🟡 Small Affordable 35mm Rangefinder Camera | Olympus 35RC Review + vs Leica iii & Leica CL

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@herblangston9871]

Great video for a great camera. When I started two years of photography classes back in the early 1970s, my mom gave me a 35RC. All the other students had a Nikon F1 or a Canon AE1, but I still got the highest grade. The simple yet capable 35RC will not hold you back. I still have it, too.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great story! Thanks for sharing. Yes it’s what you do with cameras that counts!

[@vadimhsu5114]

Really great images,Matt! I really dig your work and your ‘signature’ vibe. My favorite shot is your last one(s) in this video, the one with the 2 overlapping frames… Awesome awesome awesome!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Vadim! I try to include photos in most of my vids so people can see examples with that equipment.

[@tuisitala9068]

Great review as usual. I have the 35RD with the f1.7 lens with a 49mm filter thread. This is halfway in size between the RC and the SP. These Olympus rangefinders are superb.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and thanks for the info on the RD. Sounds a good balance of features and size.

[@TheGazmondo]

To be honest I don’t like most new camera reviews, but I must say I really enjoy yours, as the digital reviewers sound like they are on the payroll. Keeping it interesting and varied. Great !!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Gary! I’m trying to do a video for all the cameras I’ve used / have written reviews for on MrLeica.com :) + some new stuff

[@MsZumoman]

Used and loved a very similar Olympus 35sp model for a good while before recently jumping to Leica. Its a amazing camera, won’t be letting go of it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks on the SP and congrats on your Leica!

[@MsZumoman]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks! Nice one for covering all the canon ltm lenses. Fancied them but little real world examples of them size wise. I like small lenses so appreciate you taking the time to show them! Especially loved your vid on the smallest L lenses. PS early risers 😂

[@richardhale9664]

The RC has a long two stage shutter button throw. The first stage is to set the auto exposure and cannot be bypassed even when in manual mode. I find this makes it very easy to cause camera shake even at speeds like 1/125th sec. I find that the solution is a cheap soft release button, which greatly improves the RC's handling. Filters (and lens caps) are a PIA to source, so a 43.5mm to 46mm step up ring solves that problem. Ricoh's 500 range are also very small and cheap and nice to use and have a good reputation. They do not quite match up to the RC in terms of build quality, and I am not so sure about IQ (I have not done any tests, but as I am in house arrest perhaps I should!), I think my RC produces more contrasty images than my 500G, and it may be that my Ricoh could do with a light seal replacement.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Richard, great tip/ info on the soft release and yes the step ring idea is the way to do it. I just haven't used mine enough to get that far with upgrades to it. Thanks for info on the Ricohs, i've never used these cameras...and sorry for my late answer..

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

Nice! I have an M6 with 35mm Summicron. My backup camera is a Rollei 35S. I use it hiking when it is raining and I don't want the M6 to get wet. Even more compact at 345g. Fits in my jacket pocket. The lens produces amazing grain. Sometimes the Summicron can be digital sharp which is not what film photography is all about. The two complement really well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Bernard, great tip! Yes I know the Rollei 35 is small, I just wish it was a RF I think! Nice combo BTW!

[@thewildgoose7467]

Olympus made some lovely pocket rangefinders with the 35RC, 35SP and the XA. Great video as always Matt, and cracking images.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I need to put another roll of film through mine after lockdown.

[@AGL93311]

Agree with below, Olympus XA is smaller. But is limited to autoexposure (with +1.5 stop backlight correction), only works with battery and only takes its funky screw-on accessory flash. Havent used either in years, but I found the XA sharper. Gave the RC to my son, but it was trashed shortly thereafter.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry I missed this and sorry to hear your RC was trashed :(

[@Harlequin565]

Fab little camera. I have 2! One I repaired and one that's pristine. I find them great for pocketing if you're out shooting in the rain. I also like shooting mine on semi-auto. One thing to watch out for is the meter under-exposing. My silver one is one stop under, and my black repainted one is 2 stops under. So will your next review will be the even cheaper Minolta Hi-Matic F? Full auto (no manual control) rangefinder with a lovely 38mm f/2.7 Rokkor lens. They are pretty much the exact same size as the 35RC, and I have to say I prefer the results of the Minolta. Downside is battery woes with paperclips and rubbers (erasers if you're American) and something that's not even useful as a brick if the power doesn't work.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ian! No I’m trying to review all the cameras I own and especially those on the blog to provide a visual. I don’t own many fixed lens cameras so this is a bit unusual for me. It can still take nice photos though. :)

