Rollei's LED-metered miniature compact — the 35 LED, Triotar 40mm f/3.5, 1978.
The Rollei 35 LED is a fixed-lens 35mm compact from 1978, a model of the Rollei 35 family that used LED metering in the viewfinder with the simpler Triotar lens. It combined the miniature body with an electronic exposure readout at a lower point in the range than the Sonnar models. It was aimed at buyers wanting the LED readout without the cost of the top models.
Built for 35mm film, the 35 LED has a collapsible Rollei Triotar 40mm f/3.5 lens that retracts into the body. Focusing is by scale, and it has a leaf shutter with manual exposure only. Its meter shows exposure through LEDs in the viewfinder. There is no built-in flash; the accessory shoe is on the base of the camera. It is a battery-powered camera, using a 5.6V PX27 cell.
The LED viewfinder metering and tiny body make the 35 LED suited to street, travel, general and student use where an easy-to-read meter in a pocket camera is wanted. The Triotar keeps costs down while the LED readout aids shooting in dim light. It sits between the meterless and top-line Rollei 35 models in the range.
On the used market, check that the lens collapses and locks and is clear of haze, fungus and separation, and that the focus and aperture rings move smoothly. Test the leaf shutter for accuracy and capping, and confirm the meter and its viewfinder LEDs respond, noting the PX27 battery is now uncommon and must be sourced. Verify smooth film advance and rewind and check the film-door light seals.