I've put about five rolls through my Rollei 35AF, and my experiences are similar to yours. I totally agree that the film winding feels awful. In my opinion, the film loading is the camera's biggest flaw, but not so much the things you described (taking the back off, etc.). I have had lots of problems getting the film to wrap around the takeup spool properly. If you load it per their directions, the film doesn't wrap tightly, with the result that the film is pushed by the sprockets into the takeup chamber and then tends to jam after a few frames. I had one roll of 24 frames stop winding at the 10th frame. The camera button on mine works fine. I kind of like the "popup" feature, which makes it easy to tell if the film is wound and the shutter cocked. You didn't mention one issue that I found with the camera, which is the somewhat obscure way it tells you if you have selected an aperture outside of the limits of the film's speed and the shutter speeds of the camera. For instance, if you load 400ISO film and set the camera to f2.8 on a bright sunny day, the camera doesn't have a shutter speed high enough to avoid overexposure. However, the only indication the camera gives you is a brief notification on the OLED screen immediately after you turn on the camera. For a brief moment, the OLED will give you the "+/-" indication, and you can adjust the aperture until you're within the shutter speed range of the camera to proper exposure. It's very easy to overlook (and there's nothing in the manual to tell you how to do this). Similarly, there is no indication that I can find (and I've read the manual several times) about selecting an aperture when using the flash. I usually set the aperture around 5.6 or 8 indoors and get OK results, but it would be nice if the camera gave you some basic guidance. That being said, the camera makes very nice pictures, and if you can overlook the film loading problems it is very fun to use. It will be interesting to see if they make changes in a version 2.0 that address some of the problems (and perhaps offer upgrades to buyers of version 1.0).
Unofrtunately the film loading is even worse to the original. Yes, they took the way to open the camera from the original, but the original had the battery inside this part of the camera. Because of that the film canister went into a fully darkened box on the other side. So in case you had to change your battery during a film roll you only lost 1 exposure as every picture you've taken sat in the light sealed compartment. You just had to stick the film in this compartment for it to take up the film. Your issue about overexposure is interesting and I haven not heard it from anywhere else. But this is something I would put in the category that this is Mint's first "real" camera they made. I find it still astonishing, that they were able to allow for fully manual exposure aswell. I just think they assumed if someone is going to shoot fully manual they don't need further guaidance or they could otherwise use the auto exposure mode. I hoped they would come out if filters for the camera. Even if they made proprietary ones. But I recently heard that filter capabilities are planned for "the next camera." Whatever that means. The next 35AF or a totally different camera. But maybe 3rd party manufacturors are able to 3D-print filter threads or filters for it.
@@lelandfitz1762 There is at least one #D printed filter adapter. An eBay seller in the UK was offering them. I had one printed here in the US and now have a UV filter in front of that nice Rollei lens.
I don't have an engineering background, but in my job I often have to step outside of my specialty and create tools, sometimes on my own, sometimes with the help of real engineers. Looking at this camera, I fully appreciate the effort that went into creating it. I've used Mint's previous cameras, and they were very simple, very amateurish devices that were relatively easy to replicate. This new camera of theirs is much more complex and interesting, and in a new format for the company! And due to this sudden complication, I am not at all surprised by the problems, and would still consider buying it.
Thank you for your thoughts. The new Rollei 35 AF definitely has some great potential in it. Bit silly example, but I love the little screen it has. Really nice little way to see the metering, ISO and frame count. I am sure that the improved version of this are great steps into right direction. Thank you for watching. :) -Tuomas
I ordered one of these on day 1, still have not received it, but the more of these type of videos I see, the more I am regretting the purchase. I might be selling mine and sticking with my Pentax 17 and my used cameras.
Same story, and I'm going to cancel my order. There's even a couple of friends who have them in the same city as me and mine hasn't shipped yet. I was an early backer and got in on the early pre-order but nada. The reviews, the fact that I've had an original German made one for 20 years, and that mine still hasn't shipped yet makes me not really want it anymore. I was initially thinking of maybe waiting and then scalping it if I wasn't in love, but all the mediocre reviews mean we'll probably lose money reselling.
