Kodak Ektar H35 - Mini Review
If you’re looking to step into the world of film photography for the first time or find a cheaper way to get more out of the film stocks you purchase.. The Kodak Ektar H35 might just be the cost and space saving item for you.
The biggest feature of the Kodak Ektar H35 is its half-frame capability. Meaning you can capture twice the number of photos on a single roll of 35mm film as each exposure on the role is cut in half. While the resulting negatives and scans will be a bit smaller, a 24-exposure roll will yield 48 unique images. The following example images in this post were all shot using Kodak Ultramax 400 which pairs perfectly with the H35
Other than its unique half frame feature, the Kodak Ektar H35 is all about simplicity. It features a fixed 22mm f/9.5 lens and a minimum focus distance of 1.5 meters, keeping things easy to use. While there’s only one setting you have the choice of changing (wether you want the flash on or off) I personally think that perfectly complements the camera's compact size and lightweight design. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to chuck a film camera in their pocket and not have to stop and think too hard about exposure, composition, lighting etc.
The Kodak Ektar H35 offers a delightful combination of reusability and portability. While its lightweight plastic construction does mimic that of the classic disposable cameras, rest assured you can use this as many times as you want. It’s design in my opinion has a stylish look that stands out from disposable cameras. It even comes with a handy Kodak branded wrist strap and a fabric slip on case for added convenience, and is available in a variety of colours.
Coming in at around £50 depending on wether you find it in the sale or not, all you need to do after that is chuck a triple A battery into the camera, load your film stock and get shooting. An interesting quirk that I didn’t know about until I went to take my first photo with this camera, is that the framing orientation is backwards. Holding the camera in landscape orientation will take a portrait image and vice versa, this is so you can still take both orientations of photos while the frames are still being cut into two. It takes a little getting used too, but once you do theres no issues.
Now don’t get me wrong this camera isn’t going to get you world renowned film photography results, and if high quality negatives and sharpness is your goal then you might want to look else where. The fun lofi results from this camera however do sit in line with what I think most people would want to use it for, fun quick moments, trips away, and a break from over processed ultra perfect digital photography. After all we are living in a social media era where people edit 45 megapixel images to look old, vintage and grainy for their edgy photo dumps, and if that’s something you’re into I would definitely recommend picking this up and doing the ‘real thing’.
Feel free to watch the video I made on the Kodak Ektar H35 where you will get a more in depth glimpse at me using the camera via POV footage.
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