Kodak Ektar H35 Battery + Film Camera Review
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If you’re checking out this Kodak Ektar H35 Battery + Film Camera Review, you’re probably looking for a film camera that feels simple, fun, and not intimidating.
The H35 is all of that and more.
It’s one of the rare cameras that actually makes you shoot more because you get twice as many chances to try things.
The Kodak Ektar H35 looks like a toy, (lightweight, colorful, insanely portable) but once you load film and start shooting… that’s where the real fun begins.
It’s a camera that gets you shooting more… simply because it’s always with you.
Hi! I’m Teddy. I’ve touched over 4,200 film cameras (yes really) through my eBay shop and YouTube channel.
Half-frame cameras have exploded in popularity, and like disposable cameras, the H35 is easily one of the most beginner-friendly options out there.
“I Want to Shoot Film… But What’s a Half-Frame Camera?”
Most people’s first reaction to the Ektar H35 is confusion.
Half-frame?
Does it use normal film?
Why does it shoot twice as many photos?
Here’s the deal:
The H35 squeezes two photos into the space of one 35mm frame, which means:
- A 36-exposure roll = 72 photos
- A 24-exposure roll = 48 photos
This is either magical… or overwhelming… depending on your shooting style.
But for beginners and casual shooters?
It’s a cheat code.
You get double the shots, double the learning, and double the freedom to experiment… without burning through film as fast.
Choosing the Right Kodak Ektar H35 Battery
Let’s start with good news:
The Kodak Ektar H35 battery situation is easy.
The camera is fully mechanical, which means:
- No battery needed for the shutter
- No battery needed to advance film
- No battery needed to shoot at all
The only thing that needs power is the flash.
And the H35 uses a single AAA battery.
Why this matters:
- Cheap
- Available literally everywhere
- Easy to carry spares
- No rare vintage battery issues
- Zero compatibility confusion
If you plan on using the flash (and you should — it’s fun), then throw a fresh AAA in and you’re good to go.
Buying the Kodak Ektar H35
You can find the H35 pretty much anywhere:
- My camera shop on eBay
- Amazon
- Film camera stores
- Some gift shops
- The occasional thrift store
If you are buying a used camera, you should still check these things before buying:
- Flash fires
- Shutter clicks cleanly
- Film advance feels smooth
- No cracks in the plastic body
- Lens is clean and scratch-free
The good news?
Since it’s not a decades-old 90’s compact, most of them still work perfectly.
It comes in four clean color options, (Black, Brown, Sage, and Sand) so you can grab the version that fits your style.
The Sage and Sand models seem to be the most popular.
“But What Do the Images Look Like?”
Half-frame images look different than normal 35mm photos… and that’s part of the charm.
Expect:
- A grainier look (smaller frame = more grain)
- Dreamy vintage softness
- Retro flash aesthetic
- Two photos side-by-side
- Great storytelling sequences
- A scrapbook / travel journal vibe
Don’t expect razor-sharp results.
Expect character.
The Kodak Ektar H35 produces:
- Warm tones
- Nice contrast
- Soft details
- Nostalgic colors
- A very lo-fi, vacation-camera vibe
It’s not here to be perfect.
It’s here to be fun and fast.
And if you shoot with intention… the results are way more magical than people expect from a plastic half-frame camera.
Pros and Cons of the H35
Like every hero on a journey, this camera has strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Doubles your photo count (48 or 72 shots!)
- Lightweight + pocketable
- AAA battery for flash
- Beginner-friendly
- Affordable
- Great for creative storytelling
Cons
- Grainier, softer images (inherent to half-frame)
- Struggles in low light
- Fixed-focus lens
- Plastic build feels toy-like
- Not ideal for serious work
Best For:
Travel, family moments, journaling, everyday carry, new film shooters.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If the H35 is close but not quite perfect, try:
- Kodak Ektar H35N: improved lens, star mode
- Olympus Pen FT: iconic vintage half-frame
- Canon Sure Shot Multi Tele: full frame & half-frame, dual-lens
All give you a similar vibe with different strengths.
Becoming the Shooter You Want to Be
Here’s the truth:
You shoot more when your camera is small, fun, and always with you.
The Kodak Ektar H35 removes every barrier:
- No menus
- No learning curve
- No fear of wasting film
- Double the exposures
Just load a roll, pop in a AAA battery if you want flash, and go capture life.
You will learn more from shooting 72 casual photos in a day than from weeks of reading camera reviews.
So get out there and start shooting.
Should You Buy One?
If you want a fun, affordable, creative film camera that encourages you to shoot more, the Kodak Ektar H35 is a fantastic choice.
It’s tiny. It’s playful. And it unlocks a level of creativity most cameras don’t.
It gets you shooting film instead of thinking about shooting film.
