Rollei 35 Camera Manual: Take a Photo, Load Film, Use a Flash, Battery Options, Changing the Battery

[@lloydvprice]

Probably the most useful and comprehensive video on the Rollei 35 I’ve found. You answered some questions that nothing else I’ve found had answered and you were clear and concise. Thank you so much for sharing, I now feel confident to go out with my recently purchased Rollei 35S and start shooting. 🙏

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! :D

[@jsollowsphotography]

As someone who has owned and used one since buying it new … you missed an option for the flash. You simply hold the camera upside down which puts the flash on top. It seems odd at first but when you hold the camera in this manner the shutter button sits under your thumb. Easy peasy!

[@DavidHancock]

LOL, I never thought of that. What a great point. Thank you, Jim!

[@Bignewshound60]

Raleigh is in North Carolina. Ro-le (pronounced) made amazing cameras. Apart from that this is a fantastic post. So informative and easy to follow. Thank you. In fact all your videos are great.

[@DavidHancock]

@@Bignewshound60 thank you!

[@goneysangullies]

Thanks for explaining using battery adaptors. Never heard this vital information before and I desperately needed to know this.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@joseerazevedo]

Love them so much I've got three of it - 1 35 and 2 35S. Both lenses are amazing and I find interesting how similat the experience of using them is with the Rolleiflex - regarding the use of shutter speed and aperture dials. At firs the controls seem a bit weird, but with use they become very natural. A joy to use and a camera you carry around and produces images that are really top quality. My best!

[@davidottman9501]

Great work, David! I picked up one of these about a year ago. Haven't shot it much but it's fantastic! 40 mm is my favorite one-and-only walk around view. And that lens is excellently sharp with true, vibrant colors. That light meter seems very basic but it reliably nails exposures. You can prolong the life of the light meter by storing the camera in a dark place, or cover the meter. The history of this camera's development is also fascinating and inspirational. The links where I found said history don't seem to be working anymore but let me know if you're interested. For pronunciation, "roll-EYE" is closer but if you want to get technical, make the "R" sound in the back of your throat, like a light dog growl.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I agree completely that this camera's lens is simply fantastic.

[@1Man1Bike93]

Top notch and in depth video, thank you for your contribution!!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@touchdafishy]

Very detailed and informative for a beginner like me, thank you so much for the video. I recently just purchased a Rollei 35S after having it on my wishlist for a long while, just love how compact the design is. can't wait to play with it.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and very nice!

[@cstpa1]

my mind is totally blown with that last part about zone focusing. its all im hearing lately but now i know what it is. i just got a rollei 35s. thanks

[@chrissoclone]

I got one from my late dad and as much as I want to treasure it, I hate using it. :) This darn thing is so fiddly and everything's on the wrong side, even if I wanted to shoot a tree it would've walked away before I have my settings done... I think I just ran one film through it, but I must say when I had all the time in the world the lens is pretty fantastic. I just don't have the time for it. :)

[@esedate]

Very thankful for this video! I'm just getting into film photography for the first time and this is one of the cameras I was loaned, so I'm grateful to learn how to use it!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and fantastic first camera!

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

Super explanations - very much appreciate the time you put into the video. It was extremely helpful.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@walnawk]

Thank you for the tutor. I got mine today. Your video save me a lot of head scratching.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@walnawk]

Question for you. Reading the meter with the needles, I can never get a precise read, the white needle has life on its own. What is your experience? I am comfortable with sunny 16. I can totally see why they changed to LEDs on later versions.

[@DavidHancock]

@@walnawk Assuming that you're not wildly swinging the camera around I'm a room that's half arc lights and half the void, most likely it's a loose wire, second-most likely it's a failing meter cell. You can also try cleaning the battery chamber with rubbing alcohol to ensure it's not just a dirty contact, too, but that usually manifests as no meter response at all.

[@walnawk]

@@DavidHancock Judging by watching other videos, I think my meter is just plain fried. Even if the meter fully functions as it should, it still is older tech and not too precise. Sunny 16 here I go..

[@pecanamagica]

Thank you so much! Just received my father’s camera today (it traveled from Peru to Japan) and was really needing this :)

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! These are awesome to shoot with, too.

[@pecanamagica]

@@DavidHancock just tried today and after 22 years without being used feels so smooth! Thank you so much for sharing knowledge :)

[@fiorellabarbieri]

Thank you! I initially thought it didn’t have the battery cover & this video definitely help me learn more about this camera. Great content.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@ivanbarrientos7106]

Excelent helpful video. The best one I have found regarding this special camera. I feel much more confident using my 35 T after watching this didactic presentation. Thanks !

