I've got the Pentax 17, and it's just a treat to shoot with. Results are solid, too, with a sharp lens and good exposure system. I really love how the viewfinder is center-line, I feel like that keeps Parallax errors to a minimum. Plus, the close focus capabilities are fantastic. I shoot lots of flowers and small details, and the 17 does very well for a compact. As to the Rollei... results look great, living up to the good specs of the camera, but I just couldn't with the handling. The lack of grip, the wrong-side lever, no filter thread, offset viewfinder, a long minimum focus distance. I do think it's fair to criticize the ergonomics, because Mint made the decision to copy an old camera that was known to have quirky and awkward handling, rather than draw inspiration from something nicer to use, or design their own. Plus, if it's a choice between full control over focus or full control over exposure, I'd rather control the focus and trust the camera to expose. Just not the right choice for me. I've already got manual and autofocus SLRs, if I wanted to maximize image quality on 35mm, I could use those. But I think it could easily be the right camera for someone else. Seems like Mint has done well, so congratulations to them. I wasn't sure they would, I really came to hate the TL70 I had from them.
Well said!!! I agree on the points about the rollei you’ve made and it definitely does come down to the awkward handling which like you say on the Pentax isn’t an issue. Still so fabulous though that it’s been created! Thanks for watching
Rough edges and all, it’s amazing to have *new* film cameras available *with warranties* in almost 2025. The better these do, the more efforts we’ll see. Up until this year, the only option for “new” in film was a $5000+ Leica. I’m unsurprised the Rollei surpassed the Pentax in image quality. Full 35mm will *always* beat a half frame.
I feel like we should all recognize how not half framie the pentax looks. Its kinda impressive how much work that tiny lens is doing. Also what I think people don't realize with the pentax zone focusing is the amount of markings will really help you hit focus. Its not like a holga where its just a person, group, and mountain. There is like a zone for everything you would ever need so there is really no guessing for an in between setting.
In my case, the more reviews I see of both cameras, the more i decide to buy neither of them and keep using my mju 1, mju 2 and other film cameras I have 😔.
The Rollei 35 was quite a game changer when it first came out because of the absolutely compact size for when it was made and. I have a 35s - a Singapore made version and I've enjoyed using it but I'm selling it now since I've moved to medium format.
Great! Yours is the first in-use review of the Rollei. I had one of the originals and gifted it to a friend long ago. The homage is bigger and seems to have odd ergonomics. The Pentax 17 looked more faff free. I could imagine keeping my eye in the viewfinder and concentrating on my image capture with the Pentax. The scans were good and both cameras produced good results. Both Cameras were worthwhile and capable of serious results.
I am so glad you got to use these cameras! I appreciate you showing your results and experiences! Great first impressions and insights! Always enjoy your videos, and how cool to have two new film cameras to think about!! :)
Good to see a comparison like this! Pentax seems to be ergonomically superior, and the teardown video confirms that it's built to last. I wish Rollei had worked on theirs too, to make it an overall great experience.
Although I appreciate the effort involved in the rollei reimagined, that problem of the film advance lever stops me from investing in one. We also can't dismiss the effort put into the pentax 17 just because it comes from a camera company. I'm sure they had to research a lot and relearn a lot of things after not making film cameras for decades. Both cameras involved significant effort.
Mint used retired Pentax camera engineers so it wasn't a 'one-man' job but I haven't used one so maybe the camera gives that impression. The auto-focus ability of the Rollei is the only thing that makes me want to try it, the shooting experience looks a bit crap from all the reviews I've seen though.
so tempted to get the pentax 17 every time i see how sharp that lenses is. still probably going to stick with my pen ft but its showing some age and might be slightly damaged 🙃
Lucy, amazing work at comparing the experience of shooting these two cameras! I have to say that I’m surprised at how much fun I’m having with my Pentax 17. After many years of shooting manual SLRs and medium format TLR and DSLRs and always obsessing somewhat over aperture’s and manual exposure control, it’s been very refreshing (bit scary at first) just to leave it to the point and shoot nature of the camera. With half frame you know you’ve got a small negative to work with but the lens is sharp and those 72 shots per film means you can experiment with abandon. A few weeks back I took it as my only camera on a week long trip to Tasmania. Wandering around Hobart made for easy and fun street photography with the Pentax 17 and then took it on a 4 day hike of the Three Capes Track. Clearly a light camera is advantageous when you’ll carrying all your gear for a multi day hike but I’d say that half frame negative is more suited to street, town scapes and environmental portraiture than big outdoors landscape photography. I am also surprised at how much I’m liking the vertical / portrait format. With the good camera handling and controls, it all adds to the casual fun of shooting this camera. I really wasn’t expecting that! Not many decisions to make - just shoot and enjoy 😊
I really feel like the Pentax designers nailed the shooting experience. My two "best" film cameras are a Nikon SLR and a Rolleiflex TLR, and they're great, but they just shoot in a different way. The Pentax is a stress-free shooter, but with enough hands-on control to feel like you're actually shooting a camera, unlike an old 90s autofocus point and shoot. I bet it's a great camera for someone new, but I also feel like it's a great camera for someone who's been shooting a while but wants a great "casual" experience.
Great video. One thing I am excited about is the design of the Pentax 17. Opening up the back and looking at the interior we can see that there is very little keeping them from taking this design and making it full frame. There is a lot of room inside where no meaningful mechanical or electronic components reside and basically only a simple mask to the left and right of the film roll making it half frame. I'm going to save up for what I think will be an inevitable full frame release of this model.
I really like the opening part of the video, when you show us how to insert the film into the cameras, I really like it! Those cameras are really nice and cute! Both are expensive but I would love to have them in my hands.
the quality from the full frame 35 is just so much more noticeable to me. ive been trying to justify buying a premium point and shoot for a while now, specifically the nikon 28ti, but just havent been able to do it because im so nervous about it breaking immediately. weirdly enough despite how many issues you had with the rollei i think this video has convinced me to go for it.
I'm very glad that another brand new film camera is launched in this time of mirrorless high megapixel camera. But the more I see the Rollei 35Af, the more I'm appreciating the Pentax 17. From the film door opening, to the loading, to the advancing, to the rewinding: everything seems not only easy but super enjoyable on the Pentax 17! The face Lucy is making when advancing on the Rollei is self explanatory!! Also other simple things like fit & finish, the way the camera feels in the hand, how you hold it, how the buttons work (changing the shutter speed & aperture seems to be not a very pleasing affair in the Rollei), how easy & simple it is to press the shutter button, how bright & visible is the viewfinder: everything seems better in the Pentax 17. The Rollei 35Af has the better "specs" like autofocus, full frame, F/2.8 aperture, 1/500 shutter speed & full manual mode. But in reality the usability & the ergonomics (which is very important for most photographers) seems to be a lot more on the Pentax & appreciate the small things like: 1) The ability to put filters on the lens & the fact that the light meter is inside the lens housing, thereby compensating for the filter in reality. 2) The intuitive way to change ISO 3) The wriststrap being able to use as the macro focus distance 4) Film card holder being present 5) Analog frame counter. 6) Having different strap lugs to enable straps in both horizontal & vertical position of the camera. 7) How quiet the camera is to operate. 8) The satisfaction of using that film advance lever (this is one thing digital cameras will never have & the 90s autofocus film 📸 lacks) I think all these add to the little things that makes you want to shoot in the first place ☺️ And those who are making fun of the half frame format, i think if you're not a professional (most will not even shot in a point & shot in the first place 😄) who will enlarge the negative to a very big size print, the half frame negative size is way more than enough. And it encourages you to shoot more in this time of high cost of films.
