The Rollei 35 SE is a compact camera for the 35mm format. It was introduced in the early 1980s. Around 150,000 pieces were produced by Rollei in Singapore.
The model is almost identical to the Rollei 35 S, but comes with three colored LEDs in the viewfinder that provide information about the exposure settings.
Camera functions
Lens
Despite its small dimensions, the Rollei 35 SE is known for producing excellent images, with the lens playing a central role.
This compact camera is equipped with a fixed lens - the "Sonnar 2.8/40 HFT", which is known for its excellent performance and image quality. When not in use, the lens retracts into the housing, maintaining the portable design.
The lens has a focal length of 40 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Note that this camera does not have an autofocus function or distance measurement, meaning manual focusing is required. It is advisable to maintain a minimum distance of 90 cm from the subject to avoid blurring.
Exposure
The camera has an exposure metering system that is able to determine the correct exposure settings through the use of measuring cells. It is designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1600, with aperture and exposure time individually adjustable, giving the photographer full control.
You can choose an aperture between f/2.8 and f/22 and a shutter speed of 1/500 second to 1/2 second, so you are prepared for a variety of shooting situations.
Additional functions
The Rollei 35 SE offers a special function for long exposures in which the shutter remains open for a variable period of time. For such shots, especially in bulb mode, it is recommended to mount the camera on a tripod.
In addition, the self-timer function offers flexibility for group photos or self-portraits. To avoid camera shake, there is an option to connect a cable release. The camera is also equipped with a hot shoe for external flashes or radio triggers to further optimize exposure. Note that double exposures are not possible with this camera due to a special lock.
Size & Battery
With dimensions of 9.7 x 6 x 3.2 cm and a weight of 335 grams, the Rollei 35 SE is an extremely compact camera, especially when compared to DSLRs or medium format cameras. It is made of high quality materials and has a metal housing.
The camera requires a PX27 battery px27 as a power source, although these are no longer available. Alternatively, an adapter with LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) can be used.
Films for the Rollei 35
The Rollei 35 SE relies on 35mm films. This format maintains its popularity among photographers due to its simplicity and reliability. Nowadays you can buy films like the Kodak Portra 400* and the Kodak T-Max 100*, which are suitable for everyday shooting.
There are many other manufacturers that produce compatible films including Ilford, Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei and Lomography. The color film should be developed using the C-41 process, a service offered by most photo laboratories and some large drugstores in Germany. Black and white films have a different developing process, but with the right instructions and chemicals they can also be developed at home.
The camera produces negatives measuring 24 mm x 36 mm, which means that at least 36 shots can fit on a normal roll of film. There is no automatic film advance function, so the photographer must advance to the next frame manually, with a quick-release lever available.
Value of the camera
The market value of the Rollei 35 SE depends on its condition and functionality. Although many examples were produced, it remains a sought-after model that can still be used without any problems today. Therefore the price often tends to be in the three-digit euro amount. The current average price for a Rollei 35 SE is 324,51 €.
