Rollei 35 in chrome finish. Made in Germany, featuring a f3.5 Tessar lens. The distance markings on the helicoid show meters on the top and feet on the bottom. The Rollei 35 later underwent various changes and was transferred to production in Singapore, but the original German-made version offers a distinct feel in terms of texture and viewfinder clarity.
The gentle Tessar 40mm f3.5 lens provides a deep depth of field, making it a fun camera for estimation-based shooting. Its nostalgic rendering adds a unique charm, reminding you of the joys of shooting with film. Despite its compact size, its precision and substantial build appeal to camera enthusiasts.
There are some line-like scratches on the top cover and the side of the body, likely from being taken in and out of the leather case, but overall, it has a clean appearance. There are no dents on the corners of the body, which are often seen on Rollei 35s.
The shutter and winding mechanisms operate smoothly. The exposure meter has been checked with a Kanto Camera 1.35V conversion adapter, and it shows usable accuracy. Under strong LED light, there are tiny specks of dust in the middle element, but this does not affect actual shooting. There are no signs of haze or cleaning marks, and the glass is clear and pristine. The viewfinder is also clean, providing a clear view.
To retract the lens, first wind the film, then press the lock release button on the top cover while turning the lens counterclockwise to collapse it. This masterpiece, designed by the German genius Heinz Waaske, significantly influenced the development of compact cameras.
The camera comes with a Rollei original hand strap, case, and cap.