My new Oly 35RC with my new Pentax MX

GerryL · 05-03-2011, 02:52 PM - **1 Like**

After a lot of questions and a lot of searches (thanks to forum members), I've got my Rangefinder Olympus 35RC.

I cleaned the whole body including inside and replaced the needed seals.
Original light seals at the film door was still ok so I just replaced the ones on the film door furrow on the body itself and the velvet on the side of the door by the hinge.
I also replaced the wrist strap since the original one was already brittle. I still used the same hardware and just replaced the strap material itself.
Hinge of the Oly is still broken but I think it will not be an issue as the light seals are tight once film door is closed. Very well sealed indeed that film door doesn't pop open easily.
I bought a flash appropriate for the Oly Rangefinder too and it looks just fab!
Here it is side by side with my "new" Pentax MX. I also cleaned this puppy up and replaced the seals.
Oly doesn't seem to be so small compared to the MX.
Oly is tall and compact and MX is a bit elongated but short.
MX is working as expected and already film tested.
Now, only the Oly needs to be film tested.
I hope you will like the comparison photos.

Attached Images

Last edited by GerryL; 06-22-2011 at 07:52 PM.

**ChrisPlatt** · 05-03-2011, 04:14 PM

Like the Pentax MX the Olympus 35RC has a "full information" viewfinder, i.e. aperture and shutter speed are displayed.
Though not terribly rare among SLR cameras, this feature is quite uncommon in compact 35mm rangefinders.

Chris

jimH · 05-03-2011, 04:18 PM

Some very nice cameras! I've got a nearly mint MX and a Canonete QL-17, GIII QL that's in approximately mint condition. Love them both. Have fun with your new cameras!

myfotoguy · 05-03-2011, 04:43 PM

Nice shot, they look great!

I just got my other MX back from Eric and I started replacing the seals myself in all my other cameras. I'm enjoying that, but have not graduated to lubricating and adjusting anything myself yet.

GerryL · 05-03-2011, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Like the Pentax MX the Olympus 35RC has a "full information" viewfinder, i.e. aperture and shutter speed are displayed.
Though not terribly rare among SLR cameras, this feature is quite uncommon in compact 35mm rangefinders.

Chris

Yes Chris, I like the way I can see what aperture opening the 35RC chooses in the "A" setting "Shutter Priority" mode.
I just wish that this would have a diopter adjustment or diopter attachment since I can't fully appreciate the full display due to farsightedness.
I can focus on the subject just fine but display is very slightly blurred and I don't like using my eyeglass which when I do try to use, the aperture display becomes focused but I need to lift my head up or my eyeglasses up for the shutter display to be clear too since it is at the top of the viewfinder..

GerryL · 05-03-2011, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by myfotoguy

Nice shot, they look great!

I just got my other MX back from Eric and I started replacing the seals myself in all my other cameras. I'm enjoying that, but have not graduated to lubricating and adjusting anything myself yet.

Thanks Tim!
The MX came from a very nice guy who took good care of it..

I just compared the shutter speed of the MX with my other working cameras and it seemed to be right so I figured that it is only the light seals and mirror bumper that needed attention since the foam has deteriorated and become sticky and crumbling and sticking everywhere including the mirror.
My replacing the seals turned out great 'coz I bought the kit from "Interslice".
After that, I pretty much know what to replace and what to replace it with.
The MX turned out great! Thanks a lot to the previous owner!

That's good to hear that you enjoyed replacing the seals from your other cameras.
No need to lubricate and adjust anything if it doesn't need to..but it is actually better to have it CLA'ed to be working like new!

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 05-03-2011, 07:15 PM

Makes you apprechiate how small the MX is.

Bruspeed · 05-03-2011, 07:39 PM

Congrats Gerry!! I'm glad you got a working Oly specimen, I really like those cameras. I'm curious, which one will spend the most time in your pocket?

**grux** · 05-03-2011, 08:03 PM

it is neat to see them side by side like that. last year off ebay i won a brand new in box oly rc35, never opened with the camera still in it's sealed plastic bag. the light seals were mush so i replaced them myself. i used the camera for most of last year as i had a severe right shoulder injury in which i could i could not hold anything heavier to my eye. the oly rc35 was great fun to use and produced some great shots. so now your post has prompted me to buy a fresh wein cell and a roll of kodak ektar and pack my oly rc35 in my bag along side my mx. cheers

patrickth · 05-04-2011, 02:01 AM

Congrats on the Oly. I have one given to me by a combat photographer at Khe Sanh. Had it cla'd and is my prized posession. Here is a short blurb on the photog. Dave Powell. We called him Hollywood Six, everyone else called him Miranda Man.

