HANA-STUDIO on Why I Chose the Rollei 35—and the Joy of Mastering It | Rollei 35 | Knowledge #516

Creators with a passion for photography share the stories behind their cameras. The idea of a “beloved camera” reflects each person’s outlook on life and individual values. In this installment, we meet HANA-STUDIO, a devoted user of the Rollei 35.

Despite its palm-sized body, the Rollei 35 offers an authentic 35mm film photography experience. Having captivated photography enthusiasts for more than half a century, it possesses an appeal that extends far beyond that of an ordinary compact camera.

Introduced in 1966, the Rollei 35 is a 35mm film camera that attracted widespread attention as the “world’s smallest full-frame 35mm camera” at the time. Its compact body incorporates a retractable lens while delivering sophisticated imaging performance.

When I turned 30, I found myself wanting a camera I could continue using for many years to come. The camera I chose was the Rollei 35.

The Rollei 35 was also the first film camera I ever purchased for myself. There are countless convenient, high-performance cameras in the world, but this little camera has an appeal that specifications alone cannot convey.

The longer I use it, the more attached I become—and the more enjoyable photography itself becomes.

What drew me most was its fully mechanical design. Although the light meter requires a battery, both the shutter and film advance operate entirely through mechanical components. In other words, as long as film is loaded, you can take photographs even without a battery.

Beyond the reassurance of always being able to make photographs, it is also more likely to remain repairable than a camera that relies heavily on electronic circuit boards. With proper servicing over time, it may continue working for decades to come.

“I wanted a companion I could stay with for years.”

For someone who felt that way, this construction held tremendous appeal.

The Rollei 35 is a fully manual camera that leaves every decision to the photographer. Focus is estimated by eye, and exposure must also be determined manually. At first, I often missed focus or got the exposure wrong.

With experience, however, I gradually became able to make photographs the way I envisioned them. There is a tangible sense of becoming attuned to the camera.

This camera offers a genuine sense of mastery that autofocus and automatic exposure cannot provide. The act of photographing becomes a learning process in itself. Since I began using the Rollei 35, I have also found myself approaching every frame with greater care and intention.

Despite being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the Rollei 35 ranks among the world’s smallest film cameras capable of using the full 35mm frame.

Its compact dimensions make it easy to carry every day, naturally prompting the thought, “I’ll take my camera with me today.”

The camera I use is an early model fitted with a Schneider S-Xenar 40mm F3.5 lens, with only around 30,000 units having entered circulation. Its rarity is another reason I came to love this camera.

There are many more convenient cameras, but the Rollei 35 offers the pleasure of both making photographs and cultivating a relationship with a trusted tool over time.

I hope to continue documenting the scenes of everyday life with this little companion, caring for and servicing it along the way.