Rollei 35 Variants Compared — Buying Guide 2026

The Rollei 35 was released in 1966 and was for a long time the smallest full-frame 35mm camera in the world. The most important variants are the basic Rollei 35, the bright SE with Sonnar 2.8/40 mm, and the more affordable B with a selenium-based light meter that requires no battery. Models with mercury batteries today need a replacement power source for the light meter.

 

 

 

Table of contents

1. The Rollei 35 — a camera that almost never existed
2. All variants in direct comparison
3. Tessar, Sonnar, Triotar — the lenses explained
4. Light meters and the battery problem
5. Practice: Zone focusing, film tips, and common mistakes
6. Ergonomic quirks (The Rollei Quirks)
7. Buying used — What you need to watch out for
8. Ausgeknipst accessories for the Rollei 35

 

 

The Rollei 35 — a camera that almost never existed

In 1962, Heinz Waaske sat in his office at Wirgin in Wiesbaden, working on a prototype that no one wanted. The idea: a fully functional 35mm camera that fits in a jacket pocket. Without compromising on image quality.

Waaske offered his design to Wirgin, then Leitz, then Kodak. No one was interested. The camera was too small, they said. Too unconventional. Too risky.

In January 1965, Waaske joined Rollei in Braunschweig. Two months later, managing director Heinrich Peesel discovered the prototype — and immediately ordered serial production. In October 1966, Rollei presented the camera at Photokina in Cologne. It was the smallest full-frame 35mm camera in the world.

Over the next 30 years, more than two million Rollei 35 cameras were produced in various versions. The first series was made in Braunschweig; from 1971, Rollei moved production to Singapore. Rollei went bankrupt in 1981. After the 1981 bankruptcy, the new owners reestablished production of the revised Classic series in Braunschweig starting in 1990.

Today, almost 60 years later, the Rollei 35 is one of the most sought-after analog compact cameras. And there are enough variants to get thoroughly lost. That’s exactly why this article exists.

 

 

All variants in direct comparison

The following table lists all relevant Rollei 35 models. Important: Not every camera with "35" in the name belongs to the same family. The XF 35 is a completely different camera type (rangefinder with program automatic) but carries the name. The "Rollei 35 AF" introduced in 2024 is not made by Rollei but by MiNT Camera (Hong Kong) under official naming license. It has a 35mm f/2.8 lens, LiDAR autofocus (no zone focus), automatic exposure, and a built-in flash. It is a modern point-and-shoot and must be strictly separated historically and technically from the analog originals.

Model	Years of production	Lens	Aperture	Light meter	Battery	Origin	Price (approx. 2025)
Rollei 35	1966–1971	Zeiss Tessar 40mm	f/3.5	CdS (needle, top)	PX625 (1.35V)	Germany	300–500 EUR
Rollei 35 (SG)	1971–1974	Zeiss Tessar 40mm	f/3.5	CdS (needle, top)	PX625 (1.35V)	Singapore	250–400 EUR
Rollei 35T	1974–1980	Zeiss Tessar 40mm	f/3.5	CdS (needle, top)	PX625 (1.35V)	Singapore	250–400 EUR
Rollei 35S	1974–1981	Zeiss Sonnar 40mm	f/2.8	CdS (needle, top)	PX625 (1.35V)	Singapore	300–500 EUR
Rollei 35TE	1979–1981	Zeiss Tessar 40mm	f/3.5	LED (in viewfinder)	PX27 (5.6V)	Singapore	300–450 EUR
Rollei 35SE	1979–1981	Zeiss Sonnar 40mm	f/2.8	LED (in viewfinder)	PX27 (5.6V)	Singapore	350–550 EUR
B35 / Rollei 35B	1969–1978	Triotar 40mm	f/3.5	Selenium (battery-independent)	None	Singapore	100–200 EUR
C35	1969–1971	Triotar 40mm	f/3.5	No meter	None	Singapore	80–150 EUR
Rollei 35LED	1978–1981	Triotar 40mm	f/3.5	LED (in viewfinder)	PX27	Singapore	150–250 EUR
Rollei 35 Classic	1990–1999	Zeiss Sonnar 40mm	f/2.8	CdS (needle, top)	PX625 (1.35V)	Germany	500–900 EUR
XF 35	1974–1980	Sonnar 40mm	f/2.3	CdS program	PX625	Singapore	100–200 EUR
Rollei 35AF	from 2024	35mm	f/2.8	Electronic	Modern	China	approx. 800 EUR
Rollei 35 (S-Xenar)	1972–1973	Schneider-Kreuznach S-Xenar 40mm	f/3.5	CdS (needle, top)	PX625 (1.35V)	Singapore	350–550 EUR

 

 

Tessar, Sonnar, Triotar — the lenses explained

The optics are the central distinguishing feature between the Rollei 35 models. Three types of lenses were used — all with the same focal length of 40mm, but fundamentally different constructions.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 40mm f/3.5 — the classic

Four lenses in three groups. The Tessar design dates back to 1902 and was still one of the sharpest constructions for this format in 1966. In the Rollei 35, it delivers razor-sharp images from f/5.6, with slight softness at maximum aperture — typical for Tessar designs.

