Rollei 35 LED - To Purchase or Not To Purchase?

[ozphoto]

I have the opportunity to purchase one of these locally for what appears to be a good price. Anything I should be looking out for before parting with my $$?

Pretty sure the battery won't be operational, so testing the meter will be difficult, but I'm rather more concerned with the shutter speeds and apertures.

The only Rollei I had previously, was an SL66 - worked great except for the flash sync, which the store wasn't able to repair. I was impressed with it and when I saw this little one pop up, decided it would be a great way to return to Rollei.

Any tips and caveats welcome.

 

[ic-racer]

Realize it was made in Singapore, not Germany. It will have a Triotar lens, not a Sonnar. If it works, good. If it does not work it may not be worth repairing. I have one, but could never locate the service manual to adjust the meter (anyone have this?). The meter in mine is way off in its linearity, there are three potentiometers, as I recall. I only paid $20 for mine, so I'm happy with it for the price, but I'd prefer a German one with the Sonnar lens. Battery voltage may be an issue (5.6V required). Mine also leaks light from somewhere. I have black tape where the two pieces go together.

I have had no issues with the shutter, or aperture or focus on mine.

 

[Paul Howell]

Alternative is a Petri 35 Color, or Color EE, the EE is all auto, 40 2.8 Tessor lens, 4 elements in 3 groups, like the Rollei the lens is collapsible, scale focus, nice clear viewfinder, hot shoe, ASA 25 to 400 works with hearing aid battery. Need to be careful to remove the battery after use, the battery compartment is well sealed and lithium hearing aid batteries need oxygen to generate current. Unlike Petri SLRs, their rangefinders have a much better build. Not too common, but inexpensive. What I don't like, the battery compartment is inside the film compartment, meaning to change the battery you need a changing bag or rewind the film.

 

[Fixcinater]

I just went through and serviced a 35LED for a friend and have worked on the other models as well. The LED examples are not built to the same standard as the higher end models but as long as it is functional, it should continue to be functional for quite some time. I did not work on the meter as the user does not care for that feature. If the removable parts on the top plate don't show signs of scarring/not careful removable, it probably has not been opened up or if it has been serviced they were careful about it.

I would check:
-Shutter speed ring rotates smoothly, easy for grit to get inside here due to location and
-Lens is clean internally
-Lens lock works
-Aperture and shutter dial are smooth to adjust. Shutter dial moves some internal linkages so show signs sooner than the aperture which is simpler.
-Slowest speed before B is visibly different than the next one up. Should be, but that's probably the most likely first fault that they develop: gummed up slow shutter speed gears
-Focus is smooth. You can check focus is accurate by putting a piece of ground glass or even frosted masking tape on the shutter gate. Open the shutter on B, and check that infinity is indeed infinity. That should be enough to ensure accurate focus throughout the range unless somebody has really messed it up.

 

[ozphoto]

Thanks, guys - you've been really helpful!

ic-racer, if only they were selling for $20 here! There's another one currently for sale in Melbourne for $280 - but I think that's a tad overpriced.

Paul, I chose this little one simply because of its size; I have been toying with buying a rangefinder for the past 6 months, but a lot are too large for ease of use when I'm traveling for work (I already cart around several lbs of pro gear) and the Rollei models rather fitted the bill. I'm not overly concerned that it is made in Singapore, although if I could get a model made in Germany for an equally good price, I certainly wouldn't say no.

Great list there, Fixcinater - I'll be sure to check those points thoroughly.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Note: as far as I know, all the Rollei 35s with Sonnar lenses we're from the Singapore factory. They were rare 10 years ago, but recently, I have seen them regularly on ePrey. Beware of the corroded battery compartment. And beware of "excellent condition."

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Four LR44 might work to show at least if exposure meter is alive.
I had just 35 twice. One was made in Singapore another in Germany. No difference.

