The Halina 500 is a viewfinder camera. It was built by the company Haking in Hong Kong. The model was also sold under the name “Cortina 500” and “Brenner Auto 2000”. The design is based on the Olympus Trip 35.
The camera comes with a fixed lens. The designation of the lens is “Anastigmat 1:2.8 F=40mm”. The focal length is 40mm and the maximum aperture is f/2.8. The 35mm camera has no autofocus. It is focused manually. For this purpose there is a zone focus system with pictograms.
The Halina 500 has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range from 25 to 400. The camera has an automatic exposure system and sets aperture and exposure time automatically.
An external flash can be used via the Hot Shoe or PC Flash connection. A thread for a tripod is built into the 35mm photo camera. There is also a connection for a cable release.
Power is supplied by a PX625 mercury cell. The production of this type of batteries has been stopped in the EU. A possible replacement can be a V625U cell (eBay / Amazon*). Even better is probably the WeinCell replacement battery for PX625 (eBay / Amazon*), but it has a shorter life.
Films for the Halina 500
The Halina 500 was built for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most photo labs. A good choice for color and black-and-white pictures is the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Kodak T-Max 400*.
The development process for the color film is the C-41 process. This development process is carried out by all photo laboratories offering the development of 35mm films.
The Halina 500 exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. With a standard 35mm film, the 35mm camera can take about 36 shots at this size. The photographer must manually wind to the next image.
Nowadays you can buy the model only in used condition. The condition and, if available, accessories determine the price of a used copy.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second, 1/40 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x PX625 battery |
| Manufacturer | Haking |
| Country of production | Hong Kong |
| Estimated value / Used price | 23,94 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 21,00 Euro (22.73 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 15,00 Euro (16.24 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Halina 500
Where was the Halina 500 made, and is it a difficult camera to use for someone who's just starting out with film photography?
The Halina 500 was made by Haking in Hong Kong. It's a viewfinder camera, which means you look through a separate window to compose your shot. It could be a bit challenging for complete beginners because it has manual focusing, but the zone focusing system with pictograms helps a lot.
I saw that the Halina 500 has a lens named Anastigmat 1:2.8 F=40mm. What does 'F=40mm' actually mean for taking pictures?
The 'F=40mm' refers to the focal length of the lens. A 40mm lens is considered a normal lens, meaning it provides a field of view that is similar to what the human eye sees. It's a versatile focal length suitable for a variety of everyday photography situations, such as street photography and general snapshots.
Does this camera need batteries, and if so, what kind? Are they easy to find now?
Yes, the Halina 500 originally used a PX625 mercury battery, which is no longer manufactured. However, there are alternatives, like the V625U or WeinCell, that can be used instead. The WeinCell is likely better but does have a shortened lifespan.
Can I use any kind of film with this camera, or does it need a special type? What film type is recommended?
The Halina 500 uses 35mm film, which is still readily available today. Good options for film include Kodak T-Max 400 for black and white or Fujifilm Superia 400 for color. These films offer a good balance of image quality and versatility.
Does this small camera set the aperture and shutter speed itself, or do I have to figure that out?
The Halina 500 has an automatic exposure system, which means it sets the aperture and shutter speed automatically based on the light meter reading. The light meter has an ISO range of 25 to 400. This can be useful when learning about film photography.