I'd still buy this camera if I needed or wanted a point and shoot. It’s hands down the one with the most reliable focus and electronics. I have a bunch of film cameras and they are all quirky in some ways - including my M6, and I have a hard time understanding the "feels plasticky" problem. That being said, I'm sure Mint has room for improvement in the next versions.
Very entertaining Connor. I guess I'm weird, I can't remember ever having trouble loading my OG Rollei 35. I wouldn't call it fast though. You get used to it. This seems like a reasonable purchase to me. Between what I paid for my camera, and the CLA that it needed, I could have purchased this AF version.You got some nice pictures!
It's definitely an acquired taste! Like I said, I think if you love the Rollei 35, you'll feel right at home with this camera. I just personally prefer the more standard hinge door design and wish they would've gone with that instead of trying to mimic the older Rollei. I will say that loading the new one does not feel as nice as the old camera. I went back and checked 🤣 Thanks for watching! - Connor
Comments like "they've brought a couple of things we've moved past... the whole back comes off" show that the review may have completely missed the point of this camera. It's meant to be an homage to the original with AF and not a modern take or 'resto-mod' of an old camera with all the bells and whistles. So I guess we will have to accept all the idiosyncrasies of the original including that film loading system because it replicates the experience. Thanks for calling out all the more practical issues like the grind-y film advance, stiff film rewind and quality issues with dials, shutter button and frame counter. Makes me dread receiving my copy. Having second thoughts now....
I totally get what you're saying, to an extent. I think they definitely could have made a faithful homage to the old camera without carrying forward some of the quirky design points of the older camera. The older Rollei 35 had that hinged back because of technical limitations and the desire to make it as small as possible while maintaining mechanical functionality. Since the AF version isn't trying to be ultra compact or mechanicalit comes across (to me) as keeping old things just for the sake of it rather than actually understanding what made the original Rollei 35 such a unique, lovable camera. For example, they decided not to keep the collapsible lens, I assume also for technical reasons. I would argue that the size and collapsible lens are the two most defining features of the original Rollei 35! But I definitely don't claim to understand the intentions of the designers and business-people that decided to bring this camera to market! All I see is the final product. Thanks for watching! - Connor
Please don't misrepresent the Rollei link. Rollei is a dead company that licenses out the name to many other parties (e.g. the 'Rollei' film, which has nothing to do with them). There's basically no Rollei input in this device - it's a Mint camera that managed to secure the branding.
@@pdp11 It's a problem because Rollei was a legendary camera manufacturer with large manufacturing ability and expertise, whose name is synonymous with quality engineering and Mint is one step above a garage outfit. They are worlds apart and to piggyback on the Rollei name is disingenuous since it implies that Rollei is somehow involved in this product.
@@pdp11 but Zeiss still has input on the design and QC of their lenses. Rollei is functionally dead and is having their name worn like animal skin over a trend-chasing corporation that has nothing to do with their history.
Bummer that stuff like the shutter button or the info-dials feel low quality / become loose. But a lot of reviewers tell people that those info dials don't do anything. It's still part of Rollei 35's ingenuity that you can set your film info on your camera to remind yourself. No need to rip off your film carton and stuff it in a holder on the back for that.
oh well oh well, what an interesting Camera! I would love to shoot with one sometime. BUT if i look at the Rollei Prego or the Nikon L35 AF or the Canon EF in the Background... well i think that all three of this will give me a smoother using experience. I dont know... mayby its a bit harsh to compare it like that, but the feeling that you get from using and touching the camera is something that at least to me, is very important. If you hold a Minolta XE-1 in your Hand and advance it, it just brings you joy! Or a Nikon F3 or a Canon F1New. The Canon EF as well. All of these were giving me just a loveley feeling when i was holding them and shooting with them. The Rollei 35AF rools to havyly on the NEW Tech Lidar wave for my taste. Would not be a Problem, but at the same time the look of the camera mimiks an og Rollei 35, so you must compare the tow, like you and Nico did. And well, an og. Rollei 35 is just simply the nicer Camera i would say.
