Rollei 35's

[FrankS]

Some people love them, some hate them, but they are indisputably the most solid/well built 35mm compact camera, with full manual control and batteryless operation (except for meter).

Who's got one, who wants one?

I just bought a nice black S model (pictured below), so I sold my chrome TE model. It has a dent on the top deck and on a corner, and the shutter speeds are sticky 1/15 and below.

[Jamie123]

I don't have one but I'm definitely gonna buy one one day!

[Ash]

I really want one, but can I justify the purchase????

[rogue_designer]

Frank - you have pics of the TE? I'm not familiar with that model.

I have a 35 with the tessar - it's fantastic.

[FrankS]

Frank - you have pics of the TE? I'm not familiar with that model.

I have a 35 with the tessar - it's fantastic.

Yes, it's in the classifieds right now.

[Solinar]

The 35TE and 35SE were the last of the diminutive Rollei 35's. These two have electronic meters that readily take silver oxides. The previous models with the Gossen-type match needle meters require mercury batteries or a conversion.

I still have a beater 35 TE, but haven't used it since jumping on the Leica screw mount bandwagon. Which is quirkier, a Rollei 35 or a Barnack?

The Rollei 35 habit lead me into medium format folders. They are a bit larger and are 120 not 35mm, but travel well. My current favorite is the diminutive Voigtlander Perkeo II.

[Solinar]

Congrats on the 35 S - After looking at some prints, you'll swear they were taken with a larger 35mm camera.

[FanMan]

Who's got one, who wants one?



I have a 35T. Received it as a present from my father years ago. Hm, I think I was 14 when I got this camera. He owned a 35S and was a real fan of this camera.

[surlysimon]

I bought a 35T back in 1978 and it's the one camera i have kept and would never sell. I used it as a traveling camera for a long time. I have since aquired a couple of XAs and an XA4 which have become my traveling cameras.

What still gets me is how solid this camera feels and how nice it is to take out and use. I would love a 35S but can't justify it.

Just imagine what it would have been like if Rollei had added a little rangefinder and an f2 lens? might have been a bit bigger but worth it.

[summaron]

The 35S is a little like a smaller version of a Leica ii or iii, weighs as much as a rigid Summicron (3/4 of a pound), and has a lens with a great deal of character and refinement (a Sonnar design). I've used it as my primary camera for years.

Like the Hexar AF you take pictures with it that you wouldn't have otherwise--but different pictures.

You have to fuss with focus, but it's not so difficult if you learn to use your imaginary shadow as a guide, halving it or adding to it by 1/2 typically. The 40mm & f2.8 max are fairly forgiving of errors of focus.

[Steve Bellayr]

A few weeks ago got the Rollei 35 (Singapore) with f3.5 Tesser. Put a battery in from photobattery...silver oxide 625px. At first the readings were off by 2 or 3 stops. Yesterday seemed to be on. I may try one of those replacement holders. Actually the way the camera is designed since you are focusing the ring you might as well focus the fstop and shutter without using the meter. (The meter being on top.) I fits nicely in a jacket pocket and easy to shoot from a car window. Dents are common on this model.

[jky]

I have a Rollei 35T that I'll never part with...
I was first attracted to it years ago mainly due to how different it looked compared to other compacts (Oly XA, Minox GTE, etc) - rented one for a day & ended up with one soon after. It's a wonderful little brick of a camera despite it's thin top plate that seems to attract dents. From what I've read, some people aren't too fond of its design. However, I personally really like the lay out of the camera - it's very easy to adjust settings while looking down on the top mounted meter (which is fairly accurate in my sample); the hot shoe has never been used so I can't really complain about that...
It surely is a great carry-around piece!
Cheers, j

[jky]

Thought I'd share a Rollei 35 pic...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/118/289250978_fdeafcab77_m.jpg

[FrankS]

Good idea, jky. Got more? Anyone else?

