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Writer's pictureJeremy Rata

The History of the Rollei 35: A Classic 35mm Film Camera

Updated: Aug 5


The History of the Rollei 35: A Classic 35mm Film Camera

The Rollei 35, introduced in 1966, is a landmark in the history of photography, renowned for its compact design and exceptional build quality. As the smallest full-frame 35mm film camera of its time, the Rollei 35 carved out a niche for itself in a market dominated by larger, bulkier cameras.


Brief Overview of the Rollei 35


The Rollei 35 was designed by Heinz Waaske, a visionary engineer who sought to create a portable yet high-quality camera. It was first unveiled at the Photokina trade fair in 1966, where it immediately garnered attention for its innovative design. The camera's compact size did not compromise its functionality, boasting a collapsible lens and precision engineering that made it a favourite among photographers.


Significance in the World of 35mm Film Cameras


The Rollei 35's significance lies in its revolutionary approach to camera design. At a time when full-frame cameras were generally large and cumbersome, the Rollei 35 offered a portable alternative without sacrificing performance. It featured a robust metal construction, a high-quality Tessar or Sonnar lens, and a built-in light metre, making it a versatile tool for both amateur and professional photographers.

By providing exceptional image quality in a compact form, the Rollei 35 paved the way for future developments in camera technology. Its success demonstrated the viability of small, full-frame cameras, influencing subsequent designs and setting a new standard in the industry. Today, the Rollei 35 remains a cherished collector's item, celebrated for its historical importance and enduring appeal in the world of 35mm film photography.


The History of the Rollei 35: A Classic 35mm Film Camera

The Birth of the Rollei 35


Development in the 1960s by Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke


The Rollei 35 was developed during a transformative period for photography in the 1960s by Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke, a German company known for its high-quality cameras. The company's ambition was to create a compact yet fully functional 35mm film camera that could easily fit into a pocket, a significant departure from the larger, more cumbersome cameras of the time.


Designer Heinz Waaske's Vision and Innovation


The innovative design of the Rollei 35 can be credited to Heinz Waaske, a talented and forward-thinking engineer. Wake envisioned a camera that did not compromise on quality despite its small size. His goal was to create a device that would be convenient for photographers to carry without sacrificing the functionality and image quality they expected from larger cameras.

Waaske’s design included several groundbreaking features:

  • Compact Size: At the time of its release, the Rollei 35 was the smallest full-frame 35mm camera available. Its compact design was achieved without compromising on essential features.

  • Collapsible Lens: One of the key innovations was the collapsible Tessar 40mm f/3.5 lens, which allowed the camera to maintain a small profile when not in use.

  • High-Quality Build: The camera was constructed from durable materials, ensuring longevity and reliability.

  • Built-In Light Metre: Despite its small size, the Rollei 35 included a built-in light metre, a feature usually found in larger, more sophisticated cameras.

These innovations were showcased when the Rollei 35 debuted at the 1966 Photokina trade fair, where it received significant acclaim for its unique blend of portability and functionality. This pioneering model set a new benchmark in camera design and paved the way for future developments in the industry.


Heinz Waaske's vision and innovative spirit were instrumental in the creation of the Rollei 35. His work not only addressed the practical needs of photographers but also pushed the boundaries of what was technically possible in camera design. This blend of practicality and innovation ensured the Rollei 35's place as a significant milestone in the history of 35mm film cameras.


The History of the Rollei 35: A Classic 35mm Film Camera

Technical Specifications and Features


Description of the Camera's Mechanics and Design


The Rollei 35 is renowned for its robust mechanics and elegant design. Built with precision, the camera features a solid metal body that contributes to its durability and high-quality feel. The layout is designed for both functionality and portability, with controls that are intuitive for both amateur and professional photographers.

  • Body: The Rollei 35’s body is constructed from metal, giving it a solid and durable feel. Despite its compact size, it exudes a sense of robustness and reliability.

