Rollei's top miniature compact — the 35 SE, Sonnar 40mm f/2.8, LED metering, 1979.
The Rollei 35 SE is a fixed-lens 35mm compact from 1979, one of the top models of the Rollei 35 family with the faster Sonnar lens and an LED metering display. It refined the miniature-compact formula of the original with an improved viewfinder readout. It was aimed at enthusiasts wanting the smallest full-frame body with a fast lens and manual control.
Made for 35mm film, the 35 SE has a collapsible Zeiss Sonnar 40mm f/2.8 HFT lens that retracts into the body. Focusing is by scale rather than rangefinder, and it has a leaf shutter with manual exposure only. Its CdS meter shows exposure through LEDs in the viewfinder rather than a top-plate needle. There is no built-in flash; the accessory shoe is on the base. It uses a 5.6V PX27 battery.
The fast Sonnar lens, LED viewfinder metering and tiny body make the 35 SE suited to street, travel and everyday carry for photographers comfortable with scale focusing. The f/2.8 lens copes better in lower light than the f/3.5 Tessar models, and the LED readout is easier to use than a needle in dim conditions. It rewards deliberate, metered shooting.
When buying used, check that the lens collapses and locks and is clear of haze, fungus and separation, and that the scale-focus and aperture rings move smoothly. Test the leaf shutter for accuracy and capping, and confirm the CdS meter and its viewfinder LEDs respond, since the PX27 battery is now uncommon and must be sourced. Verify smooth film advance and rewind and check the film-door light seals.