What I like about the earlier models with the meter in the top deck is that you can set the camera with it down at your waist - take a light meter reading, set f-stop and shutter speed, and guess focus distance. The picture can then be taken with or without raising the camera to your eye, depending on circumstances. The CVmeter on a RF hotshoe is similar in operation.

[Keith]

http://www.geocities.com/heidoscop/rollei35.htm

After I read this ... I had to have one. Unfortunately I finished up with four of them. One nice original one and three non working, or with problems, beaters!

Hopefully I can create anther couple of working examples out of it all. One of the non workers is a black S which is a very sexy looking little camera and has its original case and wrist strap ... and no dings.:eek:

[physiognomy]

Here's my two...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/347996469_f9ba041930_o.jpg

I'm sorry to say that I don't have any photo's scanned from my 35SE, but it hasn't failed to surprise me with producing stunning pictures... This pic was taken with my B35 through a window in LA just before boarding for home over the summer. I find that the 40/3.5 Triotar lens very good & can't work out why it is bashed by some people. Sure, compared to the 40/2.8 Sonnar it definitely takes second place, but considering you pay under 1/2 the price I think they are a bargain!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/348077946_821404da7f_o.jpg

Peter

[jky]

Black Rollei 35's are one of the prettiest cameras I've ever seen...

Here's a couple more from my 35T:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/327819224_1624bb062f.jpg

And ...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/278804695_014f2084fe.jpg
Cheers, j

[Wayne R. Scott]

I have a Rollei 35S, my second one. The first one I traded in to get a Contax IIa with 50mm Sonnar f1.5. Then I stumbled upon this one with a bunch of P&S at Goodwill.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/Wscott601/FarmersMarket2.jpg

Wayne

[micromontenegro]

I have a chrome 35S and a black 35T. I hate them, because they force me to use them all the time as the rest of my modest collection languishes in shelves ;-). Seriously, I think the Rollei 35 is the brigthest-designed camera ever: small, ultra capable, built like a tank... They even look cool. I use them instead of point and shoots.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1179/playa4wv9qq.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=playa4wv9qq.jpg)

[tkluck]

I have a lowly 35LED, and although I find it aggravating, I also find it fascinating. It's more like a larger format Minox than the 35mm Minox. All of the quarks, and cheaper film. How could any masochistic go wrong?

[KoNickon]

Well, for some time I resisted getting one of these, since they weren't even rangefinder cameras. But my friendly neighborhood camera shop had a black 35SE for $100 and so I took the plunge. I've since added a chrome TE and T.

I agree with others' comments -- lovely results from these cameras, regardless of which lens. The battery for the SE/TE may prove difficult to obtain in the future, though -- PX27.

[physiognomy]

Nice pic's everyone! While I have heard quite a few people who dislike using these cameras over the time I have been interested in them, I haven't caught many people complaining about the quality of the results.

... Then I stumbled upon this one with a bunch of P&S at Goodwill. Wayne

Man, that was lucky!!! I'd love to find a rollei at my local goodwill... It's not going to happen, but I can only hope.

Peter

[Steve Bellayr]

I've just ordered the MR-9 and 386 batteries for my 35. Discussions around net state that is the best way to go.

[physiognomy]

I've just ordered the MR-9 and 386 batteries for my 35. Discussions around net state that is the best way to go.

Steve, could you point me towards some more info... I have not thought too much about what I will do when my 35SE battery dies.

Peter

[jky]

But my friendly neighborhood camera shop had a black 35SE for $100 and so I took the plunge
My goodness... First a Rollei at a Goodwill & now this...! I frequent the bargain shops & thrift stores & am never ever that lucky :) A used Rollei 35 up here still costs a few hundred $$$ from a dealer. Good for you guys to find such bargains on a great cam!
j

[Keith]

About a year ago I spotted this on eBay from a seller who obviously wasn't used to dealing in cameras and mentioned that he suspected the camera was broken because it wouldn't wind on ... and he couldn't seem to get the lens to come out! I took a chance and won the camera for $60.00 (yes sixty) and I'm sure that all you fans of this quirky little device know exactly what the problem was ........... yes nothing!

