Fujica 35-SE

[racoll]

I've ranted about this camera, the Fujica 35-SE, in other forums in recent days, but not here where rangefinders are always the order of the day. This is easily one of my favorite cameras, although I seem to have a growing list of favorites (the Oly 35RC and Vivitar 35ES being up near the top). The Fujica is a heavy camera but still has a fairly compact body and a superb f/1.9 lens. The controls are a bit unusual with the focus wheel on the upper back part of the body and a film advance just like the Retinas, on the bottom of the camera. The film rewind lever is on the side of the camera, adjacent to the viewfinder. Since acquiring this camera I've carried it just about everywhere, and I must say that I'm very impressed with it. If you have a chance to get one, do so. This is one of the nicest acquisitions I've made in a long time.

 

[NickTrop]

My opinion - Fujica made the most underrated RFs. Didn't seem to be as big a player during the golden era, but I feel the same way about the Fujica Compact Deluxe as you do about the 35-SE. Just love the signature of the lens on that thing. Sharp, contrasty, and has a "glow" - which is flare, but interesting flare, like old uncoated Leicas but different. The lens on this reminds me a bit like the Summar but sharper and higher contrast. The focus wheel works for me, and the Deluxe has auto shutter priority and full manual control with a stand alone meter on the top plate. Compact for its era. Fujica just made great glass - and cameras.

 

[racoll]

I must agree with you, Nick. I've only learned of Fujica RFs recently, having been occupied with the more common usual suspects from Olympus, Canon, Retina, et al. Having used the 35-SE for a little while, I feel completely at home using it, and its layout feels comfortable; in fact the focus wheel seems well thought out and quite logical. The Compact Deluxe looks like a very nice camera as well, one worth looking into.

 

[Tony-S]

I just picked up a 35-SE and it seems to be working great. I ran a roll of film through it and its meter seems to be spot-on. That's quite remarkable for a battery-free camera that's 50 years old!

However, can someone please explain to me this linkage system that exists between the shutter speed and aperture rings? I think mine is a bit wonky or I just don't get it.