Ultra compact 35mm cameras

8 products

During the 1970s and 80s most camera manufacturers concentrated on building the latest technology into ever more capable (and larger) SLR cameras that represented the bulk of sales. At this time however a few manufacturers built a range of ultra-compact 35mm cameras. These were aimed at more discerning photographers often as a companion to their SLR. The concept was to have a very small pocketable camera that could be carried everywhere yet still yield excellent photo quality.

They differed from the point-and-shoot consumer models available at the time, offering less automation but better lenses, better build quality and some degree of manual control.

The results were a set of extremely compact cameras which are still unrivalled today for their combination of features.

The main camera ranges falling into this category are:

  • Rollei 35 range
  • Olympus XA range
  • Minox 35 range

Rollei 35 overview

The Rollei 35 range have an iconic design with a mechanism to slide out the lens and lock it into place before shooting. The original Rollei 35 was introduced in 1966 and quickly became a favourite for travelers and street photographers.

Most of the Rollei 35 range feature top quality Zeiss lenses and have most controls on the front of the camera. They tend towards manual exposure control, with a meter on top indicating if the exposure is set correctly.

Minox 35 range

The Minox 35 range was first available in 1974 with the release of the Minox 35 EL. They have a folding cover on the front of the camera that when opened slides the lens out into position. This cover protects the lens when closed and also acts as the power switch for the camera.

Compared to Rollei, Minox cameras are slightly more automated, generally offering either Aperture Priority automatic, or full Program automatic exposure control depending on the model.

 

Olympus XA range

The Olympus XA range is a legendary series of ultra-compact 35mm film cameras introduced by Olympus in 1979. Designed by famed engineer Yoshihisa Maitani—also behind the OM and Pen series—the XA cameras are well known for their ingenious design, sharp lenses, and portability, fitting easily into a shirt pocket while delivering high-quality images.

 

