ROLLEI* 35 S | Frank Titze

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ROLLEI* 35 S

Overview

The Rollei* 35 S is a classic, high-quality, ultra-compact 35mm film camera that was produced by Rollei*, a well-known German camera manufacturer. The "S" in the name signifies a major upgrade from the original Rollei* 35, namely the inclusion of a faster, higher-end lens.
Key Characteristics:

Ultra-Compact Design: The Rollei* 35 series was famous for being the world's smallest full-frame 35mm camera when it was first released in 1966. Its ingenious design, by Heinz Waaske, fits a full 35mm film roll into a body that is tiny enough to fit in a pocket.Lens: This is the defining feature of the Rollei* 35 S. It is equipped with a 40mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens. The original Rollei* 35 had a slower f/3.5 Tessar lens. The Sonnar is a five-element design that is renowned for its sharpness, contrast, and beautiful rendering, making the "S" model the premium choice in the series. Some models also feature an HFT (High-Fidelity Transfer) coating, a type of multi-coating by Rollei* that further improves performance and reduces flare.
Lens: This is the defining feature of the Rollei* 35 S. It is equipped with a 40mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens. The original Rollei* 35 had a slower f/3.5 Tessar lens. The Sonnar is a five-element design that is renowned for its sharpness, contrast, and beautiful rendering, making the "S" model the premium choice in the series. Some models also feature an HFT (High-Fidelity Transfer) coating, a type of multi-coating by Rollei* that further improves performance and reduces flare.
Zone Focusing (No Rangefinder): The camera is a "viewfinder camera," meaning it does not have a rangefinder to assist with focusing. You must estimate the distance to your subject and set it on the lens barrel. For this reason, it is particularly well-suited for a technique called "zone focusing," where you pre-set the focus based on the depth of field to capture subjects within a certain distance.
Collapsible Lens: To achieve its compact size, the 40mm Sonnar lens collapses into the body. To shoot, you must extend the lens barrel and lock it into place.
Built-in Light Meter: The Rollei* 35 S has an integrated, uncoupled CdS light meter. It is a "match-needle" system, where you adjust the shutter speed and aperture until a needle in the viewfinder aligns with a marker, indicating a correct exposure. The meter requires a PX-625 mercury battery, but modern alkaline or zinc-air battery alternatives can be used with some adjustments.

In summary, the Rollei* 35 S is a beautifully crafted camera, exceptional lens performance, and compact size makes it a unique and delightful camera to shoot with,

Evaluation

(++) A Ultra-Compact Design
(-) Only Zone Focusing (No Rangefinder or other Distance Meassuring System)
(-) Designed for Mercury Batteries being No More Available

26.08.25

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