January 30, 2024 MINT Camera and Rollei collaborate to bring the smallest 35mm film camera back to life with the Rollei 35 AF
- ChungT.
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
On January 30, 2024, Rollei, the renowned photography and video accessories specialist, announced that it will launch a new version of the iconic Rollei 35, the Rollei 35AF, this fall, with the first pre-orders set to ship on December 17, 2024.
More than half a century, the "Rollei 35" film camera designed by Heinz Waaske in 1966 became the world's smallest 35mm camera at the time with its timeless silver and black beauty. It redefines the compact camera, capturing fleeting moments and telling life's stories. Due to its excellent quality and limited quantity, it is deeply loved by camera collectors. As great as the Rollei 35 is, it has one significant drawback: the manual zone focus system, which makes it one of the most iconic yet complex devices in modern history.
Hong Kong-based MINT Camera has partnered with Rollei to license the original Rollei 35 camera from the German manufacturer, inheriting its beautiful, classic look and the Rollei logo. MiNT founder Gary Ho explained that the camera was named the "Rollei 35 AF" to meet the modern demand for a truly lightweight film camera. As the name suggests, the new phone has added LiDAR autofocus, which was not previously available, an integrated flash, a built-in light meter and a 35mm f/2.8 lens, as well as a square and beautiful metal body. For camera enthusiasts, the new 35 AF does not require them to go through the hassle of estimating focal length and using an external flash. The previous Rollei 35 was faster, more convenient and easier to use.
The Rollei 35AF is the first 35mm film camera to feature LiDAR technology, a state-of-the-art laser-based autofocus system that has so far been used primarily in smartphones and drones. This technology achieves unprecedented focusing accuracy and range, which is especially important at large apertures, ensuring precise focus and expanding the creative possibilities of photographers, and can be used without any obstacles by both beginners and professionals. Additionally, the camera has a built-in flash for difficult lighting conditions.
In the past, knowing shutter speed and aperture was considered a prerequisite to owning a Rollei 35 . Today, a lot has changed since the world’s first Rollei 35 was launched. The Rollei 35AF reduces the technical requirements for operating the camera through automatic mode, thus freeing the photographic eye, aiming to reflect the essence of 35mm film and explore the world through photography. If you want more control over each exposure, just use its manual setting.
Rollei Managing Director Thomas Güttler added that the collaboration, which has lasted three years, ensures that the new Rollei 35AF retains the spirit of the original while incorporating the latest technology. The Rollei 35AF represents an innovative yet nostalgic photographic experience that will inspire film photography enthusiasts and technology lovers alike.
From autumn 2024, Rollei will begin distributing the Rollei 35AF exclusively in Europe.
Official Photo Sample
About Rollei
With decades of camera manufacturing history and the motto “Better pictures with cameras”, Rollei has revolutionized photography. At the time, the company was best known for its legendary twin-lens camera, the Rolleiflex 666, which went into series production in 1929.
Since 2010, its global trademark rights have been acquired by a young company, and the scope has been expanded to tripods, filters, flashes, camera bags and photography backpacks.
