Rollei 35 RF

The Rollei 35 RF, an all manual, mechanical rangefinder camera in Leica M-mount with center-weighted meter. IT is made by Cosina for Rollei & is identical to the Voigtlander Bessa R2 (also made by Cosina) - except for the silver finish which makes it an ideal platform on which to mount silver or chrome lenses. Other than cosmetics, the functional differences are the framelines of 40/50/80 to match the Rollei lenses designed for this camera, a somewhat more grippable finish on the front of the camera body, & a more heavily knurled shutter speed dial. (The 80mm framelines also display the 40mm lines for comparsion, although there is also a separate uncluttered 40mm display.) The higher priced Rollei version of the R2 comes with a deluxe padded leather camera strap & a 2-year manufacturer's warranty - an upgrade over the 1-year store warranty which accompanies the R2 when purchased from Adorama or B&H. This camera has all of the back-to-basics rangefinder functionality & the bright viewfinder for which the Bessa R2 has become well known. Ergonomics are excellent as contols are well placed for ready access. LEDs in the viewfinder indicate in-focus, overexposure, or underexposure - making for easy metering in low light situations. All controls funtion smoothly. The die-cast, magnesium covered, aluminum body is sturdy & fits comfortably in the hand. Shutter speeds range from 1 sec. to 1/2000 and B. Flash synchs up to 1/125 sec. The selling point for this camera is the superb Zeiss designed lenses made for it. The 40mm f/2.8 Sonnar lens is packaged with the body in a kit that is the most cost effective way to purchase the camera ($1499 at Adorama). There is also an 80mm f/2.8 Planar lens while a 50mm f/1.8 Planar has been announced for 2005. The 40mm Sonnar is fantasticlly sharp edge to edge with a smooth & easy rendition of color. The lens is handsomely finished, all metal in conctruction, & of superior build. Both lenses are Leica screw mount with M-mount adapters included. Both have barrels built by Cosina & glass from Zeiss subsidiary Schott. Final assembly of the components is done at the Rollei plant in Germany where the glass is finished & then centered in the lens barrel.

1. Superb Carl Zeiss designed optics 2. M-mount also provides access to Leica, Voigtlander, & Konica lenses. 3. Bright viewfinder 4. Excellent ergonomics 5. Rollei backing for repairs & parts availability. 6. Deluxe finish makes it an ideal body for chrome & silver lenses.

This is a consumer grade body with some plastic internal parts - much like a Nikon FM3a. A professional-grade Leica build it is not. Nor is its shutter Leica-quiet. (However, it is nice to have shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec., one step up from Leica's fastest shutter speed, & flash synch up to 1/125 sec. instead of Leica's 1/50.) For the amateur who does not need Leica durability or features, the Rollei 35 RF provides another verion of the Bessa R2 - this one with Rollei warranty & parts support - as an all manual, mechanical alternative.

Canonet QL17 GIII Nikon FM3a

Not used.