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@ghw7192]

I have been owning and using Rollei 35s since they were introduced in the late 60s and still have black 35S and two of the chrome originals, all made in Germany.. I also have a made in Singapore S model in need of repair. The only real difference I have found between the German and Singapore cameras is that the Asian version has a polycarbonate back instead of metal and it is prone to flex when a flash is attached, causing it to not fire. I simply hold my cameras upside down when using a flash. Another excellent review, David!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! I didn't even know about that difference!

[@MacMarty]

Just got a Rollei 35 for Christmas and this video was very helpfull. Something you didn't mention in particular, that took a minute for me to figure out: to be able to retract/collapse the lense after shutter release, you need to wind it / advance the film, before pushing the lense collapse button. That wasn't obvious to me but maybe that's just me... And since you mentioned it and i'm German: the German pronunciation is more like "Rolleye". Thanks and all the best =)

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@cathrynm]

Haha, yeah, I've been monkeying with mine and I got confused by the same thing. I thought it was stuck for a bit, but I think it's working. I just need to order one of those battery adapters.

[@tommymonolo]

Absolutely fantastic thank you so much Tom.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you, Tom!

[@kiwiandhunter1850]

Very useful video! Thanks David

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@avcle]

Thank you for a great video! I own both a German Rollei 35 and a 35 S, though I prefer the results from the Tessar on the 35. It’s one of my favorite cameras in my collection.

[@DavidHancock]

Nice and thank you!

[@jdebultra]

Very cool. What a tiny camera.

[@wardduffield489]

Hello, thank you for the great information video on the Rollei 35. I have a question about my Rollei 35 S; it's an example made in Singapore, and everything appears completely intact except the shutter button will not release. is there any common cause for this? Hopefully, I will not have to disassemble anything!

[@DavidHancock]

@@wardduffield489 thank your and if you followed all the steps shown in this video to use it and it still won't work, check with the Rollei camera forums. Be sure that you advance the film lever, if you haven't, as that arms the shutter.

[@thebigcrouton]

So helpful, thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@andrewthomasblanc1307]

Thank you for such an in depth tutorial 😊 I was wondering for the flash, can’t just one hold it upside down and release the shutter from beneath?

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and I suppose that would work.

[@maneshsandhu3699]

Amazing video and really useful for me as I get started with mine! Question: where did you get the brass adaptor? Trying to find them online but not successful

[@DavidHancock]

@@maneshsandhu3699 thank you! Here are affiliate links to both the adapter and the 675 batteries. amzn.to/3OxKY3m amzn.to/41cIPBB

[@stefan_becker]

Thanks for the great video 😊🙏 I have chosen not to use the built in metering. Instead I use an ambient light meter that delivers more reliable results anyway.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and good choice!

[@vizzybabyy]

Awesome! Thanks

[@MsElleBee]

Nice! I've been waiting for you to do a video on this camera! by the way, I picked up a rather snazzy 3d-printed lightmeter cover for these on etsy (or you could probably make your own) which makes it look like it was something that was actually on the original camera to begin with. I have the 35s and its a fantastic little camera!

[@DavidHancock]

Nice! That would be really helpful.

[@zxc76v]

Very informative video, i was recently passed down a rollei 35, realizing the potential of this camera i found myself looking to start shooting film which is something completely new for me. As for the light meter i got a PX625 battery but is there anything i need to know while using that battery for setting the ISO? Thanks for the informative and well produced vid!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! For that battery, I have a section on battery options in this video and it discusses how to adjust the ISO (ASA) dial on the camera to compensate for the voltage difference in modern batteries. For your next battery, a simple brass adapter and a 675 battery will provide proper voltage and last a long time, too.

[@zxc76v]

@@DavidHancock thank you, really appreciate the response as im completely new to this stuff. You seem to be very knowledgeable about this stuff! Have a great new year!

[@Sergey_Sergeev]

Great! Thanks!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@googoo-b3m]

Hi David, thanks for the great video, super helpful! I was wondering in the focus zone example where you use F16 and infinity focus, why you align the infinity marker with F16 instead of the triangle in the middle? Thank you!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you and good question. The technique you're asking about is called hyperfocal distance. (I have an entire video on that subject which explains it in more detail.) Basically, focusing scales align with the aperture numbers. Setting the aperture to f/16, for example, gives a deep depth of focus that aligns to the distances on the distance scale that are between the two 16 markets on the lens. With f/16, along focus to have infinity at the triangle instead of the far 16 mark works sacrifice some up-close focus,

[@googoo-b3m]

@@DavidHancock Thank you very much David!