Couldn’t agree more with all your points here and so appreciate you sharing and watching this video. The designers of the Rollei have implemented some changes to the units that are being released including a more raised shutter button which will make it easier to push but over all they are working with the constraints of that camera which is pretty quirky.
@@LucyLumen that's good to know mint is listening. Hope they release a film camera with their own brand name on it with all the features seen here in a camera body which is relatively modern design (with film door opening feature 😬) & which is nice to hold & capture photos. Ohh and I forgot to mention your review is really unique and entertaining!! I've already subscribed to your channel after seeing this 😃
Try holding the Rollei horizontally and shooting more photos in Landscape orientation; that will cure your suspicions that you're turning or shaking the camera while pressing the shutter release. I didn't watch the video a second time, but were they all vertical format? The original Rollei 35 (and this new one also I am sure) was wonderfully stable in the hands when shot normally (horizontal).
I am going to borrow a friends original rollei actually and do a video! I’ve never shed one before. Glad you enjoyed this and my photos thank you for watching!
The og Rollei allows for very un-p&s style photos in a pocketable camera. You have to use it almost like a Barnack Leica. The new versions seems much more like other p&s cameras, automated, not-mechanical, bigger.
Little things in photography make a big difference to the shooting experience. Thank you for sharing these insights into both cameras, I love the idea of both but will be getting neither! If I had to pick one, before launch I’d have said Rollei, now I would grab the Pentax, but I’ve ordered a Pen F instead. 😊 What strap are you using with the Rollei?
Thank you for watching and glad you like the video. I love my pen ft even though it has its quirks and I would rather shoot with that if I absolutely had to choose as it feels so nice and special. I did like using these though and I’m happy with the results of both too! The strap on the rollei is by Kodak Reto and comes in different colours
Yes it doesn’t have much weight to it and doesn’t feel like a “proper” camera when you hold it as it’s quite plastic and light but it’s fine to use and the results are great so I guess it depends on what you prefer and how romantic you are about cameras
I love the video! Great breakdown of both cameras. Your photos are incredible! I love the idea of both of these cameras. Sadly I cannot afford either one. I hope they’re both a massive success because it’s important to the future of film photography. I’m just not in a place to jump in. Unrelated I love your outfit in this. Sorry you were so cold and that orange wall you have looks soooo good!!
@@LucyLumen very romantic, the nice thing about analogue photography is the feeling of having something in your hands and not just pixels in some virtual data storage - that's why I like the workmanship and feel of many older cameras :-) - but I would also take the Pentax as a reliable (as it's new) point and shoot camera... Andy
I’m a film user from way back and was excited to hear of this camera. The prevailing theme of a lot of the reviewers is that it is a cheap build. This is disappointing. I am pleased that the photos taken are excellent. Ultimately a nice camera but don’t treat it like a Nikon F.
I've got two cameras with shutter button on the front: Topcon Super DM Fujica GM670 (both top & front) I wish more would do this, as it greatly limits camera shake.
Thanks for the video. Just one comment. To be able to compare, you shot the Rollei in vertical, because the Pentax is half frame. I think the difficulty in shooting is partially a result of holding the Rollei vertically. Beeing al old guy, I hate portrait orientation, so I would have to shoot the Pentax holding it vertically. That could be a factor when choosing between them.
I wish mint would have made simpler design choices in a more functional body like an Olympus mu1 or a contax t like body if it wanted to look premium. Problem with fiddly build is not just generally bad user experience but also leads to long term reliability problems. I would right now go with Pentax just because I would be more sure of it working well 5-10 years down the line.
Or Yashica T series ... the brand name seems often licensed for random products, like Rollei. Electronic film advance might be high cost these days though.
Hi Lucy, I was looking at your client photos, some of which i think are on Instagram. I was wondering if you used Digital for them or Medium Format film as they seem to be square photos? Is there one particular camera that you use for your client work or different ones? Interested to know which cameras you favour for your professional work. Thanks Mark
@@markstone-brant9480 hey Mark, thanks for checking out my website! 90% of my client work is shot with my Canon Rebel G and 40mm pancake lens sometimes I use the canon EOS 7 and a 50mm lens but I keep it super simple. In the past we’ve also used a NikonF100 with a speed light as then we can use bounce flash as opposed to just direct. I have shot whole jobs with point and shoots as well though give me anything with a flash and I’ll get the job done as I think it’s more about the vibe, the styling, the mood and creating images that look different, instead of perfect! Hope you enjoyed looking through the work!
@@LucyLumen Hi Lucy That's great. I know you like the Nikon L35AF a lot. Sad to hear about your Oly Pen FT. I never buy off Ebay but I suppose here in The UK perhaps we have more used camera shops than Australia?? and less distance to travel too. Thanks again for your insight. I will hook up on Instagram with you if that is ok. Regards Mark
@@markstone-brant9480 yes way less options here and way more expensive for cameras and film and everything really haha 😆 but we have all the sunshine ☀️ yes come say hi over on IG!
@@LucyLumen have you thought about Japan for cameras or is that even more expensive. Here in the UK the secondhand market for film cameras is excellent. I used to work in a camera. Shop myself and have studied many cameras ie vintage cameras and the model ranges. So much time on my hands 🙂 I still deal in cameras a bit as well. Mark
If you have a problem with determining the distance, use a distance scale at the bottom of the lens instead icons on top. If that still doesn't help, put an old fashioned optical rangefinder in a camera's hot shoe. If that's still not enough, you can use laser based rangefinder which is used by construction workers on a daily basis. With that being said, I don't have a problem with determining the distance. Course my first camera, when I was a kid, a cheap plasticky East German camera for the masses, had that same setup like that Pentax 17. I've learned the hard way. If I could learn that, anybody can. Just saying...
My old Rollei 35S learned me a lot about photography exactly because it gave me the chance to guesstimate distances and combine this with the optimal diaphragm setting: the camera became my teacher.
Hi Lucy, Sorry I am trying to find your video about the red photos that you take. I was just wondering if when i find it if you mention if they were taken on film or digital? If film interested to know what film you used and also what film in general you use. If you have a favourite one. Mine used to be Kodachrome 25 but now I use Portra 400. Regards Mark
The shutter button on the 35AF is a bummer as the force to press can cause shake (esp. with low shutter speeds) saw a simply solution which apparently works well - get an enamel button (the style that stick-on), and you essentially have a soft shutter button that reduces the amount of force needed to click. Probably a $1-$2 investment!
