Kodak M35 Review: A Pocket Full of Colour

Kodak M35 Review

If you want to get started with film photography, the M35 Kodak film camera is a terrific place to start. It is a wonderful, easy-to-use, beginner 35mm camera.

The Kodak M35 is a great budget 35mm camera and is a perfect first compact camera for anyone looking to capture the distinctive beauty of film photography, thanks to its brilliant colour palette, focus-free design, pocket-friendly size, and ease of use.

(M35) Kodak Film Camera Specs

  • Film Format: 135 or 35mm
  • Built-In Flash Included
  • Optics Lens: 31mm, F/10
  • Focusing: No Focusing Required
  • Shutter Speed: 1/ 120s
  • Film Transport: Manual wind and remind
  • Power Source: 1 AAA Battery
  • Dimensions: 114 x 63 x 35mm (WxHxD)
  • Weight: 100 grams

How To Use

The Kodak M35 is a simple-to-use film camera, even for total beginners.
Load the 35mm film cartridge, move to the first frame, arrange your shot in the viewfinder, release the shutter, and repeat. The focus-free lens produces clear photos, while the 1/120s shutter speed enables constant exposure in a variety of lighting settings. A built-in flash with a range of 1-3 metres gives adaptability for indoor and low-light photography.

  1. Load your 35 mm film cartridge
  2. Advance to first frame
  3. Compose a shot in viewfinder
  4. Press shutter release button
  5. Manually wind to advance film
  6. Turn on flash switch when needed
  7. Rewind film when finished

Image Quality

The fixed-focus lens of the Kodak M35 provides vivid, slightly soft photos with a distinct vintage appearance. The lo-fi aesthetic, defined by slightly blurred corners and edges, contributes to the camera's appeal. The built-in flash provides enough light for indoor photographs, and the ISO range of 200-400 offers versatility in a variety of settings.

 

Honest Overall Impression

The Kodak M35 is a good alternative for individuals who want to enjoy the delight of film photography without dealing with complex manual settings. It's small enough to carry around, without it being too much a nuisance.

That being said, the image quality isn't the best. It is effectively just an economical replacement for the beloved disposable camera.

Recommendation

For those new to film photography, the Kodak M35 comes highly recommended as a hassle-free, reusable film camera, perfect for beginners eager to explore with a Kodak camera.

Should high-resolution images and accurate focusing be a priority, you might want to invest in a more sophisticated film camera, like a Canon or Olympus SLR, which boasts advanced capabilities.

 

FAQs:

Is Kodak M35 good for beginners?

Yes, because of its ease of use, low price, and small size, the Kodak M35 is a fantastic choice for beginners. It includes a fixed-focus lens and a single shutter speed, making it easy to use even if you've never used a film camera before.

Is Kodak M35 or M38 better?

The Kodak M35 and M38 are both inexpensive and simple-to-use film cameras, but they have a few major distinctions. The M35 features a fixed-focus lens, but the M38 includes a focus dial with adjustable focus distance. The M38 also features a built-in flash battery, but the M35 requires an external battery.

What film does Kodak M35 take?

The Kodak M35 is adept at using 135/35mm ISO 200-400 camera film, a format that's not only widely accessible but also cost-effective, positioning it as an affordable 35mm camera ideal for those just starting.

Recommendation:

How many photos can the Kodak M35 take?

With the Kodak M35 film camera, you can expect to capture anywhere from 24-36 photographs per roll of film, depending on the exposures and the specific Kodak film used.

Are Kodak cameras worth the money?

Kodak film cameras, like the Kodak M35, are a solid purchase since they are becoming more popular among beginners and enthusiasts. The value of a certain camera, on the other hand, is determined by its condition, rarity, and demand.

Are Kodak cameras good quality?

Renowned for producing high-quality cameras, Kodak's M35 model upholds this legacy as a long-lasting camera that delivers good image quality at a value, solidifying its status as a reliable Kodak M35 camera.

Kodak Ultra F9 vs Kodak M35

Kodak M35

  • Film Type: Kodak M35 is a color-negative film known for its versatility and balanced colour reproduction.
  • ISO Sensitivity: It has an ISO of 200, offering a bit more flexibility in varying light conditions compared to the Ultra f9.
  • Colour Saturation: Offers balanced colour saturation, suitable for a wide range of photography including landscapes, portraits, and everyday snapshots.
  • Grain Structure: It has a slightly more noticeable grain compared to the Ultra f9, which can add a unique aesthetic to the images.
  • Available Formats: Similar to the Ultra f9, it's available in 35mm format, making it widely compatible with various cameras.

Kodak Ultra f9

  • Film Type: Kodak Ultra f9 is a color-negative film known for its fine grain and high sharpness.
  • ISO Sensitivity: It has an ISO of 100, making it suitable for outdoor and well-lit indoor photography.
  • Colour Saturation: Known for its vibrant and natural colour reproduction, making it ideal for landscape and portrait photography.
  • Grain Structure: It has a fine grain structure, which results in smooth and detailed images.
  • Available Formats: It's available in 35mm format, which is widely used and easily accessible.

Comparison

  • ISO Sensitivity: The M35 has a higher ISO sensitivity (200) compared to the Ultra f9 (100), providing better performance in lower light conditions.
  • Colour Saturation: While the Ultra f9 offers vibrant and natural colour reproduction, the M35 provides a more balanced colour saturation suitable for a wider range of photography.
  • Grain Structure: The Ultra f9 has a finer grain structure, resulting in smoother and more detailed images, whereas the M35 has a slightly more noticeable grain, which can add character to the images.
  • Versatility: The M35's higher ISO sensitivity and balanced colour reproduction make it a more versatile option for various lighting and subject conditions, while the Ultra f9's characteristics make it particularly suitable for scenes that demand fine detail and vibrant colours.

In summary, while both films have their strengths, the Ultra f9 excels in fine detail and vibrant colour reproduction, whereas the M35 offers versatility and balanced colour reproduction, catering to a wider range of photographic situations.

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