MiNT Camera has just announced that their new 35mm film camera will be called the Rollei 35AF, and that it will be released in Summer 2024.
In addition, MiNT has released the first public images of the new compact camera through a placeholder website where interested camera-nerds can put their name on a notification wait-list.
The new information comes from the latest update of MiNT’s blog, which has chronicled development of their instant cameras as well as this new 35mm film camera ever since it was announced as a project in March of 2023. In the blog post, MiNT’s founder Gary Ho sheds a bit of light onto what has thus far been a rather quiet campaign of camera creation.
“[…]the Mint_35mm project has been making promising progress. With each passing day, we are getting nearer to completion. The original Rollei 35 is renowned for its compactness and unique design, earning it a special place in the camera hall of fame. However…
-
- Not everyone can master the manual zone focus system as the focus can only be guessed.
- The flash can only be added as a separate accessory at the bottom of the camera, resulting in an ergonomically strange and aesthetically displeasing setup.
- Repairing these cameras is becoming increasingly challenging due to the scarcity of skilled technicians and parts. […]
We are about to change that.”
Further information was shared on the new name. It seems that MiNT has continued their collaborative partnership with the owner’s of Rollei’s trademark. Previously, MiNT had released their MiNT InstantFlex TL70 TLR-styled Instax instant film camera under the Rollei brand name, and it seems the theme will continue with the new 35mm film camera.
“It’s official. The name of this camera will be […] Rollei 35AF.
Yes, you read that right. We are thrilled to announce that Rollei has graciously granted us permission to use their logo. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward for all parties involved. The Rollei brand will undoubtedly increase awareness for this camera. After pouring our hearts and souls into this project, I really hope the Rollei 35AF becomes accessible to a broader audience.”
From earlier blog updates and conversation with MiNT, it’s known that the new Rollei 35AF is heavily-influenced by the design of the original Rollei 35, a super compact 35mm film camera which has a legendary status in the hearts and minds of photo nerds. The new Rolle 35AF from MiNT will feature a Lidar-based autofocus system and a built-in flash, and that the camera will cost somewhere between $650 and $800 USD.
The development of a new 35mm compact film camera is a wonderful thing indeed, and it comes at a time when Leica has just announced that they’ve sold more film cameras in the previous fiscal year than at any other period since 2015. It should also be noted that Pentax and Ricoh have recently announced their intention to develop and release a number of new film cameras in the coming years.
Follow Casual Photophile on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
[Some of the links in this article will direct users to our affiliates at B&H Photo, Amazon, and eBay. By purchasing anything using these links, Casual Photophile may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps Casual Photophile produce the content we produce. Many thanks for your support.]
Interesting. I would be interested in Rollei 35AF. But not at $650.