The Halina MW 35S, a product of Haking, presents itself as a compact viewfinder camera designed for 35mm film. Made in Hong Kong, it was mainly aimed at beginners and occasional photographers and its design is reminiscent of comparable Japanese models of that era.
One feature that this model lacks is the option to change the lens. The lens is called "Halinar Lens" with a focal length of 38 mm and a maximum aperture of f/3.8.
Focusing has to be done manually, as there is no autofocus. The minimum distance to the object is 1 metre, although there is also a zone autofocus with four stages.
The integrated metering cell of the Halina MW 35S ensures accurate exposure metering. The camera is compatible with ISO values from 50 to 400, and the automatic exposure setting adjusts the time and aperture, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Only the aperture changes, not the shutter speed.
A built-in flash helps to achieve clear images in low light.
Some additional features are the connection for a cable release, a thread for a tripod and the possibility to attach a camera strap. The unit is powered by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which last a long time and are easy to find.
Films for the Halina MW 35S
The Halina MW 35S relies on 35mm film. These films are readily available and development is usually not a problem in professional laboratories.
Two recommended 35mm films are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford Delta 400*, both known for their quality images. However, there are other brands such as Lomography, Rollei, Fujifilm and Adox that offer equivalent films.
The image format of the camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. Typically, about 36 shots fit on a standard film (135-36). Interestingly, the camera has a motorised film transport that automatically fast-forwards and rewinds after each shot.
A film transport indicator and a frame counter can also be found on the top.
