Rollei 35 Rangefinders
Rollei 35 Rangefinders
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[Aug 05, 2000]
György Hegedüs
Expert
Strength:
Small, full manual, lots of metal parts, even inside, great lens, filter capability, extremly exact light meter, flash synchron with every time settings, good positioned clear viewfinder, extremly silent. (and really nice looking)
Weakness:
Unuseable on close ranges with large aperture values, hard to find a filter for the Tessar versions, not easy, and fast to use the built in light meter. Not so compact, when the lens is open. Fixed wide angle lens. I have got a Rollei 35T model, from 1978-80. Few years ago, I tried out a Leica M6. Everybody told me how silent is the M6. I can tell them now, that the Rollei has got less noise level, than the M6. (But, ok, they are two different categories, do not foget.) But the lens quality is almost the same, like on the Leicas. I tried to compare with two rolls of Velvia, with my Canon EF50/1.8, what I really like. At 5.6, the Rollei gave better sharpness, than the EF, but the EF won in the contrast, and color rendition (probably the Sonnar version is far better). I used a Gossen Lunasix for the metering. The light meter is closer to the Gossen, than the metering of the EOS. I use this great camera for backup, or for candid shots, street photography, and on my mountain trips too. I have bought it used for 60 US$. If the only possible lens (Tessar or Sonnar 40mm) is enough, a great choice. Today's Rollei Classic models are too expensive! But for a true "pro pocket camera"? Maybe not so much... Not recommended those, who would like just push the button :) Same style in photography, like the M6, but here is less comfort. Customer Service where? as I know, we can not find any here in Hungary :-( Similar Products Used: Some true P&S, like Yashica T4, or Konica Big Mini |
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[Aug 28, 2000]
Mike McIsaac
Intermediate
Strength:
This is the finest compact mechanical camera ever made, period.
Weakness:
Discontinued, darnit! I love this camera and have owned mine for over 20 years. Many of my best photos have been taken with it. I have never had a problem with it. Works well in Winter cold (and in Alaska we know what cold is!). Mine has the Zeiss Tessar 40mm F3.5. This is the sharpest lens I have ever used on any camera. The color saturation and contrast must be seen to be appreciated. The Synchro-Compur leaf blade shutter provides a perfect 6-pointed star when shooting directly into the sun which is a nice effect. Works very well with the Rollei dedicated flash (Model 128BC) for indoor work. Whisper quiet operation. Solid as can be. A friend of mine carried his to the top of Mt. McKinley. You should see the photos HE brought back! I would say I'll be buried with mine but that would be such a waste. I'll pass it on... Customer Service Never needed. Similar Products Used: Nikon, Pentax, Olympus P&S. |
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[Nov 10, 2000]
Gary Cheung
Intermediate
Strength:
Classic, compact, solid build, great Sonnar Lens
Weakness:
lens cap not tight enough, I lost it!;metering not accurate enough; just like other rangefinder, the focusing is simply a guess, no problem in landscape photo, but in the cases like close range, low light condition, the subject may not be sharp enough i love this little camera, it's classic and give you satisfactory result. I think it is a must buy item in photography. Similar Products Used: None |
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[Nov 20, 2000]
John Magel
Expert
Strength:
The lens.
Weakness:
Clunky flash, dedicated or aftermarket, but see below. For a small, unobstrusive camera the Rollei 35 is paramount. The 35 S (Singapore) has a 2.8 lens, and the German models a 3.5, so judge for youself. Those of German mfg. have greater collector value. the Singapore's are less expensive. Both frequently appear on EBay. The price is around $300 for a mint camera, a bit more for the German models. On a recent trip to Europe I carried several cameras, the Rollei, a lieca P&S, and a similar Contax. My all time favorite was the Rollei, perhaps for its clunkyness - I admit. But the ability to set the camera for existing conditions, and leave them as set, was a definate plus. Moreover, one can obtain filters for both the 24mm verson and the 30.5 version (German and Singapore respectively) is a definate plus. The Leica Minilux, fixed or zoom, accept no filters, nor does the Contax T2. While theContax TVS II accepts 30.5 filters its unreliability disqualify it from consideration. If anyone disagrees with my assessment of the C TVSII, I would be glad to sell my camera to him or her at a decent price. Finally, forged about the anticquated meters on the Rollei's. Voitlander has a new, top mounted, meter which work better than good on my old Leicas. No reason not to use them with the Rollei 35. I hope to have furthered regeneration of interest in this superlative camera. Customer Service Unknown Similar Products Used: There are no similar products on today's market. Perhaps the Minox SE qualifies, but not quite. Also, the pre M6 Leica cameras compare in lens and mechanical quality, and the absense of integrated meter. |
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[Nov 26, 2000]
Kent
Beginner
Strength:
intricate parts
Weakness:
metering is funny Previously, I have taken some very detailed shots withthis camera, but the last time I used it- using print film and using the sunny 16 rule, I got only 'good', not great results. The Sonnar has more resolution than the Tessar, but less contrast. I would say that the Sonnar does better with shadows and has more smooth color gradations. A fine camera of fantasstic build quality- everything is mechanical in a small brick size. I love it, but am realistic. 4 stars for value because it is expensive, but a tremendous price if you had to buy a new one today. Overall, it is extremely usable, but not practical. The Rollei HFT coating reduces flare very, very well. I wish I could put it on all my slr lenses. Similar Products Used: None |
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[Nov 26, 2000]
Jeremy Trilling
Intermediate
Strength:
Fully manual, compact, top quality lens. Not very heavy. Durable.
