Oly 35SP lens quality?

[OlyMan]

In terms of sharpness, contrast and definition, how do you reckon the quality of the images the 35SP can produce (say on slide film) would compare with a modern film SLR? I know there are lots of different factors, but was just wondering how its lens compared with say a modern 40mm/50mm prime from such as Nikon or Canon? The reason I ask is I now find have problems focussing the SP because of my own less-than-brilliant eyesight, and would consider looking round for a decent AF SLR with a prime lens.

The trouble is I've not looked at modern cameras for so long now and I'm not sure where to start to get something as sharp & contrasty. I don't know if advances in technology over the years means that all new lenses are basically so good these days that virtually anything would match its quality with ease, or worryingly if the opposite is true?

 

[momentcollector]

I havent shot with the oly but I would say its pretty good especially in low light compared to any slr...because is no mirror slap. I would also say my favorite small package slr would the yashica fx-2000 with a Contax 45mm 2.8 tessar...super small and super sharp...

relatively cheap as well...the lens runs about 150 on the used market and the camera haha runs about 25 bucks...

AF cameras are bigger and no fun haha...nikon f100 is nice

 

[OlyMan]

Thanks. Low light is not really an issue as I don't really shoot that much stuff at less than handheld shutter speeds, so really I'm saying if all else was equal and you put say my 35SP on a tripod, say a modern Nikon AF SLR with a 40mm prime lens on a tripod next to it, loaded them with identical 100ASA slide-film and shot the exact same landscape photo at lets say 125th/sec@F11, which would be more likely to give the best image in terms of sharpness, contrast and definition

 

[miguel_tuna]

I'm very pleased with mine, even at 1.7 it has very sharp results on "out of focus" subjects, the contrast is fine too.
Talking about the camera itself, it is very complete, quiet and smooth, the only problem is to be a bit big, but is still small compared to any slr. I think you will be happy with it.

Hope it helps

 

[OlyMan]

Miguel thanks for your reply but I think you misunderstood the question...I too am very happy with it but I want an AF SLR which is as good! 🙂

 

[momentcollector]

I dont think there will be much difference with these conditions...most lenses are mostly rated wide open....at f8 f11 everything is pretty damn good especially with a tripod...I would think any prime lens...not zoom would be good....Nikon Canon and of course Contax/Leica.

You may want to try the Contax G cameras as they are autofocus and you could still have a small rangefinder and the lenses blow the doors off pretty much anything!

TRY ONE!

 

[OlyMan]

You know I never thought of the Contax G cameras...what an good idea 🙂

 

[momentcollector]

Ive got a G1 green lable and 35mm lens for sale if you are interested i would let it go for 460.00 + shipping in the USA. Body has some scratches nothing major great camera just trying to finance my xpan purchase. The 35mm lens is in the box with all paper caps and black leather lens bag....

Let me know if interested I could snap some pics later if you are interested

 

[miguel_tuna]

Oh, sorry, I've only red the title and the first paragraph :bang:

 

[OlyMan]

Ive got a G1 green lable and 35mm lens for sale if you are interested i would let it go for 460.00 + shipping in the USA. Body has some scratches nothing major great camera just trying to finance my xpan purchase. The 35mm lens is in the box with all paper caps and black leather lens bag....

Let me know if interested I could snap some pics later if you are interested

Thanks...would prolly need to eBay my current kit first to raise the cash, but if you don't sell it beforehand that's a very generous offer. Some pix would be nice.

 

[Trius]

OlyMan: What??? Move away from Oly? You'll have to change your handle, man!!!

Seriously, I don't know the answer to your question, but if you go the AF SLR route you're going to spend more money, for sure, and the rig will be bigger. So the Contax G1 (or similar) route is a good option for size, but not so much for $$$.

My question, however, is this: Why is focusing the SP a problem? I know you mentioned your eyesight, and I can appreciate that. But is part of it maybe that a CLA is in order, which would include cleaning up the viewfinder? I find the SP one of the best viewfinders of fixed lens RFs. Or maybe a diopter would help, as well. The SP eyepiece is not as large as the OM eyepiece, so it should be too big a chore to modify an OM eyecup and diopter to fit.

I think there's also a thread somewhere about using a piece of tape over the rangefinder window to increase contrast of the rangefinder patch. I've never played around with that, haven't needed to do so.

Just some thoughts.

Trius

 

[Solinar]

Miguel thanks for your reply but I think you misunderstood the question...I too am very happy with it but I want an AF SLR which is as good! 🙂

Fit the SLR with better than basic prime. Most AF SLR users are married to budget zooms. With 11 to 14 floating elements some light and resolution is lost even with today's super duper multi coated elements. I wonder if many modern SLR users realize how much brighter a viewfinder can be in low light with f/1.8 85mm as opposed to a f/3.5 zoom that may stop down to f/4 or 5.6 at 85mm.

The G. Zuiko is a seven element Planar design. A modern pro quality AF prime with 6 or 7 elements should be no worse.