  • Controls: The camera features a top-mounted film advance lever, a bottom-mounted rewind crank, and a front-facing lens release button, all designed for easy and efficient operation.


Lens Options

The Rollei 35 was offered with two primary lens options, each known for their optical quality:

  • Tessar 40mm f/3.5: This lens is renowned for its sharpness and compact design. The Tessar lens, designed by Zeiss, is a four-element lens known for producing high-contrast and detailed images.

  • Sonnar 40mm f/2.8: The Sonnar lens offers a faster aperture, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions and providing a shallower depth of field for more creative control. Also designed by Zeiss, this lens is a five-element lens that enhances image quality with excellent sharpness and colour rendition.

Shutter Speeds, Light Meter, and Other Technical Details

  • Shutter Speeds: The Rollei 35 features a range of shutter speeds from 1/2 second to 1/500 second, along with a bulb mode for long exposures. This range allows for a wide variety of shooting conditions and creative possibilities.

  • Light Metre: One of the standout features of the Rollei 35 is its built-in light metre. The light metre uses a selenium cell to measure light levels, providing accurate exposure readings without the need for batteries.

  • Viewfinder: The camera includes a bright, clear viewfinder, making composition straightforward and precise.


Unique Features

  • Collapsible Lens: A key feature of the Rollei 35 is its collapsible lens, which helps maintain the camera’s compact size when not in use. This design innovation allows photographers to easily carry the camera in a pocket or small bag.

  • Compact Design: Despite its comprehensive feature set, the Rollei 35 remains one of the smallest full-frame 35mm film cameras ever made. Its compact design makes it highly portable, ideal for travel and street photography.


Variants and Evolution


Overview of Different Models


The Rollei 35 evolved through several models, each offering unique features and improvements:

  • Rollei 35: The original model, featuring the Tessar 40mm f/3.5 lens and a built-in light metre.

  • Rollei 35 S: Introduced later, this model features the faster Sonnar 40mm f/2.8 lens, providing better low-light performance and more creative control over depth of field.

  • Rollei 35 T: This model reintroduced the Tessar 40mm f/3.5 lens and maintained the high build quality and compact design of the original.

  • Rollei 35 SE: The SE model added an electronic light metre, offering improved accuracy and ease of use.


Differences in Features and Improvements Over Time


Each subsequent model of the Rollei 35 introduced enhancements that improved usability and performance:

  • Lens Quality: The Sonnar lens in the 35 S model offered a faster aperture, which was a significant improvement for low-light photography.

  • Light Metering: The introduction of the electronic light metre in the SE model provided more accurate and reliable exposure readings compared to the earlier selenium cell metre.


Special Editions and Unique Characteristics


Over the years, Rollei released several special editions of the Rollei 35, often characterised by unique finishes and design elements:

  • Gold and Platinum Editions: These limited-edition models featured luxurious materials and finishes, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

  • Commemorative Models: Released to mark significant anniversaries, these models often included special engravings and packaging.

These variants and special editions not only kept the Rollei 35 relevant over the decades but also highlighted its status as a beloved classic in the world of 35mm film cameras.



The History of the Rollei 35: A Classic 35mm Film Camera

Production and Manufacturing


Manufacturing Locations: Germany and Singapore


The Rollei 35 was initially manufactured in Germany by Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke. The production started in 1966 in Braunschweig, a city known for its precision engineering and high-quality manufacturing standards. Early models from this era are highly prized for their build quality and durability.

In 1971, Rollei shifted part of its production to Singapore. This move was aimed at reducing manufacturing costs while meeting the increasing global demand for the camera. The Singapore-manufactured Rollei 35 cameras maintained high standards, but some enthusiasts argue that the German-made models have a slight edge in terms of build quality.


Impact of Production Shifts on Quality and Perception


The shift to Singapore did not significantly impact the quality of the Rollei 35 cameras. Both German and Singaporean models are known for their reliability and excellent craftsmanship. However, the perception among some collectors and photographers is that the German-made models are slightly superior, often fetching higher prices in the second-hand market.

