Rollei 35 with Schneider lens

<p>Hey all,</p>

<p>I own a mint condition Rollei 35 w/ Schneider Xenar 40mm 3.5.</p>

<p>After doing a bit of research online I discovered that they only made 30,000 of this model with the Schneider version of the Zeiss designed Tessar lens.</p>

<p>Does anyone know just how rare this camera is and whether it is truely collectable? If so, any advice on estimating a price for it?</p>

<p>Thanks a million,</p>

<p>Ben</p>

<p>I saw one at the swap meet last weekend. Don't think they are too super rare, but certainly not as common as the Tessar model. Price really depends more on condition than anything else. Mint examples can sell for as high as $200-225 or so from what I've seen on the auction site. Most Rollei 35s seem to sell for $100-150 unless they are the 'S' model which go for a little more.</p>

<p>At one time they seemed to command a greater price than the Tessar front element focus model. That may not be true as tastes have changed. I still have a German built with Tessar with tiny dings on the body, works great, use it occasionally and enjoy the results. Had a Black TE, Singapore which was equally capable, sold it as the body, shutter and optics were mint but no meter function nor readily available batttery.</p>

<p>I have a nicely dinged and brassed black one, and the dealer I got it from a few years ago was of the opinion that the Xenar version was less popular and commanded a lower price than Tessars. I didn't argue, since the resulting price was a bargain, but my impression is that you won't get much if any kick from the rarity of the Schneider.</p>

<p>It's a decent lens but not worth a lot. I had one a while back. It would have to be mint at this point in time to have any real value for collectors.</p>

<p>what no one has said is that many many enthusiasts feel the somewhat quirky rollei 35 in its various forms is one of the great classic camera designs --- I have a SX too almost mint and bought new in Hong Kong during its brief production run ---I wouldn't sell it</p>

<p>Hey there,</p>

<p>Thanks everone who replied with your thoughts on this thread. It's definately one I'll hold on to for a bit and I'll use my tessar one on the fly to keep it in prestine condition in case any collectors are ever interested.</p>

<p>Cheers</p>