A classic camera that is quite versatile. And apparently, a nice quiet leaf shutter too. And yes, I noticed the lack of a depth of field scale as well which is surprising. That would be a disadvantage with street photography - especially when shooting from the hip. Though in instances like that, I would prefer to have a wider lens to reduce the chances of cutting off the subject.
Hi, actually my leaf shutter is quite loud. Only my German cameras have a nice quiet shutter. The rest of your comments I totally agree with. Cheers, Howard 📷
Good review 👍. For me The only big problem is that this camera doesn't have parallel correction .all other things are fantastic . I love this camera an use more for street and travell . Good luck 🤞.
Thanks for the review. The first thing I will consider when selecting a RF is it must have auto parallax compensation build in, the other thing is the lens in use. Since I can not change lens on fixed lens RF camera, the lens in use must suit my needs. I don't think 50mm lens is good for everyday use, my ideal lens to use is 40-45mm range, that covers street shots and head and shoulder portrait while having dinner with friend.
Thanks for the great video. I recently learned (the hard way) that the advance lever of the SP and SPn (and UC) are ever so slightly different and are not interchangeable. I have a SPn and ordered an lever from a parts SP. I wrongfully assumed they are identical. Not sure why they're different, but they are. Now I wonder what other minute differences there are moving forward. Hope that helps someone!
Hi Everard. Thanks for the information. They always seem to like to have some cosmetic changes between models. Internally I suspect that they are very similar. Cheers, Howard
Hi Daniel. Thanks your comment. If you use 1.5 volts instead of 1.35 volts you might be alright with black and white film because of it's wide latitude, however with colour film you will probably end up with poorly exposed images. Cheers, Howard 📷
I found a good deal on one. I didn’t really like it that much, the dealbreaker for me is theres no depth of field scale. I like to zone focus a lot of the time and that’s a handy feature to check your zone of focus. I like other rangefinders better, especially my Lord SL and Fujica SE, or Olympus RC when I want something small.
These things cost a relative fortune compared to similar cameras and, although I've admittedly never used one, I just can't see the justification for it. As a comparison, I recently purchased a near mint Konica S2 for about £15 (admittedly a little less than they usually go for). Unlike the 35 SP, it has a viewfinder that corrects for both parallax and distance and an exposure meter mounted within the lens housing. I'll take those over a rarely used spot meter any day.
The Konica S2 is an excellent camera, and at that price you virtually stole it. The Olympus SP is overpriced, but they are excellent cameras. Cheers, Howard 📷
Hi Beck's. I Just found it on eBay. They're about $30.00. Be aware there are some that look the same but don't alter the voltage but are much cheaper. Good luck. 😀
Hi Mario. Hardly anyone uses flash with these cameras any more. If you choose to, fit your flash in the shoe mount, establish what the guide number is for your flash in feet or meters, whichever is appropriate, fit the flash lead if required, set the speed to 1/30th for bulb flashguns or any higher speed if desired for electronic flash. Set the guide number on the aperture ring to the red mark behind the aperture ring, focus and shoot. Good luck. 📸
Very good review. They are very good cameras but the claim of being the best rangefinder ever is rather optimistic at best and more like ridiculous, That accolade has to go the M2, M3 and M6 Leicas even though they cost many times more than this little RF from Olympus.
Thank you for that, Howard. I love my SP. Doing some research before I bought it lead me to several articles in professional photo mags of the time that referenced cross comparisons with its Leica equivalent. The SP equaled or bested the Leica in all categories and yet Leica outsold the SP. Several of the reviewers concluded consumers didn’t care about quality, they just had to have the Leica brand. Make of that what you will. On a side note I also came across articles of Leica’s subcontracting out lens manufacturing to Japanese firms. Not much has changed. Once again, thanks for the video.
