From a casual passerby to a film beginner: my journey
Not long ago, I was wandering around Bic Camera when a colorful row of Kodak Ektar H35 cameras caught my eye.
The price was around 8,900 yen, while right next to it, the disposable Fujifilm “Utsurun Desu” was only 1,980 yen.
At that moment, I secretly thought to myself:
“Who would buy the H35? That’s silly.”
…But after using it for a while, I had to admit: the silly one was me.
Subtle Price Changes
“Utsurun Desu” has always been known as a cheap and fun disposable camera.
But its price has quietly gone up to 2,980 yen. The so-called “cheap and good-looking” path for film beginners is becoming narrower.
On the other hand, although the H35 body is more expensive, each roll of film can shoot twice the number of photos (thanks to its half-frame design). So, at least in my mind, I could comfort myself: “Well… actually, I’m saving money.”
Real Experience
The photos above were all taken during my travels.
The H35 also has a roll of Kodak Gold 200 film, but it’s been out of stock. If I buy it later, I’ll share my experience with it.
I developed my film at Bic Camera, where you can choose between a full-frame or half-frame print. These are the full-frame versions, which look more complete and pleasing.
💡 Tip: If you’re under 25 years old, don’t forget to show your ID—you can get a 5% discount.
For Non-Camera Enthusiasts
To be honest, I’m not a camera geek at all. For me, the key points are:
- ✅ Looks good
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Can snap casually without thinking too much
That’s why the H35 feels perfect for me: no need to worry about composition, technical settings, or wasting film. Just click, and enjoy the surprise when the prints come back.
Plus, being able to shoot twice as many photos per roll makes me feel like I got more value for money (even if it’s just psychological).
- お洒落なハーフフレーム写真が撮影できる、135フィルム(35mmフィルム)カメラ
- フラッシュ内蔵
- セット内容:カメラ本体、ハンドストラップ、布製ケース
Conclusion
- If you’re chasing professional-level image quality, neither of these cameras is the best option.
- If you just want to enjoy film photography, capture little moments, and get some fun surprises, both Utsurun Desu and the Kodak H35 are great choices.
- With today’s price changes, the H35 is starting to feel more and more worth it.
At the end of the day, maybe photography isn’t about being “professional” at all, but about keeping the feelings and light of the moment.
👉 If you’ve also tried the H35 or Utsurun Desu, feel free to share your experience in the comments!
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