Great idea! Love this hack! I have had word from the designer that they have improved the shutter on the next batch to make it more raised and easier to press down.
So I watched you use the Rollei whilst switching between landscape & portrait... but not once did I see you use, nor show any pictures of the Pentax used in landscape...
A very good review. As for the Rollei shutter button issue, I noticed you never once used it in landscape orientation, which may make the shutter press easier in that position.
Yes I did shoot it in landscape once or twice to see if it made a difference but I found I still had to push quite hard on the shutter but it was easier to keep it straight I think…it’s not the easiest camera to hold really
I have the 17 and with my fat fingers I have similar issue with the shutter button needing to be pushed in a way that could induce shake. I’m thinking I might try a little 1-2mm thick bump on top of the shutter button might be what I need. It is a fun camera and though I’ve been using cameras for 50 years it does have a little learning curve.
Really great review, Lucy!! You definitely looked more comfortable and confident using the Pentax, but those shots from Rollei look great! I used to have an original Rollei 35, and it was pretty cool!
Thank you Nathan! Hope you’re well. The Rollei is kind of a weird one haven’t made my mind up on it yet. Hopefully I can get my hands on the original and compare them.
Man I love this channel this girl is it . Beautiful, adventuress, a great photographer, very skilled and knowledgeable about the craft, has this really cool artistic Bohemian energy and vibe, super cool personality and impeccable fashion sense. another great vid
Great video. Thank you for sharing. Though I applaud any new film camera in 2024 I have to admit I've had very little interest in the Rollei 35AF. This is mostly due to the fact that I used to own the original Rollei 35 and never really loved it. The design is just awkward for me and kind of contrary to what I want a small 35mm camera to be. It's weird to load and feels funky to hold. There are just so many better options when it comes to compact 35mm cameras, most of which cost less. I don't expect the new version to be much different. The Pentax 17 though.... WOW. I bought one when it first came out and I'm loving it. Pentax really knocked this one out of the park as far as I'm concerned. It is the perfect "sketchbook" camera. It's great for just exercising the brain to take pictures in a fast but thoughtful and certainly economical way (72 frames on a roll...). I'm so glad they went with zone focus and there is just enough creative control on it to be a serious creative tool while also very simple at the same time. Light. Durable. Just great all around.
@@LucyLumen Very cool. I want to achieve such look for a Video with children, no fancy Hollywood grading, but like photos in motion -like you did. I'm a private Fuji User too (what else; Digital and GW680) It would be very kind and a big help from you if you can name just some bullet points, e.g, flog 1 or 2 or direct film sim used?., which tools do i need in Resolve, just the names. than i can play and figure out the rest one my own. I'm still at the beginning, this is all for privat. Thank you so much, you really got me with this video! fantastic photo look!! bg Michael
We normally use the classic chrome film sim as the XT4 won’t do log footage in 50fps. The colour is a Kodak film look at about 30% with lifted shadows and then the rest is done with the “film look creator” tool to add halation and grain. Etc. It’s all dialled in manually though. My partner does most of the work in this area but that’s in a nutshell what we do. If you want an easier path maybe something like Dehancer would be worth getting but I haven’t used it personally.
@@LucyLumen Thank you so much for answering. So you can't tell for sure if Classic Chrome was used in this one? And my last question, the -Kodak look-, is it a plug-in, or filmcornvert, or is it bult-in in Resolve? The rest i've already heard of! Again thank you, i will follow. When it's possible to donate you, i will do. BR from Munich
I don't own a Rollei AF, but I have three Rollei 35. The Pentax is a conventional camer, which made you feel at ease with it instantly. The Rollei requires a learning curve, which most people nowadays hate. BUT when you understand its logic, you'll notice it is much more ergonimic than the Pentax - or ano other cameras, by the way. Also, holding it is not conventional and leads to shaking until you discover how to. From then on, you can shoot is single handed without shaking a single frame. The AF is a bit bigger, so maybe this might not work, but I think it will. For landscape photos, just fit it into that fat pad near your thumb, so that when you press the shutter, it's in that direction, which will absorb the pressure. In portrait mode, it's basically the same idea, but using your nose/eye base as support as well. It seems strange until you figure out how it fits on your face. Anyway, the original Rollei 35s sold more than 2 million cameras by their time. Maybe people then were more open to new ways of doing things. I hope this project succeeds and people enjoy to the fullest the best film camera there is: the one that's always with you, so they don't miss a shot. Thanks for the video! All the best!
Sorry, I’m a bit misinformed.I’ve lways wanted a Rollei, is the Rollei in this example ALSO a brand new reissued camera or is just the Pentax a newbie? Honestly I’d take either, but my dream is to have a Rollei format camera (cause they’re so cute and lovely) that can do half frame…And my DREAM AMONG DREAMS, is that such a camera could somehow be switched between full and half frame. If that were possible, that would literally be my camera for the rest of my life.
Great review Lucy. Sadly, none of these two cameras are for me even though I do have the original 35 SE. My problem is with half frame. It just doesn't appeal to me. It is not surprising as I was brought up on LF and MF cameras. Once upon a time the 35 mm was called the miniature format.
I want that Rollei design just like that in a digital camera. But I'm very happy for you new film users also. I'm happy for any kind of photography that keeps away from phones.
It would be interesting as a digital camera! Yes I agree anything in the photography realm that keeps it going and keeps people interested is great. Taking photo with a camera is such a joy. Thanks for watching
Thanks for your interesting video, Lucy. I owned a Rollei 35s back in the day and spent a while getting used to the ergonomics, which I did enjoy after a while. By the way, Rollei ist pronounced "roll-eye". (In Germany, ei ist pronounced "eye" and ie is pronounced "ee". Think of Leica.)
You should understand the design of the old classic Rollei 35. It is such a well designed and well built machines. I am still using them and serving me well. Even without AF. You are just not familiar with the operation of it. Which is really not that difficult.
A lot ofl of reviewers are stating that the af pales in comparison to the original Rollei 35 from a build standpoint. I also have a Rollei 35, and as you know, it is a solid and well-built compact camera. Sometimes, it's best not to try and recreate a classic.
Great review and thanks for sharing this one and the way you shot these! With the Pentax 17 in Australia, I don't think they over looked Australia, there was an offical launch for it at Hillvale here in Melbourne and a big kick off for it! Was good! Thought you might of come down for it!
The higher resolution of the Rollie is worth a slight premium; however, the macro capability of the Pentax is an offset I.e., it also is a premium feature.
Nice Photos. I do not like rangefinder cameras and the price tag on both of them is a pass. I would rather spend the money, if I had it on a good medium format film camera that also shooots 220 film since I have several rolls. What I would do is hook up a camera strap the same way you did to a camera that has only one camera strap port. I would buy loose camera strap eyelets from amazon or ebay and make a ring to hook up the strap.
It's always super interesting to me hearing other perspectives because I shoot film partially because I like the aesthetic of older film cameras and the Pentax 17 doesn't fill that kinda aesthetic vanity for me. I'm of the mindset that if I wanted an easy to use camera that took good photos every time I would just shoot digital so it's interesting to hear the perspective of someone who wants their film experience to rival that of a digital camera in ease of use.