Hi J.P. Leica cameras are superbly engineered and optically excellent, but you pay for the privilege of ownership, and there is a portion of society who believe nothing can match their Leicas. I think optically the best of the Japanese camera makers came extremely close and in many cases matched Leica's optics, and when it came to convenience were easier to use. I believe the Only SP/SPn were in this class and in some respects bettered the Leicas for a fraction of the cost. Cheers, Howard
No, it's not the best 35mm rangefinder camera ever made. and I say that comparing it to other Japanese fixed lens models, not to something like a Leica. It is heavily built, perhaps too heavy for its proposed use. The lens is excellent, but not as good as a similar lens in the Oly model which followed the SP, the RD. The Canon QL17 G-III lens is also superior. The meter is always on, which was less a problem when the mercury batteries it was designed to use were around, but it will eat a modern battery in weeks. The meter itself is a tricky affair with a full area coverage in default state, but will shift to a spot meter coverage with push of a button. The problem is that most cameras have non-functional meters in general, and the spot meter practically never works. In the 1980s and 90s, when these type of cameras were far more commonly available, an SP is very good condition with a fully working meter was on the top of my "want list" as I trolled through dozens of major shows and swap meets. I never found one with a working meter. The Oly RD and Canonette are less heavy, more compact, have a few more features, have better lenses, and are more available.
Hi Randall. I never said it was the best, I said one of the best and I'll stand by that. Obviously Leica's are probably superior but at many times the price. I also have a very nice Canonet GIII and it's lens performance doesn't match the my SPn. I may have been lucky but my SPn metering still works perfectly, including the spot meter. Obviously sample variance is always present so our relevant experiences will probably differ. I'll admit the Oly DC and RD both had great lens but the RD had sticky shutter problems and the DC is virtually auto only.
@@howpowI also have a black ql17 g3 (all mint) and a 35spn (with a broken light meter). Both lenses had been serviced recently, I have to say that 35spn lens is way sharper at f1.7 compared to ql17 at 1.7.
@@therocket88 Hi rocket. I found that my SPn lens was superior to my GIII also. It might be worth getting the SPn fixed to benefit from the spot metering capability, it really sets the camera apart from the rest. Cheers, Howard 📷
I bought the 35SP in 2018, here's a wee vid featuring the camera if Interested. th-cam.com/video/VayFWHZg1Sc/w-d-xo.html I've shot a lot of cameras and for me the Oly is hard to beat. I know it's a lovely camera that's capable of some great results, but it's always nice to hear others so positive about the camera. Thanks for sharing off to watch more of your content cheers Paul.
Thanks Paul. I watched the video and you certainly took some nice shots of the rugged countryside. The SP's are great cameras. I also have the earlier 35 S2 which is an interesting camera with an earlier version of the same lens. Have fun 😄
@@howpow hey cheers mate appreciate you taking a look. I’m having a midlife crisis of late seem to be buying a new old camera every day 😂 the SP is one of my faves just a good solid camera that’s a pleasure to use. I’ll keep an eye out for more vids from you got a feeling you could be making me spend again 😂❤️📷
@@paultaylorphotography9499 I'd hate to think that your Gear Acquisition Syndrome was down to me. I should warn you, once you start it's hard to stop. I have "way" too many. ☹️
@@howpow haha no mate my obsession started from the day my dad introduced me to photography never wanted to do anything else. I’ve kept almost every camera I owned I hate getting rid of stuff. The last few years though I’ve been enjoying the process of getting an old camera and seeing if I can get a few good frames out of them. Currently I’m obsessed with a late 40s Italian folder it’s a wonderful camera. I don’t need much encouragement to buy more so keep up your guilt free posting mate cheers 📷❤️📷
Very helpful review, I'm considering buying this camera and your direct approach has moved me a bit closer to making a decision!
Thanks Nathan. Either the SP or the SPn are excellent cameras. If you can get hold of a good example you won't be disappointed.
A classic camera that is quite versatile. And apparently, a nice quiet leaf shutter too. And yes, I noticed the lack of a depth of field scale as well which is surprising. That would be a disadvantage with street photography - especially when shooting from the hip. Though in instances like that, I would prefer to have a wider lens to reduce the chances of cutting off the subject.
Hi, actually my leaf shutter is quite loud. Only my German cameras have a nice quiet shutter.
The rest of your comments I totally agree with.
Cheers, Howard 📷
@@howpow Oh that's interesting. There's another youtuber reviewing the Olympus 35SP who remarked that the shutter on his camera is very quiet.
Succinct and to the point, unlike the 'fluff' from so many other reviews. Thanks Howard!
cheers from Singapore!
Thanks Chenmunn. Always nice to receive positive feedback.
Cheers, Howard. 📷
thank you for the overview! just got the camera from ebay.
Hi Krypt. Great camera, I think you will enjoy it.
