"If you buy, I buy" – how I ended up with a Rollei 35
Shutter Stories Vol. 2
When your friend becomes your enabler
A month ago, my friend (who I got into this film camera hobby) was wandering around Taiwan when he stumbled across something that made him stop. A Rollei 35 sitting in a camera shop window.
He posted it on his Instagram story. Just a casual "look what I found" type of post.
I saw it. Messaged him immediately: "Are you buying it?"
"Yes."
My response was automatic: "If you buy, I buy."
This is my shopping motto with friends. It's gotten me into trouble before. It got me into trouble again.
The Rollei 35 was already on my radar
I've been eyeing the Rollei 35 series since I got serious about film photography. There's something about compact cameras that just works for me.
When you travel with multiple cameras (which I definitely do), size matters. I normally travel with at least 2 film cameras (1 SLR, 1 point-and-shoot), an Insta360 Go 3, and my iPhone. The Rollei 35 fits in your palm. It's smaller than most point-and-shoots but still feels substantial.
The aesthetics don't hurt either. It’s quite unique but looks like what a camera should look like – clean lines, minimal branding, that classic German design language.
What happens next
Since I got it, I haven’t tried it yet. Haven't even loaded film yet. So that’s another thing on my to do list – and I’ll make sure to share some photos soon! 🤞
The Rollei 35 represents the kind of film camera collector I want to be – someone who always has a quality camera ready, who doesn't let gear get in the way of taking photos.
Will it live up to the hype? We'll find out together.
The "if you buy, I buy" motto strikes again. My wallet isn't happy, but my shelf of cameras is.
📸, Jestine