For some reason I’ve always been drawn to rangefinder cameras. Ofcourse a Leica would be the ultimate dream but I can’t justify (nor afford) the high price. Then came the Olympus-35 SP which is more affordable and according to several articles online is as good as a Leica (minus the interchangable lens system). That is made a case because of its good build quality and the highly acclaimed G.Zuiko 42mm f1.7 lens. I’ve never held a Leica so I can’t comment on the comparison, but what I do know is that the Olympus-35 SP is one good looking and handling camera.
The Olympus-35 SP is pretty advance specially during its time because it is only one of the few cameras that can function as full mechanical (no batteries needed) or full automatic (Full auto, aperture priority, shutter priority). It also has a spot meter function at a press of a button, which is rare for a camera at this price range. My copy is working flawlessly which is awesome because most vintage cameras have problems with their light meter. Although not as compact as the Ricoh 500g, it is well compensated by its superior lens and bigger and brighter viewfinder and focus patch.
The photos below are from a test roll using an expired Kodak Max 400 taken in a span of a couple of hours of shooting. As always, the photos came out great with me noticing an ample improvement on the quality compared to the Ricoh 500g. But i think both cameras will truly shine once I’ve used fresh films on them. I also intend to do put more “intention” on my photos once I’ve finished testing all my new film cameras and get my confidence back shooting in the streets. 😂
Unlike an SLR, the Olympus-35 SP or any rangefinder for that matter uses a different type of focus mechanism. I do find focusing on an SLR slightly easier with its split type image (I’m used to using SLR for a ling time) but I feel like zone focusing is better on rangefinders because of its shorter focus throw, but that might differ depending on the lens? Still, I do struggle with both when it comes to focusing quickly, though a big part of that also has to do with my shooting rust.
Overall, I’m very impressed and enjoyed shooting this camera. And for the price that I got it, this one is definitely a keeper.
Again, thank you for reading my blog and do read my precious posts. I still have a fee film cameras to test so do watch out for that. As always do follow me on my socials and more photos are posted on my Instagram. Salamat!
King 