Rollei isn't rangefinder at all. It is scale focus only. For small RF and not so old here is AGFA Sensor, http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Agfa_Optima_1535_Electronic_Sensor

 

[ozphoto]

Note: as far as I know, all the Rollei 35s with Sonnar lenses we're from the Singapore factory. They were rare 10 years ago, but recently, I have seen them regularly on ePrey. Beware of the corroded battery compartment. And beware of "excellent condition."

Ah yes. The ultimate "excellent condition" - have bought gear in Japan that this could certainly apply to, but all too often this is bandied about for gear that wouldn't even pass the Keh "Ugly" grading!

Four LR44 might work to show at least if exposure meter is alive.
I had just 35 twice. One was made in Singapore another in Germany. No difference.

Rollei isn't rangefinder at all. It is scale focus only. For small RF and not so old here is AGFA Sensor, http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Agfa_Optima_1535_Electronic_Sensor

I've actually seen an adaptor for 4 LR44 batteries - could be the way to go. Thanks also for the vote of confidence for Singaporean models, and I do stand corrected on using the RF description. Posted here because this is where all the other Rollei 35 posts were - ooops.

 

[bernard_L]

Battery voltage may be an issue (5.6V required).

Battery voltage is not an issue. Not hearsay; I checked this on a Rollei35 T and 4xSR44 (fresh batteries: 4x1.6v = 6.4V instead of 4x1.35V=5.4V).
Special adapter not needed either. Just insert a rectangle of paper rolled into a tube inside the battery compartment to insulate from the metal wall, and drop four batteries: 4xLR44 (cheap) or 4xSR44 (more durable) in the proper orientation.

 

[ozphoto]

Battery voltage is not an issue. Not hearsay; I checked this on a Rollei35 T and 4xSR44 (fresh batteries: 4x1.6v = 6.4V instead of 4x1.35V=5.4V).
Special adapter not needed either. Just insert a rectangle of paper rolled into a tube inside the battery compartment to insulate from the metal wall, and drop four batteries: 4xLR44 (cheap) or 4xSR44 (more durable) in the proper orientation.

Thanks for the heads up on that, bernard_L!

 

[Paul Howell]

Thanks, guys - you've been really helpful!

ic-racer, if only they were selling for $20 here! There's another one currently for sale in Melbourne for $280 - but I think that's a tad overpriced.

Paul, I chose this little one simply because of its size; I have been toying with buying a rangefinder for the past 6 months, but a lot are too large for ease of use when I'm traveling for work (I already cart around several lbs of pro gear) and the Rollei models rather fitted the bill. I'm not overly concerned that it is made in Singapore, although if I could get a model made in Germany for an equally good price, I certainly wouldn't say no.

Great list there, Fixcinater - I'll be sure to check those points thoroughly.

The Petri Color and Color E are no larger than the Rollei 35, like the Rollei it is scale focus, the standard Color shows the chosen distance in the viewfinder as well as the exposure. Petri made very good lens, even the SLR lens are as good as any I have used. Check out Stephen Grady's Camera Quest site for additional details.

 

[Paul Howell]

Update, from Camera Quest.

Petri's Masterpiece: the Color 35 Family

Simply put, the 1968 Petri Color 35 is a design masterpiece. Elsewhere I complain about the Rollei 35's odd, hard to work design. The Petri Color 35 came two years later and is the camera that the Rollei 35 should have been. Where the Rollei 35 is odd and hard to work, the Petri Color 35 shines in originality and ease of use. Of course all of this is VERY odd, since saying a Petri had a much better design than a Rollei is something like saying Yugo had a much better design than Ferrari. I don't have a clue how the Color 35 design came to Petri, but I bet it's a fascinating story. According to the Collector's Guide of Japanese Cameras, the Petri Color 35 has the distinction being the first Japanese camera to have the distance scale and exposure scale in the viewfinder. Most Color 35's are chrome. The harder to find black enamel finish is more desirable.

