Compact 35mm-lens w/manual exp.?

[Kevin Brown]

After a fairly extensive search of the web, the only compact range/viewfinders with a 35mm lens and truly battery-less manual operation option I've found is the Ricoh Hi-Color series of cameras. My ideal compact camera would be something like the Oly 35RC or Ricoh 500G, but with a 35mm lens rather than the more common 40/42mm. Speed of lens unimportant. Seems nearly all the compacts with this FL are battery-dependent and/or auto exposure only. Though the Hi-Color cameras only have four shutter speeds (1/30 - 1/300), they are other wise pretty close to being a 500G/35RC with 35mm lens. Main features lacking are 'B' shutter mode and self timer (neither of which I ever use).

By compact I mean all the Welmy Wide, Olympus Wide, Mamiya Wide, etc. do not qualify. I'm taking about a camera about the size / weight of the aforementioned 35RC and 500G.

Anyone know of anything other than the H-Colors that fit the bill?
- Approx. size of Ricoh 500G.
- 35mm lens.
- Auto and fully battery-less manual exposure.

The Hi-Colors' predecessor, the Auto Shot, while compact with 35mm lens and auto or manual exposure, doesn't really qualify because both auto and manual modes have only one shutter speed.

??

 

[Larry H-L]

Leica CL (film) with a Voigtlander 35mm f2.5 Color-Skopar would be small, but heavier and pricey.

 

[Kevin Brown]

Just the kind of comparison I was looking for - just a hair larger; actually a bit lighter (the Hi-Color 35 is 1lb.). Though it has a meter, it doesn't actually have an auto exposure mode. And personally, I would never spend that kind of money on a camera - my usage just wouldn't justify it. Great suggestion for others willing to spend the dough, though.

Keep 'em coming.