The Hanimex Panorama 35 is a simple camera for the 35mm format. It has a plastic body and was made in China. Similar models were offered under different designations and brands. A functionally identical model is the Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35, which only differs in the imprints on the housing.
Haking from Hong Kong is often named as the producer. Nevertheless, another company with production facilities in the People’s Republic of China could also have taken over production. A potential manufacturer would be the New Taiwan Photographic Corp (Ouyama), which operated a factory in Shenzhen and also produced cameras.
Features of the camera
The features of this 35mm camera are manageable, as it only has basic functions. It is equipped with a fixed focal length of probably 28 mm. Both the aperture and the shutter speed are fixed.
It lacks an exposure meter. An autofocus is also not integrated. The focus is fixed from 1 metre to infinity. For sharp pictures, a minimum distance of 1 metre to the subject should be maintained.
No batteries are required to operate the camera. All mechanisms work manually. Extras such as a flash, a tripod connection or a self-timer are missing. However, there is a holder for a hand strap.
The panorama feature
In the advertising for the camera, the panorama feature was the main focus. However, it is not a true panoramic camera.
An ordinary 35 mm camera exposes a format of 24 mm x 36 mm. The Hanimex Panorama 35, however, exposes 13 mm x 36 mm. This format creates the appearance of a panorama, especially when printed at this ratio.
This format is created by a mask in the camera that hides an area of the image. In principle, the plastic mask can be removed so that 24 mm x 36 mm is exposed again. However, the simple viewfinder still shows the panorama format.
Many compact cameras of this era had such a panorama setting. Some could be switched between normal and panorama shots.
For panorama shots, you could also crop the photo afterwards using software.
Films for the Hanimex Panorama 35
Of course, the camera can still be used. 35mm film is used in the Hanimex Panorama 35. There is still a production of 35mm film that can easily be developed at most photo service providers.
Potential films for the Hanimex Panorama 35 are the Kodak Gold 200* for colour shots and the Ilford HP5* for black and white shots. There are of course many other compatible films for this model. Both films offer reliable results and contain 36 shots. Other films are available from Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei, Foma and Lomography, among others.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Thumbwheel |
| Picture format | 13 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | - |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Panorama function | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Manufacturer | Haking |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the Hanimex Panorama 35
Is it difficult to use the Hanimex Panorama 35? Does it have many settings?
No, it's a very simple camera to use. It doesn't have many settings at all; the aperture and shutter speed are fixed. You just point and shoot, making it great for beginners who don't want to worry about complex adjustments.
Does this camera need batteries to work?
No, this particular camera doesn't require any batteries to operate. It is fully mechanical, meaning everything is powered by manual mechanisms. This makes it very reliable and you never have to worry about running out of power.
What does 'panorama' mean in this compact camera's name? Does it take real panoramic pictures?
The term 'panorama' in the name is a bit misleading. While it creates a wider image, it achieves this by masking part of the film frame inside the camera. A real panoramic camera uses special lenses or mechanisms to capture a very wide field of view. It is not the same.
Can I still buy film for this old camera?
Yes, you can definitely still buy film for this old camera. It uses standard 35mm film, which is still produced by many manufacturers. You can find colour and black-and-white films at most photo stores or online retailers. You can develop them by yourself or let the photo shop handle the process.
How close should I be to get a sharp photo?
This camera has a fixed focus, meaning it's always focused from a certain distance to infinity. To ensure your photos are sharp, you should be at least 1 meter (about 3 feet) away from the subject you are photographing. Anything closer than that might appear blurry.