First Look 35mm Camera Review: Nana, Rollei AF, and Pentax 17 - new 35mm film camera that was launch in 2024.
Camera Review: Nana, Rollei AF, and Pentax 17
As I write this review, I anticipate some might think I’m biased toward our own camera. However, from years of business experience, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: never push a product unless it’s genuinely the right fit for the customer.
When training my sales team, I always emphasize that selling isn’t just about making a sale. When a customer walks in to buy a camera, what we’re really doing is helping them solve a problem by providing the right solution—in this case, the right camera. We ask what they plan to use it for, the conditions they’ll be shooting in, and their budget. If we don’t have the right camera for them, I tell my staff it’s okay not to sell anything. I’ve come to understand that businesses built solely on profit won’t last. Success comes from prioritizing the customer’s needs.
This review aims to provide honest feedback on shooting with the Nana, Rollei AF, and Pentax 17, focusing on the beginner and intermediate user experience.
Loading the Film
- Nana: 6/10
- Rollei AF: 5/10
- Pentax 17: 9/10
The Nana has an auto-wind mechanism, but loading can be tricky. If the film isn’t aligned correctly, it won’t advance properly and might tear. The best method is to leave the back open, click the shutter to advance the film to the first frame, and then close the back.
The Rollei AF is challenging to load, even for seasoned users. Opening and closing the back can be fiddly, and ensuring the film catches properly is essential. I recommend rolling the film a few frames in the light to confirm it’s advancing since the LED counter may continue regardless of proper loading. Always check that the rewinder knob rotates slightly when advancing the frame.
The Pentax 17 excels in this area with its advanced “help load” mechanism. It’s incredibly easy to load, making it the most user-friendly of the three.
Handling and Shooting
- Nana: 8/10
- Rollei AF: 7/10
- Pentax 17: 8/10
The Nana handles well, but it struggles in low-light conditions due to its fixed f/11 aperture. Always use flash in dim environments, keeping the subject 2–3 meters away. The counter also starts at 2 instead of 1, which can be confusing.
The Pentax 17 is a half-frame camera, offering double the shots per roll. While this is great for budget-conscious users, the smaller frame size can affect image quality, akin to comparing an APS-C sensor to a full-frame one. Be cautious of accidental finger placement in shots (which happens to me a few times), pay attention to crop ,especially when using the close-up mode. Also need to remember to change the focus zone to match the right subject distance.
The Rollei AF delivers sharp images but isn’t beginner-friendly. Opening and closing the back can be frustrating without consulting the manual, but once loaded, shooting is straightforward. Its compact size is impressive, and it performs well in auto mode right out of the box.
Image Quality
- Nana: 6/10
- Pentax 17: 8/10
- Rollei AF: 9/10
The Rollei AF stands out with its excellent lens sharpness and image quality. The Pentax 17 also performs well, considering its half-frame format. The Nana is decent but doesn’t quite match the other two.
Battery Life
- Nana: 3/10
- Pentax 17: 6/10
- Rollei AF: 6/10
The Nana uses a single AA battery, which is readily available but only lasts for 1–2 rolls. Always carry spare batteries.
Both the Pentax 17 and Rollei AF use a CR2 battery, which is harder to find but available at stores like Bunnings and Woolworths for $10–20. These typically last for 4–5 rolls.
Final Thoughts and Quirks
- Nana: While affordable at $349, the Nana has quirks like its inaccurate counter and poor low-light performance. However, it’s easy to handle and a decent option for beginners.
- Pentax 17: At $850, the Pentax 17 is my favorite for its ease of loading, simplicity of use, and solid image quality. The half-frame format is a tradeoff, but it’s a reliable and enjoyable camera.
- Rollei AF: Priced at $1,699, the Rollei AF is a premium choice with exceptional image quality. However, it’s not the easiest to use, especially for first-time users. Mastery requires reading the manual thoroughly.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for. While the Rollei AF leads in image quality, the Pentax 17 strikes the best balance of usability and performance. For me, the Pentax 17 emerged as the surprising winner, and I look forward to seeing if a full-frame version is on the horizon.
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