tobyvidnes
Bessa R3A, 40mm f1.4 S.C
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
Best Regards, Toby Vidnes
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racoll
Well-known
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
Bessa R3A, 40mm f1.4 S.C
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
Best Regards, Toby Vidnes
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
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
Well-known
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
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
Bessa R3A, 40mm f1.4 S.C
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...
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
Veteran
does'nt matter what we like!...look at/handle 'em, then take your pick!....it's you that has to use it!
Windscale
Well-known
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.