Halina Prestige 280AS

The Halina Prestige 280AS is a compact camera for snapshots. It was produced by the Haking company and according to the inscription on the bottom it was made in Hong Kong.

A related model is the Halina Prestige 280S, which has a fixed focus. Another model is the Polaroid 3000 AF. The Polaroid camera comes with a very similar body and almost identical features. But it has a data back and was made in Thailand.

The lens of this camera is permanently integrated. It has a focal length of 28 mm and has an auto focus. This focal length works well for a wide range of subjects. So it is a good choice for street photography or landscape pictures. However, at 28mm, it may not be the perfect option for portrait photos.

The inner workings of the camera use metering cells to determine the correct exposure settings. The sensitivity of the film is recognized by the DX coding on the film roll. As a 35mm photo camera, the Halina Prestige 280AS has automatic exposure, so the photographer has no manual control over exposure time and aperture.

There is a built-in flash for low-light situations, ensuring clear images. There is also a red-eye reduction feature.

The device also offers a way to connect a tripod – useful for photos taken with the self-timer. It also has a simulated panorama mode. The image is cropped to 13 x 36 mm, which later creates a panorama effect.

Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) power the Halina Prestige 280AS. The advantage of this type of battery is its widespread use and longevity.

Films for the Halina Prestige 280AS

Which films are suitable for the Halina Prestige 280AS? This camera requires 35mm film. This type of film is still produced and is available from most photo processing services.

Recommended films for cheap compact cameras are Kodak ColorPlus 200* and Ilford Delta 100*. Reviews confirm that both films are quite suitable for everyday use.

The C-41 process is used to develop color negative films. Many photo labs, including drugstores in Germany, offer this service. Black and white films, on the other hand, require a special black and white development process, for which there are usually instructions.

The area on the negatives is 24mm x 36mm. A roll of 35mm film can therefore take up to 36 pictures. The camera has an automatic film transport that is motorized and a display on the top shows the number of exposures already taken.