Olympus 35RD vs. Canonet QL17

[Apple Juice]

Dear RFFers,

I am thinking about buying a small and cheap 2nd body.
Something I can carry around easily, be relatively 'expendable' and also very quiet as well.

I have come down to choosing either the Olympus 35RD or the Canonet QL17 GIII.
I would be grateful if any of you who have some experience with both cameras can tell me which one is better.

Thanks.

 

[rover]

I had wanted to get an RD, but never was able to find one in working order for a reasonable price. Both are reported to be excellent. My Canonet GIII definately is. Both are very similar in features.

I would opt for the Canonet because it is much easier to find. If you can easily find an RD in Hong Kong, I would suggest going to handle both to see which you like better. I had a Minolta Himatic 9, too big but great lens, Yashica GSN, really didn't like it at all ergonomicly, Konica Auto S3, great but tiny and choose to hang onto the Canonet because it fit me best. I think both are good choices, only you can choose which is best for you.

 

[peter_n]

I would agree with rover, the Canonets are freely available and you can pick and choose. I just got one that looked terrible and had a viewfinder that was filthy and totally out of alignment plus the self-timer was jammed. However there was a UV filter on the lens which was absolutely pristine under the dirty filter. Sent it off to Essex Camera in NJ for a CLA and I am stunned with the result. The viewfinder on this camera is awesome and my other cam is an M6 - this little cam is just a pleasure to use and goes with me everywhere. 🙂