Rolleiflex SL35 E & Planar 50mm Review and Buying Guide

The Charm of the Rolleiflex SL35 E in the Analog Revival

The Rolleiflex SL35 E with the Rollei HFT Planar 50mm f/1.8 lens sits in a sweet spot of analog photography: advanced enough to be practical, simple enough to feel purely mechanical. In today’s film revival, it offers a refreshingly direct way to make photographs without menus, touchscreens, or distractions.

This 35mm SLR film camera brings together a bright viewfinder, aperture-priority auto exposure and the unmistakable character of a Planar-design 50mm lens. It is compact, solid in hand, and designed for deliberate photography — the kind where every frame feels intentional.

I rediscovered film with a vintage SLR very much like the SL35 E. Loading that first roll, hearing the shutter, and waiting for the lab scans felt like slowing time down — suddenly every click mattered again.

A Brief History of the SL35 E and Its Zeiss Collaboration

Rolleiflex built its reputation on twin-lens reflex cameras, but by the time the SL35 E arrived, the company was deep into the 35mm SLR world. The SL35 E belongs to a generation of cameras that fused traditional craftsmanship with emerging electronics, bringing more accurate exposure and easier shooting to enthusiasts.

The real magic in this kit is the Rollei HFT Planar 50mm f/1.8. Derived from the classic Zeiss Planar optical design and paired with Rollei’s HFT multicoating, it delivers the crisp yet gentle rendering that made German 50mm primes famous. Colors are rich, contrast is balanced, and out-of-focus areas are smooth without looking overly modern or clinical.

Technical Highlights: What Makes the SL35 E Unique

Balanced automation and control

The SL35 E offers aperture-priority auto exposure: you set the f-stop on the lens, and the camera selects the matching shutter speed. A clear display in the viewfinder shows you what the camera is doing, making it easy to learn exposure while still getting consistent results.

When you want more control, the camera also supports full manual operation. This combination makes it forgiving for newcomers but still satisfying for experienced shooters who prefer to dial in every parameter.

The Rollei HFT Planar 50mm f/1.8 lens

At f/1.8, the Planar is fast enough for low light and shallow depth of field. Stopped down to f/4–f/8 it becomes impressively sharp across the frame, ideal for landscapes, travel, and everyday documentary work. The HFT coating helps resist flare and keeps colors punchy, especially with modern color film stocks.

Why the SL35 E Still Matters for Modern Photographers

A tactile antidote to digital overload

For digital photographers looking to slow down, the Rolleiflex SL35 E is an inviting gateway into film. The controls are straightforward, the viewfinder invites careful composition, and the Planar lens rewards thoughtful framing with images that feel intentional and timeless.

With a normal 50mm field of view, this kit excels at portraits, street scenes, details, and travel. It encourages you to move your feet instead of zooming, building stronger compositional instincts that translate directly to your digital work.

Sustainable creativity with second‑hand gear

Buying second-hand analog cameras keeps beautifully engineered equipment in circulation and out of landfills. A well-maintained SL35 E kit can serve for decades, with only occasional servicing, making it both a sustainable and characterful alternative to constantly upgrading digital bodies.

Practical Shooting Tips for the Rolleiflex SL35 E

Choose the right film

The SL35 E works beautifully with ISO 100–400 film. For rich color and smooth tones, options like Kodak Portra or Ektar pair well with the Planar’s contrast and micro-contrast. For classic black-and-white, films such as Ilford HP5 give a flexible exposure latitude and pleasing grain structure.

Metering and handling

With fresh batteries installed, the SL35 E’s meter is straightforward: select your aperture, half-press the shutter, and read the indicated shutter speed in the viewfinder. In high-contrast scenes, bias your exposure slightly toward protecting highlights, especially with slide film.

For handling, keep a neck strap attached so you can work hands-free when loading film or changing lenses. The relatively small body makes it comfortable for long walks or travel days.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Dependable Rolleiflex SL35 E Kit

A vintage camera is only as good as its condition. When shopping for a Rolleiflex SL35 E with the HFT Planar 50mm f/1.8, prioritize function and reliability over cosmetic perfection. A few scuffs are normal; what matters is whether the camera meters, fires, and advances film consistently.

Essential checks before you buy

• Inspect battery contacts and use fresh LR44 batteries.
• Replace light seals if foam feels sticky or brittle.
• Keep a neck strap attached for safe handling.
• Use the lens hood to prevent flare and protect the front element.
• Test shutter speeds at all settings.
• Verify metering accuracy with batteries inserted.
• Inspect lens for haze or fungus under strong light.
• Budget $120–180 for a professional CLA if needed.

When buying online, look for clear photos of the lens glass, viewfinder, and film chamber. Ask specifically about the meter, shutter, and film advance. Functional condition is more important than minor cosmetic flaws, which often have little impact on real-world use.

Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of the SL35 E Experience

The Rolleiflex SL35 E with the Rollei HFT Planar 50mm f/1.8 is more than a nostalgic object. It is a capable, engaging tool that can deepen your understanding of light, timing, and composition. Its mix of aperture-priority automation and full manual control makes it friendly to beginners while still satisfying for seasoned photographers.

If you are drawn to the pace and presence of film, this kit offers an accessible way in — with the added benefit of Zeiss-inspired optics and classic German engineering. Explore more curated analog cameras and compatible camera lenses at DutchThrift to find the film setup that fits your style.