Oly 35SP

[nedsoldman]

Hi

I've just got an Oly 35SP from an ebay vendor in Canada. Its very bright weather here at the moment, and if I'm using it outside, I'm strugglng to get the EV out of the red, even at 25ASA. Its got an EPX625G battery in it. Is this the problem, or is the light meter gone?
I've not put a film through it yet, as the light traps have gone sticky. Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks Dave

 

[Trius]

Try a different battery, first. The Wien zinc air cell (or comparable) made to replace the 625 should work and you should get "sunny 16" readings if the meter is OK. You can use zinc air hearing aid batteries, which are cheaper than the Wiens but are not as large in circumference, so you need to mount them in a #9 washer that you can get at a building supply store such as Lowes, Home Despot, Rona, etc.

If the meter needs attention, you will either have to send it off to a qualified Zuikologist or do it yourself if you know what you're doing.

Good luck!

Trius

 

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Olympus 35 SP

Olympus 35 SP

I use a neutral density filter on my SP for daylight shooting. That way I can shoot at f:8 or so instead of stopped down all the way. Because of the meter location, the meter isn't aware of the filter so I have to adjust the film speed dial to compensate. Just be careful to readjust the ASA when you remove the filter. It would be so much easier if the meter was on the lens, but I guess that would rule out having a spot meter option.

I second the suggestion to use batteries with the correct voltage, like the air cells.

Peter R.

 

[Trius]

One of the issues I've encountered with my SPs is the tendency for the ASA dial to be accidently changed. When I slip an SP into a camera bag, if the dial snags on a divider or something else, it's pretty easy for the dial to be turned since it's on the end of camera, not the front. So, anyone who has an SP should take care.

Trius

 

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Oly 35SP

I can see how that could happen. Maybe a piece of tape would help.

I keep mine in the never ready case, which is fairly soft and not at all bulky for a case, and that protects the dial.

 

[Solinar]

I just went outside and metered off a very white cement wall in direct sun. Sure enough the meter was in the red at ISO 100. When I metered off an 18% gray card the meter came down to EV17, which is one stop to high, if you subscribe to the "Sunny 16 Rule".

Try the 675 zinc air cell as suggested. They are available at most pharmacies. Sorry, but there aren't any cheap zinc air cells in the #625 size. So, you'll need to shop for a rubber o-ring.

 

[Solinar]

P.S. I'm using a MR-9 battery adapter for a silver-oxide in my camera.

 

[chenick]

Try the 675 zinc air cell as suggested. They are available at most pharmacies. Sorry, but there aren't any cheap zinc air cells in the #625 size. So, you'll need to shop for a rubber o-ring.

I second this, I use the 675 zinc air hearing aid batteries in my SP - exposures are spot on with colour print film. Although smaller that the 625s, I find that the battery cover keeps them in place without the need for an o-ring.

Nick