The original model of Rollei 35 was made from 1966 until 1974. At the time, it was the world's smallest 35mm camera and, to this day, it still remains one of the most compact 35mm cameras ever made. It features manual aperture and shutter speed selection, as well as a manually-focusing lens that is either a Zeiss 40mm f/3.5 Tessar or a Schneider 40mm f/3.5 S-Xenar. To make it even more compact, the lens tube retracts into the body of the camera when not in use. The camera lacks a rangefinder for focusing, so all focusing must be estimated via the distance scale on the lens. The camera has a battery-powered CdS light meter, that is coupled to shutter and aperture controls and reads via a small window atop the camera. With the batteries in, the light meter is always on which causes serious battery drain; remember to store in a case or a bag to prolong the battery life. Because the original battery was a mercury cell, often Rollei 35 cameras need to be recalibrated for modern battery voltage.
The Rollei 35 was succeeded by several different models and enjoyed production runs in both Germany and Singapore. When the Rollei 35S was introduced, the original Rollei 35 was given the new designation Rollei 35T.
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Rollei 35 - Germany vs Singapore
The Rollei 35 is one of the smallest full-frame 35mm cameras ever created, easily slipping into a jacket pocket with its clever telescoping lens retracted. It is also one of the most successful camera designs of all time, with over 2 million manufactured after its 1966 Photokina debut. In 1971, Rollei moved Rollei 35 production to a new plant in Singapore, which would continue to build the cameras through the end of production. Whereas "Made in Germany" Rollei 35s were equipped with Zeiss Tessar lenses, CdS meters made by Gossen, and shutters made by Compur, "Made in Singapore" Rollei 35 cameras were fitted with Rollei-made licensed Tessar lenses, Nissei light meters, and shutters made by Copal. So while "Germany" and "Singapore" Rollei 35s look identical in their pleasingly-rounded shells, the interior components underneath differ significantly.
German-built Rollei 35 cameras typically command a significant premium on the used market compared with their Singaporean siblings, in no small part due to the legendary reputation of the 20th century German optical industry. However, quality was strictly controlled at the Singapore plant, and "Singapore" cameras have excellent fit and finish that matches their Teutonic brethren. Rollei's Singapore branch even designed and built their own, more advanced model of the Rollei 35B in 1977, the Rollei 35 LED.
When searching for a Rollei 35 to shoot with today, individual camera condition is a far more important criteria than German or Singaporean manufacture. Pick up a clean copy (corner dents are common) and you will have a reliable, compact companion for years to come.