Olympus 35RC (and Pentax Finds!)

[Steve Roberts]

A few days ago a friend called me from an auction of general junk to say that he'd spied a box "full of Pentax stuff". He didn't know what it all was beyond describing two S1a bodies, so I said I'd be prepared to go to £30 for this lot unseen. Well, he got it for £16 and dropped it over that night. Apart from the two S1a's (that need a little attention) there was a brand new, boxed Pentax Bellows II, new and boxed Pentax Slide copier, mint pre-SMC 105mm Takumar, loads of filters, etc. and an Olympus 35RC. My initial interest was in the Pentax kit, but when I got around to the Olympus, I was most impressed by it, having barely heard of that model before. Rangefinder focussing, Zuiko lens, speeds 1/15th to 1/500th, fully auto exposure or fully manual (with no battery required) plus a self timer and all in a very compact package. I had it apart last night to clean the slightly grubby top plate and was amazed at the fine workmanship and clever way that the workings were arranged. I'm used to seeing the insides of Pentax SLRs, but their construction seems almost clunky in comparison.
The 35RC impressed me in a way that no 35mm camera has for some time, and although a quick search revealed postings about them on APUG, I'm surprised that they don't have a much higher profile. On the face of it, they would seem to be the answer to the dreams of anyone who wants a small, 'take everywhere' camera that has the option to be configured for P & S or for controlled manual operation, as required, the latter independent of a battery (a big plus IMHO). Perhaps the Petri Color 35 is the nearest equivalent that I have, but that lacks auto exposure, self-timer and rangefinder focussing, though its collapsing lens and small size are in its favour. The only problem I can see with the 35RC is that of the obsolete battery, but I'm sure I can get around that with a silver cell and a small mod.
Anyone else out there care to comment on what would seem to be an under-rated gem?

Best wishes,

Steve

 

[perkeleellinen]

The 35RC is a great little camera isn't it? I think the profile was nudged a little higher after Ken Rockwell wrote about them, they started to push £100 on ebay after that:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/olympus/35rc.htm

 

[photoncatcher]

I was lucky enough to be given an Oly 35rc Years ago by a sweet little lady who found it in a drawer after her husband passed away. It has been a great little friend, and a very reliable shooter. That little Zuiko lens has great contrast, and is tack sharp. A much underrated camera, and fine piece of workmanship.

 

[Brian Legge]

I picked up a 35RC last year but it hasn't received as much use as it should. I ended up using a XA4 when I wanted small and a 35RD if I wanted a similar camera and could deal with just a bit more bulk.

That said, I prefer the handling of the 35RC to both cameras. It just fits nicely, is easy to use, etc. I really need to run another roll through it soon.

 

[RH Designs]

I picked up a 35RC a couple of years ago at a local auction for less than a tenner. It needed remedial work on the battery compartment due to the old battery having been left in situ for long enough to corrode through the connection, but since fixing it it's worked fine and is in nice condition. Lovely little camera, and will function perfectly on manual without a battery.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

You could make a case that covers the autocoveder. It is not going help much.

Jeff

 

[lxdude]

You could make a case that covers the autocoveder. It is not going help much.

Jeff

Ummm...huh?

 

[darinwc]

Sometimes you get lucky.. Yesterday i chanced upon a 35rc on ebay with a buy-it-now of only 25$

 

[Pumalite]

You can use an Air Zinc battery sorrounded by a rubber ring and if that doesn't work; use a metal ring