selma-1
Established
I just purchased a un-unused Rollei 35S Silver. It has been in a safety deposit box for 29 years and still sealed in the original plastic from the factory. It is complete, Camera, Case, Strap, Box, Instructions, Warranty card, Dead Mercury Battery, U.S.A Version . Should I open it??
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tripod
Well-known
Depends if you want to use it or sell it.
john_s
Well-known
Do you have a source for the 5.6volt mercury batteries?
jky
Well-known
I wouldn't be too concerned about the batteries... what I'd be concerned about is that the mechanics may be gummed up due to lack of use. It's a manual, non-battery dependent camera (aside from the meter) that needs to have the shutter "exercised" now and then - 29 years is a long time.
But sure... open it & fondle the sucka'! R35's are beautiful despite its quirks.
But sure... open it & fondle the sucka'! R35's are beautiful despite its quirks.
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
Go to Cris camera website for a battery....and use it!
sweathog
Well-known
I never thought I'd say this... maybe you shouldn't open it.
Highway 61
Revisited
It's a 35S not a 35SE.
So it doesn't use a 5.6V 27PX battery but a 1.35V 625PX battery.
A MR-9 adapter will do the job to have the meter work well with a 386PX 1.5V silver oxide battery.
I'd say, that a 35S that has never been used for 29 years will obviously have issues with speeds from 1/15s down to 1/2s.
But it's a very easy fix, the slow speeds escapement geartrain is accessible once the top cover has been removed.
@John_S : if your camera is a 35SE or a 35TE, just use four 386PX 1.5V silver oxide batteries set altogether with a bit of adhesive tape. Your camera meter will work perfectly w/o any adapter whatsoever (the electronic circuitry of the 35SE and 35TE meters covers the voltage error from 5.6V to 6V in both dim light and bright light - not the same for the 35, 35T and 35S meters which will *not* work correct with a 1.5V 25PX battery - the MR-9 is mandatory).
PhotoMat
Well-known
No. Put it up for sale on ebay where some Rollei nut will place an obscenely overvalued bid just because it's in the original packing. Take the proceeds, buy a nice used 35S, buy lots of film, shoot a ton of photos, and pocket the extra cash.
Jerevan
Recycled User
I prefer using cameras, but in this case, I'd sell it as it is, if I were you. Get another Rollei and a bunch of film and have fun!
Windscale
Well-known
Whether it has been in a box for 29 or 92 years would not make any difference to me. I will open it and see if the shutter fires. If it does I will put a shoot a roll and see what comes out. If the shutter does not fire, I will have it CLAed, shoot another couple of rolls. Keep it if I liked the results or sell it if I don't. I would not keep anything which does not come up to what I regard as 'Good' even it carried a famous name.
Traut
Well-known
When you say silver is it the one with the grey leather and a wreath on the front of the camera? That is a special anniversary issue and is worth considerably more to a collector notwithstanding the condition of yours.
micromontenegro
Well-known
I can't tell you what to do with your camera, but I can tell you what I did when I was in the very same position 6-7 years ago: I opened it up and started shooting right away. Contrary to what was expected, the little thing worked flawlessly, and became my most used camera for a while.
Edit: My avatar was shot with it
Edit: My avatar was shot with it
Athos6
Tao Master
I tend to agree with this view. Some guy out there will shell out some cash for it I'm sure.
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
You never did mention the cost.
tripod
Well-known
I'd leave it unopened (collectors like that) and sell it for big bucks. Buy a used Rollei and lots of film with the proceeds.
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
I'd take what's behind Carol Merrill and door number three...
Chris
Chris
selma-1
Established
Yes. This is the 10th Silver Anniversary Model with the Silver Wreath.
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re_visible
Addicted
that's an easy one!
that's an easy one!
Don't!
Just put it on ebay as it is, even i know like 15 guys ready to pay like 10-times more for such one, than for a nice used non-special 35s!
I actually saw one guy paying 600$ for same model in used condition...
that's an easy one!
Don't!
Just put it on ebay as it is, even i know like 15 guys ready to pay like 10-times more for such one, than for a nice used non-special 35s!
I actually saw one guy paying 600$ for same model in used condition...
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
I go along with everyone who has said do not open it and sell it on ebay for all the reasons they gave. Especially as it is a commemorative model. Very nice find BTW.
Bob
selma-1
Established
Thank you for all the replies. I am going to keep it sealed and in my collection for the time being. Steve