Film Anyone following MiNT and their Rollei 35AF camera in development?

gordo

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Gordon
This one took me a little by surprise. I've been watching the Pentax film project, but lost a bit of interest when it became evident the first camera is going to be half-frame. This new one from MiNT is looking interesting, looks like it might be coming available in a few more months. Not sure how available, or how the distribution is going to work.

Official site now with photos of and from the camera:
https://rollei35af.com/

Blog on MiNT (update 12 goes into a bit of detail on construction):
https://mint-camera.com/35mm-camera/13
 
I've been following with some interest! It looks to be shaping up into a nice camera, and unless it falls flat in some serious way, I'll be quite tempted to get one.

If the build quality is good with no QC issues, and a good lens... definitely more interesting to me than a half-frame for a compact travel 35mm.

I'm hoping both Ricoh/ Pentax and MiNT have success, there's a dearth of film cameras to match with the rebound in film. As much as I love some of the classics, spare parts and such for repairs are becoming or are already unobtanium.
 
If the build quality is good with no QC issues, and a good lens... definitely more interesting to me than a half-frame for a compact travel 35mm.

I'm hoping both Ricoh/ Pentax and MiNT have success, there's a dearth of film cameras to match with the rebound in film. As much as I love some of the classics, spare parts and such for repairs are becoming or are already unobtanium.
The sent a new update yesterday - and the sample photos are very, very nice.

Can't talk about QC - I've had mixed results with their products. But MiNT is a cut above other boutique makers (definitely outdoing Lomography, for instance) and I've read reports that they're constantly getting better.

Oh, and btw. Yes, I'm going to get that camera.

M.
 
The more I think about it the more I am starting to think that this camera may provide the different street photography shooting experience I have been wanting. I think it'll come down to the AF performance more than anything else.
 
Yeah, unlike the Pentax half-frame, I'm eagerly awaiting reports from the people who have been testing this as well as initial user reports. Not so much for street, more for a lightweight travel option when I can't/ don't want to carry a full film kit.
 
Bellamy over at JCH has a Rollei 35AF prototype on loan for a week. He talks a little bit about what he can in this video. No affiliation.
 
I watched most of the Bellamy video. He seemed like he might have attended a happy hour event before presenting, if you know what I mean.

Still, entertaining and informative video. I am actually feeling better about this camera now, after watching and hearing his opinions on the build quality. That was always a question in my mind, given the past Mint camera conversions and the like: how rugged will this camera be? How durable the electronics? Will it actually feel premium enough to go with the price tag?

If it does come in at $750 USD, I think that's a very decent price, given the aforementioned details hold up regarding durability and build quality. I think I still want one!
 
I think the Mint dude (Gary?) wants it to be a premium product, so I'd expect build quality to be good. He chimed in the chat and corrected Bellamy on a few things, the main one I caught is that the AF can be used as focus and re-compose. A couple other corrections from his video commentary - "Some corrections: The camera does have a light meter, the lens is all glass and the price will be $799."

Looking forward to user reviews once more people get a chance to use this and publish their opinions.

edit - Bellamy brought up a point that concerns me with so many people telling everyone wanting new film cameras to just go by cheap used ones - at some point there won't be any parts remaining to keep the old cameras working and there won't be anymore to buy. Personally, I think lack of support from camera and film companies and film development is a bigger threat to the future of shooting film than people losing interest.
 
Okay, $799 is right on the money for the $800 I predicted. They originally said 600-800 if I recall, and with the long development process I knew they'd be on the high end of that estimate.

Time to be prepared for both this and the Pentax to have long waits for delivery.
 
I’m very interested in this. I have my dad’s Rollei 35, and I never take it out just because it’s so fiddly, so i end up taking my FM2 or F100 out, neither of which fit in a jacket pocket of course. I would love something sorta close to the original Rollei in size that is new and has modern bells and whistles. I think $800 is reasonable given the cost of vantage point and shoots on ebay.
 
If anyone is still following, a couple new videos dropped recently. Most are in languages other than English, just going to post the 2 most recent. Not affiliated, posted for info for anyone interested. Last word I read was starting to take orders 10 Sep, shipping hopefully mid October. Not sure when or where they'll hit stores.


 
Not affiliated, posted for info only.

I forgot to update - blog post 14 was posted:

https://mint-camera.com/35mm-camera/14

And the Rollei35AF page has been updated, black is now an option and preorders are going live today or tomorrow:

https://rollei35af.com/pages/camera

I haven't seen a clear answer on US preorders yet. EU/ Europe seem to be the first to get the camera.

I'm really digging the looks of the all black.

Looking forward to user reviews from actual users.

As with Pentax, I hope this is done well and is a hit for MiNT.
 
Not affiliated, posted for info only.

I forgot to update - blog post 14 was posted:

https://mint-camera.com/35mm-camera/14

And the Rollei35AF page has been updated, black is now an option and preorders are going live today or tomorrow:

https://rollei35af.com/pages/camera

I haven't seen a clear answer on US preorders yet. EU/ Europe seem to be the first to get the camera.

I'm really digging the looks of the all black.

Looking forward to user reviews from actual users.

As with Pentax, I hope this is done well and is a hit for MiNT.
People who signed up for the waitlist can order today. I actually thought I was on the waitlist, but didn't get a secret link of any sort. I did get an email about the preorders, but since I don't actually want to buy it at this point, it's entirely possible I glossed over a specific link for the waitlist. Or maybe I never actually signed up. Either is as likely as the other!

However, I have seen several redditors post screenshots of their pre-order receipts.

I don't want this camera, but I did buy and really enjoy the Pentax 17. But I do hope the Rollei/Mint does well, because new film cameras are exciting and I hope for more film cameras in the future! Film is fun!
 
People who signed up for the waitlist can order today. I actually thought I was on the waitlist, but didn't get a secret link of any sort. I did get an email about the preorders, but since I don't actually want to buy it at this point, it's entirely possible I glossed over a specific link for the waitlist. Or maybe I never actually signed up. Either is as likely as the other!

However, I have seen several redditors post screenshots of their pre-order receipts.

I don't want this camera, but I did buy and really enjoy the Pentax 17. But I do hope the Rollei/Mint does well, because new film cameras are exciting and I hope for more film cameras in the future! Film is fun!

I've seen differing responses, some from the US doing the preorder but with no idea where they are in the delivery schedule. The emails I've seen mentioned from some posters specifically addressed the EU/ Europe area, no mention of other areas.

I'm interested, but not enough to order before knowing how well the camera is implemented. I could see myself getting this to fill the wide normal gap in my F3HP kit instead of getting another lens. For me, it'd be a smaller & lighter option, with AF and a focal length I find useful as a general-use lens... If this doesn't work for me I'll be adding a 35/40/45 to my existing kit and calling it good.

From your 17 shots, you definitely seem to be gelling well with the camera.

Agree 100% with the text in red.

And even though I really enjoy the older gear, having new options means not having to hope a 45 year old camera continues to work with minimal/ no spare parts available.
 
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