He just didn't know how to release the lens. It is absolutely perfect and came with the original case and strap! :angel:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/366516440_4d545bd555_o.jpg

[richard_l]

I have a silver Rollei 35 (original Tessar model) and a black 35 S. One or the other of these is with me almost all the time. Even when I also carry one of my Leicas, a Rollei generally gets the most use, since 40mm is the ideal focal length for me, and I like both the Tessar and the Sonnar better than the Summicron-C or M-Rokkor.

Richard

[richard_l]

I've just ordered the MR-9 and 386 batteries for my 35. Discussions around net state that is the best way to go.Definitely the way to go. That combo works perfectly in both of my Rolleis.

Richard

[rogue_designer]

Peter - I have bought mercury battery adapters from www.criscam.com in the past - been very happy with the quality. They are a touch pricey at about $30 US per adapter, but you only need one per camera (less if you move it around depending on how many cams share the same battery type) and they use easy to find, inexpensive silver batteries.

the V27px is the one to replace the PX27 your SE uses. I'm planning on buying one for the TE I purchased from Frank.

Hope that helps. Better in my mind than some of the options.

Cheers.

Steve, could you point me towards some more info... I have not thought too much about what I will do when my 35SE battery dies.

Peter

[physiognomy]

Peter - I have bought mercury battery adapters from www.criscam.com in the past - been very happy with the quality.... The V27px is the one to replace the PX27 your SE uses. I'm planning on buying one for the TE I purchased from Frank.

Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate it... Eventually I will need to get something sorted for my QL GIII etc, so I might as well order a MR-9 adapter as well. Are these adapters a candidate for the most expensive camera accessory by weight?

Peter

[Trius]

Frank: I am shocked and saddened by your incorrect use of the apostrophe in the title of this thread.

[rogue_designer]

Frank: I am shocked and saddened by your incorrect use of the apostrophe in the title of this thread.

This from somebody with three exclamation points in their sig? :D

[FrankS]

Frank: I am shocked and saddened by your incorrect use of the apostrophe in the title of this thread.

Once you master the rules Earl, you are free to break them. It just looks better to me this way. :)

[scottgee1]

For real fun, take an R35 out in public, put it on top of a stout tripod/head and make some shots. They're smaller than most heads!

The good news is that the Sonnar and Tessar lenses justify careful use. Haven't used any of the three element variants.

Consider too an auxiliary rangefinder for situations where you have the time and inclination to set precise focus.

Weird, wonderful cameras!

my two lux worth/ScottGee1

[micromontenegro]

For a tenfold increase in the wierdness factor, look for the hidden flash synch connector!

[physiognomy]

Here's the link Daniel mentioned... (click) (http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Apz3). I did a google search for Rollei 35 & slow speeds, & you get a few interesting pnet threads, but not this one.

Thanks for reminding me about this info Daniel!

Peter

[rogue_designer]

Thanks for the link Peter (and Daniel) - don't know how brave I am, I tend to use these cams mostly in bright daylight, so maybe the slow speeds won't be as critical for a bit, and I'll get a pro to work on it.

We'll see.

[Trius]

This from somebody with three exclamation points in their sig? :D
When the Leafs are involved, the rules do not apply. That is serious business, OK Bub? Or would you like to experience boarding, charging and high sticking all in one hit?

[rogue_designer]

When the Leafs are involved, the rules do not apply. That is serious business, OK Bub? Or would you like to experience boarding, charging and high sticking all in one hit?

That's a good point, fairly made. Especially given the current state of my beloved Blackhawks. Exclaim away my friend. Exclaim away. ;)

[physiognomy]

... Or would you like to experience boarding, charging and high sticking all in one hit?