Weakness:
No reference for focusing. Top of camera dents easily. An excellent manual camera, great for travel. A small camera that produces excellent image quality. Customer Service N/A Similar Products Used: Pentax MX (SLR), |
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[Dec 25, 2000]
David Dailey
Expert
Strength:
Zeiss lenses. The 2.8 Sonnar with HFT coating. The 3.5 Tessar for low cost on the used market, yet high optical quality. Small size, all manual controls. DOF markings on lens.
Weakness:
Simple light meter, guess-distance focus settings. Need for C.R.I.S. Services battery modifier- or the meter will be off with todays modern batteries. Awkward loading, flash fits on the bottom of the camera body. This is NOT the best camera made, and the S model designation does NOT indicate it is made in Singapore! Several of these other reviews are illiterate/bogus/just wrong. Egads! Use your spell checker, and document your facts before you spout out! Customer Service Excellent at Phototronics/Seattle. Similar Products Used: Minox ML, GTE. Contax: T, T2, TVSII, TVSIII. Nikon 35Ti, 28Ti. Leicas:Minilux, Minilux Zoom, Z2X. Yashica T-4. Olympus Stylus. |
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[Jan 23, 2001]
Philip Forrest
Intermediate
Strength:
Compact, lens, metering, non-obtrusive, bright viewfinder, lens, did I mention the lens?
Weakness:
VERY hard to find a good filter selection, no rangefinder, meter won't activate until shutter knob is depressed & a photo taken I walked into a friend's antique store while home on leave one summer (I'm in the US Navy). I saw the name & had to snatch it up. He sold it to me for $35, my best camera purchase yet I think. I've owned a BUNCH including a handful of 35mm SLR's and this one always seems to have the biggest place in my heart. I used the sunny 16 rule until I could find a button battery adaptor at a hole in the wall camera store and since, the meter has been spot on. I've spent a few thousand on mid & higher level SLR's and this camera always shoots the best photos. The lens is SO FINE, but such is Zeiss quality. It has the amazing capability of taking great candid photos. Crowded buses, subways, streets... the "candid" factor of the camera is my favorite feature besides the lens. Many people get timid when you point a "professional" level camera at them because if their intimidation of some sorts. No one thinks that the little Rollei IS a pro level camera and so it tends to get a more relaxed, candid feel in the photos. It is as silent as clicking a pen which is great too. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up... Customer Service Haven't needed to use it, hopefully I won't need to... Similar Products Used: Leica M4, Voigtlander Bessa Vito C, Voigtlander Bessa L |
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[Feb 06, 2001]
John Lind
Expert
Strength:
Superb world-class f/2.8 lens
Weakness:
Body caps ding easily. The Rollei 35S is a _ manual_ camera with a built-in match-needle light meter coupled to the aperture and shutter speed controls. If it had a rangefinder it would be a professional grade camera (scale focused by estimating distance and dialing it in on the focusing ring). Bought about 20 years ago, it simply will not quit. The Sonnar lens on the 35S was designed by Carl Zeiss. It is stunning and unmatched by any other camera in its class. If you're looking for an automated P&S, this is probably not for you. If you're an advanced photographer who finds automated P&S's too constraining with lenses that are too slow, this may be just what you're looking for . . . one of the finest _manual_ versions of a super compact P&S ever made. I keep one tucked into the camera bag with the 35mm and medium format SLR systems. It's used when I would rather be shooting a small P&S versus a larger and heavier SLR. Customer Service Never needed it! Similar Products Used: Olympus XA-2 |
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[Feb 13, 2001]
Bob Todrick
Expert
Strength:
Lens (when you remember to focus)
Weakness:
Lens (when you forget to focus) I really wanted to like this camera but got rid of it. I wanted a camera that I could take anywhere because of its small size. But too many times I would grab a shot and remember afterwords that one has to focus the thing. Finally settled on a Hexar, which, though bigger, has lens quality to match the Rollei plus images are usually in focus. Customer Service Spotty Similar Products Used: Olympus XA |