[@nicholo1]

Thank you for the video ! Is there a reason that you omit mentioning the Wein cell 1.35V batteries as an option ? I am thinking of using that instead of the adaptor..

[@DavidHancock]

@@nicholo1 thank your and yes. The Wein Cell batteries are a bit more expensive than the other options and when I've tried them they die very quickly, about 90 days, after the covering is removed.

[@nicholo1]

@@DavidHancock Thank you so much, I had wondered about that. So just to be clear, you recommend the MR-9/SR44 adaptor and an SR44 battery? I have read the silver of the SR is more stable during the lifespan of the battery than an LR---or do you find LR44 is a better option ?

[@DavidHancock]

@@nicholo1 For the 357-type writ large, six one way half dozen the other. I've found that brand is more important and specifically a good brand like Duracell or Energizer will be the best option.

[@nicholo1]

@@DavidHancock Thank you so much ! This is so very helpful. I want to use my built-in meter as properly and often as I can.

[@erichstocker8358]

Can use a weincell battery that is also 1.35v and the correct shape for PX625. These can be easily purchased on line.

[@DavidHancock]

They can. I don't recommend them because they're the most expensive option and once they are out of the package they have a short lifespan.

[@erichstocker4173]

@@DavidHancock Yes in comparison to the LR44 -PX625 voltage adapter. However, they last pretty long in my Leica MR meter and one can buy several for the price of a voltage adapter.

[@dodahlberg]

I use the Wein Cell 1.35V Replacement battery. No adaptor needed.

[@DavidHancock]

Hope long do those last in these?

[@dodahlberg]

@@DavidHancock Weird. I answered this earlier and the reply is gone. I said: About a year in a camera that turns off; the Rollei35 doesn't turn off so I take the battery out when I'm not using it. At one time, I used this camera a lot but haven't in a while. I'll shoot a roll with it about once a year.

[@lilianneschneider7571]

Hi David, could you please provide me with the information about the battery where to find the battery holder, Or other options Thanks, Lili

[@DavidHancock]

Hi, Lili, is there something that I missed in that section of the video?

[@lilianneschneider7571]

No, you didn’t miss anything the video was amazing, but I think I’m gonna will have to watch it again to get the information on the battery part. I thought I was going to find some notes or links to buy what I need. No worries thank you again I love your tutorials.

[@basnoordermeer4249]

The difference between the Singapore and German made models is the magnification of the viewfinder: the German made camera's have a very noticable higher magnification so the image you see looking through the viewfinder is larger. Also colours look more neutral compared to the orange tinted Singapore models.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@michaelcase8574]

It is very difficult to find one without at least one small dent. The single side cord makes it dangle and very easy to hit against something. It seldom any damage other than the small dent.

[@Juanitoooooooooooooooooo]

hello Is the battery necessary for taking pictures or it is only useful for the lightmeter? thank you

[@DavidHancock]

IIRC, the battery only powers the light meter and the camera is fully mechanical.

[@thejsmith]

I have a 625a battery in my camera. You mentioned that everything would be underexposed by 2 stops. Does that mean I need to click down my ASA two clicks lower from the selected ISO of the film?

[@DavidHancock]

Most likely, but the 625A batteries change voltage with use, so check the meter reading and ASA setting versus the Sunny 16 rule every so often to make sure the ASA dial is still set correctly. As the battery dies, the meter reading ought to get a bit closer to accurate before the battery fully fails.

[@j.o.3314]

Can you Tell me wich settings should i use for take a picture with a flash? I got one but don't know how use IT to get a good resulut

[@DavidHancock]

The best advice I can give on this camera for clash use is at the 14:40 mark of this video.

[@CREAUTOS]

hello from Peru, What is the parameter? setting to use Rollei35 camera with the film Infrared ISO400 ...shutter. focus distance. etc etc.

[@DavidHancock]

IR film is a bit of a beast unto itself. Most lenses have an IR indicator on them because IR light focuses at a different point than visible light. I do not recall if this lens does or not. You would also need a visible light cut filter -- something like an IR 720 or so -- and then you'd need to know from the manufacturer's film info what the IR-only film ISO is and then calculate your exposure from that.

[@matteogiardiello5613]

Hi David, thank you for the video! Where I can find the hot shoe adapter that I can attack at the bottom of the camera? I own a 121BC and a 134REB!

[@DavidHancock]

Oh boy, I think your best bet is eBay, but I don't know how often those come up for sale.