It's really difficult NOT to compare a new film camera with older ones because they seem so abundant right now (especially point-and-shoots, but film cameras in general). The truth is, though, that more and more of those old point & shoots are becoming unrepairable by the day. Most have no spare parts available, and some require outdated initialization software to make spare parts work properly. Even those that we can find spare parts for are usually not high-value enough to dedicate even a few hours of a mechanic's time. So having new cameras on the market is for sure a good thing and does a lot to address the long-term viability of film photography. Thanks for watching! - Connor
I have one. Im in the UK so unfortunately I paid German tax, plus import duty! £850 for the UK market (1000 euros). The loading is fiddly, not looking forward to loading another roll to be honest. Plus the shutter button requires a good heave to take the shot. I fully expect most of my pictures to be a little shaky. But it's fun. I'm crying, but love it.
Hi, did you order from the German Rollei store? If so, how did you manage to have them ship a unit to the UK? I tried to place an order from Switzerland, with a shipping address in Germany, and they immediately cancelled it. Because "tax issues". The only way I could get ahold of one was to order from the official Swiss store where they charge an extra 200 euros to cash in on the high Swiss purchasing power. After seeing this review I'm sure glad they didn't let me order
@@tirant_blanc It was during the pre-order stage in early September, so was through Rollei. At first I couldn't find UK listed on the selectable countries, but I was on the Rollei Germany page. I changed the url and I was able to order.
I wanted to go back to shooting film so thought this might be a good start, also to get my son interested. So far I’m not liking it… too finnicky, no information regarding your exposure in the viewfinder so you need to take it away from your eye and look at the oled screen and the shutter release does not feel nice… need to press it too hard in my opinion. Still waiting for my first roll to come back but if I don’t like the results or have too many misses it’s going up for sale.
Hard to argue against. I scanned these with VALOI easy35 and first thought there was something with the holders. In this case, sadly not. You can quite clearly see them from the negatives also. -Tuomas
The idiotic design with the film loading is why I did not buy this. If not for that, I would have ordered one in a heartbeat. The shutter button is also just really odd and stupid. I think they should have delivered a functional viable autofocus camera focused on value, and nostalgia crapped all over it.
The design and the looks are great IMO. It would have been nice to see some improvements been made though but if you love the Rollei 35 look, this is a great choice - if the original is not an option. Thank you for watching! -Tuomas
@@Kamerastore This is a nice review. I cannot say anything about this new model. I find it lovely that this Hongkong company took up the challenge to recreate the Rollei 35. I used to have one of the original Rollei 35s made in Germany. I never had an issue with the film loading. I gave that Rollei 35 to my 23 years old son. He has no problem with that kind of film loading either. Yes true there are easier ways. I could load my Olympus OM2 much faster, and my Contax T2 does film-loading for me. But hey only because there are easier ways one doesn't need to adopt them for everything. I mean with everything brand new digital cameras offer with IBIS, quick autofocus, etc., etc. or a brand new smart phone for point and shoot. What is the point of producing new film cameras in the first place? It is for a different experience, isn't it? As for film loading, try a Leica from the 1950s where you have to even cut the film in shape before loading. I find that much more challenging! The other issues you have mentioned like the shutter button and the cheap feeling to the dials sounds more serious to me. By the way, did you mention the in built flash in the Rollei 35AF? I would have liked to see some pictures taken with that flash.
The more I see of these new film cameras, the more I realise that Westerners have too much money to burn. The thought of spending R20k on that Chinese made toy is obscene.
A honest review by a camera store! I really appreciate that.
Thank you for watching! -Tuomas
I've put about five rolls through my Rollei 35AF, and my experiences are similar to yours. I totally agree that the film winding feels awful.
In my opinion, the film loading is the camera's biggest flaw, but not so much the things you described (taking the back off, etc.). I have had lots of problems getting the film to wrap around the takeup spool properly. If you load it per their directions, the film doesn't wrap tightly, with the result that the film is pushed by the sprockets into the takeup chamber and then tends to jam after a few frames. I had one roll of 24 frames stop winding at the 10th frame.
