A Deep Dive into the Kodak Ektar H35

The Kodak Ektar H35 is one of those cameras that makes you question everything. Is it a gimmick? A nostalgic throwback? Or a genuinely useful tool? The answer lies somewhere in the messy, beautiful middle—and that’s exactly why we keep reaching for it. It’s light, simple, and packed with just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting. And while it’s not for everyone, it’s earned its place in our bag for both weddings and personal use.

Let’s break it down…

What It Gets Right

The Ektar H35 does one thing well: it makes shooting fun. With its half-frame format, you get double the exposures per roll—72 frames to experiment, take risks, and play. This is the camera you bring when you want to lean into imperfection and capture moments that feel raw and real.

It’s at its best with 800-speed color film, where the vibrant tones balance out its quirks, or 3200-speed black-and-white film, which amplifies its moody, gritty vibe. These film stocks give the camera enough flexibility to work in most lighting conditions, from sunlit backyards to dimly lit wedding receptions.

For weddings, the half-frame format lets us capture the in-between moments: the quiet details, fleeting smiles, and the unpolished, honest energy of the day. For personal use? It’s a dream. This is the camera you grab for road trips, lazy afternoons, or the kind of memories that don’t need to be perfect to matter.

Where It Struggles

Here’s the catch: the Ektar H35 isn’t forgiving. If you’re not shooting in bright light or with a flash, your images could suffer. The fixed shutter speed and aperture give you zero control, so you’re at the mercy of your environment.

The built-in flash? Brutal. It’s great for party shots and candids, but it’s a blunt instrument—don’t expect subtlety. And while the plastic lens adds a dreamy softness, it can sometimes veer into “this was shot on a toy” territory.

Then there’s the vertical orientation of the half-frame images. For certain shots—landscapes, for instance—it can feel awkward. And to be real: the camera feels like it could break if you look at it wrong.

Why we Still Love It

The beauty of the Ektar H35 is that it doesn’t try to be perfect. It embraces its limitations, and if you’re willing to do the same, it rewards you with photos that feel alive. At weddings, it’s a secret weapon for adding texture and energy to a gallery. It’s not competing with our digital or other film cameras—it’s complementing them.

And for personal use? It’s a reminder that photography doesn’t always have to be polished or intentional. Sometimes, it’s about capturing the feeling of the moment, grain and all.

Final Thoughts…

The Kodak Ektar H35 isn’t for everyone, and that’s the point. It’s for the photographer who doesn’t mind letting go of control, leaning into unpredictability, and finding joy in imperfection. Whether you’re shooting weddings or personal memories, this camera is as much a creative tool as it is a conversation with the past.

Would we recommend it? Absolutely—if you know what you’re getting into. It’s not a workhorse, but it’s got heart. And sometimes, that’s all you need.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable.

• Fun and experimental.

• Half-frame format doubles your exposures.

• Best with 800-speed color or 3200-speed B&W film.

Cons:

• Limited to bright light or flash-heavy situations.

• Plastic build feels fragile.

• Flash is harsh and unforgiving.

• Vertical orientation can be awkward.

The Bottom Line:

The Kodak Ektar H35 is a camera that thrives on imperfection. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone—it’s here to tell stories in its own quirky, unpredictable way. And for us, that’s more than enough.

Want to dive deeper into half-frame photography? Check out our RETO and Black Slim Devil guide—it follows the same rules and film choices as the Ektar H35 and helps you get the most out of these quirky cameras.

Additional Reviews: MJU II, Contax T2, Reto Wide and Slim.

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AFFOB

Half Frame, Full Story: Kodak Ektar H35 Review