The Halina Vision XF Easy Load presents itself as a handy and practical companion for spontaneous photography. It is a product of the Hong Kong company Haking. However, it was made in Thailand.
Camera features
With a 35mm lens permanently installed, the Halina Vision XF guarantees a comfortable photography experience. Although the exact focal length has not been determined, it is expected to be in the range of 28mm to 35mm. The model does without an autofocus function; instead, there is a fixed focus-free setting. The lens remains protected from damage and dirt by a sliding door.
When it comes to exposure metering, the Halina Vision XF offers an integrated solution that automatically adjusts aperture and exposure time, eliminating the need for manual intervention. However, it is also conceivable that both values are fixed and the same for each recording.
Other features include a built-in flash, but there is no special setting to reduce the "red-eye effect". A tripod thread and a self-timer have also been omitted. To compensate for this, there is the option of attaching a wrist strap.
The core of the power supply are two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*), whereby the use of rechargeable versions is particularly recommended.
Film options for the Halina Vision XF
According to the user manual, the Halina Vision XF works with 35mm film, which is still available from various manufacturers and can be processed.
Films such as Kodak Gold 200* for color images and Ilford Delta 400* for monochrome images are recommended for this compact camera. Of course, films from other brands such as Lomography, Fujifilm, Rollei, Adox and Foma are also compatible.
Editing of these films is offered by most photo studios. There is the option of ordering prints directly from the negatives or of digitizing them and using them in the form of digital files.
Operation is manual, with the film wheel having to be turned manually after each shot. A counter positioned on the top shows the number of pictures already taken. A small window on the back allows checking the inserted film.
When the film is fully exposed, it is wound back into the cartridge using a crank. Only then should the camera be opened to remove the film for processing. Opening it beforehand would allow light in and damage the film.
