Rollei 35AF
Announced September 10, 2024
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Rollei 35AF is a compact, modern 35mm film camera that pairs a sharp lens and accurate LiDAR autofocus with a charming, retro-inspired design. While it offers a rewarding shooting experience for many, it suffers from inconsistent build quality, a difficult film loading process, and a high price point.
Weighted from 11 reviewer scores
Pros
- Accurate and fast LiDAR autofocus system
- Sharp, high-quality lens performance
- Compact, portable, and iconic design
- Reliable light metering and exposure control
- Intuitive and engaging manual-style operation
Cons
- Inconsistent shutter button and film advance operation
- Unrefined build quality and mechanical issues
- Difficult and fiddly film loading process
- High retail price
- Lack of filter threads and limited shutter speed
- Launch price $799 (USD)
- Film format 135 (35mm) 24 x 36 mm
- Lens mount Fixed lens
- Shutter 1 to 1/500 Second
- Weight 242g
What the Reviewers Say
All 11 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 5.5/10
What has to be said is that the camera feels unfinished or, at the very least, lacking in refinement.
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In many ways, the Rollei 35AF is a nice recreation of classic Rollei 35 compacts from the 1960s and 1970s. It takes decent photos, too.
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If we look at a more rudimentary Pentax 17 at $499 and then look at the Rollei 35AF, then you realize that not only is the pricing quite all right, but they have got the balance so right in the 35AF when it is seemingly so easy to get it so so wrong.
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After ten-plus rolls of film and hundreds of photos taken, I’m still ambivalent about the Rollei 35AF. It’s a very pretty camera that often takes very nice pictures.
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If you want a compact film camera, this is it.
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Regardless of these perceived personality likes/dislikes, the bottom line for every camera is the quality of its photographs. And in this respect, the Rollei 35AF could be one of the best film cameras that is currently available to modern photographers.
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The Rollei 35AF is certainly an interesting camera. But, for me, there are too many aspects that have not been well resolved — from the mechanical workmanship to the somewhat unreliable autofocus and the lack of a filter thread.
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I'm really happy with it.
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This camera became a fantastic companion on my road trip as soon as I stopped treating it like it should be more than what it sets out to do. This is a simple point and shoot 35 camera.
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The small compact form factor coupled with a manual tactile controls on the front and the super accurate sensor makes for a really accurate camera and overall just a great experience.
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[T]he boxy retro design here is a huge plus but potentially a huge minus.
