Looking for a .....

[Gerry M]

bit of direction. What is a very compact, all mechanical 35mm, with either rf or scale focus. I want this to leave in my truck. I live in a very wet (70"+ annual rainfall) and damp climate, so an all mechanical/no electrics body is necessary. I tried an af p&s and it died within 3 months. Anything with a battery has a very short life span. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gerry

 

[Steinberg2010]

Rollei 35...

 

[Gerry M]

Rollei 35...

That is the right size, but it takes a battery and has electrical circuits. An all mechanical Rollei/Minox 35 would really fit the bill. Maybe there is something close?

 

[jesse1dog]

Olympus Trip?

jesse

 

[xayraa33]

The Olympus XA 1 is a rugged no frills machine.

 

[ferider]

That is the right size, but it takes a battery and has electrical circuits. An all mechanical Rollei/Minox 35 would really fit the bill. Maybe there is something close?

The Rollei 35 is fully mechanical. Just take the battery out (it only operates the meter).

The other option would be a Leica III variant (maybe c or f).

 

[Mablo]

Another vote for Rollei 35. Equipped with 400ASA film it's sooo easy. Just place the shutter speed to 1/250s, adjust aperture according to the available light, (scale) focus and shoot.

 

[Gerry M]

Well, it looks like the Rollei 35 is the closest to what fits my needs. Any input as to which model to look for? I'm not a collector, so condition/reliability is the most important.

 

[mbisc]

How about a Kodak Signet 35? In contrast to the very fine Rollei 35 (I'm not knocking it !!), it even has a rangefinder

 

[iamzip]

http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/35classic/info/all_models.shtml

You could get a Rollei 35B, with a selenium meter. I have one and it sill works.

 

[nikon_sam]

Olympus 35-S...Rangefinder, no batteries, all mechanical, leaf shutter, great lens, affordable, not sure how compact you want this to be...it's 5" wide, 3.25" tall, 2.75" deep...that's without the case...
It has a G. Zuiko 4.2cm 1.8 lens and uses 43mm filters...

Take a look at one here

 

[valdas]

another vote for Olympus Trip 35

 

[jamesmck]

Gerry - If you're lucky, you might be able to find a Petri Color 35, which Stephen Gandy says is "the camera that the Rollei 35 should have been" (http://www.cameraquest.com/petri35.htm). Consider also an Olympus 35RC (battery only for meter).

James

 

[Spider67]

And another vote for the Olympus 35 RC

 

[Gerry M]

Gerry - If you're lucky, you might be able to find a Petri Color 35, which Stephen Gandy says is "the camera that the Rollei 35 should have been" (http://www.cameraquest.com/petri35.htm). Consider also an Olympus 35RC (battery only for meter).

James

Hi James, I considered the Petri, but it looks like they are bringing higher dollars now. Don't know what that is all about. Also, the Oly RC is in the hunt.
Gerry

 

[Gerry M]

Thanks to all that have made suggestions. Please, keep them coming.
Gerry

 

[Ranchu]

Just a vote for no camera in the truck, but a little one always in your pocket. Seems to me, electronic or mechanical, anything other that a fixed focus, fixed shutter speed cheap cam will be destroyed over time in a truck? I could be wrong...

(stylus epics are pretty damn small...)

 

[Ranchu]

fixed focus, fixed shutter speed cheap cam

Not mine.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/piermario/sets/72157622464520641/

Has one shutter speed, three apertures looks like f6.3?, and f11? selected by changing the asa switch with the flash off (camera shoots with no batteries), f4.5 with flash on. Glass lens. No motor, batteries run the flash. Tough to kill!

 

[Gerry M]

Ranchu, "Just a vote for no camera in the truck, but a little one always in your pocket."

Good thought. I just have to remember to put it in my pocket!
Gerry

 

[radiocemetery]

Don't forget the various Retinas. The folders are very small and you can have a rangefinder too or selenium meters in the later ones. The Schneider Xenar and Xenons are very good. Inexpensive too.