The camera button on mine works fine. I kind of like the "popup" feature, which makes it easy to tell if the film is wound and the shutter cocked. You didn't mention one issue that I found with the camera, which is the somewhat obscure way it tells you if you have selected an aperture outside of the limits of the film's speed and the shutter speeds of the camera. For instance, if you load 400ISO film and set the camera to f2.8 on a bright sunny day, the camera doesn't have a shutter speed high enough to avoid overexposure. However, the only indication the camera gives you is a brief notification on the OLED screen immediately after you turn on the camera. For a brief moment, the OLED will give you the "+/-" indication, and you can adjust the aperture until you're within the shutter speed range of the camera to proper exposure. It's very easy to overlook (and there's nothing in the manual to tell you how to do this).
Similarly, there is no indication that I can find (and I've read the manual several times) about selecting an aperture when using the flash. I usually set the aperture around 5.6 or 8 indoors and get OK results, but it would be nice if the camera gave you some basic guidance.
That being said, the camera makes very nice pictures, and if you can overlook the film loading problems it is very fun to use. It will be interesting to see if they make changes in a version 2.0 that address some of the problems (and perhaps offer upgrades to buyers of version 1.0).
Thank you for sharing your experience. Some very important issues.
Unofrtunately the film loading is even worse to the original. Yes, they took the way to open the camera from the original, but the original had the battery inside this part of the camera. Because of that the film canister went into a fully darkened box on the other side. So in case you had to change your battery during a film roll you only lost 1 exposure as every picture you've taken sat in the light sealed compartment. You just had to stick the film in this compartment for it to take up the film.
Your issue about overexposure is interesting and I haven not heard it from anywhere else. But this is something I would put in the category that this is Mint's first "real" camera they made. I find it still astonishing, that they were able to allow for fully manual exposure aswell. I just think they assumed if someone is going to shoot fully manual they don't need further guaidance or they could otherwise use the auto exposure mode.
I hoped they would come out if filters for the camera. Even if they made proprietary ones. But I recently heard that filter capabilities are planned for "the next camera." Whatever that means. The next 35AF or a totally different camera. But maybe 3rd party manufacturors are able to 3D-print filter threads or filters for it.
@@lelandfitz1762 There is at least one #D printed filter adapter. An eBay seller in the UK was offering them. I had one printed here in the US and now have a UV filter in front of that nice Rollei lens.
@@campyonlyguy Thanks for letting me know.Great to hear there already is an ecosystem.
I don't have an engineering background, but in my job I often have to step outside of my specialty and create tools, sometimes on my own, sometimes with the help of real engineers. Looking at this camera, I fully appreciate the effort that went into creating it. I've used Mint's previous cameras, and they were very simple, very amateurish devices that were relatively easy to replicate. This new camera of theirs is much more complex and interesting, and in a new format for the company! And due to this sudden complication, I am not at all surprised by the problems, and would still consider buying it.
Thank you for your thoughts. The new Rollei 35 AF definitely has some great potential in it. Bit silly example, but I love the little screen it has. Really nice little way to see the metering, ISO and frame count. I am sure that the improved version of this are great steps into right direction. Thank you for watching. :) -Tuomas
I actually think the shutter button staying down after a pic is taken is great. You can tell at a glance if the shutter is cocked or not.
Yeah it definitely divides people. Some like it, some don´t. It´s not a bad thing to differentiate from the rest. -Tuomas
It’s Matt Day's Finnish cousin! :D Lovely video, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I ordered one of these on day 1, still have not received it, but the more of these type of videos I see, the more I am regretting the purchase. I might be selling mine and sticking with my Pentax 17 and my used cameras.
Same story, and I'm going to cancel my order. There's even a couple of friends who have them in the same city as me and mine hasn't shipped yet. I was an early backer and got in on the early pre-order but nada. The reviews, the fact that I've had an original German made one for 20 years, and that mine still hasn't shipped yet makes me not really want it anymore. I was initially thinking of maybe waiting and then scalping it if I wasn't in love, but all the mediocre reviews mean we'll probably lose money reselling.
I think that may just be a sign you should watch fewer gear videos.
Hey Connor, thank you for your thoughts...
