Fujica 35-SE

Name: Fujica 35-SE
Brand: Fujica

A 35mm rangefinder camera updated from the Fujica 35-ML, with shutter speed priority auto exposure and a built-in selenium meter.

Overview

The Fujica 35-SE is a 35mm rangefinder camera made by Fujica, a brand of Fuji Photo Film Co. It was an update to the Fujica 35-ML and kept the thumb focusing mechanism. Fuji sold it alongside models like the Fujica 35 EE. It sits in a line that includes the Fujica 35 M (1957) and Fujica 35 ML (1958). The 35-SE offered shutter speed priority auto exposure, which was common among advanced compact rangefinders of the era.

Specifications

Film format	35mm
Shutter speeds	1 sec to 1/1000 sec + B
Lens options	45mm f/2.8 or 4.5cm f/1.9 (Fujinon)
Exposure metering	Match needle exposure meter with built-in selenium meter
Focusing	Thumb focusing
Dimensions	Approx. 14 x 10 x 8.5 cm
Weight	934 g

Design

The Fujica 35-SE has a high-contrast leaf shutter and a built-in selenium meter for exposure measurement, so it needs no batteries. The thumb focusing system carries over from the Fujica 35-ML. Exposure control is shutter speed priority auto: you pick the speed and the camera sets the aperture.

Context

The 35-SE is an update to the Fujica 35-ML and reflects Fuji's push toward automation in compact rangefinders. It shares product space with the Fujica 35 EE and follows earlier models like the 35 M and 35 ML. The top shutter speed is 1/1000 sec, shown by the "1000 1.9" logo below the lens on certain variants. That made it a technically advanced model for its time.

Market

In April 2024, working examples of the Fujica 35-SE were reported to sell for between $100 and $150. It is regarded as a solid, well-engineered camera. One collector noted it proved to be a workable manual viewfinder despite initial reservations. Some consider it a collectors' item, while others value it as a functional vintage camera, particularly with the Fujinon 4.5cm f/1.9 lens.