Compact Olympus rangefinder from 1970 with Zuiko 42mm, rangefinder precision in pocket-friendly dimensions.
The Olympus 35 RC is a compact 35mm rangefinder from 1970 featuring a fixed Zuiko 42mm f/2.8 lens with both automatic and manual exposure control. The RC designation indicates Rangefinder Compact, and the camera provides a genuine rangefinder focusing experience in pocket-friendly dimensions.
The Zuiko 42mm f/2.8 delivers sharp images with Olympus's characteristic colour accuracy in a compact body barely larger than typical non-rangefinder compacts. The coupled rangefinder provides precise manual focusing, and the CdS meter enables both auto and manual exposure.
Build quality is quality Olympus metal construction. The 35 RC was one of the most compact rangefinder cameras of its era, providing the focusing precision of a rangefinder with the portability of a compact — a balance few cameras achieved.
The Olympus 35 RC has gained strong appreciation on the used market as a quality compact rangefinder with sharp Zuiko optics. The combination of rangefinder precision, compact size, and both auto and manual exposure makes it a versatile and satisfying pocket film camera.