Rollei 35 S identification?? has 3.5 S-Xenar

fLexDiamond · Nov 17, 2020

Hello,
I was wondering if someone knowledgeable about Rollei 35’s might be able to help figure out what camera I have. It is a black Rollei 35 S but the lens is a Schneider Kreuznach S-Xenar 3.5/40. Made in Singapore. I can’t see a serial number anywhere.
I was under the impression that the “S” stood for Sonnar, which are the 2.8/40 lenses. Anyone know what’s up with this camera? Did someone maybe give it a paint job over the serial number or did some surgery to replace the lens? That’s the best explanation I can come up with. Any help would be appreciated!

Donald Qualls · Nov 17, 2020

What I recall is that the S stood for "Silicon" -- as in a silicon blue photocell in the meter -- and that the 35S, like earlier models, was sold with more than one lens choice.

BobD · Nov 17, 2020

It may be a regular "35" with the top cover replaced from a "35 S".

fLexDiamond · Nov 17, 2020

Donald Qualls said:
What I recall is that the S stood for "Silicon" -- as in a silicon blue photocell in the meter -- and that the 35S, like earlier models, was sold with more than one lens choice.

Interesting, I thought S just stood for Sonnar, but maybe I’m wrong. Thanks for your reply.

fLexDiamond · Nov 17, 2020

BobD said:
It may be a regular "35" with the top cover replaced from a "35 S".

True could be that.

Arvee · Nov 17, 2020

BobD said:
It may be a regular "35" with the top cover replaced from a "35 S".

Sure looks like a 'top cover swap.' Check ebay for Rollei 35 S-Xenar and the top covers all have no 'S.'

beemermark · Nov 17, 2020

Rollei 35 S (and only the 35 S) had the Sonnar 40/2.8 lens. I'm with the other opinions on a top cover swap. The top covers dent very easily without actually damaging the workings. Someone had a non-working 35 S and swapped the top cover with a dented up 35 (or 35 T identical).

Rollei 35 S identification?? has 3.5 S-Xenar

fLexDiamond

Donald Qualls

BobD

fLexDiamond

fLexDiamond

Arvee

beemermark

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency