Rollei 35 (Red Urushi, prototype)
The Rollei 35 (Red Urushi, prototype) is a one-off finish on the compact 35mm viewfinder camera Rollei introduced in the late 1960s, built around the small-bodied 35 platform that became one of the smallest full-frame 35mm cameras of its era. As a prototype with red urushi lacquer, it sits outside the standard production line and was never offered as a regular catalogue model.
With only a single recorded UK auction result, this prototype is effectively unpriced on the open market: the one hammer figure on file is £3,400 (November 2014), and that wholesale, saleroom-level result is the only data point available today in 2026. Because it is a unique finish rather than a production variant, what a Red Urushi prototype is worth, sells for, or could realistically achieve at auction depends almost entirely on documentation of provenance and direct factory attribution rather than on comparable sales.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2017 | EUR 1,900 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 31 (Lot AI_31_35506) Title: Rollei 35 'Red Urushi' Prototype
Description:
made by DHW Fototechnik, probably unique, 'Prototyp' engraved on back of camera, red paint Urushi and titanium design with gold applications, Rollei S-Apogon 2.8/40mm HFT (cap), Rollei 35 maker's box Estimate: EUR 1,600 - EUR 1,800 |
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| Nov 2014 | EUR 3,400 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 26 (Lot AI_26_30871) Title: Rollei 35 'Red Urushi' Prototype
Description:
made by DHW Fototechnik, probably unique, 'SN 0000' engraved on back of camera, with snake skin imitation covering and gold applications, Rollei S-Apogon 2.8/40mm HFT (cap), maker's box Estimate: EUR 3,000 - EUR 4,000 |
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