The Hanimex Compact A is a viewfinder camera. It was sold under the trade mark Hanimex. The model was built in Hong Kong by the company Haking. The company sold the camera under its own brand Halina as “Halina 35-600“.
The camera comes with a fixed focal length. The lens has the designation “Hanimar Lens 1:2.8 F=40MM”. The largest aperture of the lens is f/2.8 and the focal length is 40 mm. The focus of the lens must be adjusted manually. There is no autofocus system. The closest focusing distance for this lens is 80 cm.
The 35 mm camera has an exposure meter. This is designed for an ISO range from 25 to 400. The aperture can be set between f/2.8 and f/16.
An external flash can be used via the Hot Shoe or PC Flash connection. The camera has a cable release and a tripod thread.
A 1.35v PX625 mercury cell provides the power supply. The production of these batteries has been stopped due to the environment in the EU. An alternative 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 span.
Films for the Hanimex Compact A
The Hanimex Compact A must be equipped with 35mm films. These are still easy to get today and development services are still around. Possible films for the Hanimex Compact A are the Kodak Portra 400* for color images and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white shots.
The colour film is a colour negative film and must be developed in the C-41 process. This development process is carried out by all photo laboratories offering the development of 35mm films.
The negatives of Hanimex Compact A have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. At this size, a film (135-36) will usually fit at least 36 photos. For the next frame, the photographer has manually wind the camera.
The model is no longer manufactured. The value of a used model depends mainly on the condition and if it works correctly.
Similar versions
Versions based on the Halina 35-600
- Hanimex Compact A
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
- 40 mm
- Manual
- Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
- Tripod mount
- Hitawa Compact 35
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
- 40 mm
- Manual
- Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
- Tripod mount
- Pentor Automatic 35-600
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
- 40 mm
- Manual
- Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
- Tripod mount
- Prinz Saturn 35 Auto
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
- 40 mm
- Manual
- Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
- Tripod mount
- Weist 135L
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
- 40 mm
- Manual
- Hot Shoe, PC-Flash
- Tripod mount
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 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| 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 | 29,68 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 15 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 24,29 Euro (25.98 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 25,93 Euro (27.06 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 26,85 Euro (28.14 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Hanimex Compact A
Is the Hanimex Compact A camera automatic or manual?
The Hanimex Compact A is a manual camera. You have to manually focus the lens and advance the film. There's no autofocus or automatic film advance.
What type of film does this camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film. You can use color or black and white film. The camera takes 36 exposures per roll.
What kind of lens does the camera have?
It has a fixed Hanimar lens with a 40mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. You'll need to focus manually.
How does the light meter work on the camera?
The built-in light meter works with ISO speeds from 25 to 400. You'll need to set the aperture and shutter speed manually based on the light meter's reading.
What battery does the Hanimex Compact A need?
It uses a 1.35v PX625 mercury battery, but those are no longer made. Alternatives include a V625U or a WeinCell battery, though the WeinCell has a shorter lifespan.