I'd still buy this camera if I needed or wanted a point and shoot. It’s hands down the one with the most reliable focus and electronics. I have a bunch of film cameras and they are all quirky in some ways - including my M6, and I have a hard time understanding the "feels plasticky" problem. That being said, I'm sure Mint has room for improvement in the next versions.
Very entertaining Connor. I guess I'm weird, I can't remember ever having trouble loading my OG Rollei 35. I wouldn't call it fast though. You get used to it. This seems like a reasonable purchase to me. Between what I paid for my camera, and the CLA that it needed, I could have purchased this AF version.You got some nice pictures!
It's definitely an acquired taste! Like I said, I think if you love the Rollei 35, you'll feel right at home with this camera. I just personally prefer the more standard hinge door design and wish they would've gone with that instead of trying to mimic the older Rollei. I will say that loading the new one does not feel as nice as the old camera. I went back and checked 🤣 Thanks for watching!
- Connor
Comments like "they've brought a couple of things we've moved past... the whole back comes off" show that the review may have completely missed the point of this camera. It's meant to be an homage to the original with AF and not a modern take or 'resto-mod' of an old camera with all the bells and whistles. So I guess we will have to accept all the idiosyncrasies of the original including that film loading system because it replicates the experience.
Thanks for calling out all the more practical issues like the grind-y film advance, stiff film rewind and quality issues with dials, shutter button and frame counter. Makes me dread receiving my copy. Having second thoughts now....
I totally get what you're saying, to an extent. I think they definitely could have made a faithful homage to the old camera without carrying forward some of the quirky design points of the older camera. The older Rollei 35 had that hinged back because of technical limitations and the desire to make it as small as possible while maintaining mechanical functionality. Since the AF version isn't trying to be ultra compact or mechanicalit comes across (to me) as keeping old things just for the sake of it rather than actually understanding what made the original Rollei 35 such a unique, lovable camera. For example, they decided not to keep the collapsible lens, I assume also for technical reasons. I would argue that the size and collapsible lens are the two most defining features of the original Rollei 35!
But I definitely don't claim to understand the intentions of the designers and business-people that decided to bring this camera to market! All I see is the final product. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
Please don't misrepresent the Rollei link. Rollei is a dead company that licenses out the name to many other parties (e.g. the 'Rollei' film, which has nothing to do with them). There's basically no Rollei input in this device - it's a Mint camera that managed to secure the branding.
And this is a problem because? There are plenty of Zeiss lenses manufactured by Cosina.
@@pdp11 It's a problem because Rollei was a legendary camera manufacturer with large manufacturing ability and expertise, whose name is synonymous with quality engineering and Mint is one step above a garage outfit. They are worlds apart and to piggyback on the Rollei name is disingenuous since it implies that Rollei is somehow involved in this product.
@@pdp11 but Zeiss still has input on the design and QC of their lenses. Rollei is functionally dead and is having their name worn like animal skin over a trend-chasing corporation that has nothing to do with their history.
Bummer that stuff like the shutter button or the info-dials feel low quality / become loose. But a lot of reviewers tell people that those info dials don't do anything. It's still part of Rollei 35's ingenuity that you can set your film info on your camera to remind yourself. No need to rip off your film carton and stuff it in a holder on the back for that.
oh well oh well, what an interesting Camera! I would love to shoot with one sometime. BUT if i look at the Rollei Prego or the Nikon L35 AF or the Canon EF in the Background... well i think that all three of this will give me a smoother using experience. I dont know... mayby its a bit harsh to compare it like that, but the feeling that you get from using and touching the camera is something that at least to me, is very important. If you hold a Minolta XE-1 in your Hand and advance it, it just brings you joy! Or a Nikon F3 or a Canon F1New. The Canon EF as well. All of these were giving me just a loveley feeling when i was holding them and shooting with them. The Rollei 35AF rools to havyly on the NEW Tech Lidar wave for my taste. Would not be a Problem, but at the same time the look of the camera mimiks an og Rollei 35, so you must compare the tow, like you and Nico did. And well, an og. Rollei 35 is just simply the nicer Camera i would say.
