The Romance of Zone Focusing: Finding Slow Living Through the Rollei 35
If I had to choose a film camera with the most old-school soul, the Rollei 35 would win hands down.
Its appeal begins with its appearance: wonderfully compact and exuding a classic charm that even won over the late Queen Elizabeth II. Despite being a 35mm compact camera, it certainly doesn't compromise on functionality. Its crowning glory is undoubtedly the Carl Zeiss lens, which delivers sharp images with a distinct, characterful aesthetic.
(Mr. Negative Secret Sauce - 36exp 135/35mm Color Negative Film, Rollei 35)
It was actually my first film camera. Some might say that learning film photography on it is like playing on survival mode, as it relies entirely on zone focusing. One slight misjudgment, and your shot is completely out of focus.
"But it's precisely this unpredictability that makes me enjoy the process so much more. Focusing isn't outsourced to a lens mechanism; it’s a deliberate choice I make—deciding exactly where to look and what to include in the frame."
If I were to point out a flaw, it would be the maximum aperture of f/3.5, which means it rarely accompanies me on night walks. Yet, this limitation forces me to slow down and compose every shot with much greater focus. The Rollei 35 isn’t the fastest or the easiest camera to use, but it has taught me how to truly capture a fleeting moment.
The Allure of Black and White Film: From Beginners to Slide Film Challenges
(Fomapan Action 400 - 36exp, 135/35mm Black & White Negative Film, Rollei 35)
When it comes to my favourite film type, black and white film is always my top choice. Stripped of the distractions of colour, you become entirely focused on light, shadow, contrast, and texture. The more you shoot, the easier it is to fall in love with this pure form of photography.
I’ve experimented with quite a few black and white stocks, but my current favourite is Fomapan 400 Action. I consider it a fantastic value-for-money option. The ISO 400 rating makes it incredibly versatile, handling both outdoor and indoor settings with ease. Its well-balanced contrast and forgiving nature make it exceptionally friendly for beginners.
(ADOX Scala 50 - 36exp, 135/35mm Black & White Reversal Film, Rollei 35)
If you are looking to challenge yourself, I highly recommend ADOX Scala 50. This black and white reversal film is renowned for its extremely high contrast, meaning you often have to make compromises when metering.
"Your main subject might be perfectly exposed, but the rest of the scene could fall into pure white or deep black."
However, if you are decisive about your subject, the jaw-dropping sharpness and image texture will reward you with truly striking results.
(Fomapan R 100 - 36exp, 135/35mm Black & White Reversal Film, Rollei 35)
For a well-balanced middle ground, I would suggest Fomapan R100. Also a black and white slide film, it offers a more manageable contrast compared to the Scala 50. The moment you see those beautifully detailed positive images on the transparent film strip after development, you’ll realise the experience is worth every penny.
Click to see the Instagram post: PandaCrew's Film Camera Pick — Stephanie
