Rollei's miniature compact — the 35 T, Tessar 40mm f/3.5, scale focus, manual, 1976.
The Rollei 35 T is a fixed-lens 35mm compact from 1976, effectively a continuation of the original Rollei 35 with the T designation marking its Tessar lens. It kept the miniature body and metered manual control of the line. It was aimed at photographers wanting the smallest full-frame camera with a quality standard lens.
Built for 35mm film, the 35 T has a collapsible Zeiss Tessar 40mm f/3.5 lens that retracts into the body. Focusing is by scale, and the camera has a leaf shutter with manual exposure only. Its CdS meter is read by a match-needle on the top plate. There is no built-in flash; the accessory shoe sits on the base. It was designed for a 1.35V PX625 mercury cell.
The Tessar lens, tiny body and metered manual control make the 35 T suited to street, travel and everyday carry for photographers happy with scale focusing. Its size and quality lens make it a practical pocket camera for deliberate shooting. It handles like the original Rollei 35 and rewards a considered approach.
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 check the CdS meter; as it was designed for a 1.35V mercury cell, a modern 1.5V replacement or voltage adapter may affect readings. Verify smooth film advance and rewind and check the film-door light seals.