Rollei C 35

The Rollei C 35 viewfinder camera was produced by Rollei between 1969 and 1971. The factory where it was built was in Germany.

The model is part of the Rollei 35 series. The camera comes with a similar body to the original model, but it has no light meter and a different lens.

Camera functions

Lens

Despite being quite small, the Rollei C 35 produces remarkably high-quality images. A key factor in this is the lens.

This compact camera is equipped with a built-in lens. Specifically, it is the “Triotar 1:3.5 40mm” that retracts into the housing when not in use to maintain a small footprint.

The lens has a focal length of 40mm and a maximum aperture of f/3.5. Autofocus or distance measuring systems are not present in this 35mm camera. Focusing on the subject must be done manually. To avoid blurring, a minimum distance of 90 cm from the subject should be maintained.

Exposure

It should be noted that the Rollei C 35 does not have a light meter. Aperture and shutter speed settings must be made manually, allowing the photographer full creative control over the shots.

The aperture values range from f/3.5 to f/22, and the shutter speed can be selected from 1/500 second to 1/30 second. This offers flexible handling for a wide range of lighting conditions and scenarios.

Additional functions

The Rollei C 35 offers the option of taking long exposures, with the shutter remaining open for a variable duration. When using long exposures or bulb mode, it is recommended to mount the camera on a tripod.

When using the self-timer, for example for group photos or self-portraits, it can also make sense to stabilize the camera on a tripod. To avoid camera shake, the camera has a connection option for a cable release.

External flash units or radio triggers can be connected via the flash interface to optimize the lighting. This interface is located on the bottom of the case. Double exposures are not possible with this model as it has a special lock for this.

Size & Battery

With dimensions of 9.7 x 5.8 x 3.2 cm and a weight of 270 grams, the Rollei C 35 is an extremely handy camera, especially when compared to SLR or medium format cameras. It is made of high quality materials and has a metal housing.

Films for the Rollei C 35

Operating the Rollei C 35 would be unthinkable without 35mm films. The popularity and reliability of this format have preserved it, and therefore some manufacturers continue to produce films for this camera.

Films currently available for the Rollei C 35 include the Kodak Ektar 100* and the Kodak T-Max 400*, both in 35mm format. Both films offer good image quality and are ideal for everyday use.

There are also many other suppliers of suitable film materials, including Ilford, Fujifilm, Adox and Lomography.

The color film must be developed using the C-41 process, a service offered by most laboratories and some large drugstore chains. Developing black and white film is slightly different, but it can also be done at home with the right chemicals and instructions.

The negatives are 24mm x 36mm, so at least 36 shots fit on roll of film. The camera does not have an automatic film advance option, so the film must be manually advanced from frame to frame. A quick release lever is available for this.

Value of the camera

The market value of the Rollei C 35 depends heavily on its condition and functionality. Although a large number of these cameras have been produced, it remains a very popular model that can be used without any problems. Therefore the price is usually in the three-digit euro range. The current average price for a Rollei C 35 is 132,10 Euro.