Lomopedia: Rolleiflex SL35

If you're a photography enthusiast and you hear the name "Rolleiflex" you'll probably instantly think of twin-lens reflex cameras. And that's for good reason. Rollei was known for its high-quality cameras, especially its TLRs. However, we'll be taking a look at a Rollei SLR in this Lomopedia entry and it so happened to be the very first 35 mm SLR in the company's history.

The Rolleiflex SL35 was the first of many in the company's foray into 35 mm SLR territory. The SL line began in 1970 with the introduction of the SL35 and was continuously developed until 1990. It had different variations through the years (namely the SL350, SL35M, SL35ME, and SL35E) and was even manufactured in different factories (Germany and then Singapore for later models). The SL35 was Rollei's answer to the mostly Japanese-dominated SLR market.

While other competitors like Asahi were already making SLRs long before Rollei did, the company decided to take a shot at making their own to showcase their design and manufacturing capabilities, and they delivered. The SL35 was simply a well-made 35 mm SLR that boasted good ergonomics and elegant styling. It came in black and chrome finishes and even though it did not offer state-of-the-art technology when it was released, it did have the quick bayonet mount (or QBM for short) which became the backbone for other SL variations and Rollei cameras in the future.

The QBM allowed for quick and easy interchangeability between Rollei bodies and lenses. The camera system proved to be a design and manufacturing success for Rollei as it was used for 25 years with various developments and iterations (via lens adapters).

Other Rolleiflex SL35 tidbits:

• Rollei's first-ever SLR was the medium-format SL66.
• The SL350, the improved version of the SL35, was made only in Germany and is considered to be rarer than its predecessor.
• The first Rollei plant in Singapore was located on Alexandra Road. Rollei also constructed a training center and plant in Kampong Chai Chee to train workers in manufacturing precision optics, toolmaking, and machining.

Sample Photo Gallery

Rollei SL35 Technical Specifications:

Type: 24 x 36 mm single lens reflex camera with exposure through the lens metering.
Features: Rollei bayonet mount for interchangeable lenses, metering system with automatic switch-off, focal plane shutter with rubber, blinds and single-multi-stroke rapid winding, double exposure and blank frame lock, self-timer with starting button, self-zeroing exposure counter, 1/4-inch tripod bush, carrying strap eyelets.
Lens: interchangeable lenses, Carl Zeiss 25 mm Distagon f/2.8 ultra-wide, Carl Zeiss 35 mm Distagon f/2.8 normal wide-angle, Carl Zeiss 50 mm Planar f/1.8 standard, Carl Zeiss 85 mm Sonnar f/2.8 medium long focus, Carl Zeiss 135 mm Tele-Tessar f/4 telephoto, Carl Zeiss 200 mm Tele-Tessar f/4 telephoto.
Lens Mount: Rollei Quick Bayonet Mount system.
Film Type: 35 mm film, film speed range 12 to 6400 ASA (12 to 39 DIN).
Exposure: TTL system with CdS cells, center-weighted full-field measurement of finder screen image at working aperture , measuring range with 50 mm f/1.8 lens from 1.6 to 100,000 apostilb, meter needle centered with index in finder. Powered by button cell in camera bottom, switched on only during measurement by stop-down key on camera top.
Shutter speed: 1 - 1/1000 sec. to 1 second with Bulb.
Viewfinder: Pentaprism, instant return mirror. Focusing screen with central microprism 1grid, matted screen ring and matted screen 'with Fresnel lens. Rectangular finder eyepiece 'with fitting for eyepiece cup and correction.
Weight: 775 grams with 50 mm f/1.8 lens, 585 grams without lens.
Dimensions: 141 x 93 x 87 mm with 50 mm f/1.8 lens, 141 x 93 x 50 mm without lens.

All information used in this article was sourced from Butkus Camera Manuals, Rolleiflex SL35 System, Rollei SL35 on Wikipedia, 35mmc, and Straits Times.

written by cheeo on 2023-04-07 #gear #lomopedia #slr #gear #analogue-photography #film-photography #lomopedia #rolleiflex-sl-35