The Revue 135 Symbol is a viewfinder camera. The 35mm camera was produced by Lomo and sold by Foto Quelle in West Germany. The original was sold on the market under the name “Smena Symbol”.
The Revue 135 lens cannot be replaced. 40 mm is the focal length of the lens. The camera’s largest aperture is f/4. An autofocus function is not built in. The lens is focused manually. The minimum distance to the subject must be 1 m.
The Revue 135 Symbol does not have a meter for correct exposure. Both the desired f-stop and exposure time must be set by the user. It has a bulb mode, e. g. for long exposures. An external flash can be connected to the Hot Shoe.
Films for the Revue 135 Symbol
The Revue 135 Symbol uses 35mm film. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most photo labs. A possible film for color photography is the Kodak Portra 400*. One option for b/w images is the Ilford Delta 400*.
The color film is processed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is offered by almost all photo labs.
For crystal clear shots at long exposure times, the camera has a tripod mount on the bottom. The 35mm camera does not need electricity to take pictures.
The Revue 135 Symbol can today only be found used. The value of a used copy depends mainly on the condition and if it works correctly.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/15 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Foto Quelle |
| Manufacturer | Lomo |
| Country of production | Russia |
FAQ about the Revue 135 Symbol
Is the Revue 135 Symbol a point-and-shoot camera?
Yes, it's a rangefinder camera. It's a simple 35mm camera, meaning you manually adjust settings like aperture and shutter speed. This gives you more creative control over your images.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Revue 135 Symbol has manual focus. You'll need to adjust the lens yourself to get your subject sharp. The minimum focusing distance is 1 meter.
Does this camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Revue 135 Symbol doesn't have a light meter. You will need to determine the correct aperture and shutter speed yourself, perhaps using an external light meter.
What kind of film does the 35mm camera use?
The Revue 135 Symbol uses standard 35mm film. Both color and black and white films work, and you can easily find them at camera stores or online.
Can I use a flash with the device?
Yes, the camera has a hot shoe for an external flash. This allows you to take pictures in low-light conditions.