I thought we were talking about the lilliputian Rollei 35.... Man, the topic of sports comes into play & the macho bravado just oozes out from nowhere :) :) :) Lucky those guys on skates wear pads & carry big sticks or they might get into real trouble! :D

Peter

[tajart]

some have called it the mercedes of small cameras.

[PhotoMat]

For those of you suffering from insomnia, here is a link to an in depth article on the mercury battery options and solutions -- it's probably more than anyone wants to know about replacements for mercury cells and is sure to induce some serious head-nodding. Of interest, however, is the detailing of some of the shortcomings of other adapters currently on the market, the MR9 being among them.

I purchased two adapters from Frans de Gruijter for roughly the price of one MR9 unit. I've used these adapters in various cameras, including my Rollei 35S, without any problems. For the do-it-yourself types, you can purchase a kit for even less money.

Happy reading!

http://www.stutterheim.nl/rollei/download/batt-adapt-US.pdf

[shutterfiend]

Just received my 35S last night!!! The light-meter doesn't work. To my shock and horror I found a battery in the compartment. Did the vinegar thing but it didn't help. I think I'll send it out.

Mine uses a 625 battery though. Is there another model that uses mercury batteries?

[scottgee1]

Just received my 35S last night!!!
Cool!


The light-meter doesn't work. To my shock and horror I found a battery in the compartment. Did the vinegar thing but it didn't help. I think I'll send it out.
Why do you need a battery? Does the shutter work? Aperture setting? Do you have another meter? If so, I'd suggest you venture forth with it and shoot a test roll, i.e., run through all the shutter speeds, check focus accuracy, etc.

If it works otherwise, you can decide if you want to have it fixed or use a hand meter. If it doesn't, it saves second trip to the repair shop.

Remind me, did it come with any kind of guarantee/warranty?


Mine uses a 625 battery though. Is there another model that uses mercury batteries?
35, 35T, 35S, 35 Classic. May be others; someone?

Keep us in the loop and have fun!/ScottGee1

[FrankS]

The models with the meter needle on the top deck use mercury PX625 1.3v batteries, the later SE and TE models with meter led's in the viewfinder use a larger 5.6v mercury battery.

It is very common for cameras that used mercury batteries for the wire from the battery chamber to be corroded off. If you are handy, you may be able to fix this yourself.

[shutterfiend]

Sounds good Scottgee1! I'll shoot a couple of test rolls. I do have a drem instoscope!!! I'm getting better with it all the time.
FrankS, I don't think I'm up to opening it up by myself... yet. I didn't waste any time with the $20 Ricoh 35. But this one is over 6 times that much. I think I'll run a few rolls through it first. So it doesn't feel like a total waste when I mess it up.

[aflexer]

I've bought a Rollei 35, Tessar 3.5 a few month ago. It cost only 54 Euros on Ebay. OK, the battery contact was quite badly corroded but could be cleaned. It is my main camera now and I've used only Kodak BW400CN so far.

Although I normally live in Vienna, I am in Japan right now. My little Rollei did turn some heads around here!

Here is a portrait of my grand parents. I like the fact that grandpa is in focus but grandma not!

time 1/30, f 3.5, BW400CN, scanned from negative.

Best, Arthur

[jmilkins]

This from somebody with three exclamation points in their sig? :D

Isn't this that "rule of thirds" thing? ;)

great battery link thanks!

My 35SE came from a trade here - very happy with the little cam -oozes quality and style. It has mysterious wear on the advance lever....but the rest is A+ condition.

[cameramanic]

I bought a 35 T a few weeks ago, Excelent condition. got three filters and a soft case with it. Ebay price in Uk is normally about £100, I paid £40 to a private seller
I am very pleased with it.

[Jeremy Z]

I had one, a 35S like yours. Mine was Singapore (were all the S's Singapore-made?)

I paid too much for it. Mine had a dent on one upper corner and some idiot had painted over where the paint had been worn through.