[@carlosgrajeda1986]

Many of these comments mention the XA as being a smaller rangefinder or attempt to correct you for calling the RC smallest rangefinder. I believe the information you read meant the RC is the smallest rangefinder you can shoot in fully manual. The XA is smaller, a true rangefinder, but it shoots in aperture priority, you can not shoot in full manual, although you can adjust iso to hack exposure a bit. It requires a battery to operate while the RC only needs a battery for shutter priority, otherwise no battery is required and you can shoot in full manual. I own both XA and RC, I use the XA a lot more because it’s quicker with aperture priority, but if I could only have one, I would actually pick the RC because of the build quality and it is fully mechanical, I’m on my 2nd XA after my first broke, I’m sure the RC will outlive my 2nd XA.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks Carlos, yes I like my manual cameras as I shoot in M mode anyway. Thanks for info.

[@woopize]

Great video as always! I have one of those from my great aunt, unfortunatly the battery screw lid it's completly stuck due to battery acid corrision, I cleaned it taking apart the bottom plate and I guess I can put the battery that way but idk if it will power it properly. Also the shutter speeds seem a bit off, so I'll have to test soon I guess.

[@woopize]

For the price they go, I don't think is worth taking it to repair tho

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry to hear battery problems. Yes it’s common with old camera sadly

[@bicyclechain]

Great review Matt. My father had an Olympus Pen EE (1/2 frame) when I was a kid. It's what got me interested in photography. My sister still has it. I bought a 35RC about eight years ago for £28 purely for nostalgia and to maintain the link with my photographic awakening. An excellent little camera with a lovely lens. I was so chuffed to be able to get it in my pocket when I was out for a wander in the Yorkshire Dales. I had to laugh when I bought an Agfa Isolette ii and it took up less room in my pocket.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Simon, yes i'm a lover of small cameras too! :) Voigtlander Perkeo or a Barnack with a 50mm f3.5 lens are tiny :)

[@StavrosMoshidis]

And that leaf shutter is very quiet! Nice review!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes quiet, especially vs SLRs!

[@tommorgan3125]

Yet another great camera review. I notice all your cameras are beautifully cleaned and I would like if you could share how you do so. I have a number of old cameras and I would love to have them look as good as yours. Thanks.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tom! Sadly I cheat and just try to buy clean cameras and then just look after them. I don’t clean them at all. Sorry I can’t help with this!

[@stevebarnett5048]

Either the Olympus XA or the RC 35 are stunning for image quality, often overlooked simply because the camera and lens looks so small, like this can't be true. With the RC35 get a battery adapter to use modern cells and you will have a fantastic 35mm pocket camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Steve! Yes much better than it’s price tag / looks and thanks for tip on the battery.

[@vespa64m26]

Nice review Matt and nice photos. I may have a chance of 1 of these and this vid has helped a lot. Thanks.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, no problem! Yes nice little camera

[@jeromearnould9940]

I own the Olympus XA witch is the smallest range finder and so small and so good with an excellent 35mm f2.8 very sharp ...Nice video on this 35 rc ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerome! I feel Google didn’t help me with this video. For some details I did some research and all the sites I read said the RC was the smallest and no mention of the XA. Thanks for correcting me. I’ll look out for the XA :)

[@jeromearnould9940]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom RC35 look nice but XA is much smaller plus the A11 flash you can connect to the body. Apperture Priority very quiet shutter ... Excellent for street photos

[@Gramayr]

Looks similar to my Ricoh 500G. With a 40mm f2.8. Used to use this quite a lot as it's very pocketable. Last time I used it was 20 years ago and after finding it again, the light-meter has stopped working. Unfortunately it wasn't the battery but a wire in the battery chamber has broken.. Bah.. So I bought a Barnack Leica as an excuse to replace it and to scratch an itch. Thanks to you Matt, the rabbit hole is getting oh so slightly bigger... Although the Slayer single Group coffee machine came first otherwise it might've been an M10 and some glass... But that's a rabbit hole I fell into a few years ago lol.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks Rhys!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Lovely images and review / Ulf

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ulf!

