Kodak Ektar H35N Review: Double the Photos, Double the Fun (2025)

TL;DR:

• The Kodak Ektar H35N is a "half frame film camera" that shoots two vertical photos per standard 35mm frame, doubling your shots from 36 to 72 exposures per roll.
• The "N" model is an upgrade, featuring a sharper glass lens element, a bulb shutter for long exposures, and a built-in, switchable star filter for creative effects.
• As a fun, affordable, and "Kodak retro film camera," it's an excellent choice for beginners and creative photographers looking to make their film go further.

As film photography continues its remarkable resurgence, new cameras are emerging that blend retro charm with modern convenience and creative twists. The Kodak Ektar H35N, produced by Reto Project, is a perfect example. It taps into the fun and simplicity of point-and-shoot film cameras but with a key feature that makes it incredibly economical and creative: the half frame format. This "Kodak Ektar H35N review" will explore its unique features, its performance, and why this little camera is one of the most exciting ways to get into film photography in 2025.

What is a Half Frame Camera?

The core concept of the Ektar H35N is its half frame format. Here’s what that means:

• Twice the Photos: A standard 35mm film camera shoots a horizontal image that is 36mm x 24mm. A half frame camera, like the H35N, rotates the image and exposes a vertical frame that is only 18mm x 24mm. This means you can fit two half frame photos in the space of one standard frame. The result? You get double the number of pictures from a single roll of film—72 shots from a 36-exposure roll, or 48 from a 24-exposure roll.
• Vertical Orientation: All your photos will be in a portrait (vertical) orientation, which encourages a different way of composing your shots.
• Diptych Potential: Because the photos are taken sequentially on the film strip, it's perfect for creating diptychs—two images that are paired together to tell a small story.

This format makes film photography much more affordable and encourages experimentation.

H35N vs. H35: The "N" for New and Improved

The "N" in H35N signifies that this is an upgraded version of the original Kodak H35. The improvements are significant and address many of the requests from users of the first model:

• Upgraded Lens: The H35N features an improved lens with one glass element. This results in sharper, clearer images with better contrast compared to the all-plastic lens of the original.
• Bulb Shutter: A new "Bulb" function allows you to hold the shutter open for long exposures, perfect for capturing light trails at night.
• Built-in Star Filter: A simple switch activates an internal star filter, which turns point light sources (like streetlights or candles) into beautiful four-pointed starbursts in your photos.
• Tripod Mount: To support the new bulb shutter function, a standard tripod mount has been added to the base of the camera.

Image Quality and Film Choice

A common point of confusion is the "Ektar H35N film quality." It's important to understand that the camera itself does not have an "Ektar" look. Ektar is a type of professional color negative film made by Kodak, known for its ultra-fine grain and vibrant colors. The camera is named "Ektar" as a marketing tribute to Kodak's heritage. The actual quality and look of your photos will be determined by two things:

1. The Lens: The H35N's sharper glass lens will produce clearer results than many other simple reusable film cameras.
2. The Film You Use: The magic of film photography is in the film stock. If you load it with Kodak Portra 400, you'll get warm tones and soft grain. If you load it with Kodak Ektar 100, you'll get vibrant, saturated colors. If you load it with black and white Ilford HP5, you'll get classic monochrome images. The camera is the tool; the film is the paint.

The "Kodak Retro Film Camera" Experience

Shooting with the Ektar H35N is simple, tactile, and fun. It's a point-and-shoot at heart. For most shots, you simply frame your subject, decide if you need the built-in flash (powered by a single AAA battery), and press the shutter. The film advance is a manual thumbwheel, and rewinding the film at the end of the roll is done with a manual crank, adding to the classic, hands-on retro experience. The "Kodak H35N camera kit contents" typically include the camera, a soft carrying pouch, and a wrist strap.

Pros and Cons of the Kodak Ektar H35N

Here’s a balanced look at this creative film camera:

• Pro: Half frame format doubles the number of shots per roll, making film more economical.
• Pro: Upgraded glass lens provides sharper images than many competitors.
• Pro: Creative features like a bulb shutter and a built-in star filter.
• Pro: Fun, lightweight, and easy to use for beginners.
• Pro: Encourages creative composition with its vertical format and diptych potential.
• Con: The camera body is made of lightweight plastic.
• Con: It has a fixed focus lens and limited exposure controls (outside of the bulb mode).
• Con: The viewfinder is small and provides an approximate, not exact, view of the final frame.

Who Should Buy the Kodak Ektar H35N?

The Kodak Ektar H35N is a perfect camera for a wide range of film shooters:

• Film Beginners: It's an affordable and low-risk way to get started with film photography.
• Creative Photographers: Who will love experimenting with the half frame format, the star filter, and long exposures.
• Travelers: Its compact size and the ability to get 72 shots on a single roll make it an ideal travel companion.
• Students and Young People: The economical nature of half frame makes it much more budget-friendly.

Final Verdict: Is the H35N the Most Fun You Can Have with Film in 2025?

The Kodak Ektar H35N is a brilliantly designed camera that perfectly captures the current spirit of film photography: it's creative, accessible, a little bit quirky, and a whole lot of fun. The half frame format is a game-changer for making film more affordable, and the upgraded features of the "N" model provide real creative tools that elevate it above basic reusable cameras. It's a fantastic little camera that encourages you to shoot more and experiment. This review concludes that in 2025, the Kodak Ektar H35N is one of the best and most enjoyable entry points into the wonderful world of film.