Anyhow, I sold it in a moment of insanity. I think this time, I'll go for a 3.5 model of some sort.

One problem I had with them is that I'm not that great at guessing distances, so I missed any kind of action with it.

Also, I probably don't have to tell you this, but if you take flash pictures with it, turn it upside down, lest you get nasty shadows.

My grandpa had a German B35, with the Zeiss Triotar; he said it made the most contrasty images of any of his cameras of the day. He traded it in on an EOS 850 outfit in the late 80s, the bugger. It had a chip in the lens that didn't seem to effect images.

[Jeremy Z]

Well, thanks a lot fellas. I just bought one. It's ebay Item 7609051310.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7609051310

Seems to be in good shape, aside from some "slightly more than light wear" on the bottom. I asked, and he says the shutter speeds, film counter, and light meter all work. I hope it's OK as a user!

The only thing is that my wife is going to kill me, hehehe. I just bought a nice DSLR with three lenses a couple weeks ago...

[scottgee1]

SNIP!

The only thing is that my wife is going to kill me, hehehe. I just bought a nice DSLR with three lenses a couple weeks ago...

Yeah, that might be a problem. :eek:

Do you have a will?

I can email my personal info to your lawyer.

:D

ScottGee1

[Jeremy Z]

Hi All,

Here is an excellent Rollei 35 page, with lots of good history and information:

http://johnlind.tripod.com/rollei/rolleitext.html

Here is an interesting tidbit from that page:

Comparatively, the 35 T had slightly greater contrast with its Tessar and the 35 S's Sonnar has slightly higher resolution. The results with either are stunning and never cease to accrue remarks about resolution and contrast. It is proof that world-class glass on even a sub-compact manual predecessor to the current P&S's does make a difference in the technical quality of the photography. Obviously the artistic qualities are still the exclusive domain of the photographer.

This is because each time light passes through a surface, contrast is lost. Since the Tessar is a 4 element lens and the Sonnar a 5, the Tessar produces more contrast. This backs up my grandpa's claims that his B35 with the Triotar is very contrasty.

Lesson? Leave your yellow filters at home and get a B35. I think a second-hand B35 costs about the same as a B+W yellow filter anyhow, right? ;)

[Jeremy Z]

Rollei 35 guts; kind of interesting:
http://www.photographic.co.nz/cameraworks/cameras/rollei35/

[FrankS]

Thanks Jeremy, yes interesting. The author is less than thrilled with the Rollei pictured, but then, it is the economy 35B version.

[Tarzak]

I got my singapore Rollei 3.5 in Germany! Cost a bomb but it is in superb condition.
Always attracts attention when you pull out that lens.
I don't find the scale focus that much of an issue, I find it easier than guessing exposures combos without a meter.

Here's one of my favourite shots (of my daughter) with it.

However since my discovery of rangefinders this camera has been languishing in the cabinet for years. Just put a roll in though.

[Trius]

Thanks Jeremy, yes interesting. The author is less than thrilled with the Rollei pictured, but then, it is the economy 35B version.
John is a good guy, I met him on the OM list. I thought he had some good things to say about the 35B as well.

For those who are interested, he also has a good page on the Contax (http://johnlind.tripod.com/zi/zeissikonframe.html) ... which helped stoke my interest in RFs.

[Jeremy Z]

jky, that second shot is really good. Wayne, yours is good too, though you may have had one too many beers, as the only thing that is straight is the line on the parking lot. ;)

Were those all taken with yellow filters?

[jky]

Jeremy, thanks for the compliment. That was taken on a trip to Florence - only brought a Rollei 35, Nikon f3hp w/ 35mm & 24mm. I remember it being so liberating only having limited gear on a trip.
Cheers, j

[thmk]

Accidentally I won an auction for the Rollei 35 T and now I have a nice 35, too :) A 35 SE is currently still in the repair shop and soon to be added to my little Rollei family.