This new point-and-shoot film compact with autofocus reminds me of my classic Olympus Mju – and I’m totally in for the pre-orders

• The Analogue aF-1 is an all-new point-and-shoot 35mm film camera
• It features a 35mm f/2.8 lens, LiDAR autofocus, and a GN8-rated flash
• Pre-orders are live for €449 / £399 (about $550 / AU$800)

With the resurgence of film photography, there’s been no shortage of new point-and-shoot film cameras spanning the last couple of years.

We’ve enjoyed cheap models like the Kodak Ektar H35^[1], Pentax’s return to film with the half-frame 17^[2], and pricey love letters to cult classics like the reimagined Rollei 35 AF^[3].

Now there’s a new model built from the ground up by photographers and creatives at Analogue^[4] – a camera shop and focal point of a film photography community in Amsterdam, Netherlands – the Analogue aF-1.

What catches my eye immediately is the 35mm film point-and-shoot’s sliding lens cover, which takes me back to the Olympus Mju I loved decades ago – it’s an iconic design touch.

On top of its classic looks, Analogue hopes that the aF-1’s (supposedly sharp) 35mm f/2.8 lens, auto exposure, LiDAR autofocus and proper built-in flash will seal the deal for film camera fans.

And I’m sold – those smart auto features should ensure that no frames are wasted, while the aF-1’s spec sheet suggests greater versatility against the pricier Rollei 35 AF.

The Analogue aF-1 was teased a while back, but only this week was the prototype unveiled on its creator’s social platforms (see below), while pre-orders are now live for €449 / £399^[5] (about $550 / AU$800).

Just another compact 35mm film camera?

There’s no shortage of 35mm film cameras, old and new. However, the Analogue aF-1 seemingly strikes the right balance between classic looks and modern features, for an attractive price which suggests decent quality.

For me, design is key and I’m loving the look of the Analogus aF-1, not least of which that sliding lens cover, even if it’s a little blocky otherwise.

Then there’s the standout feature – LiDAR autofocus, with a 0.5m to infinity range. I would expect decent autofocus performance even in low light with such tech on board.

The ‘Renaisson’ lens is nothing I haven’t seen before, it’s a compact 35mm f/2.8 design comprising six elements. For relatively close up portraits, I’d expect detail to be impressively sharp – the aF-1’s makers certainly think so.

Other stand out features include a proper GN8-rated built-in flash (with 0.5 sec recycle time) and a 4 sec to 1/1000sec shutter speed range – that’s a whole lot more versatile than the limited range found in comparable 35m film compact cameras.

Photos can be composed using the simple reverse Galilean viewfinder, while there’s auto film loading and rewind and auto exposure, which all point to an accessible, high quality 35mm film camera – more sophisticated than the Pentax 17 which is a tad pricier.

I’m in touch with the good folk at Analogue, and hope to have a sample of the aF-1 to review – it’s certainly a camera I’m excited to try. With pre orders live, Analogue projects the first deliveries of the AF-1 will land in Q1 2026 – bring it on!

Analogue aF-1 walkthrough – YouTube

Watch On ^[6]

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