Olympus SP

[Mewael]

The only fixed-lensed rangefinder that I've had was a Konica Auto S2 (broken, and sold for parts). Is the SP comparable in quality? I have no complaints with the lens on the KAS2, but the build and rangefinder were both so-so (compared to an M atleast).

I'm just so impressed by the Pen F so now I'm looking more into other Oly products.

 

[removedacct3]

I never owned a Konica or Leica, so I can not compare. However, I am very pleased the build quality of the SP. It feels solid in my hands. Compared with the SP the Olympus 35 RD feels filmsy. Perhaps I got a filmsy RD.

 

[Jesper]

Have you considered the Olymous XA?

 

[Xmas]

The primary problem in the trapped needle direct viewfinder cameras is ergonomic and how the meter works.

Suggest reviewing cameraquests site for brief on details.

Another Konica is a reasonable option...

 

[Mewael]

I've had an XA but I sold it. It's too small.

I'm looking for something "full-sized".

I understand that the SP won't be a Leica, and I'm OK with that. I'm not concerned about the meter because I prefer guessing exposure.

My feeling is that the Olympus SP, Konica Auto S2, Canonet, etc. are all of comparable build/viewfinder/rangefinder quality, or is one a cut above the rest? (I doubt it).

 

[Xmas]

They are all about the same.

If you are never going to usr a meter you pay a ergonomic price with the long shutter button travel.

But the use of the viewfinder and focus ring or knob is the next problem.

An SP will be dear cause the meter people will want the option,

Condition is difficult to judge even with camera to hand...

Gold luck.

 

[Paul Howell]

I don’t have a SP so I don’t how the SP will stake up, but I do have a Konica S3 S2 and a Canon, with the 1.7 50mm in both manual and auto focus. The best lens is the S3, rated by many as one of the sharpest sort of wide’s made, but the S3 is only auto exposure, you can fool the meter by adjusting the ISO up and down to some degree. The Canon has a very good lens and as with the S2, has manual and auto exposure, I find the rangefinders on all to be spot on. The Canon auto focus was a first generation af, same lens as the manual focus lens but has no exposure override. My only grip is that Canon uses 48mm filters which can more difficult to find. In most cases I carry the Cannon, second choice is the S3, last is the S2. For features Canon for lens S3.

 

[John Koehrer]

My favorite's the SP. The closest in size & handling to the Leica and it is a bit larger than the Canon Glll 17 and so, more comfortable for me. Quality, both optical and mechanical are comparable to either the Canon or Konica.

 

[Alex Muir]

I had the SP and really enjoyed it. Build quality was good and the images had a certain character that I liked. I stupidly traded it for a Seagull TLR when I wanted to move up to medium format. It was the worst trade I ever made.
Alex

 

[frank]

The SP is my favourite camera of that genre. I've had a few, as well as many similar cameras like the Glll, Konica S2 and S3, Oly RC, etc.

 

[thuggins]

The SP was Oly's top of the line professional RF and displays Oly's general genius in all aspects, not just the unique metering system. But as mentioned above, the trapped needle metering has an inherent drawback. The shutter button has a very long, stiff travel and you can never be quite sure where the trapping ends and the shutter release occurs. Extensive use can give one a case of "pushbuttonitis".

 

[ciniframe]

The SP was Oly's top of the line professional RF and displays Oly's general genius in all aspects, not just the unique metering system. But as mentioned above, the trapped needle metering has an inherent drawback. The shutter button has a very long, stiff travel and you can never be quite sure where the trapping ends and the shutter release occurs. Extensive use can give one a case of "pushbuttonitis".

I didn't know that about the SP. I've had a RC for quite a while and it is also a trapped needle metering on auto but the point of release is always the same whether the needle stops at f22, f8, or f2.8, it releases in the last half millimeter every time. In fact it is so reliable I can consistently take up the slack, and then at the right moment release the shutter. It must have a different implementation than it's big brother.

 

[julio1fer]

I have a 35 SP, which is my favorite fixed RF, as I find that lens is second to none. I also have a Konica III which is very good.