Unlikely Combat Photographer Documents War's Toll

GerryL · 05-04-2011, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by grux

it is neat to see them side by side like that. last year off ebay i won a brand new in box oly rc35, never opened with the camera still in it's sealed plastic bag. the light seals were mush so i replaced them myself. i used the camera for most of last year as i had a severe right shoulder injury in which i could i could not hold anything heavier to my eye. the oly rc35 was great fun to use and produced some great shots. so now your post has prompted me to buy a fresh wein cell and a roll of kodak ektar and pack my oly rc35 in my bag along side my mx. cheers

That is nice to hear since nice cameras like this shouldn't be put away.
I would actually be using more film now than digital.
How I missed using film!
I really like the sound of the 35RC "click" of the shutter being tripped.
The only thing with film now since I got used to digital is I want to use the whole 24 shots of roll in one sitting just so I can see the prints right away..

I actually have better keepers in film than on digital.
The good old days!
Here are some unretouched photos from the MX as CD scanned by my local Walmart (just 5mp, I think).
These where some of my first test shots from it.

GerryL · 05-04-2011, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by Bruspeed

Congrats Gerry!! I'm glad you got a working Oly specimen, I really like those cameras. I'm curious, which one will spend the most time in your pocket?

If I had the luxury of just taking photos and not have my 9-5 job, then I will gladly sling all my cameras round my neck and just go around town taking snaps..

I might look like a fool..but a happy fool!

Thanks!

GerryL · 05-04-2011, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by patrickth

Congrats on the Oly. I have one given to me by a combat photographer at Khe Sanh. Had it cla'd and is my prized posession. Here is a short blurb on the photog. Dave Powell. We called him Hollywood Six, everyone else called him Miranda Man.

Unlikely Combat Photographer Documents War's Toll

Very moving and inspirational story Patrick!
Photogs like him have been everywhere risking their lives for the stories that only a picture can tell.
Instead of shooting guns, they where shooting cameras.
I'm glad you shared it!

GerryL · 05-04-2011, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden

Makes you apprechiate how small the MX is.

Yup! I'm glad and lucky to have them both..

GeneV · 05-04-2011, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden

Makes you apprechiate how small the MX is.

Every time I'm tempted to move into M mount RF cameras, I am reminded that I won't really save that much space over the MX--not that there aren't other reasons to go there.

05-03-2011, 02:52 PM - 1 Like	#1
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	My new Oly 35RC with my new Pentax MX After a lot of questions and a lot of searches (thanks to forum members), I've got my Rangefinder Olympus 35RC. I cleaned the whole body including inside and replaced the needed seals. Original light seals at the film door was still ok so I just replaced the ones on the film door furrow on the body itself and the velvet on the side of the door by the hinge. I also replaced the wrist strap since the original one was already brittle. I still used the same hardware and just replaced the strap material itself. Hinge of the Oly is still broken but I think it will not be an issue as the light seals are tight once film door is closed. Very well sealed indeed that film door doesn't pop open easily. I bought a flash appropriate for the Oly Rangefinder too and it looks just fab! Here it is side by side with my "new" Pentax MX. I also cleaned this puppy up and replaced the seals. Oly doesn't seem to be so small compared to the MX. Oly is tall and compact and MX is a bit elongated but short. MX is working as expected and already film tested. Now, only the Oly needs to be film tested. I hope you will like the comparison photos. Attached Images Last edited by GerryL; 06-22-2011 at 07:52 PM.

05-04-2011, 07:49 AM	#11
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731 Original Poster	Originally posted by grux it is neat to see them side by side like that. last year off ebay i won a brand new in box oly rc35, never opened with the camera still in it's sealed plastic bag. the light seals were mush so i replaced them myself. i used the camera for most of last year as i had a severe right shoulder injury in which i could i could not hold anything heavier to my eye. the oly rc35 was great fun to use and produced some great shots. so now your post has prompted me to buy a fresh wein cell and a roll of kodak ektar and pack my oly rc35 in my bag along side my mx. cheers That is nice to hear since nice cameras like this shouldn't be put away. I would actually be using more film now than digital. How I missed using film! I really like the sound of the 35RC "click" of the shutter being tripped. The only thing with film now since I got used to digital is I want to use the whole 24 shots of roll in one sitting just so I can see the prints right away.. I actually have better keepers in film than on digital. The good old days! Here are some unretouched photos from the MX as CD scanned by my local Walmart (just 5mp, I think). These where some of my first test shots from it. Attached Images

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05-03-2011, 04:14 PM	#2
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	Like the Pentax MX the Olympus 35RC has a "full information" viewfinder, i.e. aperture and shutter speed are displayed. Though not terribly rare among SLR cameras, this feature is quite uncommon in compact 35mm rangefinders. Chris

05-03-2011, 04:18 PM	#3
jimH Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Central Nebraska - USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,771	Some very nice cameras! I've got a nearly mint MX and a Canonete QL-17, GIII QL that's in approximately mint condition. Love them both. Have fun with your new cameras!

