The Rollei T is a 35mm camera from the German brand Rollei. It was offered from 1976. It is functionally identical to the original Rollei 35. The name was changed to make it easier to distinguish from the Rollei 35 S.
The camera was produced in Singapore until 1980. It was sold in a black, chrome and aluminum version. The aluminum model was only available from 1977 and is 20 grams lighter.
Later there was the Rollei 35 TE. This model was released in the late 1970s and displays exposure information directly in the viewfinder.
Camera functions
Lens
The Rollei 35 T is known for its excellent recordings, despite its small stature. A key factor here is the high-quality lens.
This model is characterized by its built-in "Carl Zeiss Oberkochen Tessar 1:3.5 f=40mm" lens. When the camera is not in use, the lens retracts into the housing to maintain the compact design.
The lens offers a focal length of 40mm and a maximum aperture of f/3.5. With this camera you have to focus manually as there is neither autofocus nor a rangefinder. It is advisable to keep a minimum distance of 90 cm from the subject to avoid blurring.
Exposure
The camera's integrated measuring cells help to identify the optimal exposure settings. The exposure meter is designed for films with an ISO sensitivity between 25 and 1600. Both aperture and exposure time can be adjusted manually, giving the photographer full control over the camera.
Available aperture values range from f/3.5 to f/22, while exposure times can vary between 1/500 second and 1/2 second to suit most shooting situations.
Additional functions
A special mode in the camera enables long exposures in which the shutter is held open for a variable period of time. For such shots or when using bulb mode, it is advisable to mount the camera on a tripod.
When using the self-timer, for example for group photos or self-portraits, it also makes sense to fix the Rollei 35 T on a tripod. To prevent camera shake, the camera offers an interface for a cable release.
External flash units or radio triggers can be connected via the hot shoe connection to optimize the lighting. The hot shoe is located on the bottom of the housing.
Double exposures are not possible with this model because there is a special lock that prevents multiple exposures.
Size & Battery
The Rollei 35 T is a very compact model with dimensions of 9.7 x 6 x 3.2 cm and weighs 330 grams. This makes it significantly more manageable than many SLR or medium format cameras. The camera is made of high quality materials and has a metal housing.
As a power source it requires a PX625 battery (eBay / Amazon*), which is no longer available today. As an alternative, Weincell batteries (eBay / Amazon*) can be used.
Films for the Rollei 35 T
The Rollei 35 T depends on 35mm films to function. This film format is characterized by its simplicity and reliability, which is why it is still produced by some manufacturers.
Currently available films that are suitable for the Rollei 35 T are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both films offer good results and, according to tests, are well suited for everyday use.
There are of course many other manufacturers that offer suitable films, including Ilford, Fujifilm, Adox, Rollei and Lomography from Vienna.
The color film must be developed using the C-41 process, a service that most laboratories and some large drugstore chains in Germany offer. Black and white film requires a slightly different developing process, but can also be developed at home with the right chemicals and instructions.
The negatives on this camera are 24mm x 36mm, allowing at least 36 shots to fit on 135-36 film. Since the camera does not offer automatic film advance, the photographer has to continue turning the film manually after each shot; a quick-release lever is available for this purpose.
Value of the camera
The value of the Rollei 35 T depends largely on its condition and functionality. Although numerous examples were produced, it remains a highly sought-after model that can still be used without problems today. Therefore, you usually still have to pay a three-digit amount in euros for the camera. The current average price for a Rollei 35 T is 259,94 €.