The chrome version with black lettering is the most numerous Petri 35 in the US. Even though a small camera, the controls are large and easy to use, especially the film rewind lever. The chrome button to the right of the shutter and aperture dials is the battery check.

• Elegant Scale focusing full frame 35mm camera with match meter needle exposure
• Very small, compact all metal body
• Mechanical Shutter, works without batteries, 1/15th to 1/250th plus B
• Unlike the Rollei 35, all controls are conveniently located where you would expect
• Collapsible 40/2.8 Petri CC lens, 4 elements, 40.5 mm filter size
• Distance scale and meter needle IN the large and easy to see finder
• A unique design which cleverly places ten controls on camera's top edges
• Clever design with top mounted dials for focusing, aperture, and shutter speeds is fun to use
• Focusing, f/stops, shutter speed, lever advance, shutter release ALL easily operated from eye level
• Large and easy to use film advance lever and film rewind lever. The film advance lever is even in the right place, on the top right -- not the top left like the backward Rollei 35. Better yet, it's a short 130 degree advance.
• Top mounted hot shoe. I never thought I would made a big deal about something as ordinary as this, until I tried the Rollei 35's bottom mounted hot shoe
• PC flash connection as well as hot shoe
• ONE, yes one, strap lug: the small Color 35 was intended to hang from your neck or wrist strap.
• Match Needle CDS metering system, EV 7 to 17 at ASA 100
• CDS meter in filter ring, takes filter corrections into account
• Meter ASA settings 25-800, set by rotating ASA dial around lens barrel, strangely enough it rotates 360 degrees
• The Meter is designed for the Mercury 1.3 v Mallory RM675 or equivalent, but in practice the 1.5 v alkaline or silver 76 batteries have worked fine for me.
• Battery Switch: the meter is only on when the film is advanced, shutting off with each exposure
• Battery Check: set the shutter speed on B, the aperture on 22, advance the film, push the small battery check button located near the shutter and aperture dials. If the meter needle is in the circle or above the circle, the battery is good, if below the circle replace the battery.
• Camera back has tiny "feet" on each corner, to elevate camera base and keep it from scratching -- gee, that's a nice touch Leica, Nikon, or Canon could benefit from
• Threaded shutter cable release
• Tripod socket
• Removable back for very easy loading

Top Plate Design Award: 3 easy to grip dials control shutter speeds, f/stops and focus, focusing dial also collapses or extends lens, large easy to use film advance lever and film rewind lever, hot shoe, film counter on back edge near hot shoe, shutter release threaded for cable release. The small window on the back edge of the top plate, below the accessory shoe, is the film counter.
Was the elegant Petri Color 35 Petri's best ever design? Well, I guess that depends upon who you talk to, but in my eyes, it wins hands down. If you like "different" cameras with noteworthy features, this little Petri may become a favorite of yours too.



Petri Color 35 Rollei 35
Advance lever Top Right Top Left
Shutter Speeds Dial on top, easy to operate at eye level Dial on front, can not operate at eye level
F/Stops Dial on top, easy to operate at eye level Dial on front, can not operate at eye level
Meter Match Needle readout IN finder Match Needle on top, can not operate at eye level
Meter Cell CDS next to lens, automatic filter compensation, inoperative meter will remind you to remove lens cap CDS cell on body, no automatic filter compensation
Battery Easily available silver D76 bad boy Mercury 625
Meter Switch Meter switches on with film advance, off with shutter release no meter switch
Distance Scale IN finder, easy to see at eyelevel On lens, can not see at eye level
Focus Dial On top, easy to operate at eye level On lens, can not operate at eye level
Hot Shoe On Top, easy to use On Bottom, hard to use. You have a choice of shadows in the wrong place, or getting used to using the camera upside down with flash.
PC connection Yes NO
Rewind Lever On Top, easy to operate On Bottom, not so easy
Film Counter Easy to See at back of Camera Oddly placed on camera bottom
Lens 40/2.8 Petri, no other lens choices, a sharp lens, but not as good as the Rollei Sonnar or Tessar, collapses halfway into body 40/2.8 Sonnar, 40/3.5 Tessar, 40/3.5 Triotar in various models. Lens quality edge goes to Rollei with the Sonnar and Tessar, probably not on the Triotar. . Collapses almost completely into body.
Shutter

simple leaf shutter 1/15th to 1/250th, no slow speeds 1 second to 1/500th. Rollei did a great engineering job getting a full shutter speed range in a camera this size
Construction Quality