05-03-2011, 04:43 PM	#4
myfotoguy Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 72	Nice shot, they look great! I just got my other MX back from Eric and I started replacing the seals myself in all my other cameras. I'm enjoying that, but have not graduated to lubricating and adjusting anything myself yet.

05-03-2011, 04:50 PM	#5
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Like the Pentax MX the Olympus 35RC has a "full information" viewfinder, i.e. aperture and shutter speed are displayed. Though not terribly rare among SLR cameras, this feature is quite uncommon in compact 35mm rangefinders. Chris Yes Chris, I like the way I can see what aperture opening the 35RC chooses in the "A" setting "Shutter Priority" mode. I just wish that this would have a diopter adjustment or diopter attachment since I can't fully appreciate the full display due to farsightedness. I can focus on the subject just fine but display is very slightly blurred and I don't like using my eyeglass which when I do try to use, the aperture display becomes focused but I need to lift my head up or my eyeglasses up for the shutter display to be clear too since it is at the top of the viewfinder..

05-03-2011, 04:59 PM	#6
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731 Original Poster	Originally posted by myfotoguy Nice shot, they look great! I just got my other MX back from Eric and I started replacing the seals myself in all my other cameras. I'm enjoying that, but have not graduated to lubricating and adjusting anything myself yet. Thanks Tim! The MX came from a very nice guy who took good care of it.. I just compared the shutter speed of the MX with my other working cameras and it seemed to be right so I figured that it is only the light seals and mirror bumper that needed attention since the foam has deteriorated and become sticky and crumbling and sticking everywhere including the mirror. My replacing the seals turned out great 'coz I bought the kit from "Interslice". After that, I pretty much know what to replace and what to replace it with. The MX turned out great! Thanks a lot to the previous owner! That's good to hear that you enjoyed replacing the seals from your other cameras. No need to lubricate and adjust anything if it doesn't need to..but it is actually better to have it CLA'ed to be working like new!

05-03-2011, 07:15 PM	#7
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Makes you apprechiate how small the MX is.

05-03-2011, 07:39 PM	#8
Bruspeed Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: The Biggest Little City in the World Photos: Albums Posts: 44	Congrats Gerry!! I'm glad you got a working Oly specimen, I really like those cameras. I'm curious, which one will spend the most time in your pocket?

05-03-2011, 08:03 PM	#9
grux Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Toronto Photos: Albums Posts: 1,060	it is neat to see them side by side like that. last year off ebay i won a brand new in box oly rc35, never opened with the camera still in it's sealed plastic bag. the light seals were mush so i replaced them myself. i used the camera for most of last year as i had a severe right shoulder injury in which i could i could not hold anything heavier to my eye. the oly rc35 was great fun to use and produced some great shots. so now your post has prompted me to buy a fresh wein cell and a roll of kodak ektar and pack my oly rc35 in my bag along side my mx. cheers

05-04-2011, 02:01 AM	#10
patrickth New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 6	Congrats on the Oly. I have one given to me by a combat photographer at Khe Sanh. Had it cla'd and is my prized posession. Here is a short blurb on the photog. Dave Powell. We called him Hollywood Six, everyone else called him Miranda Man. Unlikely Combat Photographer Documents War's Toll

05-04-2011, 07:53 AM	#12
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731 Original Poster	Originally posted by Bruspeed Congrats Gerry!! I'm glad you got a working Oly specimen, I really like those cameras. I'm curious, which one will spend the most time in your pocket? If I had the luxury of just taking photos and not have my 9-5 job, then I will gladly sling all my cameras round my neck and just go around town taking snaps.. I might look like a fool..but a happy fool! Thanks!

05-04-2011, 08:02 AM	#13
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731 Original Poster	Originally posted by patrickth Congrats on the Oly. I have one given to me by a combat photographer at Khe Sanh. Had it cla'd and is my prized posession. Here is a short blurb on the photog. Dave Powell. We called him Hollywood Six, everyone else called him Miranda Man. Unlikely Combat Photographer Documents War's Toll Very moving and inspirational story Patrick! Photogs like him have been everywhere risking their lives for the stories that only a picture can tell. Instead of shooting guns, they where shooting cameras. I'm glad you shared it!

05-04-2011, 08:03 AM	#14
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731 Original Poster	Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden Makes you apprechiate how small the MX is. Yup! I'm glad and lucky to have them both..

05-04-2011, 11:53 AM	#15
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Douglas_of_Sweden Makes you apprechiate how small the MX is. Every time I'm tempted to move into M mount RF cameras, I am reminded that I won't really save that much space over the MX--not that there aren't other reasons to go there.