[@gperpetuo]

Fortunately I bought mine before your review! In a week they’ll double price! 🤣 Liking mine quite a bit a discreet alternative to my Canon SLR. Was thinking in the beginning to buy the Leica iii but once I tried it... with glasses it is so bad (hard) to shoot street... the Olympus is very fast, discreet (leaf shutter), small, full mechanical and inexpensive. I take snapshots full of people around me and people don’t notice it...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah yes great idea, it looks a non threatening camera so good for street! Haha if the price moves it wasn’t me! :)

[@psychoanima]

Olympus XA is the smallest rangefinder. You should try it Matt, it's fun to shoot with this little beast.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks sorry a few websites mention the RC that’s why I said it. I will check it out, thanks!

[@atroche1978]

Yeah! I have the first XA and it's definitely smaller than the RC. It also has an amazing 6 element F.Zuiko lens.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@atroche1978 thanks Bert, great info 🙏🏻

[@tfylhk]

Viewfinder and rangefinder are difference, XA does not has function of "rangefinder" but RC has

[@psychoanima]

@@tfylhk wrong, first generation of XA has rangefinder, I own one. XA2, 3, etc. have viewfinders

[@mamiyapress]

Hi Matt, I have asked a question on one of your older videos ( M6-V-M4-P ) I would greatly appreciate your opinion, thanks.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks I will look for it tomorrow. KZbin sometimes doesn’t notify me of comments, especially if a reply. Apologies.

[@nickRS100]

Watched and listened to this while dogs off lead on walk with my Olympus RC. Thought it appropriate. The rangefinder patch on mine is close to useless. I use my XA2 more which is my standard run camera (in back pocket of a cycle jacket). It’s light enough not to bounce about and since I run with my wife I need something which works instanteously. The only auto exposure and 3 focus range choices is rather unMatt though.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nick! Great to hear you have run camera too! I’m waiting for someone in the post and then I’ll do a quick video to share my favourite run setup and a few options. Sorry to hear you patch isn’t great, mine is useable so I must be lucky. It sounds like you have a great setup for your needs. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@luc5798]

Rangefinder patch close to useless? Try to put a pink filter on the finder! 😉 (A piece of old multigrade filter will do...)

[@nickRS100]

@@luc5798 Thanks for the advice. I’d not replied since I’d been intending to give the rangefinder etc a good clean first, which I have just done. Watched video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33LqKGArqZ3qLM which although a different camera in Olympus range is helpful…particularly that self timer screw which needs to be removed clockwise (which is what he does NOT what he says). Seems better after a clean. I have bought a load of cheapish rangefinder cameras but I gave in and bought a Leica M2 and the difference is staggering! Perhaps not so staggering with the price difference.

[@luc5798]

@@nickRS100 thanks for the link, I'll clean the finder of my RC!

[@luc5798]

​@@nickRS100 Thanks again, because today I cleaned the viewfinder and rangefinder of my 35RC. Like new. And the difference is so obvious that I don't even need the pink filter anymore 🙂 I wouldn't have thought it was that easy to remove the camera cover and clean it! On the other hand on my camera the speed reminder in the viewfinder never worked right. It's not that bad and I've always done without it. But when I removed the cover I discovered a kind of micro spring that had come off... I'm sure that's what it's for, but I couldn't find the right way to put it back in place. If anyone knows how to do this, I thank him in advance...

[@clarksetters]

Would a minolta, minolitina AL-s compare to the Olympus 35rc that this video is about?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi sorry I’ve not used the small Minoltas. I like my X300 (see video) but that is an SLR.

[@Rawa2ful]

There’s also the canon canonet QL 17 Giii which basically almost identical to the olympus

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Mohammad, great tip thanks!

[@LucyS565]

Excellent review! I know about the Olympus 35SP and I heard it's super sharp. Would you know the difference between the 35RC and the 35SP? Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy, sorry not without Googling. The RC is said to be sharp too but I’m putting up against Leica so it’s all relative!