Typical high quality of a well made medium priced Japanese compact 35 of the late 60's

Legendary quality that the Rollei 35 is famous for, the best mechanical fit, finish, and precision in any compact 35

List Price 1972

$89.95 $195.50
Ease of Use

Extremely well designed and easy to use, given the confines of late 1960's mechanical technology. All shooting controls -- focus, advance, shutter release, shutter speeds, and f/stops can be operated at eyelevel by right hand. Perhaps the most amazing thing is it's a Petri -- not a Rollei, not a Leica, not a Nikon.

A strong candidate for the "worst" ergonomic 35mm camera design ever. Most controls are in the wrong place, translating to a slow working camera which is hard to get used to, but gives great results due to their great Zeiss lenses.

Petri Color 35 and Rollei 35: the ignored better designed camera, and the famous badly designed camera with the great lens.



SIZE Petri Color 35 Rollei 35S
Weight, with battery, no film 14 oz 12 oz
Length body 4 1/16" 3 13/16th"
Height Body Casing 2 9/16" 2 10/16"
Height Body including dials etc 2 5/8" 2 3/4"
Width Lens Collapsed 1 19/32" 1 7/8"
Overall the Petri is slightly larger and 2 oz heavier, with LOTS more features

 

[Steve@f8]

I have one of these, the 35LED model, and purchased a battery converter from a the 'small battery company' which converts 4 SR44's to the correct voltage by way of a pin diode. Unfortunately the light meter is defunct, and I'm thinking it's not worth the cost of repair, if indeed possible.

 

[ic-racer]

Realize the 35LED model is different than all the other Rollei 35 models because if its unique LED feature with no galvometer. You might think 'this is the one to get; all solid state and no moving parts.' However, as I am not the only one to realize, the solid-state LED feature is frequently faulty! Galvometers can last for decades and decades if cared for.

 

[ozphoto]

You're all giving me food for thought!! Thanks for all the input - I'm taking it on board and waiting to hear back from the seller so that I can have a look at it.

 

[ozphoto]

**Update**

I finally got the chance to inspect the camera, but sadly, it wasn't operational. It only fired intermittently, the shutter wouldn't close after some exposures and the film winder made an awful crunching sound as you wound on the film. On the plus side, there was no corrosion in the battery area.

As it had been advertised for several weeks at $60, so offered $20; I wasn't bothered if I didn't get it, just hoping it could be repaired if I did. They agreed when I began making my way back to my car - guess they figured $20 was better than $0.

Sent the camera off to a camera repairer in Sydney and $90 later, I now have a fully operational camera, parts, labour and a brand new battery included. Now just need to find a front lens cap, a UV and a Red filter - think I may need to get a step-up ring as these filters seem to be *very* light on the ground.

Looking forward to putting it through its paces over the weekend!

 

[Molli]

Congratulations on your new friend there I hope he repays your investment tenfold! It's always good to have a little sidekick on hand when lugging around a tonne of gear gets just plain tiresome!

 

[ozphoto]

Congratulations on your new friend there I hope he repays your investment tenfold! It's always good to have a little sidekick on hand when lugging around a tonne of gear gets just plain tiresome!

So true, Molli - this little guy is going to let me shoot film on quick jaunts when I need to zone out from the big guy. (He'll weigh a lot less too. )

 

[Ko.Fe.]

With my respect to RFF bartender, it is total BS about Rollei vs Petri. And he likes M5 after all .