To me the ''Rollei'' is just an expensive experiment and i would certainly wait for the second version of it, hopefully very soon to fix the baby problems and make the experience worthing the asked money. The pentax is a real camera but this half frame idea makes me just hate it. Everyone wants the best quality in the smallest size and after so many years you give a camera with half frame ? why ? and it is bigger than a mju ii without autofocus mechanism. And i am sure pentax will come sometime with a good film camera but it will most possibly have the 28mm like ricoh and not the universal 35mm. Give us a small camera with a 35mm great lens, very good handling repairability and take our money. Till then we are just using old ones waiting.
I do think a lot of the idiosyncracies of the Mint camera are because of its resemblance to the original. It's a Led Zeppelin tribute band. The Pentax is more like Greta Van Fleet
I really don't understand the hype about this two cameras. There are still tens of million analog viewfinder cameras around (plus as many SLRs) which either still work perfectly or can be refurbished with little effort and costs to be like new. There are even a lot of dealerships around which specialize in buying, refurbishing and selling those cameras. Most of those cameras are on a better (more often than not on a much better) technical standard than that "Rollei" and the Pentax, made with better material, have better lenses, are smaller and lighter, easier to operate, and are much, much cheaper when bought than those two new cameras. I rather buy an original and refurbished Rollei 35 for half the price of that new one than this new so-called Rollei. The original Rollei 35 is actually on a whole different level regarding technical and optical quality. For the price of a Pentax 17 you can get the king of half format cameras, an Olympus Pen F, and for a fraction of that price one of the many small half frame viewfinder cameras. The Rollei and the Pentax may be usable cameras, but their price tag is simply totally unreasonable, given that there are much better options available for much less money.
I think the excitement is around the fact that film is popular companies are now making new cameras which is a positive thing for the film community. Everything has to start (or re start) somewhere and these cameras might lead to more cameras being made and at a cheaper price. It’s not the principal of the thing that is exciting than just the actual camera. It’s a great sign that film is alive and that is worth celebrating!
@@LucyLumen Of course it is, I understand that. Lomo is doing that for years now with mainly medium format cameras. What Lomo did better than Mint or Pentax is that the price of their product as well as its promoted use is on par with their product's quality. Look what 35mm rangefinder cameras you can buy for the price of the Rollei 35 or the Pentax 17. Yes, those cameras are new, but they can't compete in regards of production quality, technical finesse or optical performance with the old ones. And economies of scale will prevent, that a producer of new analog cameras will ever be able to produce better cameras for a similar or even lower price than refurbished and quality checked old analog cameras (with the exception of the large format market). People may be excited about those new cameras, but they have to pay a hefty price for that excitement. No serious photographer wanting to produce quality pictures with this technique will ever buy and use one of the newly produced cameras for that. They all buy and use the old ones, and not out of nostalgia.
@@DahrenhorstFilm camera professionals will pick and choose from historical cameras, and piece them together. They know how to make a camera with reliable quality and good performance, but for novice enthusiasts, this comes at a cost, more learning, more expenses, but they just want a camera that can be quickly used, can be taken, and has good photo quality. (From Google Translate)
@@DahrenhorstFilm camera professionals will pick and choose from historical cameras, and piece them together. They know how to make a camera with reliable quality and good performance, but for novice enthusiasts, this comes at a cost, more learning, more expenses, but they just want a camera that can be quickly used, can be taken, and has good photo quality. (From Google Translate)
A total gimmick wannabe gimmick overpriced and poorly built camera! Don’t buy it !! This is not build by Rollei. Do you research and you will thank me later.
Half frame film is actually slightly bigger than APSC sensor on digital 📸 & way more bigger than Micro fourth thirds sensor found in olympus & Panasonic 📸 I think if you're not a professional (most will not even shot in a point & shot film 📸 in the first place 😄) who will enlarge the negative to a very big size, the half frame negative size is way more than enough. The print results shown here is a proof of that. If one wants to enlarge their negatives to life size, I think it's better to shot with an SLR in the first place or even a medium format camera. Also the lens on the Pentax seems to be really versatile. And the half frame encourages you to shoot more in this time of high cost of films, which is really nice.
Be sure to check out Ikigai Film Lab and follow them on Instagram to see all the exciting updates and content coming soon! - ikigaifilmlab.com.au/
I've got the Pentax 17, and it's just a treat to shoot with. Results are solid, too, with a sharp lens and good exposure system. I really love how the viewfinder is center-line, I feel like that keeps Parallax errors to a minimum. Plus, the close focus capabilities are fantastic. I shoot lots of flowers and small details, and the 17 does very well for a compact.
As to the Rollei... results look great, living up to the good specs of the camera, but I just couldn't with the handling. The lack of grip, the wrong-side lever, no filter thread, offset viewfinder, a long minimum focus distance. I do think it's fair to criticize the ergonomics, because Mint made the decision to copy an old camera that was known to have quirky and awkward handling, rather than draw inspiration from something nicer to use, or design their own. Plus, if it's a choice between full control over focus or full control over exposure, I'd rather control the focus and trust the camera to expose. Just not the right choice for me. I've already got manual and autofocus SLRs, if I wanted to maximize image quality on 35mm, I could use those.
But I think it could easily be the right camera for someone else. Seems like Mint has done well, so congratulations to them. I wasn't sure they would, I really came to hate the TL70 I had from them.
Well said!!! I agree on the points about the rollei you’ve made and it definitely does come down to the awkward handling which like you say on the Pentax isn’t an issue. Still so fabulous though that it’s been created! Thanks for watching
Rough edges and all, it’s amazing to have *new* film cameras available *with warranties* in almost 2025. The better these do, the more efforts we’ll see. Up until this year, the only option for “new” in film was a $5000+ Leica.
I’m unsurprised the Rollei surpassed the Pentax in image quality. Full 35mm will *always* beat a half frame.
I feel like we should all recognize how not half framie the pentax looks. Its kinda impressive how much work that tiny lens is doing. Also what I think people don't realize with the pentax zone focusing is the amount of markings will really help you hit focus. Its not like a holga where its just a person, group, and mountain. There is like a zone for everything you would ever need so there is really no guessing for an in between setting.
Yessss this is very true! I don’t use zone focus often but this was a good experience and that is definitely why! Thanks for watching
The more reviews I see of the Mint camera, the more convinced I am of the Pentax 17.
So true
In my case, the more reviews I see of both cameras, the more i decide to buy neither of them and keep using my mju 1, mju 2 and other film cameras I have 😔.
@@martinohesse I would probably not bother about any of these too, if I had a Mju 2 😄
Same.
I would chose the Rollei. It gives me more control. But I have plenty excellent old cameras already so no need….😊
The Rollei 35 was quite a game changer when it first came out because of the absolutely compact size for when it was made and. I have a 35s - a Singapore made version and I've enjoyed using it but I'm selling it now since I've moved to medium format.
