A Morning at the Market with the Rollei Magic
Sometimes, you stumble upon a gem—this weekend, mine came in the form of a Rollei Magic, scored for an absolute steal. I couldn't wait to take it out for a spin, so early this morning I headed to the local market, camera in hand, and loaded it up for a test roll.
I shot the film at box speed but decided to push it one stop during development. I was a bit cautious, thinking the Rollei’s auto exposure might lean toward underexposure—but it turns out I didn’t need to worry. The meter did just fine, and the negatives came out beautifully balanced.
Now, I know the Rollei Magic gets a bit of side-eye in the photo community. Many photographers steer clear of it because it's fully automatic and doesn’t allow for manual exposure settings. But honestly, that’s what I love about it. It takes the technical decision-making off my plate and lets me just shoot. Besides, I already have a Rolleiflex for those times when I want full control. The Magic offers something different—spontaneity, ease, and a kind of quiet confidence.
Using this camera was pure joy. There’s something deeply satisfying about its simplicity and charm. It handled the bustling market scenes with grace, and the photos it delivered were rich with character. Sure, I need a bit more practice nailing focus, but overall, I love the images—and the experience even more. For a camera that most overlook, the Rollei Magic really lived up to its name.
