Olympus 35 RC: A tiny but true rangefinder camera for beginners and experts

Today, we associate rangefinder cameras with the exclusive Leica M models and, perhaps, some other rather pricey products. In the 1960s, however, the fixed-lens rangefinder camera was a mass-market product and the forerunner of the point-and-shoot camera. A particularly interesting example is the Olympus RC 35 from 1970.

A small body with a fixed lens, usually a medium wide-angle to standard focal length, built-in light meter and simple operation: That was the formula for many of the emerging Japanese camera manufacturers in the 1960s. It was a time when photography (and travel) was becoming widely available to Westerners, and the need for affordable, easy-to-use cameras was growing rapidly.

Many companies made remarkable compact rangefinder cameras

The answers in the 35mm segment were Canon’s Canonet cameras, the Minolta Hi-Matic line, the Yashica Electro and many others. A particularly remarkable camera in this range is the Olympus 35 RC which I will review in this article. I got mine as a present, kind of a flea market find by someone who knows. The donor was aware of my long relationship with Olympus and thought the beautiful small camera could find a good new home with me. 

The 35 RC is unmistakeably an Olympus product

In a way, this camera immediately felt familiar. It is unmistakably an Olympus design. I think this company made the most beautiful cameras among Japanese manufacturers in the early 1970s, and the OM SLRs are true design icons which are entirely to my taste. Everything feels logical and easy, despite the unusual T automatic mode: You choose an exposure time, and the camera will find the right aperture. The lens is a five-element Zuiko 42mm f/2.8.

Unusual for the brand: The Olympus 35 RC has shutter-priority

The shutter-priority auto-exposure operation is unusual for Olympus. Think of their OM-2 with its groundbreaking auto-dynamic aperture priority. On second thoughts, though, it’s logical. The fixed shutter speeds between 1/15 and 1/500 can be set mechanically, and the aperture closest to the required value simply by pressing the shutter release (also mechanically, in a way). The only electronics required are for metering.

A good Olympus 35 RC may be easier to find than its battery

And this is where it gets a bit tricky. Like many cameras of the time, the Olympus 35 RC was designed to use 1.35V mercury cells. You need an expensive and short-lived WeinCell to replace this long-obsolete type of battery. On the other hand, there are some things that the camera does right. The measuring cell, for example, is close to the front lens and, therefore, in the area that will eventually be covered by a filter.

A clever function makes sure you don’t lose images because of bad light

And: Both the exposure time (set manually) and the resulting f stop are shown within the viewfinder. That’s more than any of the expensive Olympus OM SLR cameras could ever achieve. Another great feature is that the shutter release is blocked if there is not enough light, so shoot at 1/15 and f/2.8 (you can override this in manual mode). And no wasted images because the lens cap was still in its place…

The lens might sound a bit mediocre at 42mm and f/2.8. In fact, it is a very good one, with five elements and a maximum aperture that is fully usable. And it is a bit forgiving when the rangefinder is not perfectly accurate – focusing is a bit tricky with the small rangefinder patch, the short measuring base and, in my case, a bit of haze in the viewfinder.

The Olympus 35 RC’s lens creates a nostalgic look

Returning to the lens, it is single-coated and produces images with good sharpness where it is set and creamy bokeh. However, it can’t compete with modern rangefinder lenses in terms of contrast, flare resistance and sharpness. As a result, your images will have a somewhat nostalgic look, even when shot on the most modern film. It is certainly a matter of taste, and I must say that I liked the rendering.

What makes the Olympus 35 RC so attractive is the concept of ease of use. With some basic knowledge of photography (which was to be expected in the 1960s, so much for ‘progress’), you can use it straight away. Not surprisingly, this little rangefinder has become an insider’s tip for non-hipsters who need a working camera, not a fashion accessory. However, the Olympus 35 RC does look cool over your shoulder.

The viewfinder of the Olympus 35 RC is small

The Olympus 35 RC was introduced in 1970, two years before the OM SLR and a few years after the Pen half-frame system. It is a remarkable piece of engineering, and it speaks for its creators that there are still many working examples around. Perhaps a clean, lubricate, adjust (CLA) check is a good idea. The viewfinder is small, and the rangefinder patch is really small. So, even a slight amount of haze will make operation difficult. A good technician might be able to solve this, and maybe also knows where to find spare parts.

Compact and excellent cameras remained Olympus’ domain

Olympus continued to create exceptionally small and competent 35mm compact cameras with the partly rangefinder-based XA series (another iconic design). On the culmination point of the analogue era, the Mju series swapped the rangefinder for autofocus. A good Mju II is now much sought after — no surprise because I got some remarkably good slides from this example. But that is another story.

The little Olympus 35 RC deserves a place of honour in both my personal collection and in my practical photography. With a roll of Kodak ProImage or other consumer film, it gives me both nostalgic vibes and great results. I will continue to work on mastering this beautiful camera and keep hoping to find some of the rare original 43.5mm filters for black-and-white use (for the time being, I try to make do with these makeshift gel filters that are being produced for the Olympus Trip 35 cameras).

Does the Olympus 35 RC justify the cost of film photography?

And one last thought about film photography in 2023. Sure, it has become expensive. The days when you could get a three-pack of Kodak Gold for eleven euros will never come back. Material is in high demand; supply is slow, and prices are high. Add to that a lens that is beautiful but not up to today’s standards – and the question is no doubt whether it all makes sense. I would say an emphatic yes, especially with the Olympus 35 RC.

Film images have their own look, and scans from a good lab (I can only recommend MeinFilmLab here in Germany with its competent and careful staff) cannot be duplicated by digital means. At least, that’s my opinion, and I’m willing to invest in this particular outcome and buy the occasional roll of film. And, as I wrote earlier here in Macfilos, you can still buy quite a few rolls for the price of a digital rangefinder camera. There are certainly better historic cameras, but for some reason, the Olympus 35 RC is charms me immensely.

Some cameras show us how time flies – the Olympus 35 RC is one of them

When you pick up an Olympus 35 RC or one of its contemporaries, you can immediately sense the passage of time. Even the cheapest current smartphone will offer more possibilities for taking pictures than these cameras, which now seem so incredibly nostalgic. On the other hand, they all have a full-frame ‘sensor’ and will give you a real photographic experience. What a pleasure it was to make the acquaintance of this beautiful camera. On that note, thank you to that special person reading this!

What about you? Have you ever owned one of these small Olympus cameras? Or some other 60s or 70er rangefinder camera? What were your experiences? Do you still own such a camera – and if not, do you miss it? Or is all this retro camera trend just ridiculous at a time when there are so many excellent smartphones and cameras around? Is film photography, all in all, completely overrated? Let’s discuss this in the comments section!

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