[@matteogiardiello5613]

@@DavidHancock yeah but I don’t know how to search it…

[@matteogiardiello5613]

@@DavidHancock cause I’ve bought an adapter but it’s for the flash and not for the camera

[@DavidHancock]

@@matteogiardiello5613 I'm not entirely sure what you'd look for. It might be worth starting with a broad search term, such as "Rollei 35 Flash" and seeing what turns up. Then you may be able to refine your search based on those results.

[@ericpalmer3588]

How do you set the exposure if you’re using a flash? Does the flash tell you how to set it?

[@DavidHancock]

You'll need a manual flash and you'll have to know the guide number (which will change based on your film speed), aperture, and subject distance and then calculate the manual flash setting from there. It's a bit of work, but isn't too hard with some practice.

[@ericpalmer3588]

@@DavidHancock ok I have rollei one. It has a spinning wheel you set the iso on and it shows you corresponding numbers

[@DGworksIvan]

tried cleaning my rollei 35 and fixed the slow shutter and winder lever not properly align. HOWEVER, i'm dumb enough for not making marks on the lens, so i lost the proper position of it. I tried using B mode and acrylic glass for projecting the image, however 0.9m setting got focus on 0.8-0.9m, 1m setting got focus on 0.9m 1.2 setting got focus on 1m 1.5 focus got focus on 1.2m ..... and 6m focus on 3m however the infinity actually works, and the lens cannot turn tighter anymore. i did make sure the lens are install properly and insert all the shims between the lens assembly and the body. that makes me wonder if the camera itself is not properly align from the factory LOL yeah i know with small enough aperture the won't matters that much, however still curious about it.

[@DavidHancock]

To verify focus, grab some frosted Scotc (or similar brand) tape and tape it over the image area. Then use bulb mode and focus the lens. The image should focus properly on the tape.

[@DGworksIvan]

@@DavidHancock yeah what I'm using is kinda similar It's acrylic with one clear and one matte side, the image projected properly on it However the focus range just not accurate to the markings

[@lensarticulate]

I read somewhere that for some fully mechanical vintage cameras it’s not good for the shutter mechanism to change the speed after already having cocked the shutter. So say that you cocked the shutter at 1/60th of a second, but the lighting situation changed and you want to bump the shutter speed up to 1/250th, doing so could damage those components. Is that true for the 35s?

[@DavidHancock]

I don't recall specifically with this camera, but in general with leaf shutters I advise against it. Modern film is pretty forgiving, so a slight change in light ought to be within the film's tolerance.

[@edwintan73]

which model do u recommend ? 35 /35s /35SE?

[@DavidHancock]

I've only used the model in this video, so I probably can't provide the next option on that.

[@DixonLu]

Hi David, would you be kind enough to provide a link to battery adapters that you have found to work? Seen many but not sure which ones work.

[@DavidHancock]

I can: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=px625+brass+adapter&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=lr44+brass+adapter&_osacat=0 The ones I bought aren't made any more (they came from a guy in Germany and he stopped making them when he couldn't price compete any more.) I'm also pretty shocked that these, which used to be two for $5, are now $22 each. I wish I'd stockpiled some of these to sell.

[@DixonLu]

@@DavidHancock Thx. Yikes on the price. Also, on the issue of flash, can this camera be shot upside down (with the shutter button on the bottom)?

[@rac1891]

Double exposure is impossible? Damn, I found your video looking for a way to double expose with this camera 😅 I very much appreciate your video!

[@DavidHancock]

The only workaround would be to run the film through twice, but that's going to be an unpredictable type of double exposure.

[@danc2014]

The 2 old technique was to tighten the rewind reel to remove all slack, note the position of the crank arm, wind the film next frame note how much the arm moves.Then activate the rewind lever and rewind back to the initial arm position then disengage the rewind button. This gives you and approximate 2x exposure position alignment. . The 2nd method is to active the rewind lever while holding the rewind lever in place to prevent film movement while you cock the shutter. ON the Rollei camera you will notice the rewind lever when at 175 deg where the cut out will not block the advance lever, you should be able to cock the shutter hold the rewind lever and prevent the film from moving.

[@hewonahci1608]

how to check the lightmeter? does it need any batteries to check? i found an old Rollei 35 but the lightmeter is off, when i checked the battery was empty

[@DavidHancock]

First you'll need a battery and then you can check it against a light meter cell phone app. That's probably the easiest way. Be sure to grab three right battery voltage. This video's battery section details that.