Cheers, Howard
Good review 👍.
For me The only big problem is that this camera doesn't have parallel correction .all other things are fantastic . I love this camera an use more for street and travell .
Good luck 🤞.
Hi Mohammad, thanks for the comment. I'm also surprised that the SP didn't have automatic parallax but it's still a great camera. thanks again.
Thanks for the review. The first thing I will consider when selecting a RF is it must have auto parallax compensation build in, the other thing is the lens in use. Since I can not change lens on fixed lens RF camera, the lens in use must suit my needs. I don't think 50mm lens is good for everyday use, my ideal lens to use is 40-45mm range, that covers street shots and head and shoulder portrait while having dinner with friend.
Hi Joe, you should love the lens, 42mm. Can't help with the parallax though.
Cheers, Howard
Thanks for the great video. I recently learned (the hard way) that the advance lever of the SP and SPn (and UC) are ever so slightly different and are not interchangeable. I have a SPn and ordered an lever from a parts SP. I wrongfully assumed they are identical. Not sure why they're different, but they are. Now I wonder what other minute differences there are moving forward. Hope that helps someone!
Hi Everard. Thanks for the information.
They always seem to like to have some cosmetic changes between models.
Internally I suspect that they are very similar.
Cheers, Howard
Very Nice Review ❗️. Love your style 👍
Thanks Mario. 😄
Great review! Thanks. What would happen if I used one of those battery adapters that doesn’t convert the voltage down?
Hi Daniel. Thanks your comment.
If you use 1.5 volts instead of 1.35 volts you might be alright with black and white film because of it's wide latitude, however with colour film you will probably end up with poorly exposed images.
Cheers, Howard 📷
I found a good deal on one. I didn’t really like it that much, the dealbreaker for me is theres no depth of field scale. I like to zone focus a lot of the time and that’s a handy feature to check your zone of focus. I like other rangefinders better, especially my Lord SL and Fujica SE, or Olympus RC when I want something small.
Fair enough, if you zone focus it's not ideal.
I've got both the Fujica SE and the Olympus RC both of them are excellent.
Cheers, Howard
These things cost a relative fortune compared to similar cameras and, although I've admittedly never used one, I just can't see the justification for it. As a comparison, I recently purchased a near mint Konica S2 for about £15 (admittedly a little less than they usually go for). Unlike the 35 SP, it has a viewfinder that corrects for both parallax and distance and an exposure meter mounted within the lens housing. I'll take those over a rarely used spot meter any day.
The Konica S2 is an excellent camera, and at that price you virtually stole it.
The Olympus SP is overpriced, but they are excellent cameras.
Cheers, Howard 📷
Great video. Thank you.
RS. Canada
Hi. Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers, Howard
Really good review. Could you please add a link to the battery adapter? Thanks
Hi Beck's. I Just found it on eBay. They're about $30.00. Be aware there are some that look the same but don't alter the voltage but are much cheaper.
Good luck. 😀
Does the auto mode work without the battery? I read a lot of times that the battery ONLY drives the meter.
The Auto mode requires a working meter which requires a battery.
Good luck, Howard
Good review 🫡 just picked one of these up. Everything still works so I can’t wait to load it up and shoot
Hi Jordan-Lee. I'm sure you'll be pleased. The 35SP is one of the best.
Cheers, Howard 📷
I'm thinking of purchasing this one instead of an interchanble lens range finder. Any tips?
All I can say is get the best example that you can afford.
Cheers, Howard 📷
💢 can you do a video using this camera 📷 with flash 📸.
Hi Mario. Hardly anyone uses flash with these cameras any more.
If you choose to, fit your flash in the shoe mount, establish what the guide number is for your flash in feet or meters, whichever is appropriate, fit the flash lead if required, set the speed to 1/30th for bulb flashguns or any higher speed if desired for electronic flash.
Set the guide number on the aperture ring to the red mark behind the aperture ring, focus and shoot.
Good luck. 📸
Sir..Meron po ako Nyan .Olympus 35's
Hi Jonard. I hope you enjoy it. 📷
Very good review. They are very good cameras but the claim of being the best rangefinder ever is rather optimistic at best and more like ridiculous, That accolade has to go the M2, M3 and M6 Leicas even though they cost many times more than this little RF from Olympus.
Thanks lensman57. You're quite right of course, but for the money the SP range are very good.