[@LucyS565]

Thanks Matt!

[@AGL93311]

The SP is much more versatile and sharper, but much bigger more expensive.

[@LucyS565]

@@AGL93311 Thank you!

[@joeltunnah]

@@LucyS565 check Ade Torrent’s “Old Cameras” channel, he compares both head to head. Spoiler: he prefers the RC.

[@searam1]

Matt, this is Sean in Atlanta. Go online to Leland Little Auctions. They are auctioning vintage like cameras with and without lenses and some with leather cases for pennies on the dollar and they are the models that are your favorites! They even have the small viewfinders that you like. Please let me know what you think, Sean

[@searam1]

I meant Leica

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sean, that’s very kind of you. I will take a look!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

They have lots of nice stuff! I’m a bit scared of online auctions now as the last camera I bought like this needed repair before I can use it which adds a lot to the cost. It’s always tempting though! :)

[@joeltunnah]

I really dislike rangefinders (blasphemer!!!), but the 35RC is so adorable and fun I’ll never sell mine. It’s my family photos camera. I had it overhauled by an Olympus tech of 40 years, put a soft release shutter button on it, and a 43.5 to 46mm step up filter ring on the front. I see someone else below did the same. Another beautiful Olympus design.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Don't like rangefinders!? Sorry your sort are not welcome here! :) :) :) Haha joking of course, yes they are not for everyone and in my defense I use SLRs too. See the various SLR vids. Great to here you pimped you RC. Yes the step ring approach would be my way to do it too if I used the camera more. I do this with other lenses (Heliar 50/3.5 for example).

[@joeltunnah]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 😂👍

[@shamikchoudhury5924]

I have a Ricoh 500G, it has same features like olympus but lot cheaper. Good sharp lens. You can put it in your front pocket of your shirt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah great, thanks for the info!

[@JChaytor86]

Cheaper, smaller, lighter and great quality images. It's a win for me 👍🏻

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes fun little camera!

[@cerbay1974]

I think Olympus XA is a better back up camera. It is smaller than RC35...

[@TheFallOfSaigon22345]

It also has auto-exposure lol. the XA should be the camera under this title.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks I’ll check it

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@TheFallOfSaigon22345 thanks, sorry quite a few website quote the RC as the smallest and none I read mentioned the XA. I’m less up to speed on Olympus so rely on the Internet. Thanks for confirming.

[@tfylhk]

@@TheFallOfSaigon22345 , XA is viewfinder and not rangefinder, do you understand?

[@johan96149]

@@tfylhk There are 4 versions of the XA. The XA is a rangefinder.

[@peterculkin811]

Regarding the XA mentioned in other comments; it most definitely is a rangefinder (XA1, XA2, XA3, XA4 are not) and to those who say it only has +1.5 stop exposure compensation; you can easily use the film speed adjustment to give exp comp. To those who say it's sharp; that's relative. To be designed as compact, it uses a retrofocus design which limits it's sharpness. I own a couple of XAs and love the design, but it has limitations. I believe the RC to be sharper, much more flexible if using flash and it displays aperture and speed in finder. XA only shows speed. I also have a Contax T, which is considerably smaller than the RC and it's 38mm f2.8 Zeiss lens would give any of the Leica glass a serious run for it's money. I stress, Contax T, not T2 or T3, both of which I have owned in the past. The T is manual wind, manual focus, manual rewind, rangefinder and aperture priority. If you want a cheap, but good, small rangefinder, the Olympus RC35 is hard to beat. If you want something to challenge the quality of the Leicas, but much smaller, the Contax T is hard to beat. Good luck finding a good one though.

