No, you are not imagining issues – the price of taking pictures movie has gotten ridiculous. You may’t even decide up a 36-exposure roll of Kodak UltraMax 400 for lower than $10 nowadays. Desire a roll of Portra? That’ll be $18. Not solely is that this a bummer for present analog shooters but it surely’s additionally a monetary barrier for these curious concerning the medium.
Luckily, there’s a easy option to double the variety of photographs you get per roll – from 24 to 48 or 36 to 72 – and that’s by utilizing a half-frame movie digital camera. Whereas normal 35mm frames are 36x24mm, half-frame cameras break up the picture vertically, producing two 24x18mm photographs for each single full 35mm body.
[Half-frame] cameras turned well-liked for his or her diminutive measurement and cost-saving design
First launched within the Sixties in Japan, these cameras turned well-liked for his or her diminutive measurement and cost-saving design. Nowadays, they’re well-liked for related causes and in addition as a result of they make it super-easy to seize in-camera diptychs.
Under you’ll discover a choice of half-frame fashions to swimsuit each style, from entry-level automatics to completely handbook fashions. A few of these cameras have been launched previously few years, whereas others debuted previously a number of a long time. Whether or not you like House Age design, a chunky 80s aesthetic or a glossy trendy look, we’ve acquired you coated.
Most inexpensive: Kodak Ektar H35 half-frame digital camera
The Kodak Ektar H35 is the latest half-frame digital camera on our checklist. Launched in Could 2022, this mannequin is your most inexpensive entry level into the world of half-frame movie images (apart from disposables).
Tiny in measurement with a weight of simply 100 grams (3.53 oz), the Ektar H35 is constructed totally of plastic and sports activities a set 22mm F9.5 wide-angle lens and a built-in flash. Apart from toggling the flash on and off, there are not any further artistic or publicity controls; the shutter all the time fires at 1/100 sec. Merely level, shoot and advance the movie. Focus can also be mounted.
This digital camera is ideal for somebody simply starting their artistic journey in analog
This digital camera is ideal for somebody simply starting their artistic journey in analog. The flash is powered by a single AAA battery, although the digital camera will be operated sans battery. Plus, the Ektar H35 is available in 4 snazzy colours, together with my favourite, Sage (pictured above).
One other inexpensive possibility on this class, the AgfaPhoto Half Body digital camera, is comparable in design and ease to the Kodak. Both will be bought for lower than $50 from main digital camera shops and retailers.
Most versatile: Lomo LC-Extensive 35mm
For a extra feature-rich trendy half-frame possibility, look no additional than the Lomo LC-Extensive 35mm. This tiny marvel permits customers to decide on between taking pictures full-frame or half-frame photographs on the fly. There’s additionally an choice to shoot sq. frames.
Just like the Kodak Ektar H35, publicity management on the Lomo LC-Extensive 35mm is absolutely automated, although you should use the ISO wheel to manually override it. Nevertheless, publicity management is extra refined on the Lomo due to a variable-speed shutter (bulb to 1/500 sec) and variable aperture lens (F4.5 to F16).
This tiny marvel permits customers to decide on between taking pictures full-frame or half-frame photographs
Up entrance, the Lomo sports activities a high-quality 17mm wide-angle lens with two focus settings: Close to (0.4m to 0.9m) and Far (0.9m to infinity). There’s no built-in flash, however a hotshoe permits for an adjunct unit to be hooked up.
Different notable options embody the flexibility to shoot a number of exposures, a bulb mode, a threaded shutter launch and a backside tripod socket. After all, all this sophistication comes at a considerably steep value of $400. However hey, that is probably the most superior new half-frame digital camera obtainable in 2023.
Elegant and absolutely handbook: Canon Demi EE17
Overlook Hasselblads and Leicas – I’m satisfied this 1960’s Canon half-frame mannequin is the classiest-looking digital camera of all time. Higher but, these our bodies are pretty straightforward to return by in respectable working order, which is spectacular for a virtually 60-year-old digital camera.
Oozing House Age allure, the Canon Demi EE17 was Canon’s top-of-the-line half-frame mannequin when it launched in 1966. With a pointy, quick 30mm F1.7 lens, a vivid viewfinder and correct metering, there’s lots to love right here. You additionally get absolutely handbook controls in addition to shutter precedence taking pictures.
