First Impressions
The Pros & Cons
The Rollei 35AF is a lightweight and pocketable camera, meaning, you’re more likely to have it with you all the time! However, the lens cap doesn’t fit as snugly as it should, often falling off. Because of this, I’ve started keeping the cap off until I’m either sitting down or packing the camera away. Despite this minor issue, the camera’s compact form makes it a joy to carry and use.
With any new camera, there’s always a learning curve, and the Rollei 35AF is no exception, especially when adjusting to its autofocus system. Initially, you might experience some missed focus, but after 10 rolls of film, I’ve found the more I shoot with this camera, the more I love it. Each roll has been a lesson in maximizing its capabilities, and I’m discovering new ways to get the best out of it in different environments. It’s definitely a camera that grows with you, and the shooting experience becomes increasingly rewarding over time.
One feature that could significantly enhance this camera’s functionality is displaying the shutter speed in aperture priority mode. Knowing the exact shutter speed selected would help you assess whether it’s ideal for your shot. For instance, if the camera opts for a slower shutter speed and you’re concerned about motion blur, you could choose to use flash or manually override the shutter speed — giving you more creative control over the final image.
Another aspect that caught me off guard was the shutter button. It requires a firmer press than expected, which can sometimes lead to camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds. I’ve been experimenting with different techniques to steady my shots, beyond the usual “hold your breath” trick. I’m even considering investing in a soft shutter release to smooth out the experience and help stabilize those shots.