Pentax's strap macro measurement is the kind of product engineering I love
I got a Pentax 17 for my birthday and I am looooving it
Really liked this idea. Showing the first usage and what it really feels like. And the twist at the end was good.
Great! Yours is the first in-use review of the Rollei. I had one of the originals and gifted it to a friend long ago. The homage is bigger and seems to have odd ergonomics. The Pentax 17 looked more faff free. I could imagine keeping my eye in the viewfinder and concentrating on my image capture with the Pentax. The scans were good and both cameras produced good results. Both Cameras were worthwhile and capable of serious results.
I am so glad you got to use these cameras! I appreciate you showing your results and experiences! Great first impressions and insights! Always enjoy your videos, and how cool to have two new film cameras to think about!! :)
Good to see a comparison like this! Pentax seems to be ergonomically superior, and the teardown video confirms that it's built to last.
I wish Rollei had worked on theirs too, to make it an overall great experience.
you can't beat good old film cameras but koodos to these companies bring film photography alive in 2024 :)
Thanks for this Lucy, the review we’ve all been waiting for! Super informative feedback and TBH in the end, I also still want both 😆
Thank you lovely! It was an honour to shoot these and I would love to see you use one or both in a video too!
Although I appreciate the effort involved in the rollei reimagined, that problem of the film advance lever stops me from investing in one.
We also can't dismiss the effort put into the pentax 17 just because it comes from a camera company. I'm sure they had to research a lot and relearn a lot of things after not making film cameras for decades. Both cameras involved significant effort.
Mint used retired Pentax camera engineers so it wasn't a 'one-man' job but I haven't used one so maybe the camera gives that impression.
The auto-focus ability of the Rollei is the only thing that makes me want to try it, the shooting experience looks a bit crap from all the reviews I've seen though.
so tempted to get the pentax 17 every time i see how sharp that lenses is. still probably going to stick with my pen ft but its showing some age and might be slightly damaged 🙃
Lucy, amazing work at comparing the experience of shooting these two cameras! I have to say that I’m surprised at how much fun I’m having with my Pentax 17. After many years of shooting manual SLRs and medium format TLR and DSLRs and always obsessing somewhat over aperture’s and manual exposure control, it’s been very refreshing (bit scary at first) just to leave it to the point and shoot nature of the camera. With half frame you know you’ve got a small negative to work with but the lens is sharp and those 72 shots per film means you can experiment with abandon. A few weeks back I took it as my only camera on a week long trip to Tasmania. Wandering around Hobart made for easy and fun street photography with the Pentax 17 and then took it on a 4 day hike of the Three Capes Track. Clearly a light camera is advantageous when you’ll carrying all your gear for a multi day hike but I’d say that half frame negative is more suited to street, town scapes and environmental portraiture than big outdoors landscape photography. I am also surprised at how much I’m liking the vertical / portrait format. With the good camera handling and controls, it all adds to the casual fun of shooting this camera. I really wasn’t expecting that! Not many decisions to make - just shoot and enjoy 😊
I really feel like the Pentax designers nailed the shooting experience. My two "best" film cameras are a Nikon SLR and a Rolleiflex TLR, and they're great, but they just shoot in a different way. The Pentax is a stress-free shooter, but with enough hands-on control to feel like you're actually shooting a camera, unlike an old 90s autofocus point and shoot. I bet it's a great camera for someone new, but I also feel like it's a great camera for someone who's been shooting a while but wants a great "casual" experience.
Thanks for this!
I@@thebitterfig9903
850€ for a Rollei 35 AF film camera? Holy sh***! Now I m happy that I kept my original Rollei 35😀
Great video. One thing I am excited about is the design of the Pentax 17. Opening up the back and looking at the interior we can see that there is very little keeping them from taking this design and making it full frame. There is a lot of room inside where no meaningful mechanical or electronic components reside and basically only a simple mask to the left and right of the film roll making it half frame. I'm going to save up for what I think will be an inevitable full frame release of this model.
I really like the opening part of the video, when you show us how to insert the film into the cameras, I really like it! Those cameras are really nice and cute! Both are expensive but I would love to have them in my hands.
the quality from the full frame 35 is just so much more noticeable to me. ive been trying to justify buying a premium point and shoot for a while now, specifically the nikon 28ti, but just havent been able to do it because im so nervous about it breaking immediately. weirdly enough despite how many issues you had with the rollei i think this video has convinced me to go for it.
I'm very glad that another brand new film camera is launched in this time of mirrorless high megapixel camera.
But the more I see the Rollei 35Af, the more I'm appreciating the Pentax 17.
From the film door opening, to the loading, to the advancing, to the rewinding: everything seems not only easy but super enjoyable on the Pentax 17!
The face Lucy is making when advancing on the Rollei is self explanatory!!
Also other simple things like fit & finish, the way the camera feels in the hand, how you hold it, how the buttons work (changing the shutter speed & aperture seems to be not a very pleasing affair in the Rollei), how easy & simple it is to press the shutter button, how bright & visible is the viewfinder: everything seems better in the Pentax 17.
The Rollei 35Af has the better "specs" like autofocus, full frame, F/2.8 aperture, 1/500 shutter speed & full manual mode.
But in reality the usability & the ergonomics (which is very important for most photographers) seems to be a lot more on the Pentax & appreciate the small things like:
1) The ability to put filters on the lens & the fact that the light meter is inside the lens housing, thereby compensating for the filter in reality.
2) The intuitive way to change ISO
3) The wriststrap being able to use as the macro focus distance
4) Film card holder being present
5) Analog frame counter.
6) Having different strap lugs to enable straps in both horizontal & vertical position of the camera.
7) How quiet the camera is to operate.
8) The satisfaction of using that film advance lever
(this is one thing digital cameras will never have & the 90s autofocus film 📸 lacks)
I think all these add to the little things that makes you want to shoot in the first place ☺️
And those who are making fun of the half frame format, i think if you're not a professional (most will not even shot in a point & shot in the first place 😄) who will enlarge the negative to a very big size print, the half frame negative size is way more than enough.
And it encourages you to shoot more in this time of high cost of films.
Couldn’t agree more with all your points here and so appreciate you sharing and watching this video.
The designers of the Rollei have implemented some changes to the units that are being released including a more raised shutter button which will make it easier to push but over all they are working with the constraints of that camera which is pretty quirky.
@@LucyLumen that's good to know mint is listening. Hope they release a film camera with their own brand name on it with all the features seen here in a camera body which is relatively modern design (with film door opening feature 😬) & which is nice to hold & capture photos.
Ohh and I forgot to mention your review is really unique and entertaining!! I've already subscribed to your channel after seeing this 😃
Try holding the Rollei horizontally and shooting more photos in Landscape orientation; that will cure your suspicions that you're turning or shaking the camera while pressing the shutter release. I didn't watch the video a second time, but were they all vertical format? The original Rollei 35 (and this new one also I am sure) was wonderfully stable in the hands when shot normally (horizontal).