The controls are a bit unusual, although. Customers set their shutter pace through a dial on the lens barrel (from bulb to 1/500 sec). In the meantime, the aperture management is positioned across the entrance of the lens (F1.7 to F16).
Oozing House Age allure, the Demi EE17 was Canon’s top-of-the-line half-frame mannequin when it launched in 1966
Focus is adjusted utilizing a tab alongside the left facet of the lens barrel – you’ll additionally discover a corresponding focal distance scale on the base of the barrel. Moreover, a rudimentary focus distance scale is seen on the backside of the viewfinder. Metering data can also be displayed within the finder; a needle factors to the proper corresponding aperture primarily based in your chosen shutter pace.
Constructed of aluminum and wrapped in leatherette, the Canon Demi EE17 doesn’t simply look fairly; it’s additionally solidly constructed (and a tad heavy). On the used market, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay wherever from $150 to $300. And whereas these cameras work and not using a functioning meter (or batteries), you’ll get extra enjoyment out of 1 that does perform correctly.
A fan favourite: Olympus Pen EE-2
The Olympus Pen sequence is maybe probably the most well-known half-frame household of cameras ever created. With 15+ variations to select from, lots of that are nonetheless nice in the present day, we’re going to give attention to only one: the Olympus Pen EE-2. This doesn’t imply that different Pen fashions are roughly worthy of your consideration – the Olympus Pen F SLR definitely is – that is simply our favourite due to its easy, easy design.
In case you discovered the Canon Demi EE17 tempting however favor one thing a bit extra automated, the pocket-friendly Olympus Pen EE-2 is price contemplating. Making its debut within the late Sixties, the ‘EE’ within the title stands for ‘electrical eye,’ which refers back to the selenium cell gentle meter positioned across the lens. These meters require no battery energy to perform, nor does the digital camera.
The Pen EE-2 is straightforward to function with mounted focusing and automated publicity management
The Pen EE-2 is straightforward to function with mounted focusing and automated publicity management. The digital camera chooses between two shutter speeds, 1/40 and 1/200 sec, relying on the aperture, which ranges from F3.5 to F22. For extra management, customers can bias the automated publicity utilizing the ISO dial (25 by way of 400). There’s additionally a handbook override that means that you can dial within the aperture of your alternative.
Along with the digital camera’s stellar seems to be – simply have a look at that attractive body counter – customers additionally get a super-sharp 30mm F3.5 lens in addition to a flash sync port and chilly shoe mount.
The Olympus Pen EE-2 will be picked for below $200 on the used market however make sure you go for one which’s been absolutely examined. Selenium cell meters finally cease working, particularly when repeatedly uncovered to gentle. So that you’ll need to purchase one which’s been saved with a lens cap on. That mentioned, even when the sunshine meter is fried, the digital camera remains to be operable, although significantly much less easy to make use of.
Strangest wanting: Yashica Samurai X3.0
Not all half-frame cameras appear to be rectangular containers with a lens hooked up. Some appear to be a camcorder RoboCop would possibly use. Meet the Yashica Samurai X3.0, a half-frame digital camera from, you guessed it, the late-Eighties.
Bigger and whackier than any of its aforementioned half-frame associates, that is the one mannequin on our checklist that’s an SLR as an alternative of a viewfinder digital camera. The ‘X3.0’ within the title refers back to the built-in x3 optical 25-75mm F3.5-4.5 zoom lens. You additionally get autofocus, autoexposure and a built-in flash. Different enjoyable options embody a self-timer, sequence taking pictures and an odd handgrip that slides between the person’s index and center finger.
That is the one mannequin on our checklist that’s an SLR as an alternative of a viewfinder digital camera
Bizarre type issue apart, it is a super-capable half-frame level and shoot, and a digital camera that’s positively going to show some heads. It’s additionally considered one of solely a handful of half-frame cameras with a zoom lens and autofocus. Better of all, you’ll be able to simply discover one for round $100.
The wrap
In the end, half-frame images is an effective way for anybody to dip their toes into 35mm with out worrying an excessive amount of about wasted photographs. And the choices there, each new and classic, are plentiful and pretty inexpensive. These cameras can allow you to dabble or dive proper in and get artistic – that’s what movie images is all about, in any case!
What’s your favourite half-frame movie digital camera? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
