There are 15
models and 31 or so
variations in the Rollei 35mm range renown for the quality of the optics and
their compact size.
Rollei 35 unit numbers are a total into the millions.
However, good, mint condition examples are relatively rare as people use them a
lot. A good user can be had for as little as 50EUR but a excellent plus to
mint minus user will generally cost you 100-150EUR. The high end is for a German Tessar version, the Singapore Tessars at the bottom and the Singapore Sonnars in
the middle to high end. Sonnar lens models make a superb picture.
The Rollei 35 was introduced in 1966 and continued until
1999. Designed by Heinz Waaske, who was also responsible for the Edixa
Electronica, Edixa 16, Rollei 16, Rollei A26, Rollei A110, Rolleimatic,
Voigtlander Vitoret 110 and others.
Signs to look for:-
Many cameras have dents. They are surprisingly heavy which
may have contributed to this problem, as well as being carried with a case.
The lens can only be retracted when the shutter is armed.
If forced this will break the fitting.
Shutter speeds from 1/2 to 1/15 second are often sticky.
Shutters can be cleaned in 95% of cases.
The light meter is sometimes not working. Meters can be
repaired in 75% of cases but for LED types.
Prices in Germany, in EURO, are a fraction of the auction
price in USD even when sold by German dealers.
Unlike Minox 35mm cameras few Rollei 35mm cameras are sold
with original packaging, other than the special editions. Original white covered
Germany/European boxes or USA Honeywell boxes are rare.
Rollei marketed cameras with coloured leather in North
America, but most of those seen on sale are recent alterations to standard black
leather cameras.
Variations include difference scales size on the lens, on
the shutter steering wheel. A lever or a wheel to set shutter release. There are
different cases and boxes. There is also a Rollei Tear 3.5/40mm lens.
Cameras
The first Rollei 35, Made in Germany with "Compur -
Gossen - Zeiss" in the chrome on the back of the body. Only 100
made.
All metal camera with coupled CdS with readout on top.
Rollei-Compur shutter 2-500,B. Black or chrome. Made in Germany or Singapore.
Carl Zeiss Tessar or Rollei Tessar f3.5 40mm.
- Black dark brown simulated crocodile leather, made in
Singapore.
- Gold light reptile leather made in Germany
- Chrome or black, Made in Germany
- Chrome, Made in Singapore
- Black or chrome, Made in Singapore Schneider X-Xenar
f3.5 40mm
Also designated Rollei 35B. Simplified version of the
Rollei 35 with Triotar f3.5 40mm lens and selenium light meter. 30-500, B.
Made in Germany or Singapore. Black or chrome.
Modernized 35B with silicon light meter and LED in
finder. All made in Singapore, black only. 30-500, B shutter. Triotar f3.5
40mm lens.
Also designated 35C. Like B35 but no light meter. Made
in Germany. Also with Oberkochen Option Tr. 4000 pieces made.
When Rollei introduced the 35S (S for Sonnar) the Rollei
35 was renamed 35T (for Tessar). Made in Singapore, 2-500,B. Tessar f3.5 40mm.
Black or Chrome.
Similar to Rollei 35T, but with battery compartment on
top plate and CdS meter with 3 LEDs in finder. 20-500,B. Made in Singapore.
Tessar f3.5 40mm. Black or chrome.
Like the Rollei 35 but with a better lens. S for Sonnar.
CdS meter readout on top. Made in Singapore. With Sonnar f2.8 40mm lens.
Chrome or black body.
Gold with brown lizard leather manufactured in 1980, as new in wooden
presentation box with certificate "60 Year Anniversary Camera" numbered 1 to
1500. Gold Rollei 35S without special numbers on the back and certificate
could be replicas.
Special edition
of the Rollei 35 S with silver leather covered. US edition has laurel wreath
on front. No body number on black of top housing. Space for name engraving on
back. Was sold in 1980s for 99USD. 3000 pieces.
Special
Edition, similar to Rollei 35S. Platinium with reptile leather. Numbered 1-444
on back, sold exclusively by Foto Hansa, Cologne, Germany. Made in Germany .
Sonnar f2.8 40mm. List 1968 DM2400.
Similar to Rollei 35S, but with battery compartment on
top plate and CdS meter with 3 LEDs in finder. 2-500,B. Made in Singapore.
Sonnar f2.8 40mm lens. Black or chrome.
Back to basics of the Rollei 35S with slight
improvements. Lens release on front and hot shoe on top. Made in Germany.
2-500, B. Sonnar f2.8 40mm.
Rollei 35
Classic with Titanium finish. Sonnar f2.8 40mm.
Special edition
of the Rollei 35 Classic. Gold plated body, wooden presentation case. Sonnar
f2.8 40mm.
Special edition
of the Rollei 35 Classic. Sonnar f2.8 40mm.
Rollei Nano 60
APS format 28-60mm
Rollei Nano 80
APS format. (1999) 28-80mm (f4.0/10.8) autofocusing zoom
lens. Built in flash. Dioptre adjustment. Optional wireless remote.
Rollei Prego 30
The Rollei Prego 30 is an extra-stylish, compact 35mm camera with an
all-metal body and a high-performance 30mm Rollei-Apogon lens f/3.5 HFT.
Weighing only 150 g and measuring 99 x 63 x 32 mm, the attractive camera is
very easy to handle and operate.
Rollei 35 QZ
DESIGN BY
F.A.PORSCHE.Technische
Motorized film transport. Metal housing, DX coding, Vario
Apogon 28-60/2.8-5.6,10 lens 7 groups,
Links
For more
information, please take a look on this page:
http://www.rolleiclub.com/rollei/index2.htm
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Introduction and contents