Half Frame Photography: What it is and why Alfie Cameras chose it

The Alfie Tych and the Tych+ are both half frame film cameras. This is one of the reasons that they are so tychy! But what is half frame photography? And why did Alfie Cameras decide to make their first film camera half frame instead of the more traditional full frame?

What is Half Frame?

A half frame film camera (also known as single-frame or split-frame) is a camera that that captures an image half the size of a normal camera’s frame (36 x 24 mm). The size of a half frame is 18 mm by 24mm. The image below shows the size difference between the two formats.

Half Frame Cameras still use the same film as full frame cameras (35mm film), so they take twice as many pictures as a full frame. On a 36-image roll of film you will get 72 images with a half frame.

So Why Choose Half Frame?

Here is an interview with Dave Faulkner, creator of the Alfie Tych and Tych+, to find out why he chose Half Frame for Alfie Camera’s first camera and what he likes about it.

Why did you choose to make your first camera half frame instead of the more traditional full frame?

The decision was made for me by shutter availability. I wasn’t ready for the R&D investment in designing our own shutter, so I had to go with off the shelf options. The only readily available shutters which could achieve faster shutter speeds would only cover the smaller half frame format.

What were the challenges with designing a half frame camera?

Everything is smaller! There is an expectation that a half frame camera should be smaller than a full frame one. I wanted to exceed that expectation by designing a truly compact camera. This meant every component has to be optimised for size and function. Then just when you think you have finished the design, a minor change required to one component has a knock-on effect on the rest of the camera.

How do you think taking pictures with half frame is different to full frame?

It frees you up to experiment. Once you realise you have at least 72 images on one roll of film, you become less precious about each individual image and can really try out different things.

Do you have a favourite vintage half frame film camera?

I really like the Olympus Pen F. It is an amazing piece of engineering, fitting mirror and shutter into such a small space is truly inspiring. Unfortunately, I have not had the pleasure of shooting with one, but I have handled one and I’m sure I would not be disappointed.

Do you have any suggestions for films that you think work well with half frame?

I have a few personal favourites. Kodak Portra 400 always delivers with great colours and very fine grain.

I have also been really impressed by Cinestill800t for night photography. The lack of anti-halation layer gives streetlights an ethereal glow, helping images stand out.

Black and white I love using Ilford Delta 400. You can push this film to 800 and get a more contrasting image, but even at box speed the grain is fantastic.

Would you ever design another half frame camera?

Oh yes! The fun factor can’t be ignored. Not sure if it would be an update on the TYCH or something more sophisticated…