My 35 GT, introduced in 1981, has been the first model with an electronic self-timer. The red LED next to the viewfinder window flashes in an accelerating pattern to visualize the function of this timer.

With its retracting lens and the folding flap it is so small and light-weight that it easily fits into a shirt pocket and I rarely leave the house without it. Usually, I have it loaded with a 400 ASA colour negative film.

In spite of its small size, the 35 is no toy or simple snapshot camera. It offers everything needed for serious photography.

Exposure is automatic with aperture priority. There is a '2x' switch for backlight compensation and the dial for setting the film sensitivity can of course be 'abused' to force arbitrary speed/aperture combinations in particular cases. The exposure time is indicated in the viewfinder by means of a needle mechanism. The automatic offers exposure times from 1/500 up to approx. 8 sec at 100 ASA and there is a thread for connecting a cable release.

The focussing range extends from 90 cm to infinity. Unfortunately, the setting for the film speed only goes up to 800 ASA. Later versions include 1600, the DX versions also 3200 ASA. Further features are a frame counter and a tripod bushing at he bottom.

The only thing which I really miss would be some sort of rangefinder but with the small dimensions, its measuring base would be too small to allow for the precision people expect from something with this famous name on it. So, the designers have done the only sensible thing by not including this feature. There are, however, DOF markings adjacent to the distance ring.

The optical performance of the 2.8/35 mm Minotar lens is excellent.