Olympus 35 RD

[julio1fer]

On one of those hunches, I got locally an Olympus 35 RD. Very clean lens, working mercury battery. About 19 USD locally. The auto-release lever is broken, rangefinder works, shutter works. I am taking it to CLA next week.

Did I hit the jackpot, or somebody took advantage of me? (I get a bit lost in the Oly 35 series)

I have an Oly EED half frame, for parts - could it be a parts donor for the auto-release lever?

[camerastoomany]

I don't have a 35 RD because they are generally to pricey for me (I have several other Olympus r/fs).

Maybe that answers your question.

[julio1fer]

Wow, indeed an answer. I hope the technician can restore it to good condition. More on this when the camera comes back.

[julio1fer]

So, here it is. The technician made a new lever for the self-release, the original was broken. The camera did not have much use. After the CLA:



I believe that this camera was designed to be used in Auto mode; the aperture ring next to the body is awkward to move (maybe I get used later on). It is quite compact and practical, except for that detail.

The test roll went OK - the lens is more than acceptable!



I am gradually becoming a fan of these little old Olys.

[casualcollector]

I've had a bunch of the Stylus/MJU series and am fond of the foxed lens verions. Of the manual focus Olys I have an XA-3 That's a really cool camera. I recently sold a Trip as I was able to make a profit on it. I am very happy with the pictures these little cameras make! The more sophisticate versions, like your RD and the XA-1 are usually priced above my impulse buy limits.

[Stephen]

Olympus made a lot of effort to get a good lens on the 35RD, they had a bad reputation after the fiasco with the Pen and the early F reflex not selling well, and had to re-build the business before the OM series came out, and success returned.

However be careful with the Olympus 35RD, they were prone to damage, and are not well sealed against dirt and dust. A camera never to take near a sandy beach! Dust can get into the viewfinder,and the controls around the lens get a bit rough with grit or sand. Obviously other makes suffered as well, but the design clearances on the Olympus body parts, and controls, seemed to attract dirt and sand more.

We did send a few back to Williams, the 70's importer, more than some other makers, no complaints against the lens, but issues with minor jams etc, usually dirt, or damage from drops.

The mercury battery is an issue, but replacements work within reason, and it has the fall back of manual operation with a hand meter anyway.

The best thing about the RD is the F1.7 lens, it was near unique speed at the price, and they are very sharp lenses, with good contrast. Apart from the dust ingress issue, the camera is very well made, and are not too costly to find these days, but there are quite a few quoted as faulty on Ebay, many with the delayed action damaged, a common fault as it is too exposed.

Stephen.

[julio1fer]

Thanks for the comments and tips, Stephen.

Indeed the camera was quite dirty inside when I got it. As for not taking it to a beach, it may be asking too much. If I do, I promise to keep the 35RD inside a well-closed plastic bag, except for the few seconds needed to take a picture.

[daveh]

The best I can do is the 35ED. Quite clean, it came from a fiend of a friend about 10 years ago. The case, which was that soft plastic "leather" , has all but disintegrated.

Everything works fine, as far as I can tell - I haven't put a film through it. Maybe one day I shall.

[julio1fer]

Looks nice! I have the 35EC2, which seems very similar to yours. The lens is quite good, and the size is right.

[patrickth]

I love mine. Its the RD. It was given to me by a combat photographer in VietNam. I had it CLA'd right after I got it and it is my favorite street shooter.

[Deleted]

In 2002 I picked up a 35RD at a neighbor's garage sale for $3 and sold it to a fellow in Norway for $95!!

[julio1fer]

Good business, Wayne.

[pompiere]

I have a 35 ECR. It limits you to full Auto exposure, but it does a good job of it.