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  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Jun 2003
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    Question Rollei 35 Sonnar or Tessar

    I'm thinking of getting a Rollei 35; I've seen a lot of them around recently at good prices. Does anyone have a strong opinion one way or the other on which lens is preferable? Sonnar 2,8/40mm, or Tessar 3,5/40mm? Any other thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Made in Singapore/Germany etc.

  2. #2
    Member Lemming51's Avatar
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    Apr 2002
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    Springfield, IL, USA
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    I own and still use a Rollei 35 with the Tessar lens. Very nice, sharp lens. Mine is Singapore made. From what I can tell there is absolutely no build or quality issue between the German and Singapore models, just a premium for collectors for German-made.

    Per http://johnlind.tripod.com/rollei/rolleitext.html , the Sonnar lens is multi-coated v. single-coated for Tessar, Triotar and S-Xenar models; and it is acknowledged as the superior lens. The Triotar is the only one that might be avoided.

  3. #3
    Be serious Franglais's Avatar
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    Feb 2004
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    Paris, France
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    Get the Sonnar

    Quote Originally Posted by eggden
    I'm thinking of getting a Rollei 35; I've seen a lot of them around recently at good prices. Does anyone have a strong opinion one way or the other on which lens is preferable? Sonnar 2,8/40mm, or Tessar 3,5/40mm? Any other thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Made in Singapore/Germany etc.
    I had a Rollei 35 with a Tessar for a while (till I gave it to my sister and she lost it). It was a lovely little camera, I did lots of amazing things with it. However, f3.5 is rather limited and while it was very sharp in the center, at the edges it was - not so sharp. I would go for the Sonnar.

    I thought about getting another one, but I got an Olympus Mu2 (Sylus Epic) instead. It's cheaper (much), lighter (much), automatic exposure & focus, and the lens is certainly better than the Tessar. The only drawback with the Olympus is that like most point-and-shoots, there is a long delay between pressing the shutter release and getting the shot.

    Charles

  4. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
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    3

    Smile

    Thank you both for your helpful information!

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