ROLLEI 35AF WILL GET A 35MM F/2.8 LENS AND AUTOFOCUS
Mint Camera confirms key specs for upcoming reboot of classic film model
Instant camera brand Mint Camera has announced more details about its upcoming new film camera, the Rollei 35AF, which is based on the classic Rollei 35 and is due to launch later this year.
Film fans will be pleased to learn that the camera, which was first announced in 2022, will sport a 35mm focal length and a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8. Rollei has also confirmed that the AF in the name stands for Auto Focus, which means modern tech is coming to this legend of an analog camera. In an official announcement, Hong Kong-based Mint said: “We believe that classics are meant to be cherished, and our mission is to preserve the essence of this iconic camera while incorporating new features that enhance its capabilities without compromising its unique charm. With the added AF and other features, capturing stunning analog film pictures becomes effortless, quick, and incredibly precise.”
In addition to autofocus, the new camera will have a built-in light meter and auto modes, making it easy for anyone, from beginners wanting to try analog photography for the first time to seasoned experts, to shoot with it.
While, this is a totally new camera, in a full metal body, is looks just as stylish as the original, with the bonus of some modern tech, and going by the official photos and the image samples that Mint has shared, this is one retro comeback that we’re really looking forward to trying out.
As mentioned, the Rollei 35AF is due to go on sale later this year, and is rumored to cost around $800.
Have you ever wondered why some photos stand out from the rest? Of course, there are plenty of aspects that may catch our eye, but it’s most likely to have something to do with the composition.
With the rise of social media platforms, we’ve all seen countless photos that have been captured using common composition strategies; but, however impressive or technically correct they are, these shots tend to get lost in a sea of similar-looking images.
This is hardly surprising, as when we’re first introduced to photography, the use of classic framing methods is high on the list of things we’re taught. Straying from this path of tried-and-tested rules is not considered an option, although, in reality, not every interesting scene can be captured at its fullest potential by applying these traditional approaches. Sometimes, to create unique and extraordinary frames, it’s necessary to come up with an alternative way to consider the visual potential.
So, it’s time to put the tried-and-tested strategies, such as the golden ratio or the rule of thirds, on hold, and learn from compositions of other mediums that can help us cut loose from the familiar. Exploring the diversity of framing in photography starts with analysing juxtapositions and new visual possibilities that are waiting to be put into action. However, not every scene will benefit from creative compositions, so it’s crucial to not always use them as framing tools and, instead, see them as a way of considering the possibilities when capturing the subject.
In this feature, we will look at the importance of captivating framing, and discuss why tried-and-tested techniques may work against us and restrict our creativity as image creators. Over the next few pages, you’ll discover various creative ways to compose a frame. By doing so, you’ll be able to surprise the viewer, force them to look closer and create a lasting impression.