Earlier German examples were only single coated. In direct backlight, this can cause flares. A UV filter helps. Tessar lenses were consistently only single coated by Rollei in all model series.

Installed in: Rollei 35 (Original), 35T, 35TE

Carl Zeiss Sonnar 40mm f/2.8 — the premium lens

Five lenses in four groups. Half a stop brighter than the Tessar, with noticeably better contrast and pleasant bokeh wide open. The Sonnar is considered the better choice among collectors and photographers — reflected in the prices.

The Sonnar was made in the Rollei/Zeiss joint factory in Singapore, under Carl Zeiss license. No quality difference compared to German Zeiss lenses.

Installed in: Rollei 35S, 35SE, 35 Classic

Schneider-Kreuznach S-Xenar 40mm f/3.5 — the rare Tessar clone

Between 1972 and 1973, Carl Zeiss could not supply enough Tessars to the new factory in Singapore. Rollei temporarily bought lenses from the renowned German manufacturer Schneider-Kreuznach. Optically, the S-Xenar is almost identical to the Tessar (4 lenses in 3 groups), but due to the smaller quantity (about 30,000), it is much more sought after by collectors.

Triotar 40mm f/3.5 — the entry-level lens

Three lenses, triplet construction. Simple, inexpensive, lightweight. Quite usable at smaller apertures (f/8 and below), noticeably softer wide open than Tessar and Sonnar. The Triotar was the budget option for Rollei’s entry-level models.

Installed in: B35/35B, C35, 35LED

 

 

Light meters and the battery problem

Three different light meter systems were used in the Rollei 35. Which system is installed affects everyday use more than the choice of lens.

CdS meter with needle display (35, 35T, 35S, Classic)

A cadmium sulfide sensor measures the light and moves a needle on top of the camera. You have to take the camera away from your eye to read the display — slowing down the process, but precise. The sensor is sensitive to the direction of light and can give incorrect readings in strong side light.

Problem: These models require a 1.35V mercury battery (PX625), which has been banned for over 20 years.

LED meter in the viewfinder (35TE, 35SE, 35LED)

Three LEDs in the viewfinder — red top (overexposed), green middle (correct), red bottom (underexposed). Faster and more intuitive than the needle display. You can measure without putting the camera down.

These models use a 5.6V PX27 battery — also mercury, also no longer available. Adapters exist.

Selenium meter (B35/35B)

Battery-independent — an advantage, but overshadowed by the aging of the selenium cell. After 40+ years, many selenium meters are sluggish or completely failed. If you find a B35 with a working selenium meter, you're lucky.

Solving the battery problem

The original mercury batteries (PX625 for CdS models, PX27 for LED models) are no longer available. Three alternatives are available:

Solution	Price	Voltage	Lifespan	Recommendation
Zinc-air hearing aid battery (type 675) + rubber ring	approx. 2 EUR	1.4V → 1.35V	Weeks–months	Cheapest solution, short-lived
WeinCell MRB625	approx. 8–12 EUR	1.35V	Weeks–months	Correct voltage, no adapter needed
MR-9 battery adapter + silver oxide battery	approx. 15–25 EUR	1.5V → 1.35V	Months–years	Best long-term solution — buy once
Alkaline PX625A / LR44 (1.5V direct)	approx. 2 EUR	1.5V	Months	NOT recommended — up to 2 stops deviation

 

 

Practice: Zone focusing, film tips, and common mistakes

The Rollei 35 has no rangefinder. No ground glass, no autofocus, no split-image indicator. Focus is set using a distance scale on the lens — called zone focusing.

Zone focusing with the Rollei 35

The principle: With smaller apertures (f/8, f/11, f/16), the depth of field is so large that exact focusing is not necessary — an approximate distance is enough.

1. Choose aperture: f/8 or smaller. The smaller the aperture, the larger the depth of field.
2. Estimate distance: 1–2 meters for portraits. 3–5 meters for street. Infinity for landscapes.
3. Use hyperfocal distance: At f/11 and focus at 5 meters, due to depth of field, everything from about 2.5 meters to infinity is sharp. If you fix the focus at 3 meters (typical for street photography), be aware that the distant background will be blurry.
4. Set beforehand: Set the focus ring before shooting, not only when releasing the shutter.