[@nickstirbis]

Hey, there! Just got a Rollei 35 and a battery adapter for 675 batteries. Do I need 675s of a lower voltage or will the usual 1.45V made by Rayovac and Duracell do?

[@DavidHancock]

A 1.45 will be a-okay. I use the Duracell ones.

[@nickstirbis]

@@DavidHancock awesome! Will the light meter still read true to what it should?

[@DavidHancock]

@@nickstirbis yup. It'll be well within the film's tolerance.

[@ManlyHK1]

Thanks for sharing! I've had my eye on this camera since a child in 1970s! Last week I finally bought one, made in Singapore, but outside looks immaculate. I just realised that the film counter is not working, so can I just keep taking pics till the last one and it will not wind? the last part about zone focusing is a bit confusing - it's possible to just use your iPhone to measure both the distance and the f value - after all the meter on mine doesn't work anymore.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you! For your frame counter, yes, but do not over-wind at the end. When the camera puts up resistance, stop advancing or something will break. If iPhones can measure distance, go for it. I'm not an apple user so I'm not familiar with their capabilities. You can definitely use a smartphone light meter app, too.

[@geraldined4796]

Do you Leica as well ?

[@DavidHancock]

I have used a couple of Leicas, yes. It's not a make I gravitate to due to cost.

[@geraldined4796]

@@DavidHancock That’s understandable. I’m interested in buying a Rollei 35 but they mostly available from Asia. I don’t know if they are true Rolleis or fakes. And then there is the problem of dealing with customs… I would be happier to find one in good condition in the U.S.

[@vichy13]

Hello all! I have a question. I recently bought a rollei 35. I've used infinity focus and I assumed everything (including close objects) would be in focus. But, one of the rolls I shot, I noticed this was not the case. Can someone solve my question ? Infinity also works for close-far away objects?

[@DavidHancock]

Infinity focus will only work on distant objects. If you want to photograph near and distant objects you'll need to focus a bit closer and use a small aperture. This video has a section on reading the lens data and doing zone focusing. That should answer your questions.

[@MzolisiKima-r4c]

​@@DavidHancockhow much do they go for today each in price

[@MzolisiKima-r4c]

How much is it worth today and were can I buy one

[@DavidHancock]

A camera is worth whatever you choose to pay for it and if it takes the photos you want from it, then it's up to you if it's worth the money or not.

[@jw48335]

Hey David! Have a look at the Analog Insights KZbin channel. They produced a fantastic rundown covering the proper pronunciation of European camera names:)

[@DavidHancock]

I love those guys! They're probably my favorite photography YT channel. Thank you!

[@mawavoy]

How do I find the battery adapter sellers?

[@DavidHancock]

They're on eBay and other markets. Just look for brass a76 battery adapter and you ought to get something.

[@mawavoy]

@@DavidHancock , thanks

[@alvaro5162]

I have had a Rollei for 50 years and the biggest problem with the battery is not that it runs out but that it runs out, something that happens very rarely even if you leave it running all the time. The biggest problem is that the battery leaks, something very common to happen, which can damage the electrical circuit, leaving it totally irreparable. That's why when we don't use the camera we always have to remove the battery.

[@DavidHancock]

Good point and thank you!

[@arcanics1971]

In German Rollei would be pronounced Rol-eye. I learned this from a video by a German guy who went through several brands and their correct pronunciation. But I am sure nobody is worried if we pronounce it differently.

[@DavidHancock]

:D Most people don't get too best out of shape over it.

[@codiecrieg2480]

Models from Singapure are more in decent shape and in my opinion thay helth better

[@DavidHancock]

Distinct possibility.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Anybody here to help. Out of a sudden, the back won't open. The silver level on the bottom is stuck. Thanks people. ❤

[@DavidHancock]

The lever on the bottom is, IIRC, a two-part process -- push a release on the lever and then slide the lever out to unlock the back of the camera. It should then slide right off.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

@@DavidHancock Thanks David, do you mean that once I hold the camera upside down, I should apply downwards pressure on the lever ( i.e. towards the camera body) and then slide it out?

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Nothing helps so far. Never had this problem before...

[@DavidHancock]

@@f__e__e__l__e__e__p is the lens extended or retracted? IIRC, some camera operations require certain lens positioning.

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

@@DavidHancock I tried both with extended and retracted , rewind level up or down. Like I said, never get any problem so far 💁‍♂️. Well I guess something for a skilled technician, but where to find one?? 🙂

[@justaboringjoha3678]

Hi, in german Rollei is more pronounced like Rollai.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!