Despite these perceptions, Rollei ensured that the production standards in Singapore were kept high, with rigorous quality control measures in place. The cameras produced in both locations continued to meet the expectations of photographers around the world, solidifying the Rollei 35's reputation for quality and reliability.


Cultural Impact and Usage


Popularity Among Professional and Amateur Photographers


The Rollei 35 quickly gained popularity among both professional and amateur photographers due to its compact size, high-quality lens options, and robust construction. Its portability made it an ideal choice for travel and street photography, where discretion and ease of use are paramount.


Use in Significant Photographic Projects and Famous Users


The Rollei 35 has been used in numerous significant photographic projects. Its reliable performance and compact size made it a favourite among photojournalists and documentary photographers. Notable users include renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, who valued the camera's discrete nature and excellent image quality.


Examples of Iconic Photographs Taken with the Rollei 35


Several iconic photographs have been taken with the Rollei 35, showcasing its capabilities. These images often capture candid moments and spontaneous scenes, highlighting the camera's suitability for street and travel photography. The camera's sharp lenses and accurate light metre ensured that photographers could capture high-quality images even in challenging conditions.


Modern-Day Legacy and Collectability


The Rollei 35’s Status as a Collector’s Item


Today, the Rollei 35 is a sought-after collector's item, cherished for its historical significance and timeless design. Collectors value the camera for its compactness, mechanical precision, and the nostalgia it evokes for the era of film photography. Early German-made models, special editions, and well-preserved examples are particularly prized.


Its Relevance and Use in Contemporary Photography


Despite the dominance of digital photography, the Rollei 35 remains relevant among contemporary photographers who appreciate the unique qualities of film. The camera's ability to produce high-quality images with a distinctive look continues to attract enthusiasts who enjoy the tactile experience and slower, more deliberate process of film photography.


The History of the Rollei 35: A Classic 35mm Film Camera

Restorations and Refurbishments, Including Film Furbish’s Role


The enduring appeal of the Rollei 35 has led to a thriving market for restorations and refurbishments. Companies like Film Furbish specialise in restoring these classic cameras to their former glory, ensuring they remain functional and visually appealing. Film Furbish's meticulous restoration process includes disassembling, cleaning, repairing, and reassembling the cameras, often improving their aesthetic with new skins and finishes.

These refurbishments not only preserve the legacy of the Rollei 35 but also make it accessible to a new generation of photographers who can appreciate its historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship.


Conclusion


The Rollei 35 stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of mid-20th-century camera design. From its inception in the 1960s to its continued use and admiration today, the Rollei 35 has carved out a unique place in the world of 35mm film cameras. Its compact size, robust build, and exceptional image quality have made it a favourite among photographers of all levels, from amateurs to professionals.

The camera's journey from Germany to Singapore, its various models and special editions, and its significant impact on photographic culture highlight its enduring legacy. The Rollei 35 is not just a tool for photography; it is a piece of history, a collector's item, and a source of inspiration for contemporary photographers who appreciate the unique qualities of film.


Explore the Rollei 35 with Film Furbish


As the largest supplier of Rollei 35 cameras and specialists in their refurbishment, Film Furbish offers a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts to experience the charm and quality of this iconic camera. Whether you are looking to purchase a meticulously restored Rollei 35 or enhance the aesthetic appeal of your current model, Film Furbish provides a range of options to suit your needs.

Film Furbish's expertise in the restoration and refurbishment of classic film cameras ensures that each Rollei 35 model they offer is in perfect working condition, often improved with new skins and finishes. This attention to detail not only preserves the camera's functionality but also elevates its visual appeal, allowing you to capture beautiful moments with a timeless piece of photographic history.


Visit Film Furbish today to discover how you can improve your Rollei 35 and keep this legendary camera in perfect working condition. Explore their offerings and find the perfect Rollei 35 model that suits your style and photographic needs.


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