Looking for a small 35mm camera for every day use.

[Dr David Hall]

anywhere camera

I use a Minox 35 GL which is small, light, quiet and has a very accurate meter. Should be very inexpensive. KEH had one recently for less than 100

 

[celerystalksme]

In my opinion, there are only three cameras to consider since you want SMALL...

Minox 35
Rollei 35
Olympus XA

I prefer the XA because even though the rangefinder patch is small, it's still effective. You can use either the finder or you can zone focus it. The Rollei and Minox are limited to only zone focusing. The only downside to the XA is it's ASA range of 25-800. The Rollei is 25-1600...the Minox (depending on model) is up to 25-3200.

All the lenses are VERY good. In reality, the Rollei lens is no better than the excellent Minox and XA lenses.

One advantage the Rollei has is it's ability to take 30.5mm filters.

 

[T42]

Vito II, another vote.

My walk-around camera has become the Voigtlander Vito II.

I have used one like that too. Used to put it in my briefcase when I traveled. Remarkably sharp and contrasty images with its coated "Tessar-like" f/3.5 Skopar lens. The camera does not have a rangefinder, but fast film can help increase the depth of field enough to offset its scale focusing.

It folds up neatly. A cleaning made the finder crystal clear. However, the finder's "peephole" is difficult for glasses wearers who want to see the entire frame. I put some plastic electrical tape around the finder aperture so that it will not scratch my glasses. Just punched a 1/4th inch hole in the tape with a paper punch, stuck it on and trimmed with nail trimmer scissors. With a bit of effort, I can see the entire frame while composing.

 

[FrankB]

All the lenses are VERY good. In reality, the Rollei lens is no better than the excellent Minox and XA lenses.

As with so much in photography, opinions vary on that point!

One advantage the Rollei has is it's ability to take 30.5mm filters.

Quick note - the 35S and 35SE (and the commemorative Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium and whatever else they made one out of!) with the f2.8 Sonnar lens take 30.5mm filters, the 35, 35T and 35TE with the Tessar take 24mm. Not sure about the models with the Triotar.

 

[flashgumby]

Maybe from left field, but my first camera was a Ricoh 500RF and I loved it. Small, solid, reliable, a reasonable (if a little soft) 40mm lens.

FYI, mine was the later (late 70's to early 80's) type, not the old model.

See here to see a photo of a 500RF:
http://home.exetel.com.au/flashgumby/ricoh_500rf.jpg

A sweet little camera that you might find worth considering.

 

[Steve Smith]

Another vote for the Olympus XA here. I bought an XA2 recently, closely followed by an XA.

Although the XA2 is good, the XA is better with proper rangefinder focussing.


Steve.

 

[butterflydream]

Olympus Pen EE
Canon Demi
You don't have to carry too many films.

 

[DougGrosjean]

Olympus XA.

Have had one I bought new since 1981 or so. Has taken some fantastic photos, easily pocketable, and it's probably even responsible for my interest in night photography because I'd put it on a tripod overlooking Phoenix, set the self-timer, and give back excellent shots. Feather-touch shutter release. Pleasingly sculpted. Has survived a motorcycle crash as well. Can't say enough good things about that camera.