Olympus 35 sp

[Shab]

Hi,

some days ago I bought an Olympus 35 sp. Today I have been using it a bit and it is a lovely camera. It's really easy to use (I use a hand light meter) and I use it in Manual mode, of course.

The viewfinder is great and bright.

Focusing is really easy also.

Now I need to develop my first roll of B/W film from this camera and I will be able to share with you my thoughts about it lens...

It's a joy to use a Rangefinder camera again...

Have a nice weekend!
Xabier.

 

[p.giannakis]

I always wanted one - i admire those mechanical rangefinders from the 60's-70's.

 

[jamin-b]

You really should try one with a functional meter. The average + spot choices with half press on the shutter to freeze exposure reading really make it a phenomenal camera in use and the cost of a fully CLA'D one is justified by the lens alone. I tend to use mine 95+% of the time on the A setting using the AE lock and spot when needed for proper readings. The only things that bug me a bit are the limited ASA range and that the lens attachment to the camera always seems a bit fragile to me. Not that I have actually had any problems, it just doesn't radiate "tank" or Swiss watch (deliberately avoiding the L reference....) 😉

 

[Ken Davis]

I've still got a functioning SP and it is good to use if you accept the limit ISO range, the spot metering is really useful with the lock facility.

 

[Shab]

You really should try one with a functional meter. The average + spot choices with half press on the shutter to freeze exposure reading really make it a phenomenal camera in use and the cost of a fully CLA'D one is justified by the lens alone. I tend to use mine 95+% of the time on the A setting using the AE lock and spot when needed for proper readings. The only things that bug me a bit are the limited ASA range and that the lens attachment to the camera always seems a bit fragile to me. Not that I have actually had any problems, it just doesn't radiate "tank" or Swiss watch (deliberately avoiding the L reference....) 😉

jamin-b I didn't know I could freeze exposure in this way. The last days I have left the hand lightmeter at home and I'm using its lightmeter. Thank you!

Some days later I have some photos to share with you. They aren't spectacular photos but I'm enjoying a lot using this camera.

Selfie with the camera:


Going to Donostia-San Sebastian (by train):

 

[Shab]

Some are Argenti Pan-X APX100 and other are Ilford Pan F Plus. They all were developed with Rodinal R09 at 1+15 dilution and 19ºC.

 

[jamin-b]

Looks like you are on your way. Enjoy and have fun!

 

[Trius]

Well if you shoot manual and underexpose by a stop, you can push to 1600 ... just sayin'

 

[Retrotech68]

Xabier,
Congratulations on your purchase. I am sure you'll enjoy your 35 SP. I got mine CLA'd by Luton Camera in the UK and I am really glad with the results. I also second what jamin-b said above: the lens and spot meter option alone are a good justification for the CLA cost.
Cheers,

Alex

 

[nikon_sam]

The SP is a great camera with a great lens...enjoy yours...I don't use mine that often since I'm not that quick with the rangefinder focusing...if I really want to slow things down I would use this one...and I prefer to use a hand held meter too...
Don't mind the lens cap...I use it because it fits...

 

[Trius]

I even have an original lens cap (maybe two?) for my three SPs. 😀

 

[bobby_novatron]

Olympus made so many excellent rangefinder cameras in the 1970's, the 35 SP is among the best. Personally I'm a huge fan of the 35 RC (I own two) but the 35 SP is no slouch.

Happy shooting!

 

[Greyscale]

I picked this one up about a week ago. I have an LC (with a dead meter), so I know what to expect from the lens. Playing with the spot meter should be fun.


Olympus 35SP by Mike Novak, on Flickr

 

[trip-xa]

Nice camera, though mine sticks a bit now. Who will CLA these?

Girl with dog in bicycle basket by Dan Fogel, on Flickr

In Close Proximity by Dan Fogel, on Flickr

 

[Trius]

I don't think John Hermanson at Camtech does them any more, but you could ask; maybe he could give a referral if not. Zuiko.com

 

[James1]

If anyone in the U.K. is looking for someone to CLA their 35SP, Newton Ellis in Liverpool is a well-known shop. I've used them before and their work is excellent.

They have just CLAed a 35SP for me that had spent about 25 years unused in a drawer... and which still had a working mercury battery!

 

[Texsport]

I really like the camera and searched for an example in good condition - mine is black version, with a full case.

I got the correct battery and started shooting, loving the quick rangefinder focusing.

When I got my first 2 rolls back, I was very disappointed because the exposures, all automatic camera metered, were over exposed.

I put it down and haven't picked it up since, though I glance at it occasionally ---if only!

Texsport

 

[Trius]

I really like the camera and searched for an example in good condition - mine is black version, with a full case.

I got the correct battery and started shooting, loving the quick rangefinder focusing.

When I got my first 2 rolls back, I was very disappointed because the exposures, all automatic camera metered, were over exposed.

I put it down and haven't picked it up since, though I glance at it occasionally ---if only!

Texsport

I hope you can get it adjusted. In the meantime you could cheat by adjusting the ISO.

I have three 35SPs. If it weren't sacrilege I'd consider sacrificing one and having the lens adapted to Fuji X mount. (Forgive me, Maitani ...)

 

[duckmcf]

I really like the camera and searched for an example in good condition - mine is black version, with a full case.

I got the correct battery and started shooting, loving the quick rangefinder focusing.

When I got my first 2 rolls back, I was very disappointed because the exposures, all automatic camera metered, were over exposed.

I put it down and haven't picked it up since, though I glance at it occasionally ---if only!

Texsport

Hi Texsport,
by "correct battery" I'm assuming you mean a 1.35V mercury oxide battery.
If so, it's possible that your 35SP has been calibrated for a 1.55V silver oxide battery which could account for the over exposure.

Cheers,
Noel