Bill,
My "take anywhere" is a chrome Rollei 35S . . . a completely manual camera
with a 40mm f/2.8 Sonnar. Bought it new 21 years ago and it's still
functioning perfectly, albeit with a couple minor dings in the body caps
(which ding very easily, but the rest is very rugged). There are a number
of work-arounds for the oldies designed for the PX625 Hg cells.
Considered an XA which had just been released at the time and am *very*
glad I decided on the Rollei 35T and a year later a 35S (sold the 35T a
year ago). The XA does not compare in build quality, lens quality or
robust reliability over a long time. Equivalent great performers in
current production are the Yashica T4 you mentioned and if money is no
consideration the Contax T2 is very similar with a slightly faster and
slightly better lens. You will find a Yashica T4 or Contax T2 tucked in
the corner of many professional photog bags . . . for exactly the same
reasons you mention wanting something a "take anywhere."
Having borrowed a consumer AF Program Mode (only) P&S it was *very*
frustrating not being able to take control. The lenses on them are dog
slow compared to the likes of the Rollei, Yashica or Contax. With Program
Mode *only* you cannot control anything about the exposure for DOF, stop
action, etc. The one Olympus that might work out for you is the Oly Stylus
with prime (not zoom) lens. It is a very good Zuiko lens and among the
faster lensed P&S.
-- John
At 20:14 5/31/00 , H William Welliver wrote:
>------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
>From: "Welliver, H William" <hwellive@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>To: "'owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'"
><owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: Take Anywhere camera suggestions
>Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 11:40:06 -0400
>
>Greetings,
>
>I'm relatively new to this list so please forgive me if I'm asking a FAQ. I've
>been using Olympus gear for around 6 years and absolutely love it. However,
>it's
>not always possible to carry an SLR around even one as light as an OM-4. I've
>recently missed many opportunities because I had no camera handy, thus the
>reason for my post.
>
>I made the "mistake" of grabbing a Canon APS camera in a moment of
weakness and
>am in the process of ditching it after realizing that it was not what I wanted
>in the first place. At this point, I am considering getting a compact 35mm -
>either a point 'n shoot or a rangefinder. This camera would supplement my OM-4
>and Rollei TLR for situations when these are not practical. My budget is under
>$250 and I'm not opposed to used equipment. I was considering a used
Olympus XA
>or the Yashica T4 super.
>
>If anyone has comments or suggestions about either of these or if there is
>another option I should be considering, I'd be most appreciative. I'm mainly
>concerned about things like build and image quality, usability and the like.
>
>Thanks in advance for your assistance!
>
>Bill
>--
>H. William Welliver / Intersil Corporation Mountain Top Systems
>email: hwellive@xxxxxxxxxxxx / phone: 570.474.6761 x4445
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