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    $325.00
    $325.00
    One of the most revolutionary camera designs of the 1980s - the XA2 is a true classic. With it's unique sliding clamshell design, and tiny size (only weighs 200g !) the XA2 was designed as the camera you can take absolutely everywhere.  It has fully automatic exposure, so all you need to do is set the focus (only 3 simple settings) and click the shutter.  It is surprisingly good in low light - great for night street photography. The viewfinder is lovely and clear / bright, with a warning light to warn you if light is low. The bottom of the camera has a switch for battery test, and self-timer operation. So simple to use - anyone can take great photos. Specifications Originally on sale from 1980-86 Takes all 35mm film (ISO 25-800) Lens: 35mm f/3.5 Shutter speeds 2s-1/750 fully automatic Battery: 2x LR44 button batteries (included) Self-timer Thumbwheel winder Condition Excellent condition. Body has a few very minor scuffs but overall very good. Lens is clear of fog / fungus All functions work perfectly including the automatic exposure control
  • $495.00
    $495.00
    One of the most revolutionary camera designs of the 1980s - the XA is the original camera in the XA range and the most capable. With it's unique sliding clamshell design, and tiny size (only weighs 220g !) the XA was designed as the camera you can take absolutely everywhere.  The XA is the most capable of the XA range, giving the photographer more control than the other models. Amazingly for its size, it packs in the rangefinder focusing system, aperture priority automatic exposure, and an exposure compensation lever (for backlighting situations).   The viewfinder has a display of the automatic shutter speed selected by the camera. The bottom of the camera has a switch for battery test, self-timer, and backlighting control. Seriously capable for a camera of this size. The camera also has the best lens of the entire XA range (35mm f/2.8). Specifications Originally on sale from 1979 Takes all 35mm film (ISO 25-800) Lens: 35mm f/2.8 Shutter speeds 10s-1/500. Aperture priority automatic exposure Rangefinder focusing system Battery: 2x SR44 button batteries (included) Self-timer Backlight compensation Thumbwheel winder Condition Very good condition. Body has a few minor scuffs, and there is some paint deterioration on the rear door. Very clear lens and viewfinder. All functions work well including the automatic exposure control
  • $325.00
    $325.00
    Serial Number 3847556 - see gallery for photos taken with this camera. The Minox 35 series was superb German-made series of ultra-minature film cameras from the 1970s and 80s, with a unique folding cover that retracts and protects the lens. The 35 ML has a sharp 35mm f/2.8 Minotar lens. The 35 ML operates in Aperture Priority automatic mode - you can select the lens aperture and the camera selects the correct shutter speed. The viewfinder has a display showing the shutter speed. Cosmetically in excellent condition with a lovely clear lens. Specifications Shutter speeds of 1/500s - 1/30s 35mm f/2.8 Minotar Lens Scale focusing Aperture priority exposure Takes 4 x LR44 batteries Battery check button Condition Excellent condition all round No dents Clear lens with no scratches or fungus All shutter speeds accurate
  • $395.00
    $395.00
    Serial Number 5131701 - see gallery for photos taken with this camera. The Minox 35 series was superb German-made series of ultra-minature film cameras from the 1970s and 80s, with a unique folding cover that retracts and protects the lens. The 35 GT has a sharp 35mm f/2.8 Minotar lens. The 35 GT operates in Aperture Priority automatic mode - you can select the lens aperture and the camera selects the correct shutter speed. The viewfinder has a display showing the shutter speed. Cosmetically in excellent condition with a lovely clear lens. Specifications Shutter speeds of 1/500s - 15s (at ISO 25)  35mm f/2.8 Minotar Lens Scale focusing Aperture priority exposure Takes 2 x LR44 batteries Battery check button Backlight compensation button Condition Excellent condition all round No dents Clear lens with no scratches or fungus All shutter speeds accurate
  • $325.00
    $325.00
    The Minox 35 series was superb German-made series of ultra-minature film cameras from the 1970s and 80s, with a unique folding cover that retracts and protects the lens. The 35 ML has a sharp 35mm f/2.8 Minotar lens. The 35 ML operates in Aperture Priority automatic mode - you can select the lens aperture and the camera selects the correct shutter speed. The viewfinder has a display showing the shutter speed. Cosmetically in excellent condition with a lovely clear lens. Specifications Shutter speeds of 1/500s - 1/30s 35mm f/2.8 Minotar Lens Scale focusing Aperture priority exposure Takes 4 x LR44 batteries Battery check button Condition Excellent condition all round No dents Clear lens with no scratches or fungus All shutter speeds accurate
  • $675.00
    $675.00
    Serial Number 6387226 - see gallery for photos taken with this camera. The Rollei 35 series was an incredibly successful range of top-quality ultra-minature film cameras from the 1970s, celebrated for their precision engineering and portability. The 35T features a high-quality Tessar 40mm f/3.5 lens, offering sharp image performance in a pocket-sized design. It shares the same innovative, all-mechanical build as the original Rollei 35, with manual exposure controls and a collapsible lens. The "T" distinguishes it from the Sonnar-equipped 35S, making it slightly more affordable but equally robust. It exemplifies German design in a truly compact form. This is a Singapore-made model. Specifications Shutter speeds of 1/500s - 1/2s + B 40mm f/3.5 Zeiss Tessar Lens Film speeds of ISO 25 - 1600 Built-in meter with match needle exposure control Takes 1 x LR44 battery with brass battery adaptor (both supplied) Condition Excellent condition all round No dents Some minor scuffing on the corners of the body Clear lens with no scratches or fungus Viewfinder is clear and bright Meter is responsive and accurate All shutter speeds accurate
  • $225.00
    $225.00
    Serial Number 7349642 - see gallery for photos taken with this camera. The Rollei 35 series was an incredibly successful range of top-quality ultra-minature film cameras from the 1970s, celebrated for their precision engineering and portability. The 35 LED has a nice Triotar 40mm f/3.5 lens, and is a great introduction to the Rollei experience. Sharing the same shutter mechanism and collapsing lens it is highly pocketable and lovely to use. Note that the metering system on the original 35 LED has LEDs in the viewfinder to indicate when exposure is correct. This particular example has damaged circuitry, so only operates in full manual mode with no meter (and no batteries needed). Cosmetically in excellent condition with a lovely clear lens. Specifications Shutter speeds of 1/500s - 1/30s + B 40mm f/3.5 Triotar Lens Full manual exposure (meter not operable) Condition Excellent condition all round No dents Clear lens with no scratches or fungus Viewfinder is clear and bright All shutter speeds accurate
  • $725.00
    $725.00
    Serial Number 6281936 - see gallery for photos taken with this camera. The Rollei 35 series was an incredibly successful range of top-quality ultra-minature film cameras from the 1970s, celebrated for their precision engineering and portability. The 35T features a high-quality Tessar 40mm f/3.5 lens, offering sharp image performance in a pocket-sized design. It shares the same innovative, all-mechanical build as the original Rollei 35, with manual exposure controls and a collapsible lens. The "T" distinguishes it from the Sonnar-equipped 35S, making it slightly more affordable but equally robust. It exemplifies German design in a truly compact form. This is a Singapore-made model. Comes with the original Rollei case and strap. Specifications Shutter speeds of 1/500s - 1/2s + B 40mm f/3.5 Zeiss Tessar Lens Film speeds of ISO 25 - 1600 Built-in meter with match needle exposure control Takes 1 x LR44 battery with brass battery adaptor (both supplied) Condition Excellent condition all round No dents Some minor scuffing on the corners of the body Clear lens with no scratches or fungus Viewfinder is clear and bright Meter is responsive and accurate All shutter speeds accurate Case is a little worn and faded, but the stitching is intact and the zipper works.
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