In 1982, Rollei went bankrupt. The company Rollei Fototechnic then took over the production machines from the insolvency estate. The machines were then brought back to Germany from Singapore.
The Rollei 35 Classic was presented at the Photokina 1990 in Cologne. It was produced in small numbers. There were always special editions. Rollei Fototechnic, later DHW Fototechnik, produced until 2014.
Camera functions
Lens
Despite its small stature, the Rollei 35 Classic impresses with exceptionally clear and high-quality images, largely thanks to its lens.
It is a 35mm camera that has a permanently mounted "Carl Zeiss Oberkochen Sonnar 1:2.8 f=40mm" lens. When not in use, it retracts into the case to preserve its small stature.
The lens offers a focal length of 40mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This camera does not have an autofocus or rangefinder, so manual focusing on the desired subject is necessary. To avoid blurring, a minimum distance of 90 cm from the subject should be maintained.
Exposure
The intelligent use of sensors allows the camera to calculate the optimal exposure settings. The exposure meter is designed for films with ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The aperture and exposure time can be adjusted as desired, giving the photographer full control over the camera.
You can choose between aperture values from f/2.8 to f/22 and shutter speeds from 1/500 second to 1/2 second, covering a wide range of shooting situations.
Additional functions
The Rollei 35 Classic offers the option of taking long exposures. In this mode the shutter remains open for a variable period of time. When using bulb mode or longer exposure times, the camera should be mounted on a tripod.
Even when using the self-timer, for example for group photos or self-portraits, it makes sense to attach it to a tripod. To prevent blurring, there is a connection for a cable remote shutter release.
The hot shoe port can be used to connect external flashes or wireless triggers to improve exposure settings. The lightning connector is located on the bottom of the case.
Unfortunately, multiple exposures are not possible with this camera as it has a special double exposure lock.
Size & Battery
The Rollei 35 Classic impresses with its compact dimensions of 9.7 x 6 x 3.2 cm and a weight of 385 grams. Compared to DSLRs or medium format cameras, it is a really handy tool. It is made of robust material and has a metal housing.
A PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*) serves as the energy source, but is no longer available. As an alternative, Weincell batteries (eBay / Amazon*) can be used.
Films for the Rollei 35 Classic
Without appropriate films, the Rollei 35 Classic remains useless. According to the manufacturer, the camera requires 35mm film. This format maintains its popularity due to its reliability and simplicity, and some producers still make films for this format.
Suitable films that can still be purchased today include Kodak Portra 400* and Kodak T-Max 100*. These films produce high-quality recordings and are very suitable for everyday use.
Of course, there are other suppliers of suitable film materials, including Ilford, Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei and Lomography from Vienna.
Color films must be developed using the C-41 process, which is available in most laboratories. Some large drugstores in Germany also offer color film developing services. The developing steps for black and white film are slightly different than those for color film, but with the right instructions and chemicals, they can also be developed at home.
The negatives measure 24 mm x 36 mm, so at least 36 shots fit on a normal 35mm film. There is no automatic film advance option in the camera, so the photographer must manually advance to the next frame. A quick release lever is available for this.
Value of the camera
The market value of the Rollei 35 Classic obviously depends on its condition and functionality. The current average price for a Rollei 35 is 1,47 €.
