Rollei 35 Black and Brown with Tessar 40mm F3.5 lens. 1979.

Rollei 35 Black and Brown  with Tessar 40mm F3.5 lens.  1979.

The Rollei 35 was the world’s smallest full-frame 35mm camera ever made when it was released into production in 1967.  It held that honor until the late 1970’s when Olympus XA staked its claim to being the smallest.  In my opinion, the two share the honor.  With its lens collapsed, the Rollei 35 is smaller in two of three dimensions.  The XA is smaller in one of its dimensions and is lighter.  However, it is also my opinion that the Rollei 35 is sturdier, more reliable, and more flexible with better lens work.  Unlike the Olympus XA and most other 35mm full-frame sub-compacts, the Rollei 35 and its successor models enjoy a near cult following today. The Rollei 35 series of sub-compacts enjoys one of the longest production runs for a camera of its type.  Shown at the Photokina in 1966 and released into manufacturing in 1967, production of the original model design ran thirteen years through 1980.   Several variants with a different metering design ran two more years after that into 1982.  Original production began in Germany and was transferred to Singapore in 1973 to reduce the cost.  While collectors will pay a premium for the “Germany” model, consensus among long time users finds no difference in materials or build quality between the “Germany” and “Singapore” versions.

Made from 1966 until 1974. Uses PX 625 batterie. Camera made in Singapore

Format : 24x36mm on 35mm film.

Lens : Collapsible Carl Zeiss Tessar 40mm F3.5.

Filter size: M24 x 0,5mm

Shutter : Rollei Compur leaf shutter speeds : ½ to 1/500sec. and B

Diaphragm :  f/ 3.5 to f/22.

Flash synchronization: Hot shoe on bottom and X syncro

Light meter: Coupled CdS photo element

Film Sensitivity: 25 to 1600 ASA.

Double exposure prevention : Yes.

Battery : PX625  1.35 volt

Dimensions: 97x60x32mm

Weight : 370 grams