new film camera sales, of course, but you can get some GREAT 35mm cameras for a lot less than these new half-frames. Want a take anywhere, even give to e newbie camera? You can geta Minolta Hi-Maric GF for under $40:

(1984) The Hi-Matic GF is the last, and simplest, of the Hi-Matic series -- a very light, plastic, uncomplicated, and pocketable camera -- but with lots of possibilities. It has a 38mm f4.0 (3/3) lens. This slower, simpler lens has its advantages. First, the rangefinder is no longer needed, but the lens does have 4-zone focusing -- to 3.3 feet. There are three aperture settings -- Waterhouse stops -- f4, f8, f16 (using weather icons). This makes the construction of the camera simple and inexpensive. It also has a built-in flash powered by two, easy-to-get, AA batteries. The mechanical, leaf shutter is fixed at 1/125 second. The camera was obviously designed to be used with ISO 100 speed film, but other films can be used, of course. There is a switch to select ISO 100 or 400 speed film -- which controls a LOW LIGHT/USE FLASH indicator light. With ISO 100 film, on sunny days, f16 is perfect. Cloudy? Use f8. In the shade? Use f4. Indoors? Use the flash -- which sets the aperture at f4 and has a ready light. Quick and simple. Film advance is by a wheel, not a lever. PLUS, it can be used without batteries if you keep in mind the f-16 rule. Not sold in the U.S.A.. Great to use in places where you don't want to risk your quality camera, but still want great results -- and need some control of the exposure.

There are also a ton of FREEDOM FIXED-FOCUS models that you can get for a lot less. They have less control of the exposure, and slower lenses, but usually have a flash that you can turn ON or OFF.

Want something slightly better. Check out the Hi-matic G or G2. I got both of mine for under $10 each. It has a faster f2.8 lens and a hot shoe. GREAT results.

2 things:

1. Not a half frame camera. So any non half frame camera is ruled out if the purchaser is looking for a half frame camera. Because half frame cameras can do things creatively that full frame cameras cannot.

B. May not be working/may look beat up/may need service/purchaser may want to be able to buy a boxed nice new shiny camera w/o wondering about the former.

But forget that and this new Kodak camera for a sec. Let's say a newbie is looking for a camera, and someone tells him/her/she/it/they to get a Minolta Hi-Matic GF. What would they then do? Go to a store? Nope. Look online? Ok! And then?... I've done this hundreds of times with other photo gear and I'd say I am experienced at this - I know what to look for, what to avoid AND STILLL I've been sent junk that I had to deal with and send back etc.
This may kill any desire a newbie has to shoot film having to go through that.

Buy from KEH! Or whatever other reputable online shop. Ok - only works if they have what you want and the chances are it will still be beat up, even if it is working.

 

[MattKing]

The availability of more capable used alternatives is what you tell people about when they've bought, used and enjoyed the H35 and find themselves wanting more.
In the meantime, there is a good chance they will have taken a bunch of photographs that they are happy with.

 

[Agulliver]

Another new film camera from Kodak has hit the market, this seems aimed at people new to film who want to save money on film. I'm sure that other than the 60s Instamatic look and built in flash that it has little in the way of real features but it's nice to see another camera on the market....even if it's not likely to specifically excite our crowd.

KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Camera

This half frame film camera will yield double the photos for half the cost, making it perfect for beginners.

www.kodak.com

Kodak Ektar H35 - Half-Frame 35mm Film Camera

FREE UK Standard shipping automatically included with this camera!Simply add to basket and select 'Free Tracked Shipping' at checkout 😅 Kodak Ektar H35 Film Camera is a new half-frame camera. This means that it can shoot 72 photographs on standard 36exp 35mm film! You can use this feature to...

analoguewonderland.co.uk

 

[AgX]

Presented two weeks ago and vividly discussed here:

The Kodak H35 half frame camera

Has anyone pre-ordered one of these new cameras being marketed by Kodak? I like the retro 126 looks of the front of the camera and the price appears very good US$49.99 / €47.50 / £40.50 https://retopro.co/collections/all...

www.photrio.com