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Olympus 35 RC

by M. Feuerbacher 2003

The Olympus 35 RC is a remarkable camera. It is very well made, surprisingly heavy for its compactness, the finder is brilliant and precise etc. It is not just a downsized economy version of the Olympus 35 RD, which was simultaneously marketed. It indeed has a slower lens and a simpler shutter and aperture, but the camera does not present less features than the RD. In some aspects it does beat the RD.... but let us line up the features one by one.

The lens is a brilliant and sharp five-element Zuiko E f/2.8 42mm moderate wide angle. Upon focusing not the whole barrel moves but only the inner lens housing under rotation of the front lens. The shutter is built up rather simple-it uses a two-blade design. It works well, however, and the RC's shutter does not tend to stick, as e.g. that of the RD.

The camera can be used either in automatic mode (shutter priority) or fully manual. Manual operation is a very rare feature for rangefinders with f/2.8 lenses. As far as I know the only other example is the Ricoh 500G. The shutter-speed range is a little narrow reaching from 1/15 to 1/500 sec. When operated in automatic mode, the camera blocks the release button when the aperture leaves the available range.

The shutter-speed dial is located on the top cover and is easy to reach with the thumb during operation. The aperture selection ring, on the other hand, is very slim and located so close to the camera body that it is very difficult to turn. The aperature range is wider than usual - it reaches down to f/22. On the aperture ring you also find an "off" position, which is very useful in order to prevent the camera from taking pictures of the inside of your pocket. Very few 1970's rangefinders offer this feature (of those I have only the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S). Furthermore there is the "flash" position, which couples the aperture to the distance setting according to the guide number chosen.

The rangefinder is extraordinarily bright and allows for highly precise focusing. In the finder the shutter speed and the selected aperture are shown. There are two scales above and below the framelines. This is a unique feature among the classical rangefinders. The only other rangefinder which offers exposure information this complete, albeit in a much less comfortable manner by giving a view on the lens-barrel engraving is the Minolta Hi-Matic 11.

The film transport lever is lowered into the back of the top cover. This is a space-saving and ergonomically convenient solution but has the disadvantage that dust and dirt can rather easily enter the camera body.

The Olympus 35 RC takes one PX625 mercury battery (discontinued). The battery is only needed for the light meter. In manual mode the camera can be used without a battery.

Altogether a very compact and nice rangefinder. Not exactly an available light camera but a perfect travelling shooter offering full functionality.

Have a look at my repair page for a view on the RC's innards.