A quick question...maybe;-)

[tobyvidnes]

I am adding to my cameracollection, for daily use, and I wonder whether I should get an Olympus 35 SPn or a Konica Auto S3. Any suggestions?

Best Regards, Toby Vidnes

 

[racoll]

Both are excellent cameras but I would opt for the Olympus; it has a beautiful and frighteningly sharp 7-element f/1.7 G. Zuiko lens. The Konica will also perform amazingly as well, but the 35SP is one of the best fixed-lens RFs out there, and the SPn is somewhat more rare. Plus, I have a soft spot for Olympus cameras anyway.

 

[tobyvidnes]

Thank you for your response. I have a 35 SPn in sight, and I have always been happy with my XA so I also have a soft spot for Olympus. I figure the SP and the SPn is equal when it comes to performance, except for a few minor details when it comes to handling?

Best Regards, Toby Vidnes

 

[shadowfox]

Both are excellent cameras but I would opt for the Olympus; it has a beautiful and frighteningly sharp 7-element f/1.7 G. Zuiko lens. The Konica will also perform amazingly as well, but the 35SP is one of the best fixed-lens RFs out there, and the SPn is somewhat more rare. Plus, I have a soft spot for Olympus cameras anyway.

Good summary. The Konica Auto S3 also is lacking full manual control. As alluded above, the Konica has 6-element lens vs the 7-element Zuiko on the 35 SP.

Is that a distinct advantage? maybe, depends on the manufacturing and design, and sample variation. But the extra element is there for a reason, to better correct the pictures.

 

[racoll]

I've been shooting with an Olympus 35-S lately, the model with the G. Zuiko f/1.8. This lens is outstanding and yields beautifully sharp pictures, plus the camera itself is a pure joy to use.

Will, you may not realize it but you're partially responsible for at least a portion of my Olympus zeal. I bought my 35DC from you a while ago and it's been one of my favorites ever since. While "only" a 6-element lens, it's a phenomenal lens all the same and that camera consistently performs at a higher level than many other cameras I own.

Andy

 

[tobyvidnes]

I must say that, after having and using the 35 SP for about 1 1/2 month, it has become my first choice. I do have a Canon QL17 G-III that I used to prefer - that one has now become my backup...

The 35 SP is rugged and solid, and it is realiable. It is well built and yields superb sharpness. The only thing I do not like is the sound of the shutter...it kinda 'ecco's...

I must also say that the viewfinder is brighter and bigger than the Canon...

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

I am adding to my cameracollection, for daily use, and I wonder whether I should get an Olympus 35 SPn or a Konica Auto S3. Any suggestions?

Best Regards, Toby Vidnes

does'nt matter what we like!...look at/handle 'em, then take your pick!....it's you that has to use it! 🙂

 

[Windscale]

As already been mentioned, the Konica S3 is not a choice, if one is to have only one camera, because of it lack of fully manual control and reliance on batteries. I have used the Oly SP for a brief period but ended up selling it. The 7-element lens is OK but I did not find it beating the Rokkor on the minolta 7SII. But the SP's shutter is really clumsy. For a better choice of Olympus I would suggest the RD. Its 6-element lens is every bit as good as the lens on the SP but it has a much smoother and quieter shutter, probably one of the best shutters in all Japanese classic RFs, and it can be fully manual without batteries.