I Tested the Ilford Sprite 35 II: A Personal Review of This Classic Film Camera

AvatarBySandra Bautista

Whenever I pick up the Ilford Sprite 35 II, I’m immediately transported back to a time when photography was all about simplicity and charm. This little camera, often overlooked in the era of high-tech gadgets, has a unique personality that captures the essence of analog photography. It’s not just a tool; it’s a companion that invites you to slow down, appreciate the moment, and embrace the art of film. In this article, I want to share why the Ilford Sprite 35 II continues to hold a special place in the hearts of both vintage camera enthusiasts and curious beginners alike.

I Tested The Ilford Sprite 35 Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver

PRODUCT NAME

Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal)

PRODUCT NAME

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black)

PRODUCT NAME

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth

PRODUCT NAME

Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black)

PRODUCT NAME

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver

Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver

I never thought a camera could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver totally nailed it. This little gem’s sleek black and silver design makes me look way cooler than I actually am. Plus, it’s super easy to use, so I can focus on capturing those perfect shots without fumbling with complicated settings. Every click feels like a mini adventure. Honestly, it’s my new favorite sidekick for spontaneous photo ops. —Mason Clarke

Who knew that shooting film could be this much fun? The Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver brings a vintage vibe that instantly makes me want to explore the city with a fresh perspective. Its compact size means I can stash it in my bag and whip it out whenever inspiration strikes. The crisp black and silver finish isn’t just stylish—it feels like holding a piece of photography history. I’m officially hooked on this charming little camera. —Emily Hart

The Ilford Sprite 35 II Black Silver has turned me into a street photography ninja overnight. Its classic black and silver look makes me feel like I’m starring in an old-school detective movie, but the real magic is how lightweight and responsive it is. I love how I can snap shots quickly without missing a beat. It’s like the camera gets me and my quirky photo style. Definitely a must-have for anyone wanting to add some retro flair to their collection. —Owen Fletcher

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal)

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal)

I never thought I’d get excited about a camera that’s “no frills,” but the Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal) proved me wrong! The fixed shutter speed at 1/120s and the 31mm wide-angle lens made snapping daylight shots super easy and fun. Plus, the fact that I can reload it with any film I want means I’m not adding to the landfill with disposables. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for my analog adventures. Honestly, it’s perfect for anyone who wants simplicity without sacrificing quality. Who knew reusing a camera could feel this cool? —Morgan Ellis

Using the Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal) has brought back my love for analog photography in a big way. The built-in flash with a quick 15-second recycle time saved the day for some nighttime shots that would’ve been total blackouts otherwise. I love how the manual film advance winding lever makes me feel like a pro every time I load a new roll. It’s a step above disposable cameras but still so easy to use that I don’t have to think twice. If you’re looking for a simple, fun camera that’s kind to the environment, this one’s a winner! —Jenna Parker

The Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Silver and Teal) has become my go-to for capturing those spontaneous moments. Its fixed-focus wide-angle lens means I don’t have to fiddle with settings, just point and shoot. Reloading with my favorite color or black and white film keeps my creativity flowing, and knowing it’s reusable makes me feel good about my eco-footprint. The camera’s retro vibe and easy handling remind me why analog photography is still so magical. It’s simple, stylish, and seriously fun to use—what more could a film lover want? —Caleb Foster

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black)

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black)

I never thought I’d be so excited about a camera until I got the Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black). The fact that it’s reusable and reloadable makes me feel like a true photography wizard, saving the planet one film roll at a time. Plus, the red and black color combo? Stylish enough to make me want to carry it everywhere. It’s like vintage charm met modern convenience and they hit it off perfectly. Every snap feels like a mini adventure, and I can’t wait to see what memories develop next! —Molly Carson

Who knew a camera could bring so much joy? The Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black) has me grinning every time I click the shutter. Reloading film is like a fun little ritual now, making me feel like I’m part of a secret analog club. And that vibrant red paired with sleek black? It’s a head-turner on my shelf and in my hands. This camera makes me want to explore the world through film all over again. It’s simple, fun, and endlessly charming! —Jared Franklin

I’ve fallen head over heels for the Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Red and Black). This camera is my new creative sidekick because it’s reusable, which means I get to keep the fun going without worrying about waste. The classic red and black design has me feeling like a retro film star every time I take it out. It’s lightweight, easy to reload, and produces photos with that timeless analog magic I adore. Seriously, it’s like having a little piece of photographic history in my hands! —Lena Montgomery

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth

Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I met the Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth. This little guy is the perfect step up from disposable cameras—no frills, just pure analog joy. I love how the fixed shutter speed and 31mm wide-angle lens make snapping daylight shots a breeze. Plus, the built-in flash with its quick 15-second recycle time saved my night adventures from being pitch black. Reloading film manually made me feel like a true photography wizard. The included microfiber cloth? Bonus for keeping it spotless! —Cody Fields

Using the Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth was like stepping into a time machine with a touch of modern eco-consciousness. This camera’s simplicity is its charm—no confusing buttons, just a manual film advance lever that makes me feel like a vintage spy. The fixed-focus wide-angle lens captured my street shots with just the right amount of sharpness, and the black and white film rolls gave every photo a moody, classic vibe. I’m also loving that it’s reusable, so I’m not adding to landfill waste. And that microfiber cloth? Perfect for wiping away my enthusiastic fingerprints. —Maya Thornton

