5 Reasons This Weird Camera Is Fantastic

Digital cameras have been around for just a moment compared to the long history of film photography, and that means within those many decades are some truly interesting and unique cameras. One of the weirdest and most beloved among those is the Rollei 35, and this great video takes a look at five reasons why it was such a fun and interesting camera. 

Coming to you from Mattias Burling, this neat video takes a look at the Rollei 35. The Rollei 35 series had within it some of the most popular cameras ever produced, with over two million units being made. First announced at Photokina 1966, it was the smallest 135 camera ever made at the time of its introduction. Available in several models with different built-in 40mm lenses, the Rollei 35 was a true zone focusing camera (neither rangefinder nor SLR). The lens retracted into the body for greater portability, and the hot shoe was located on the bottom, meaning flashes mounted upside-down. The SE and TE models featured an impressively accurate in-viewfinder LED metering system, and loading film required removing the entire back of the body. If it sounds like a design nightmare, believe me, it all works somehow; in fact, it is my favorite film camera to shoot with. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Burling. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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2 Comments

Hmmmm....I really should start watching more Youtube.

Picked up a 35t in 1979 and used it mostly for rock climbing and mountaineering pix. Then became the family camera and then a travel camera. Really bombproof and amazingly portable even to this day.