It's really difficult NOT to compare a new film camera with older ones because they seem so abundant right now (especially point-and-shoots, but film cameras in general). The truth is, though, that more and more of those old point & shoots are becoming unrepairable by the day. Most have no spare parts available, and some require outdated initialization software to make spare parts work properly. Even those that we can find spare parts for are usually not high-value enough to dedicate even a few hours of a mechanic's time. So having new cameras on the market is for sure a good thing and does a lot to address the long-term viability of film photography. Thanks for watching!
- Connor
I have one. Im in the UK so unfortunately I paid German tax, plus import duty! £850 for the UK market (1000 euros). The loading is fiddly, not looking forward to loading another roll to be honest. Plus the shutter button requires a good heave to take the shot. I fully expect most of my pictures to be a little shaky. But it's fun. I'm crying, but love it.
Hi, did you order from the German Rollei store? If so, how did you manage to have them ship a unit to the UK? I tried to place an order from Switzerland, with a shipping address in Germany, and they immediately cancelled it. Because "tax issues". The only way I could get ahold of one was to order from the official Swiss store where they charge an extra 200 euros to cash in on the high Swiss purchasing power. After seeing this review I'm sure glad they didn't let me order
@@tirant_blanc It was during the pre-order stage in early September, so was through Rollei. At first I couldn't find UK listed on the selectable countries, but I was on the Rollei Germany page. I changed the url and I was able to order.
They see me Rollein', they lovin'
she like, "Hold up".
I have one, I love the camera but I hate the shutter button. That’s the only drawback for me
I wanted to go back to shooting film so thought this might be a good start, also to get my son interested. So far I’m not liking it… too finnicky, no information regarding your exposure in the viewfinder so you need to take it away from your eye and look at the oled screen and the shutter release does not feel nice… need to press it too hard in my opinion. Still waiting for my first roll to come back but if I don’t like the results or have too many misses it’s going up for sale.
worst decision of mine on 2024 to buy this. the pentax 17 was a much better investment for me
*cough Canonet QL17*
Have you gotten yours and used it? If you’re pre-ordering than calling it worst decision all based on youtube…
@@williamlasl I got mine , it broke, luckily the shop gave me a replacement
Those hairs are ridiculous.
Hard to argue against. I scanned these with VALOI easy35 and first thought there was something with the holders. In this case, sadly not. You can quite clearly see them from the negatives also. -Tuomas
The idiotic design with the film loading is why I did not buy this. If not for that, I would have ordered one in a heartbeat. The shutter button is also just really odd and stupid. I think they should have delivered a functional viable autofocus camera focused on value, and nostalgia crapped all over it.
The design and the looks are great IMO. It would have been nice to see some improvements been made though but if you love the Rollei 35 look, this is a great choice - if the original is not an option. Thank you for watching! -Tuomas
@@Kamerastore This is a nice review. I cannot say anything about this new model. I find it lovely that this Hongkong company took up the challenge to recreate the Rollei 35. I used to have one of the original Rollei 35s made in Germany. I never had an issue with the film loading. I gave that Rollei 35 to my 23 years old son. He has no problem with that kind of film loading either. Yes true there are easier ways. I could load my Olympus OM2 much faster, and my Contax T2 does film-loading for me. But hey only because there are easier ways one doesn't need to adopt them for everything. I mean with everything brand new digital cameras offer with IBIS, quick autofocus, etc., etc. or a brand new smart phone for point and shoot. What is the point of producing new film cameras in the first place? It is for a different experience, isn't it? As for film loading, try a Leica from the 1950s where you have to even cut the film in shape before loading. I find that much more challenging! The other issues you have mentioned like the shutter button and the cheap feeling to the dials sounds more serious to me. By the way, did you mention the in built flash in the Rollei 35AF? I would have liked to see some pictures taken with that flash.
€849 for this camera is wild, with that amount you can get a well acl, used compact camera, like a mjuii and a xa
laughs in Canonet QL17
It’s a piece of crap camera definitely not in the workmanship of Rollei and way overpriced!!! Don’t buy it!
The more I see of these new film cameras, the more I realise that Westerners have too much money to burn. The thought of spending R20k on that Chinese made toy is obscene.
Some have too much money, others have too little.
You should see what Chinese people spend on EU made toys.