A lens between standard and wide, a decidedly compact body, and stunning image quality for the camera’s smallness: The two cameras, Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx, have more in common than it appears. Let me take you on a journey to the 40-millimetre perspective.
It’s just a piece of material, for sure. But I think anyone of us has a camera, a lens, a bag or some other part of our gear that has an exceptionally high emotional value. For example, I very much like the Rollei 35 my mother got from my late father back in 1970 for her graduation. After a clean, lubricate, and adjust (CLA) job, it performs very well again, but my mother takes no more photos. So, she passed the Rollei on to me as the only remaining film photographer in the family.
Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx as travel companions to Italy
When the two of us made a memorable journey to Italy recently, I thought taking her little camera with me was a good idea. For nostalgic and other reasons, but more about that later. But I wanted to add something to the analogue experience. And, to be honest, was a bit afraid of relying on just four rolls of Kodak Tri-X. And as the 40-millimetre focal length of the Rollei is an attractive compromise between 35 and 50, I extended my kit to include a Ricoh GRIIIx. This one sports a 26.1-millimetre lens for its APS-C sensor, allowing for a circa 57 degrees angle of view (diagonally) and thus a perspective similar to the Rollei’s.
Small size means compromise – for both Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx
In this article, I will talk a bit about the two cameras from the user’s perspective and share a few photos. For in-depth reviews, I can (although I do not always fully agree) recommend Hamish Gill on 35mmc, David Aurdeen on japancamerahunter, and Dmitiri on analog.cafe for the Rollei 35 – and Amateur Photographer, DPReview, and PetaPixel for the Ricoh. There is one aspect the Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx have in common, and I have not read about this anywhere else so far. That is: Both cameras are the result of a number of compromises in order to keep them small – which is their main advantage for sure, and this smallness remained an attractive proposition over the timespan of more than 50 years.
In some ways, the Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx are surprisingly similar
In this respect, there are astonishing parallels between the 1966 Rollei 35 and the 2021 Ricoh GRIIIx. On the Rollei, the engineers made economies in the viewfinder design in order to save space. There is no rangefinder included and no parallax compensation, making the frame lines more of a hint than a piece of precise information for framing. The Ricoh comes with no viewfinder at all, you have to get by with the rear display. At least, this one is very bright and contrasty. Alternatively, you can add an expensive optical viewfinder which, however, destroys the camera’s pocket credentials.
Another parallel is the moderate speed of the fixed lenses of both cameras (f/3.5 in the Rollei with the German-made Carl Zeiss Tessar, f/2.8 in later models with a Rollei-made Sonnar from Singapore – f/2.8 in the Ricoh). A third aspect the Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx have in common is a somewhat fiddly handling experience. In both cases, the miniature control elements are to blame. And finally, the two cameras have in common that they represent opportunities that Leica failed to grasp.
Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx: First, let’s look at some Rollei history
The Rollei 35 was invented by Heinz Waaske, who at the time worked for the camera manufacturer Wirgin at Wiesbaden. In 1962, he realised two things very clearly. Firstly, the SLR cameras common at the time were way too big and too heavy for many users, especially amateurs and the growing number of travellers. And secondly, a smaller film format, such as 16 millimetres or half the 35mm frame, entailed too many limitations in image quality. So, the task was to develop the smallest possible camera for the full 35mm format.
The Rollei 35 has a quite unusual design
Waaske set to work on the design, adopting an unorthodox approach. He used a retractable lens to make the camera pocketable. To do this, he developed a two-part shutter. It is housed partly in the lens itself and partly in the camera body. He also decided on a film transport in the reverse direction. Seen from the back, the cartridge is on the right and not on the left as usual, and he moved the flash shoe to the bottom of the camera. All this was unprecedented.
Allegedly, Leica and Kodak both declined
But Wirgin showed no interest because the company wanted to get out of the camera market anyway. As the story goes, Waaske presented his invention to Kodak and Leitz, but they also declined. Finally, Waaske signed on with Rollei in Braunschweig, which was a major player in the industry at the time. At Rollei, they quickly recognised the potential of this unusually small camera for the comparatively large film format. Rollei presented the new camera at Photokina 1966, and the interest was enormous.
A small camera put together from high-quality parts
So, what makes the Rollei 35 so special? It is made up of very good components, starting with a Zeiss Tessar 40/3.5, a shutter from Compur and a light meter with a cadmium sulfide measuring cell from Gossen. All this was delivered with excellent manufacturing quality and good ergonomics. In addition, the camera’s design is a masterpiece of 1960s industrial design that is still impressive today. All this combined to ensure worldwide success for a camera which is not much bigger than a packet of cigarettes.
