Alexandre,
An excellent on topic question!
You will find fans of each model on the list. Each model has its own
strengths that you will have to use to pick to one that best fits your own
needs and desires. Having been through this thought process myself I ended
up purchasing examples of each model. Then I kept the one that fit me best.
Below are some of my thoughts on each model in turn.
35SP
This models unique feature is the built in spot meter. Physically it is the
largest, smaller than an OM-1 but not by a significant degree. Its lens is
fast and is, like all the ones under consideration, a very strong performer.
The SP is in the middle of the price range of the three. Meter sensor is
built into the viewfinder area and filter use will have to be manually
compensated for (the other two have the cell mounted inside the filter ring
on the lens). There are two rarer version of this model around; the SPn
which adds a battery check feature, and the 35UC which as far as I know was
just a Japanese domestic version with no extra features.
35RD
Mid sized but the most expensive. The shutter on this model was prone to oil
seepage and any one that you find will most likely require a CLA prior to
use. Sharp fast lens design which is shared with the 35DC model (auto
exposure only no manual override). The RD is the least common in my
experience.
35RC
Smallest and least expensive of the three. Still an excellent carry
everywhere camera though. The shutter speed range is limited but still will
suffice for most purposes. Due to its size the lens is slower (f2.8 vs
f1.7). By far the RC is the most common of the Oly compact RF's. The RC also
uses smaller filters (the other two use 49mm)
All three have manual override though not all have metering in manual mode
which means you will either need an external meter or you will have to be
changing modes and extracting your exposure that way. None have a dedicated
exposure compensation dial which leaves you having to adjust film speed
setting on the meter. All are very solidly made and should last as long as
an OM-1.
As I mentioned in my introduction I have owned examples of all three models.
The first model I had was an SP which I enjoyed but didn't always find due
to its size that I would take it over an OM. That said it was my first RF
camera and at the time I had not yet developed a technique for RF shooting.
My next was an RD which following its required Camtech CLA and a Sparks Red
Lizard coat became the camera I learnt how to work RF with. Since then I
have tried an RC as well and found it to be fine performer but it didn't
speak to me as well as the RD did. As you can probably guess the RD was the
keeper for me. I got into the 35 series with a desire to have a physically
smaller camera that still has high performance. It also needed to fill the
double roll of working along side an OM as also be compact enough for the
single camera light days. The RD is a clear winner for me in the latter
respect. And it has held its own in one session where I had color neg film
in the RD, B&W in an OM-2n and digital with an E-20.
As to your question about if the RF's are suitable replacement for the 40mm
f2... Well that is a tough one and a little apples to oranges. I didn't use
that as my excuse to get into the RF's but it could work ;) . Do bear in
mind that RF shooting is a different experience to working with an SLR. If
you can adapt your shooting style to it then I say go for it. I do own the
40mm f2 as well as the RF but in practice I find I shoot in very different
way when working with RF's in comparison to SLR's. With RF's I shoot more
frames and I am deliberately a little looser in framing. It also encouraged
me to shoot more with hyperfocal focusing, which in turn made me work more
on composition. So the in the end I may have a similar FOV technically but a
very different style of shot may be the result.
I am sure there will be others who will share their stories but I urge you
to try as many models as you can get your hands on and find the model that
fits you best.
HTH, Dan S.
-----Original Message-----
From: olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Alexander Lecarme
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 2:15 PM
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [OM] olympus range-finder?
Dear all,
I am looking to buy an olympus range-finder camera with the fixed 42mm
lens to replace the unaffordable OM Zuiko 40mm.
Is this a good idea? And if yes, which is better? The 35 SP, 35 RC, 35
RD, etc...?
Sincerely,
Alexandre Lecarme
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