What made you want to try half-frame?

I basically Pokémon cameras, I want to try them all. I started buying film cameras when I lived in Japan. Olympus and Yashica/Kyocera are Japanese brands that made lots of half-frame cameras back in the day. Searching junk bins in Japan meant that eventually I would get around to buying one without even meaning to.

What was your first half-frame camera?

The first one I tried was a Samurai Z2 back in 2016. I reread my blog post for that camera, and I wasn’t impressed with it. I was just starting my film journey, and I felt the camera was bulky and awkward. I know I just gave it away, which is annoying to read now, but I just couldn’t keep everything I tried.

What is it you like most about Half-frame?

At first, I hated the half-frame format, and once I had tried a camera, I moved it on almost immediately. Then I realised the issue was not the format, but the junk cameras I was trying. If a half-frame camera didn’t work, the small frame exacerbated the faults. Then I stumbled on an Olympus FT, and that changed my mind completely. Since then, I have tried a few half-frame cameras and love the film-saving aspect. I took the FT on a camping trip to Ingleton, and knowing I had 72 shots available on one roll was very comforting. When hiking, you want to keep your bag as light as possible. Half-frame helps with that.

Favourite subject and/or Half-frame photo?

I always love nature above all else when it comes to half-frame. Taking a half-frame on a walk means I don’t usually have to worry about running out of film. Plus, the cameras are usually light, small, and pocketable.

These are some shots from that walk in Ingleton and the Singing Tree.

In the future, I want to take more creative shots like the panoramics and diptychs I see on this site. I am hoping this new ‘day’ will push me further in that respect.

Your top tip/s for shooting half frame photos?

I think that depends on your camera and your vision. I am just learning about this format due to my initial lack of enthusiasm for it. For me, I am going to move away from using them to record my walks. I will leave that for other cameras. Half-frame cameras can be just slotted into a pocket, especially the Kodak H35N, which I love. So, I am going to try carrying one with me, loaded for when inspiration or a subject reveals itself. So my top tip is following this blog and the other amazing photographers.