Konica C35 or Olympus 35RC?

[shanenoir]

So a few of these have recently popped up on my local Craigslist at a decent price, and I'm kind of interested. I have a Yashica Electro GS, but its been acting funky lately, and rather than spending the money to repair it, I'd like to get something smaller that has more manual control.

To those that have used the Konica C35 (manual type) or Olympus 35RC, would you recommend either one over the other? Anything I should look out for? They are both priced at $50.

Thank you RFF'ers 🙂

 

[TXForester]

I've got both, but the rangefinder on the C35 needs a repair. They both make good images. Very close to the same size, but the C35 is notably lighter. The C35 is auto exposure only. The only control you have is changing the ISO setting from the actual ISO of the film for exposure compensation. You have no control over shutter speed and aperture.

The 35RC has both manual exposure and shutter priority. In shutter priority, it will lock the shutter button if the meter thinks you will over or under expose the photo.

I've got good photos out of both, but you get more control with the 35RC. More bang for your buck.

 

[farlymac]

And best of all, you can operate the Oly on manual with a dead battery. Just got to be up on your Sunny-16 calculations.

PF

 

[Jack Conrad]

The Oly RC goes for $60 to $80...
The Koni C35 goes for $6 to $8...
They both have sharp lenses.

 

[Frontman]

If you are talking about the Konica C35 FD, that's a different animal, and I would probably prefer the FD over an RC. If the Konica is the reglar C35, I would choose the Oly.

 

[charjohncarter]

I have both: both excellent lenses, both good meters, both small, both good RF, both good viewfinders, both have flashmatic (very useful), both cheaply built. One is auto and manual (35RC) and the other is only auto (C35).

35RC:

C35:

It isn't easy to see here, but if you can tell the difference, you are better than I.

 

[bobby_novatron]

Can't comment on the Konica, but I do own the 35RC. The E.Zuiko lens on the Olympus is killer. Really good quality glass. I actually quite like the design of the camera as well. Here's a sample with some expired Kodak 400UC that I took.

 

[Greyscale]

I think that the Olympus 35 ECR is probably a closer match to the C35, feature for feature. If I had to choose between the three, all things considered, I would take the RC for its battery independence. You might pay more, but I think that you would be more likely to find one in usable condition.

 

[btgc]

I think OP could explain this "Konica C35 (manual type)" - as C35 is automatic camera. It just looks complex, actually exposure is auto only.

 

[Sid836]

I have them both. Over time my C35 had its lightmeter done and now I cannot operate it at all. My little Oly, even if its lightmeter ever dies, it will keep shooting.
If you can afford it, go for a well maintained Oly.

 

[Pentudlian]

I have both, love them both and use them both. The qualities of each have been well described by previous posters. But for me, it's no contest. If I had to choose one, it would be the Olympus every time. I think it is utterly superb, in all sorts of environments.

 

[shanenoir]

Thank you everyone! I'm going to check out the Olympus... if its in good condition I'll report back 😀

 

[shanenoir]

Just got back my test roll, I'll have to scan it to be sure, but it looks like this thing is perfect.

I was afraid of light leaks since the foam has disintegrated, but I shot in bright sunlight and everything looks really clear!

 

[bitfeng]

35RC has everything you need and nothing you don't need. I quite like its simplicity.

Thank you everyone! I'm going to check out the Olympus... if its in good condition I'll report back 😀