Original Rollei 35s had a legendary lens
I'm waiting to see more real shots out of this 35AF
Yours are great
I am going to borrow a friends original rollei actually and do a video! I’ve never shed one before. Glad you enjoyed this and my photos thank you for watching!
Some retired Pentax engineers designed the lens on this Rollei 35 AF.
The og Rollei allows for very un-p&s style photos in a pocketable camera. You have to use it almost like a Barnack Leica. The new versions seems much more like other p&s cameras, automated, not-mechanical, bigger.
They make the lever sharp as a reminder of the cost of film lol
Loved this one, Lucy!
Thank you Nathan! It was so fun to shoot these and such a wild ride seeing the scans - I was so surprised!
Little things in photography make a big difference to the shooting experience. Thank you for sharing these insights into both cameras, I love the idea of both but will be getting neither! If I had to pick one, before launch I’d have said Rollei, now I would grab the Pentax, but I’ve ordered a Pen F instead. 😊 What strap are you using with the Rollei?
I took a pentax in my hands at a dealer and was a kind of shocked, how cheap it feels - I will go ahead with my old Rollei's
Thank you for watching and glad you like the video. I love my pen ft even though it has its quirks and I would rather shoot with that if I absolutely had to choose as it feels so nice and special. I did like using these though and I’m happy with the results of both too! The strap on the rollei is by Kodak Reto and comes in different colours
Yes it doesn’t have much weight to it and doesn’t feel like a “proper” camera when you hold it as it’s quite plastic and light but it’s fine to use and the results are great so I guess it depends on what you prefer and how romantic you are about cameras
I love the video! Great breakdown of both cameras. Your photos are incredible! I love the idea of both of these cameras. Sadly I cannot afford either one. I hope they’re both a massive success because it’s important to the future of film photography. I’m just not in a place to jump in. Unrelated I love your outfit in this. Sorry you were so cold and that orange wall you have looks soooo good!!
@@LucyLumen very romantic, the nice thing about analogue photography is the feeling of having something in your hands and not just pixels in some virtual data storage - that's why I like the workmanship and feel of many older cameras :-) - but I would also take the Pentax as a reliable (as it's new) point and shoot camera... Andy
Verrryyy excited for this!
What is that strap system you have on the Rollei? It reminds me of the (now defunct) Luma Loop.
I’m a film user from way back and was excited to hear of this camera. The prevailing theme of a lot of the reviewers is that it is a cheap build. This is disappointing. I am pleased that the photos taken are excellent. Ultimately a nice camera but don’t treat it like a Nikon F.
I've got two cameras with shutter button on the front:
Topcon Super DM
Fujica GM670 (both top & front)
I wish more would do this, as it greatly limits camera shake.
Very considerate point!
If they make a v2 of the Rollei and just clean up the UX a little bit, I'd be very interested in buying
I wonder where you got the neat yellow camera strap from? 😮
It’s from Dubble film which is a Spanish company. Such fun colours!
@@LucyLumen Thank you so much! 😍
Thanks for the video.
Just one comment. To be able to compare, you shot the Rollei in vertical, because the Pentax is half frame. I think the difficulty in shooting is partially a result of holding the Rollei vertically.
Beeing al old guy, I hate portrait orientation, so I would have to shoot the Pentax holding it vertically. That could be a factor when choosing between them.
The Pentax should have enough grip to hold vertically. Could even be interesting because you can you use it with your other eye free then
I wish mint would have made simpler design choices in a more functional body like an Olympus mu1 or a contax t like body if it wanted to look premium. Problem with fiddly build is not just generally bad user experience but also leads to long term reliability problems. I would right now go with Pentax just because I would be more sure of it working well 5-10 years down the line.
Or Yashica T series ... the brand name seems often licensed for random products, like Rollei. Electronic film advance might be high cost these days though.
Hi Lucy, I was looking at your client photos, some of which i think are on Instagram. I was wondering if you used Digital for them or Medium Format film as they seem to be square photos? Is there one particular camera that you use for your client work or different ones? Interested to know which cameras you favour for your professional work. Thanks Mark
@@markstone-brant9480 hey Mark, thanks for checking out my website! 90% of my client work is shot with my Canon Rebel G and 40mm pancake lens sometimes I use the canon EOS 7 and a 50mm lens but I keep it super simple. In the past we’ve also used a NikonF100 with a speed light as then we can use bounce flash as opposed to just direct. I have shot whole jobs with point and shoots as well though give me anything with a flash and I’ll get the job done as I think it’s more about the vibe, the styling, the mood and creating images that look different, instead of perfect! Hope you enjoyed looking through the work!
@@LucyLumen Hi Lucy That's great. I know you like the Nikon L35AF a lot. Sad to hear about your Oly Pen FT. I never buy off Ebay but I suppose here in The UK perhaps we have more used camera shops than Australia?? and less distance to travel too. Thanks again for your insight. I will hook up on Instagram with you if that is ok. Regards Mark
@@markstone-brant9480 yes way less options here and way more expensive for cameras and film and everything really haha 😆 but we have all the sunshine ☀️ yes come say hi over on IG!
@@LucyLumen have you thought about Japan for cameras or is that even more expensive. Here in the UK the secondhand market for film cameras is excellent. I used to work in a camera. Shop myself and have studied many cameras ie vintage cameras and the model ranges. So much time on my hands 🙂 I still deal in cameras a bit as well. Mark
I’ve read somewhere that the Rollei tends to overexpose. Maybe a factor that makes the photos more pleasing.
"It's cold"!! Probably as warm as a UK summer!
Probably even warmer tbh haha I’m a baby. My family are from Kent so I’ve experienced UK summer and it’s freezing for me haha
If you have a problem with determining the distance, use a distance scale at the bottom of the lens instead icons on top. If that still doesn't help, put an old fashioned optical rangefinder in a camera's hot shoe. If that's still not enough, you can use laser based rangefinder which is used by construction workers on a daily basis.
With that being said, I don't have a problem with determining the distance. Course my first camera, when I was a kid, a cheap plasticky East German camera for the masses, had that same setup like that Pentax 17. I've learned the hard way. If I could learn that, anybody can. Just saying...
My old Rollei 35S learned me a lot about photography exactly because it gave me the chance to guesstimate distances and combine this with the optimal diaphragm setting: the camera became my teacher.
Hi Lucy, Sorry I am trying to find your video about the red photos that you take. I was just wondering if when i find it if you mention if they were taken on film or digital? If film interested to know what film you used and also what film in general you use. If you have a favourite one. Mine used to be Kodachrome 25 but now I use Portra 400. Regards Mark
The shutter button on the 35AF is a bummer as the force to press can cause shake (esp. with low shutter speeds) saw a simply solution which apparently works well - get an enamel button (the style that stick-on), and you essentially have a soft shutter button that reduces the amount of force needed to click. Probably a $1-$2 investment!
Great idea! Love this hack! I have had word from the designer that they have improved the shutter on the next batch to make it more raised and easier to press down.
Great video!! Does the Rollei seem solid enough to withstand daily use as a street shooter?