[@randallstewart175]

Or, try the Oly RD, which has a lens which competes easily in the Leica class. The Contax T is a great camera for a small pocket camera, but it's getting hard to find in good condition and is very expensive. Frankly, I'm not sure of tthe point of comparing a fixed lens, auto and manual exposure camera using a leaf shutter with a much older generation Leica with a much older and simpler lens, focal plane shutter and interchangeable lenses, which costs 5 times the Oly (or more). Apples and oranges.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Peter thanks and sorry for my delayed reply. Yes the Contax T sounds more my thing. I was never tempted by the T2 or T3 but as you say it would be hard to find one! Thanks for confirming the details regarding the XA vs RC too. I learn a lot from the comments on my videos.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Randall, the comparison was because I often pick a small camera to use / carry based on it's form. Despite the Leica having the older 5cm f3.5 lens that lens can beat many much more modern lenses without breaking sweat so I still rank the vintage Leica above the Olys, that's why I use them. The leaf shutter lens in the 35RC can be fun though* (I don't buy Leica for the badge, purely for their function but agree you can get a lot more for you money if buy cheaper cameras). Thanks for info on the RD. That is not a model i've come across in my reading so I will check it out. Thanks.

[@peterculkin811]

Hi Matt, Thanks for your reply. I've just acquired a Ricoh R1 (probably not your thing) which has a 30mm f3.5 lens, but can be switched to a 24mm f8 lens. It's the same form factor as the GR1, but mostly plastic, so a real point and shoot. I'm thinking of doing a 4 way battle between my Contax T, Ricoh GR1, Ricoh R1 and Olympus XA. I could throw the 35RC in as well, but my thing is cameras that can be carried in a shirt breast pocket. The 4 cameras I mentioned will all fit in said pocket (not simultaneously) but are all very different. Five focal lengths are covered; 24mm, 28mm, 30mm, 35mm and 38mm. Two of the cameras are premium compacts; the other two being largely plastic; three have the option for aperture priority and either have proper exposure compensation, or it can be achieved through adjusting film speed. There are a host of other differences, but first I have to replace the seals in the R1 and XA and some other minor repairs would be useful. Do you think such a comparison would be of interest? I would be going out with 4 cameras on the same day, with the same film, plus tripod, to fight it out.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@peterculkin811 I think it is a lovely idea Peter! Are you UK based and do you share your own testing results somewhere?

[@matteovrizzi]

Apart from having a fixed lens, the 35 RC is way ahead of a Leica (rangefinder, that is) in many ways. Flash sync speed. Shutter speed and aperture readout in the finder. Of course, a Leicaflex is far superior.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Matteo! Yes I love the flash sync speed in particular! Did you see my Leicaflex SL video? Great camera!

[@luc5798]

But the viewfinder of a Leica is more precise, and the mechanics the best. You can hear it just by the sound of the cocking and release...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@luc5798 yes I guess that’s why I use mostly Leica :)

[@danpedroza007]

I agree with you...I’d rather shoot the Leica. Love my Leica iiiF.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks me too, the 35RC is still good if anyone is on a tight budget. I still need to get a nice iiif at some point :)

[@garvinkelly]

Contax T and olympus xa are both much smaller and have auto exposure

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Garvin, noted thanks!

[@luisfernando4725]

Damn foo, your hella cool. Peace from CA

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Man! Greets from London

[@FingerTightRacing8]

I feel like you keep saying you don’t use automatic features because if you didn’t disclose that, you or other people make you feel less of a photographer

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha no it’s because I used to us AF when I shot Nikon (10yrs or so ago). I missed some shots and it annoyed me. If you manual focus you never need to miss. (..and for exposure if you shoot with the light the camera should get it right but I prefer to shoot at the light and the cameras (all) will get it wrong. I just use what works for me. Many shoot full auto like some wedding shooters and they prefer that. Do what works for you.

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

Well, even if these other cameras are of no interest to me, I am glad if you can redirect folk away from Leicas. They can all buy that stuff instead of pushing the prices of Leica through the roof, as if it ain't ridiculous already. 👏 😉

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Kevin!

[@smakroki]

You might not believe this but after buying and seeing what this little camera is capable of, I sold my 1969 Summicron in disgust.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks John.. I think I am living a similar lifestyle to you now, discovered amazing lower cost lenses and using Leica M less.

[@garydodd8717]

Bad boice

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes audio on some older videos is not the best. Content is the same.

[@szabocsaba3453]

Its funny... I only started to watch this video to see how the light meter and the autoexpo mode work... Guys, please, I dont care about tripod mounts, grams and millimeters, please show me how the goddam thing works....

[@geofff6671]

Were super affordable 😢.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sometimes you can still find deals. Just keep an eye on eBay