Rollei releases a retro compact 35mm film camera

There's a new generation of film cameras starting to trickle into the market, and the Rollei 35AF film camera is one that piqued our interest when it was announced last year.

It offers a combination of manual and automatic controls (aperture priority), along with modern AF and a tiny OLED display (film counter / film speed / battery indicator), and will set you back $1,689. 

And now, the compact film camera is up for preorder, though it seems to be manufactured in very limited numbers.

We're increasingly seeing camera manufacturers limit the production of certain models, whether deliberately or not, which helps create a sense of scarcity amongst buyers.

The most obvious recent example was Fujifilm's limited edition X100VI earlier this year. It quickly sold out, and then frustratingly reappeared on auction websites for massively inflated prices.

Putting aside the marketing approach, the Rollei 35AF boasts both auto and manual exposure metering systems, and notably, its specially designed autofocus function, is powered by LIDAR (laser) technology, to improve focus.

It also features a built-in flash, a tripod socket, and a five-element f/2.8 glass lens.

According to Rollei, orders placed today will be fulfilled according to the waitlist order and then chronically. "The earlier you were on the waitlist, the earlier you will get your order," the website says. 

Deliveries will commence later this year and may take several weeks or months.

You can place your order and find out more here. 

Sample images