The Porst 35 S is a viewfinder camera. It was sold by the German photo dealer in the 60s.
The lens of the Porst 35 S cannot be changed. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and the focal length is 45 mm. The lens is called “Steinheil-Cassar 2.8/45 mm”. There is no autofocus with the 35 mm camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand.
The camera comes with an exposure meter. The aperture and shutter speed have to be adjusted manually. The camera has a bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter will remain open as long as the shutter release button is pressed.
An external flash can be used from the PC flash jack. The Porst 35 S has a tripod thread for blur-free photos with long exposure times.
The dimensions of the 35 mm camera are 12.5 x 8.5 x 7 cm according to the operating instructions. It weighs 350 grams. The 35mm camera does not need any batteries to take pictures.
Films for the Porst 35 S
The Porst 35 S uses 35mm film. For this film format, there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. A great film choice for color photos is the Agfaphoto Vista 400* and for black and white pictures the Ilford Delta 400*.
The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab.
The exposure area of the Porst 35 S has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. For example, a 36-frame 35mm film can hold at least 36 photos at this size. The film in the camera must be winded manually, as there is no automatic film transport.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Selenium light meter |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 12,5 x 8,5 x 7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.92 x 3.35 x 2.76 inches |
| Weight | 350 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | Photo Porst |
| Estimated value / Used price | 44,44 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 14 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 44,00 Euro (47.63 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 50,33 Euro (54.12 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Porst 35 S
Is the Porst 35S camera automatic or do I need to adjust settings manually?
The Porst 35S is a manual camera. You'll need to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and focus yourself. It has a built-in light meter to help with exposure, but it doesn't automate focusing or exposure.
What kind of film does this rangefinder use?
This 35mm camera uses standard 35mm film. You can find both color and black and white films for it easily. The camera holds a standard 36-exposure roll.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the Porst 35S has a PC flash sync socket, allowing you to connect and use an external flash. This is useful for shooting in low-light conditions.
Does the camera have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it includes a built-in selenium light meter, which doesn't require any batteries. However, keep in mind that selenium meters can degrade over time.
How big and heavy is the camera?
The dimensions are approximately 12.5 x 8.5 x 7 cm, and it weighs 350 grams. It's a relatively compact and lightweight camera to carry around.