From Braunschweig to Singapore and extension of the line-up
After a few years, the production of the Rollei 35 was moved to Singapore. And the lenses were no longer made by Zeiss but under licence by Rollei itself. A more expensive version with a multi-coated Sonnar 40/2.8 (half an f-stop faster) was added. In addition, Rollei produced cheaper versions. In the end, around two million Rollei 35s left the factories. Many of them are still in use or slumbering in drawers. There are many second-hand models available, and repairs are still possible.
You will hardly ever need a manual for the Rollei 35
In practical use, the Rollei 35 is uncomplicated. Exposure time and aperture are set on the two front dials, and a needle pointer on top of the body shows that all is fine. The user has then to guess the distance and set it before taking the camera to the eye. Finally, a look through the viewfinder – the frame lines are more of a guide – and then the mechanical shutter will whirr quietly and without vibration.
Think, set, point and shoot – actually, it’s quite easy
I chose the Tri-X for my current project because I also wanted to shoot indoors; at the same time, I needed the latitude to use a yellow filter outdoors. Filters, by the way, are quite tricky on the Rollei 35. My early “Made in Germany” model has a 24-millimetre filter thread on the Tessar. Later models with Sonnar are designed for the much more common 30.5-millimetre filters. 24 filters are hard to come by; I was able to find only an empty 24 mount and an old 27 Zeiss Ikon filter. With patience and a file, I managed to make it fit. But back to the Tri-X. With its known qualities, I had no stress with exposure metering. When the filter was on, I set the correct values according to external metering and then corrected for two stops of overexposure with aperture and/or time.
Oh yes, the Rollei 35 is fun to use
Overall, I had a great photographic experience – and not just for nostalgia reasons. The Rollei 35 is fun to use and delivers good results. The lens is sharp (if set correctly), and its single coating has proven to be adequate. Indoors, with ISO 400 and a maximum aperture of f/3.5, you quickly reach the limits, although I was lucky with 1/15 second on several occasions. The relatively high weight of the camera (400 grams) contributes to this, as does the low mass of the moving parts at shutter release.
What if… Leica had bought the project that was to become the Rollei 35?
What remains is the question of what would have happened if Leitz had adopted Heinz Waaske’s design. Of course, this is all purely speculative, but that’s how it could have gone: The CL and perhaps also the cooperation with Minolta would not have come about in this form. Leica might also have set up its own production in the Far East. Leica would have found a wider distribution. Would have, could have, might have – it’s idle talk. But one thing is certain: Many people who enjoy taking pictures with an analogue Leica today will also be fascinated by the Rollei 35.
Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx: Now, let’s turn to Ricoh
Of course, the Ricoh GR IIIx is not as deeply rooted in (personal and photographic) history as the Rollei 35. But the story of this brand goes back as far as the 1930s, after all. It includes, among other things, major innovations in office communications technology. In 2011, Ricoh took over the traditional Pentax brand. Since then, it has consolidated its reputation in the photographic market as a dedicated niche manufacturer that places great emphasis on image quality.
From 1996, GR stood for great little cameras
Since analogue times, the GR series has stood for high image quality thanks to the use of a fixed focal length. The analogue models with their 28 mm lenses are still beloved by many users today. No wonder, since they play in the league of Contax T2, Leica Minilux and Co. After a series of “GR Digital” models with relatively small sensors, Ricoh introduced the model known only as the GR in 2013. It was the first one to accommodate a full APS-C sensor in a super compact body. At the same time, it continued the tradition of the 28 mm angle of view.
There was even a Ricoh camera with an M mount
Among Ricoh’s activities, the GXR system was a special case where the sensor and lens could be interchanged as a single unit. Ricoh also offered a unit with an M bayonet and APS-C sensor in this system. But that would actually be a subject for my ongoing M Files project. If any reader can help out with a loan, please feel free to get in touch. If you like, via the comments or via blog host Mike Evans.
Finally, a camera that is really, really pocketable
In the meantime, the digital APS-C GR is available in generation III. Ricoh offers it as a normal version with the 28 mm equivalent, as well as the GR IIIx model with the aforementioned angle of view of a 40 mm lens. Since I am well provided for with the Q in the 28 focal length, I decided on the GR IIIx. My first impression was: Wow, this camera is really small. The GR III is hardly bigger than a Sony RX100, which, however, only has a 1-inch sensor (but a zoom lens and a miniature electronic viewfinder, to be fair). The little Ricoh is indeed a pocket camera for me. I quickly wondered whether I should have taken just such a device with me for mountaineering and the like much earlier.
40 millimetres: not too theatrical, not too austere
In my eyes, the 40-millimetre focal length has the advantage that you can also do a bit of portraiture and similar rather concentrated subjects. Nevertheless, it still offers a good angle of view for landscape and architecture that is neither too theatrical nor too austere for my taste. With the 28, on the other hand, you have to work carefully. Better to use the wide angle in a smart way. Otherwise, you only get pictures with a lot of stuff on them that leave the viewer confused.