So I watched you use the Rollei whilst switching between landscape & portrait... but not once did I see you use, nor show any pictures of the Pentax used in landscape...
A very good review. As for the Rollei shutter button issue, I noticed you never once used it in landscape orientation, which may make the shutter press easier in that position.
She did at least once at 11:17
Yes I did shoot it in landscape once or twice to see if it made a difference but I found I still had to push quite hard on the shutter but it was easier to keep it straight I think…it’s not the easiest camera to hold really
@@LucyLumen Hopefully the designer will see your video and make some updates to the ergonomics.
I have the 17 and with my fat fingers I have similar issue with the shutter button needing to be pushed in a way that could induce shake. I’m thinking I might try a little 1-2mm thick bump on top of the shutter button might be what I need. It is a fun camera and though I’ve been using cameras for 50 years it does have a little learning curve.
I would love to see you try the Rollei XF35
Really great review, Lucy!! You definitely looked more comfortable and confident using the Pentax, but those shots from Rollei look great! I used to have an original Rollei 35, and it was pretty cool!
Thank you Nathan! Hope you’re well. The Rollei is kind of a weird one haven’t made my mind up on it yet. Hopefully I can get my hands on the original and compare them.
Man I love this channel this girl is it . Beautiful, adventuress, a great photographer, very skilled and knowledgeable about the craft, has this really cool artistic Bohemian energy and vibe, super cool personality and impeccable fashion sense. another great vid
Pleasantly surprised by the Rollie PQ.
great video.Thought you might like the half frame.
The pictures are great and the scans have the half-frame shots looking hardly any different in resolution to the Rollei shots, pretty impressive stuff
Also, the Sparkling Waters photo at 28:19 is so good
I'm sure you've mentioned it in other videos, but do the color grading of your video is NEXT LEVEL! Is this your own lut?
Great video. Thank you for sharing. Though I applaud any new film camera in 2024 I have to admit I've had very little interest in the Rollei 35AF. This is mostly due to the fact that I used to own the original Rollei 35 and never really loved it. The design is just awkward for me and kind of contrary to what I want a small 35mm camera to be. It's weird to load and feels funky to hold. There are just so many better options when it comes to compact 35mm cameras, most of which cost less. I don't expect the new version to be much different.
The Pentax 17 though.... WOW. I bought one when it first came out and I'm loving it. Pentax really knocked this one out of the park as far as I'm concerned. It is the perfect "sketchbook" camera. It's great for just exercising the brain to take pictures in a fast but thoughtful and certainly economical way (72 frames on a roll...). I'm so glad they went with zone focus and there is just enough creative control on it to be a serious creative tool while also very simple at the same time. Light. Durable. Just great all around.
I love the look of this video so much! Could you please tell how to achieve this Look!? it looks identical to the photos made! Thank you so much
Thank you 🙏🏽 it’s a bit complicated a mixture of using a Fujifilm XT4 and then a lot of post processing and tweaking in Davinci Resolve.
@@LucyLumen Very cool. I want to achieve such look for a Video with children, no fancy Hollywood grading, but like photos in motion -like you did. I'm a private Fuji User too (what else; Digital and GW680) It would be very kind and a big help from you if you can name just some bullet points, e.g, flog 1 or 2 or direct film sim used?., which tools do i need in Resolve, just the names. than i can play and figure out the rest one my own. I'm still at the beginning, this is all for privat. Thank you so much, you really got me with this video! fantastic photo look!! bg Michael
We normally use the classic chrome film sim as the XT4 won’t do log footage in 50fps. The colour is a Kodak film look at about 30% with lifted shadows and then the rest is done with the “film look creator” tool to add halation and grain. Etc. It’s all dialled in manually though. My partner does most of the work in this area but that’s in a nutshell what we do. If you want an easier path maybe something like
Dehancer would be worth getting but I haven’t used it personally.
@@LucyLumen Thank you so much for answering. So you can't tell for sure if Classic Chrome was used in this one? And my last question, the -Kodak look-, is it a plug-in, or filmcornvert, or is it bult-in in Resolve? The rest i've already heard of! Again thank you, i will follow. When it's possible to donate you, i will do. BR from Munich
Half frame is great for telling stories, via the diptych photography technique.
...
Thanks for making this video.
Great review. Pentax 17 wins.
I don't own a Rollei AF, but I have three Rollei 35. The Pentax is a conventional camer, which made you feel at ease with it instantly. The Rollei requires a learning curve, which most people nowadays hate. BUT when you understand its logic, you'll notice it is much more ergonimic than the Pentax - or ano other cameras, by the way. Also, holding it is not conventional and leads to shaking until you discover how to. From then on, you can shoot is single handed without shaking a single frame. The AF is a bit bigger, so maybe this might not work, but I think it will.
For landscape photos, just fit it into that fat pad near your thumb, so that when you press the shutter, it's in that direction, which will absorb the pressure. In portrait mode, it's basically the same idea, but using your nose/eye base as support as well. It seems strange until you figure out how it fits on your face.
Anyway, the original Rollei 35s sold more than 2 million cameras by their time. Maybe people then were more open to new ways of doing things.
I hope this project succeeds and people enjoy to the fullest the best film camera there is: the one that's always with you, so they don't miss a shot.
Thanks for the video! All the best!
Lucy, Can you tell me what camera was used to capture this video and if it was color graded? The colours in this video is chromatic and Awesome! 🤩
Thank you we use a Fuji XT4 and colour grade in Davinci Resolve. Some of the footage is shot on an IPhone 15 Pro as well though.
I think bokeh mode is supposed to be used when on the close up and macro setting.
Autofocus only or can it manual focus also?
Sorry, I’m a bit misinformed.I’ve lways wanted a Rollei, is the Rollei in this example ALSO a brand new reissued camera or is just the Pentax a newbie? Honestly I’d take either, but my dream is to have a Rollei format camera (cause they’re so cute and lovely) that can do half frame…And my DREAM AMONG DREAMS, is that such a camera could somehow be switched between full and half frame. If that were possible, that would literally be my camera for the rest of my life.
It’s new also. Look up Rollei 35AF. Might be sold out for now
whoo, wait, what? what camera was used to film this? the colors are fantastic!
Thank you. Most of it was a Fuji XT4 but a fair bit is just an iPhone. It’s colour graded with Davinci resolve which is why it looks like that tho.
Great review Lucy. Sadly, none of these two cameras are for me even though I do have the original 35 SE. My problem is with half frame. It just doesn't appeal to me. It is not surprising as I was brought up on LF and MF cameras. Once upon a time the 35 mm was called the miniature format.
I want that Rollei design just like that in a digital camera. But I'm very happy for you new film users also. I'm happy for any kind of photography that keeps away from phones.
It would be interesting as a digital camera! Yes I agree anything in the photography realm that keeps it going and keeps people interested is great. Taking photo with a camera is such a joy. Thanks for watching
I envy people who can take great pics...I went to art school but I was never good at it.
Thanks for your interesting video, Lucy.
