The Bell & Howell Dial 35 half-format camera was made by Bell & Howell and introduced in the 1960s. It was made in a Japanese factory of the Canon company. A functionally identical model was sold under the name Canon Dial 35.
Due to its unique design, the camera is considered a sought-after collector’s item. The handling in portrait format as well as the arrangement of the controls around the lens, which are reminiscent of the dialing system of an old telephone, give it a special touch.
Unlike many other camera models, this one does not have an interchangeable lens. According to technical specifications, the fixed lens offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at a focal length of 28 mm.
Since the camera does not have an autofocus function, manual focusing is required. The distance to the subject has to be estimated and a minimum distance of 80 cm has to be kept to avoid blurring. Focusing is performed via various focus zones, which are displayed in the viewfinder and marked with symbols.
A built-in exposure meter in the Bell & Howell Dial 35 allows the exposure parameters to be determined precisely. It allows the use of films with ISO values from 8 to 500.
Photographers set the desired shutter speed and the camera adjusts the aperture accordingly in the range of f/2.8 to f/22. The shutter provides the following values for selection: 1/30 second, 1/60 second, 1/125 second and 1/250 second. When using the flash, the combination of aperture and shutter speed can be freely selected.
An external flash can be connected via the PC flash socket and mounted on the accessory shoe. The maximum flash sync speed varies depending on the flash used, but a safe choice is 1/30 second, as all flashes can be used at this exposure speed.
The Bell & Howell Dial 35 is equipped with a tripod socket and has a connection for a cable release. A self-timer was available as an additional accessory, as the model itself does not have such a function.
Weighing 430 grams and measuring 9.9 x 7.55 x 4.35 cm, the camera is powered by a mercury battery such as the National M-P, Toshiba TH-MP or Mallory RM-1, although these are no longer in production.
Film recommendations for the Bell & Howell Dial 35
What films are suitable for the Bell & Howell Dial 35? It requires 35mm film, which can still be produced and developed at most photo labs. Two excellent film options for this camera are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Kodak T-Max 100*, which make for charming color or black and white shots. Other notable film manufacturers include Lomography, Rollei, Adox and Foma.
The negative size of the 35mm camera is 24mm x 18mm, which is half the size of a normal 35mm camera photo.
A unique feature of this camera, especially for the time, is the mechanical film transport. This must be tensioned before use. After each shot, the motor advances the film and prepares the shutter.
The motor can store enough energy for 20 shots, after which it must be rewound. So for 40 shots, the motor must be tensioned twice.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Half-frame camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 18 mm |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Filter thread | 48 mm |
| Lens design | 5 elements in 3 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 8 to 500 |
| Exposure modes | Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x 1.4 V mercury battery |
| Size | 9,9 x 7,55 x 4,35 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 3.90 x 2.97 x 1.71 inches |
| Weight | 430 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 129,55 Euro 2312111211065114228861432150 Estimate based on used prices of 29 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 22, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 129,00 Euro (139.63 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Bell & Howell Dial 35
What type of lens does the Bell & Howell Dial 35 possess, and what are its specifications?
It features a fixed 28mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This means you can't change lenses, but the lens is well-suited for various photography situations.
How is focusing achieved with this vintage camera?
The Bell & Howell Dial 35 uses manual focus with pre-set zones displayed in the viewfinder. You estimate the distance to your subject, ensuring a minimum distance of 80cm for sharp images.
Does the camera offer automatic exposure control, or is manual setting required?
It has a built-in light meter that helps determine the correct exposure. You select the shutter speed, and the camera automatically adjusts the aperture between f/2.8 and f/22.
What is the power source for this classic camera, and what is its film capacity?
The camera is powered by a now-obsolete mercury battery (like National M-P). The film mechanism allows for 20 shots before needing to be rewound.
Can I use a flash with the Bell & Howell Dial 35, and are there any limitations?
Yes, an external flash can be connected via the PC sync socket. A safe shutter speed for flash photography is 1/30 of a second to ensure compatibility with various flash units.