Ricoh’s DNG files are honest – and that’s why they are so good
In practical use, the little Ricoh more than met my expectations. The optics and IBIS are great, and the DNG (!) files allow (and require) quite some editing. I want to put it down to the fact that the camera post-processes the files comparatively little. This may initially disappoint JPG users, but it suits my way of working very well. Of course, the possibilities for focusing your subject in front of a blurred background are limited. This is where you notice the real focal length of 26 millimetres and the f/2.8 aperture.
There is no room for a viewfinder for sure, but I miss it all the same
There are no scene modes. The basic settings in the clearly laid out menu are quickly made. When it comes to autofocus (contrast and phase AF!) I’m stuck with the single-field option with touch selection. At least there is one advantage of taking photos via the display. The macro mode, which is great in itself (here, the focal length seems to extend to that of a 50 mm lens), would be much more usable with an electronic viewer. After all, I can’t hold the camera as steadily on the long arm as I would have to with a thin depth of field. But well, you know all that when you opt for such a camera.
Some very nice features…
You can read many more details about the Ricoh GR IIIx in the relevant reviews. From the user’s point of view, I would like to mention the possibility of charging via USB-C. You will take advantage of this quite often. The battery is tiny for the performance that the sensor, image processor and optical stabilisation have to deliver. At least for travelling, fuelling up the battery inside the camera is a great option.
You have a charger for your mobile phone with you anyway. Surprisingly, the GR IIIx uses the same battery type as my old Olympus TG2 waterproof camera (which I still use when kayaking). The Olympus designation is Li-90B, and under this name, you will find many third-party replacement batteries and external chargers. Also good is the built-in 2 GB memory, which the camera activates when no SD card is present. It’s not as elegant or as extensive as the internal storage of the M11, but it’s a good feature.
One more thing that many users will like (and that draws another parallel to the Rollei) is the way you can use zone focus with the Ricoh GR IIIx. With the Rollei, you would always guess the distance and set the lens to it. The Ricoh offers fixed focus at set distances (Snap Focus, they call it): 1m, 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m, 5m and infinity. You can even assign this function to a button to have fast access. Not exactly the way I am shooting but definitely well thought out!
… and some things I did not like that much
I don’t like a few things: I would have preferred the front dial to be a bit bigger, and despite the lock knob, the mode dial occasionally shifted on me. Other controls are also very small. The app, with which you can transfer pictures to a mobile device and control the camera remotely, is okay, but nothing more. I can’t say anything about the video function.
Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx both are “klein aber oho” cameras, small but mighty
All in all, the GR IIIx is a great camera that, just like the Rollei 35, fits the description “klein, aber oho” in German. That is, “small but mighty”. It also makes me wonder what would have happened if Leica had continued its APS-C efforts with such a product. In many ways, the seemingly unglamorous GR IIIx would be (and is) a capable successor to the fixed focal length Leica X models. I know quite a few Leica users who also use a Ricoh GR. And that’s also because the two simply go well together.
Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx – just two out of many 40-millimetre options
Concluding, I have to say that the 40mm perspective grew on me. How good that there are many other options. Apart from the many, many zooms that incorporate 40mm, some other vintage solutions come to mind. The Leica Minilux and its successor, the CM, had a 40/2.4 Summarit that has an almost legendary reputation. The film CL came with the 40 Summicron. Minolta later improved both the camera and lens.
The CLE was a far more modern, electronically controlled camera, and the M-Rokkor 40/2 got a better coating. Today, 40-millimetre lenses are available new for M Mount from Voigtländer. For L-Mount, Sigma has 40/1.4, and other brands also offer a 40 for their current systems. And finally, Rollei made an attempt on the rangefinder market with a Rollei 35 RF. This one came again with a 40-millimetre Sonnar – you will find details on this in part 4 of The M Files.
Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx: one modern classic of today and one of tomorrow
So, forty forever? The Rollei 35 is a forever young camera for sure, and the Ricoh has the potential to become a modern classic as well (so long as digital rot doesn’t intrude). I will continue to use my 40mm fixed lens cameras, but one thing I learned on my nostalgic trip with the good old Rollei is that I also like the wider perspectives of a real wide-angle lens. And the concentration that a 75 or a 90-millimetre lens forces on me. Forty with (growing) pleasure then, but not forever as my only option.
What do you think about the 40-millimetre perspective — a great compromise or neither fish nor fowl? And what is your view on the Rollei 35? Ever owned and loved one or never liked it? The same for a Ricoh GR — versatile or restricted, tool or toy? Has anyone ever used the Rollei 35 and Ricoh GR IIIx side by side and wants to add their experience? Let’s discuss this here in the comments section!
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