I owned a Rollei 35s back in the day and spent a while getting used to the ergonomics, which I did enjoy after a while. By the way, Rollei ist pronounced "roll-eye". (In Germany, ei ist pronounced "eye" and ie is pronounced "ee". Think of Leica.)
You should understand the design of the old classic Rollei 35. It is such a well designed and well built machines. I am still using them and serving me well. Even without AF. You are just not familiar with the operation of it. Which is really not that difficult.
A lot ofl of reviewers are stating that the af pales in comparison to the original Rollei 35 from a build standpoint. I also have a Rollei 35, and as you know, it is a solid and well-built compact camera. Sometimes, it's best not to try and recreate a classic.
So the Pentax 17 IS a worthy first film camera?
I think so yes if you can afford it.
Great review and thanks for sharing this one and the way you shot these! With the Pentax 17 in Australia, I don't think they over looked Australia, there was an offical launch for it at Hillvale here in Melbourne and a big kick off for it! Was good! Thought you might of come down for it!
Rollei = $800 Pentax 17 =$500 so the Pentax is better for the money and also better all-around.
The higher resolution of the Rollie is worth a slight premium; however, the macro capability of the Pentax is an offset I.e., it also is a premium feature.
Nice Photos. I do not like rangefinder cameras and the price tag on both of them is a pass. I would rather spend the money, if I had it on a good medium format film camera that also shooots 220 film since I have several rolls. What I would do is hook up a camera strap the same way you did to a camera that has only one camera strap port. I would buy loose camera strap eyelets from amazon or ebay and make a ring to hook up the strap.
Muy bien muy bien, gracias.
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed
Now WE need new Films that are affordable
Excellent!!!
It's always super interesting to me hearing other perspectives because I shoot film partially because I like the aesthetic of older film cameras and the Pentax 17 doesn't fill that kinda aesthetic vanity for me. I'm of the mindset that if I wanted an easy to use camera that took good photos every time I would just shoot digital so it's interesting to hear the perspective of someone who wants their film experience to rival that of a digital camera in ease of use.
Film photography is so expensive. Plus more hassle. But, cool looking cameras.
To me the ''Rollei'' is just an expensive experiment and i would certainly wait for the second version of it, hopefully very soon to fix the baby problems and make the experience worthing the asked money. The pentax is a real camera but this half frame idea makes me just hate it. Everyone wants the best quality in the smallest size and after so many years you give a camera with half frame ? why ? and it is bigger than a mju ii without autofocus mechanism. And i am sure pentax will come sometime with a good film camera but it will most possibly have the 28mm like ricoh and not the universal 35mm. Give us a small camera with a 35mm great lens, very good handling repairability and take our money. Till then we are just using old ones waiting.
This looks like it was shot on Harman Phoenix
Very cool
I do think a lot of the idiosyncracies of the Mint camera are because of its resemblance to the original. It's a Led Zeppelin tribute band. The Pentax is more like Greta Van Fleet
rollei got a lidar technology
What’s the hype? Just two fairly basic film cameras that are going to replace or introduce what? Are they upgrades of disposable cameras?
don't push the shutter, squeeze it
I really don't understand the hype about this two cameras. There are still tens of million analog viewfinder cameras around (plus as many SLRs) which either still work perfectly or can be refurbished with little effort and costs to be like new. There are even a lot of dealerships around which specialize in buying, refurbishing and selling those cameras. Most of those cameras are on a better (more often than not on a much better) technical standard than that "Rollei" and the Pentax, made with better material, have better lenses, are smaller and lighter, easier to operate, and are much, much cheaper when bought than those two new cameras.
I rather buy an original and refurbished Rollei 35 for half the price of that new one than this new so-called Rollei. The original Rollei 35 is actually on a whole different level regarding technical and optical quality. For the price of a Pentax 17 you can get the king of half format cameras, an Olympus Pen F, and for a fraction of that price one of the many small half frame viewfinder cameras.
The Rollei and the Pentax may be usable cameras, but their price tag is simply totally unreasonable, given that there are much better options available for much less money.
I think the excitement is around the fact that film is popular companies are now making new cameras which is a positive thing for the film community. Everything has to start (or re start) somewhere and these cameras might lead to more cameras being made and at a cheaper price. It’s not the principal of the thing that is exciting than just the actual camera. It’s a great sign that film is alive and that is worth celebrating!
@@LucyLumen Of course it is, I understand that. Lomo is doing that for years now with mainly medium format cameras. What Lomo did better than Mint or Pentax is that the price of their product as well as its promoted use is on par with their product's quality. Look what 35mm rangefinder cameras you can buy for the price of the Rollei 35 or the Pentax 17.
Yes, those cameras are new, but they can't compete in regards of production quality, technical finesse or optical performance with the old ones. And economies of scale will prevent, that a producer of new analog cameras will ever be able to produce better cameras for a similar or even lower price than refurbished and quality checked old analog cameras (with the exception of the large format market).
People may be excited about those new cameras, but they have to pay a hefty price for that excitement. No serious photographer wanting to produce quality pictures with this technique will ever buy and use one of the newly produced cameras for that. They all buy and use the old ones, and not out of nostalgia.
@@DahrenhorstFilm camera professionals will pick and choose from historical cameras, and piece them together. They know how to make a camera with reliable quality and good performance, but for novice enthusiasts, this comes at a cost, more learning, more expenses, but they just want a camera that can be quickly used, can be taken, and has good photo quality. (From Google Translate)
@@DahrenhorstFilm camera professionals will pick and choose from historical cameras, and piece them together. They know how to make a camera with reliable quality and good performance, but for novice enthusiasts, this comes at a cost, more learning, more expenses, but they just want a camera that can be quickly used, can be taken, and has good photo quality. (From Google Translate)
Pentax 17, advance leaver looks cheap.
to buy vintage film camera.
Painllei 35 Auto Frustrate & Dumbtax 17
Rollei is cute AF! Pentax is...Meh
A total gimmick wannabe gimmick overpriced and poorly built camera! Don’t buy it !! This is not build by Rollei. Do you research and you will thank me later.
REDICULOUS REVIEW !!!!!!!!!!!! WASTE OF TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Send location
The Rollei for the design win. The Pentax is ugly. Half frame is worse than shooting crop format.
Half frame film is actually slightly bigger than APSC sensor on digital 📸 & way more bigger than Micro fourth thirds sensor found in olympus & Panasonic 📸
I think if you're not a professional (most will not even shot in a point & shot film 📸 in the first place 😄) who will enlarge the negative to a very big size, the half frame negative size is way more than enough.
The print results shown here is a proof of that. If one wants to enlarge their negatives to life size, I think it's better to shot with an SLR in the first place or even a medium format camera.
Also the lens on the Pentax seems to be really versatile.
And the half frame encourages you to shoot more in this time of high cost of films, which is really nice.
The rollei is a box, and its the same as its ever been. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, i quite like the 17s looks
26:56 Bravo!!!
I don't know, I don't think we need new cameras. What we really need is good cheap film 😢
I'm sure you've mentioned it in other videos, but do the color grading of your video is NEXT LEVEL! Is this your own lut?