Thank you for that, Howard. I love my SP. Doing some research before I bought it lead me to several articles in professional photo mags of the time that referenced cross comparisons with its Leica equivalent. The SP equaled or bested the Leica in all categories and yet Leica outsold the SP. Several of the reviewers concluded consumers didn’t care about quality, they just had to have the Leica brand. Make of that what you will. On a side note I also came across articles of Leica’s subcontracting out lens manufacturing to Japanese firms. Not much has changed. Once again, thanks for the video.
Hi J.P. Leica cameras are superbly engineered and optically excellent, but you pay for the privilege of ownership, and there is a portion of society who believe nothing can match their Leicas.
I think optically the best of the Japanese camera makers came extremely close and in many cases matched Leica's optics, and when it came to convenience were easier to use. I believe the Only SP/SPn were in this class and in some respects bettered the Leicas for a fraction of the cost.
Cheers, Howard
at one point much of leicas lense designs were from minolta but they both make absolutely superb lenses
No, it's not the best 35mm rangefinder camera ever made. and I say that comparing it to other Japanese fixed lens models, not to something like a Leica. It is heavily built, perhaps too heavy for its proposed use. The lens is excellent, but not as good as a similar lens in the Oly model which followed the SP, the RD. The Canon QL17 G-III lens is also superior. The meter is always on, which was less a problem when the mercury batteries it was designed to use were around, but it will eat a modern battery in weeks. The meter itself is a tricky affair with a full area coverage in default state, but will shift to a spot meter coverage with push of a button. The problem is that most cameras have non-functional meters in general, and the spot meter practically never works. In the 1980s and 90s, when these type of cameras were far more commonly available, an SP is very good condition with a fully working meter was on the top of my "want list" as I trolled through dozens of major shows and swap meets. I never found one with a working meter. The Oly RD and Canonette are less heavy, more compact, have a few more features, have better lenses, and are more available.
Hi Randall. I never said it was the best, I said one of the best and I'll stand by that. Obviously Leica's are probably superior but at many times the price. I also have a very nice Canonet GIII and it's lens performance doesn't match the my SPn.
I may have been lucky but my SPn metering still works perfectly, including the spot meter.
Obviously sample variance is always present so our relevant experiences will probably differ.
I'll admit the Oly DC and RD both had great lens but the RD had sticky shutter problems and the DC is virtually auto only.
@@howpowI also have a black ql17 g3 (all mint) and a 35spn (with a broken light meter). Both lenses had been serviced recently, I have to say that 35spn lens is way sharper at f1.7 compared to ql17 at 1.7.
@@therocket88 Hi rocket. I found that my SPn lens was superior to my GIII also.
It might be worth getting the SPn fixed to benefit from the spot metering capability, it really sets the camera apart from the rest.
Cheers, Howard 📷
I bought the 35SP in 2018, here's a wee vid featuring the camera if Interested. th-cam.com/video/VayFWHZg1Sc/w-d-xo.html I've shot a lot of cameras and for me the Oly is hard to beat. I know it's a lovely camera that's capable of some great results, but it's always nice to hear others so positive about the camera. Thanks for sharing off to watch more of your content cheers Paul.
Thanks Paul. I watched the video and you certainly took some nice shots of the rugged countryside.
The SP's are great cameras. I also have the earlier 35 S2 which is an interesting camera with an earlier version of the same lens. Have fun 😄
@@howpow hey cheers mate appreciate you taking a look. I’m having a midlife crisis of late seem to be buying a new old camera every day 😂 the SP is one of my faves just a good solid camera that’s a pleasure to use. I’ll keep an eye out for more vids from you got a feeling you could be making me spend again 😂❤️📷
@@paultaylorphotography9499
I'd hate to think that your Gear Acquisition Syndrome was down to me. I should warn you, once you start it's hard to stop. I have "way" too many. ☹️
@@howpow haha no mate my obsession started from the day my dad introduced me to photography never wanted to do anything else. I’ve kept almost every camera I owned I hate getting rid of stuff. The last few years though I’ve been enjoying the process of getting an old camera and seeing if I can get a few good frames out of them. Currently I’m obsessed with a late 40s Italian folder it’s a wonderful camera. I don’t need much encouragement to buy more so keep up your guilt free posting mate cheers 📷❤️📷