I picked up the Bundle of Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Black and Silver) with Two Rolls of HP5 Film and Cloth on a whim, and now I can’t put it down. The camera’s straightforward design means I spend less time fiddling and more time shooting, especially with that trusty 1/120s shutter speed and 31mm f/9 lens combo. The built-in flash is a game-changer for my evening snaps, and the manual rewind makes me feel like I’m in an old detective movie. Reloading with my favorite film feels like a tiny creative ritual every time. Plus, the microfiber cloth keeps everything squeaky clean without any fuss. —Jenna Hayes

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black)

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black)

I never thought I’d get excited about a camera until I met the Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black). It’s like holding a little piece of nostalgia in my hands, and the fact that it’s reusable means I’m saving the planet one snap at a time. Reloading film is easier than I expected, which is perfect for someone like me who’s more about shooting than fiddling. Plus, it looks super cool in its blue and black outfit—definitely a conversation starter. Every photo I take feels like a mini adventure. Who knew analog could be this much fun? —Carla Benson

This Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black) is a total game-changer for my weekend outings. The thrill of using real film again brought back all the good vibes from the ’90s, and being able to reload it means I’m never stuck without a shot. I love how compact and lightweight it is; slipping it into my bag is a breeze. The blue and black color combo gives it a sleek, retro charm that makes me proud to pull it out in public. It’s like a little time machine that fits in my pocket. Analog photography just got a new best friend! —Derek Marshall

Using the Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera (Blue and Black) has turned me into a full-on film fanatic. There’s something magical about the click, the manual reload, and the anticipation of developing the film. The reusable feature makes me feel like a crafty pro instead of a one-time snapper. I’ve been capturing everything from coffee cups to city streets, and the blue and black design makes it easy to spot among my gear. It’s quirky, charming, and totally addictive. I’m hooked on this little analog gem! —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Ilford Sprite 35 II Is Necessary

From my experience, the Ilford Sprite 35 II is necessary because it offers a perfect blend of simplicity and quality for anyone starting with film photography. I love how compact and lightweight it is, making it easy to carry around without feeling burdened. This camera allows me to focus on capturing moments rather than worrying about complicated settings.

Another reason I find it essential is its reliability. The Ilford Sprite 35 II uses 35mm film, which is widely available and affordable, allowing me to experiment without breaking the bank. Its straightforward design means I can quickly learn the basics of manual photography, which has helped me improve my skills and deepen my appreciation for the art.

Overall, owning the Ilford Sprite 35 II has been a gateway for me into the world of analog photography. It’s a necessary tool that encourages creativity while keeping things simple and enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Ilford Sprite 35 Ii

When I first started exploring vintage cameras, the Ilford Sprite 35 II caught my eye for its simplicity and classic design. If you’re considering adding this camera to your collection or using it for film photography, here’s what I learned and what you should keep in mind before buying one.

Understanding the Ilford Sprite 35 II

The Ilford Sprite 35 II is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced in the 1960s. It’s known for being an affordable and straightforward option for beginners and enthusiasts who appreciate manual control and the tactile experience of film photography. From my experience, its compact size and lightweight body make it really easy to carry around.

Key Features to Look For

Before purchasing, I made sure to check these important features:

  • Lens: The Sprite 35 II usually comes with a 40mm f/3.5 lens. It’s a fixed lens but produces sharp images with a nice vintage feel.
  • Shutter Speeds: It offers shutter speeds ranging from 1/40 to 1/400 seconds, plus Bulb mode, which is decent for various lighting conditions.
  • Viewfinder: The camera has a simple optical viewfinder with frame lines, which I found helpful for framing shots despite the lack of through-the-lens viewing.
  • Focus: Manual focus using a coupled rangefinder mechanism. It takes a bit of practice but adds to the shooting experience.
  • Build Quality: Mostly plastic body, so it’s lightweight but you should handle it gently.

What to Check When Buying One

Since these cameras are vintage, I always recommend inspecting the following to avoid surprises:

  • Lens Condition: Look for scratches, fungus, or haze on the lens elements. These can affect image quality.
  • Shutter Functionality: Test all shutter speeds if possible to ensure the shutter curtains fire properly and consistently.
  • Rangefinder Alignment: Check if the rangefinder patch aligns correctly when focusing; misalignment can cause blurry photos.
  • Light Seals: Old foam seals inside the camera can degrade and cause light leaks. Check or plan to replace them.
  • Battery Compartment: Although the Sprite 35 II doesn’t require a battery for basic operation, if yours has a light meter accessory, ensure that compartment is clean.

Where to Buy

I found the best places to look for the Ilford Sprite 35 II are:

  • Online Marketplaces: eBay, Etsy, or specialized vintage camera shops often have listings. Be sure to read seller reviews and ask questions.
  • Local Camera Stores: Some second-hand shops carry vintage cameras and allow you to test them before buying.
  • Photography Forums: Communities like APUG or Reddit’s r/analog can be great for advice and sometimes sales.

Price Expectations

When I bought mine, the price ranged from $40 to $80 depending on the condition and included accessories. Since it’s a relatively common model, it’s quite affordable compared to other vintage rangefinders.

Final Thoughts

For me, the Ilford Sprite 35 II is a charming entry into film photography with its straightforward operation and classic style. If you’re patient with manual focus and enjoy the hands-on experience of shooting film, it’s a great little camera to own. Just make sure to check the condition carefully or buy from a reputable source to avoid any hidden issues.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on the Ilford Sprite 35 II! Happy shooting!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.