Film recommendations

The Rollei 35 works with any standard 35mm full-frame film. Some combinations are especially successful:

Film	ISO	Type	Works well for
Kodak Portra 400	400	Color negative	Portraits, soft light, skin tones
Kodak Gold 200	200	Color negative	Daylight, travel, budget all-rounder
Fuji Superia 400	400	Color negative	Street, travel, versatile
Ilford HP5+	400	B/W negative	High contrast scenes, push possible
Ilford FP4+	125	B/W negative	Fine-grain, landscape, good light
CineStill 800T	800	Color negative	Low light, night, artificial light

Typical mistakes when handling the Rollei 35

Other common mistakes:

• Battery death due to missing lens cap: Contrary to persistent internet myths, CdS models (Rollei 35, T, S, Classic) have NO switch on the lens. The light meter is permanently active. The battery is only preserved if the metering eye is in the dark (camera bag, lens cap, or battery saver). Only the LED models activate metering by tapping the shutter release.
  

  Battery saver cover for Rollei 35, 35 S & 35 T

  from EUR 24.95

  To the product
• Wrong battery voltage: 1.5V directly instead of 1.35V leads to systematic underexposure (about 1.5 to 2 stops too dark) — especially fatal with slide film, as underexposure results in black, unusable images.
• Finger in front of the metering window: The small design tempts you to cover the CdS sensor with your finger.
• Focus not set: With zone focusing, it’s easy to forget to adjust the distance when the subject distance changes.

 

 

Ergonomic quirks (The Rollei Quirks)

An honest practical buying guide must not hide the completely unconventional ergonomics of the Rollei 35. These quirks give the camera its charm but are also the most common reason for resale by frustrated beginners:

• Flash shoe on the bottom: When using a flash, the camera must be held upside down (with the flash housing facing down). Otherwise, the extended lens would cast "monster shadows" from below onto the subject’s face.
• Left-handed film advance: The cocking lever is on the left side of the body and operated with the left thumb — unlike almost all other cameras in the world.
• Frame counter on the bottom: To read the current film count, you have to turn the camera upside down.

Buying used — What you need to watch out for

A Rollei 35 is at least 44 years old. Some models are over 60. Mechanical cameras age — and the Rollei 35 has some known weak points.

Checklist before buying

Check point	What to check	Red flag
Shutter	Fire all speeds (B to 1/500). Listen for sounds.	Shutter blades stick open, slow speeds hang
Lens	Hold against light. Check lens groups.	Fungus (white threads), haze (milky veil), dust inside
Light meter	Compare with smartphone app (e.g. LightMeter).	Deviation > 1 stop, needle doesn’t move
Body	Check top and bottom for dents.	Severe dents that could block the mechanism
Film transport	Cock lever, release, check counter.	Grinding, blocking, counter doesn’t advance
Battery compartment	Open cover, check contacts.	Green/white corrosion (leaked battery)
Viewfinder	Look through, check for clarity.	Cloudy, dust, LED not working (on TE/SE)
Lens retraction mechanism	Extend and retract the lens.	Jams, doesn’t catch, wobbles

CLA — Clean, Lubricate, Adjust

For cameras of this age, a CLA (professional cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment) is almost always advisable. Costs between 80–150 EUR depending on the workshop. Some dealers sell CLA-serviced models with a warranty — this is the safest but also the most expensive way.

Where to buy?

• eBay (classifieds and auctions): Largest selection, but risk with uncontrolled sales.
• Specialized dealers: FilmFurbish (UK), Kamerastore (FI), Japan Camera Hunter — CLA and warranty included, surcharge 30–50%.
• Flea markets and camera fairs: Hands-on inspection possible, often fair prices.
• Reddit r/photomarket and Photrio: Community sales, often with honest condition descriptions.

 

 

Ausgeknipst accessories for the Rollei 35

We offer two battery adapters that solve the mercury battery problem of the Rollei 35 — one for the CdS models (PX625) and one for the LED models (PX27):

The battery adapter is the most cost-effective long-term solution for the PX625 problem — it reduces the voltage of a standard silver oxide battery to the correct 1.35V and fits all Rollei 35, 35T, 35S, and Classic models (not in 35TE/SE/LED, which use PX27).

 

 

Video tips

Two of the best video overviews of the Rollei 35 family:

TechHeritage shows seven Rollei 35 models in a hands-on comparison — including tips on battery replacement and film loading.

FABS IN THE WILD compares the entire Rollei 35 family — with a special focus on the 35 SE as a purchase recommendation.