The Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35 is a simple camera for the 35 mm format. It has a plastic housing and was manufactured in China. Similar models were offered under various names and brands. A functionally identical model is the Hanimex Panorama 35.
Haking from Hong Kong is being considered as a possible producer. However, it could also be that another company with manufacturing facilities in China was responsible for the production. A possible producer could be New Taiwan Photographic Corp (Ouyama), which had a production facility in Shenzhen and also produced cameras.
Camera features
The list of features of this 35mm camera is quite straightforward as it has few special features. It has a fixed focal length, probably 28 mm. The aperture and shutter speed are preset.
There is no light meter and no autofocus. The focus is fixed at a range of 1 metre to infinity. To achieve clear images, the distance to the subject should be at least 1 metre.
Batteries are not required to operate the camera. All features are mechanical. Additional functions such as flash, tripod connection or self-timer are missing, but an attachment for a hand strap is given.
The panorama feature
The promotion of the camera focused on the panorama feature. However, it is not a true panoramic camera.
A standard 35 mm camera exposes an area of 24 mm x 36 mm. The Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35, on the other hand, exposes 13 mm x 36 mm. This aspect ratio gives the impression of a panorama, especially with corresponding photo prints.
The aforementioned format is achieved by a mask in the camera that covers an area of the image. The plastic mask could theoretically be removed, so that 24 mm x 36 mm are exposed again. However, the simple viewfinder still shows the panorama format.
Such panorama features are found on many compact cameras of that era. On some models, it was possible to switch between standard and panoramic photography.
To create panoramic images, one could also crop a photo with software.
Film options for the Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35
The camera can still be used, of course. 35mm film is used in the Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35. Currently, 35mm films are still produced and can be developed without any problems at most developing suppliers.
Suitable films for the Hanimex Snapshot 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 films that are suitable for this camera. Both films deliver reliable results and have a capacity of 36 shots. Other film options come from Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei, Foma and Lomography, for example.
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 Snapshot Panorama 35
What type of film does this simple camera use?
The Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35 uses standard 35mm film, readily available from various manufacturers and easily developed.
Does the camera have any automatic features, like autofocus or exposure metering?
No, this basic camera lacks autofocus and an exposure meter. The aperture and shutter speed are fixed, requiring manual focus at a minimum distance of one meter.
How does the 'panorama' function work; is it a true panoramic camera?
It's not a true panoramic camera. A mask inside restricts the film area to create a narrower, panoramic-like image (13mm x 36mm) rather than the standard 24mm x 36mm.
What is the camera's lens and what is its focal length?
This compact camera features a fixed-focus lens. Its focal length is likely 28mm, suitable for general photography.
Is the Hanimex Snapshot Panorama 35 a Chinese-made camera?
While manufactured in China, the exact producer remains uncertain, with Haking from Hong Kong and New Taiwan Photographic Corp. (Ouyama) being possible candidates.