TLR Camera Guide › Rollei › Rolleiflex 3.5E

Rolleiflex 3.5E

First 3.5 with built-in metering — selenium-powered precision.

1956–1959 6x6 on 120 film Made in Braunschweig, Germany
Rolleiflex 3.5E twin-lens reflex camera

Photo: Michele Campeotto from Italia · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

Specifications

Taking LensCarl Zeiss Planar 75mm f/3.5 or Schneider Xenotar 75mm f/3.5
Viewing LensHeidosmat 75mm f/2.8
Lens Elements5
ShutterSynchro-Compur
Shutter Speeds1s - 1/500s + B
Light MeterSelenium (built-in)
Filter MountBay II
FocusingCrank with auto film stop
  • First 3.5 with built-in meter
  • E2 and E3 variants
  • Selenium cell meter

History

The 3.5E was the first Rolleiflex 3.5 to feature a built-in selenium light meter, bridging the gap between the earlier unmetered models and the celebrated 3.5F. It shares the same legendary Planar or Xenotar optics as the F series.

Innovations

  • First built-in selenium meter in the 3.5 line

Collector Notes

Added built-in metering to the 3.5 line.

Buying Tips

The 3.5E comes in several lens variants that significantly affect price. Here is what to check.

  • Lens variant: The 3.5E was available with a Zeiss Planar or Schneider Xenotar — both excellent 5-element designs. The Planar typically commands a small premium. Confirm which lens is fitted before buying.
  • Meter accuracy: The built-in selenium meter is the main feature upgrade over earlier 3.5 models. Test it against a handheld meter — a weak or dead cell significantly reduces the camera's value.
  • Light seals: While Rolleiflex cameras rarely suffer from light seal failure, it is still worth checking. Open the back and inspect the felt or foam seals around the film chamber.
  • EV coupling system: Verify the EV coupling links aperture and shutter speed correctly. Test that it engages and disengages smoothly.
  • Bay II accessories: The 3.5E uses Bay II filter and accessory mount. Bay II accessories are generally available on the used market, though not as common as Bay I (Rolleicord) or Bay III (2.8 models).

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.

Current Market Prices (USD)

ConditionPrice Range
Poor$350 – $550
Average$600 – $850
Good$850 – $1200
Excellent$1200 – $1600
Mint$1600 – $2200

Source: eBay 2024

Shop for Rolleiflex 3.5E on eBay

Manuals & Documentation

Photo Galleries

More Rollei TLR Cameras

Rolleiflex Original (6x6), Rolleicord I (Art Deco), Rolleicord II, Rolleiflex Automat, Rolleicord III, Rolleicord IV, Rolleiflex 2.8C, Rolleicord V, Rolleiflex 2.8D, Rolleiflex 2.8E, Rolleicord Va, Rolleiflex 3.5F, Rolleiflex T, Tele-Rolleiflex, Rolleiflex 2.8F, Wide-Rolleiflex (Rolleiwide), Rolleicord Vb

Shoot with your Rolleiflex 3.5E

TLR Companion is a free light meter app and film roll tracker built for TLR and medium format photographers. Meter light, load film, track every frame.

Planning a long exposure? TLR Companion handles ND filter compensation and reciprocity correction for 19 film stocks.