Olympus 35LE

[Rich Silfver]

Some time ago I got myself an Olympus 35LE.
It's a camera I've wanted for some time and after some TLC it's now in what appears to be perfect working order.

The 35LE sports a G.Zuiko lens and is a fully automatic camera when it comes to exposure setting. It has an electronic shutter that is the most quiet shutter of that kind that I've ever heard!

Cosmetically it's almost identical to the 35LC but quite a difference when it comes to functionality.

I also got a black metal lens hood for it ofcourse and it's one of three cameras I'm packing to take with me up North tomorrow morning to try it out.

Here's a photo of it - next to a bottle of water..damn hot here today :)

[Brian Sweeney]

SIX Transistors!!! NOW I WANT ONE!! Does it pick up AM? That used to be the electronic equivalent of engraving the number of jewel movements in a watch. I have not counted the number of transistors in the Wang calculator (1967), but it does have about 30 circuit cards. The core memory took some space.

[Pherdinand]

:)yes i also noticed the six transistors
i guess it really was a big deal in those times!

[laurentvenet]

:cool: Lucky you ! you make me want also one of these toys. I'll be glad to have your feedback concerning quality of pictures !
Thank's Laurent

[Rich Silfver]

Laurent. I have a roll in it that is almost fully exposed. I'll post some samples here once it's developed.

Jusque là, tout va bien

[laurentvenet]

Hi Richard.

Thank's for the few french words and well done !
I had a look at your gallery on pbase.com. whaoua you're really gifted ! there were many beautiful pics.
Kind regards, Laurent

[Rich Silfver]

I took French in school.
When we graduate we have to be fluent in three languages (this is back in Europe) - native tongue included.
English is mandatory so one really only have one selection to make. I picked French as most cute girls took it. Ended up working a bit in Paris as well later on. I have fond memories of Quartier Latin :)

[Rich Silfver]

Finally ended up scanning some photos from the test roll I shot through my new-old Olympus 35LE.

Very fun little camera, auto exposure - all you do is focus and the rest is automagic.

#1 - In a store in Japantown, San Francisco:

[Rich Silfver]

#2 - In an elevator.
Trying out how well the meter works in darker areas.

[Rich Silfver]

#3 - Bright light on wall - and curious dog.


Judging from my first roll I'd say the meter is almost spot-on and the G.Zuiko lens appears very sharp. Maybe not the same 'snap' as the lens on the SP's but looks very good :)

Fun camera to use as well!

[peter_n]

Like that dog Richard! :)

[Doug]

Looking good, Richard! Good scanning too.

[laurentvenet]

WELL DONE Richard and thank's for the quick posting !

Beautiful pics ! I'm waiting since 1, 5 month for an olympus 35sp from ebay...When I see your pics, it makes me hope that my expansive olympus will soon arrive from Canada.

[Casper]

I'm shure the LE has the same 'snap' as the SP because it's the same lens.
I just bought a 35 LE with a sticky shutter for 15 euros. I'll put it next to my sticky-shuttered 35 RD till I have money to repair it (I'm a student).

[Trius]

Another difference with the LC is that the meter cell is on the lens, not next to the rangefinder/viewfinder windows. If the SP (or SPn or UC) had that configuration, it would have been an even better camera.

Trius

[Casper]

Finally my 35 LE arrived (but without a battery). Does anybody know which battery I can use.

[Trius]

Casper: My guess is that the original was the mercury 625. Current replacement is a Wien zinc-air, or a hearing aid zinc-air (needs a #9 O ring as this battery is smaller in diameter than the mercury 625) or a 1.55 volt silver cell with circuit modified to adjust the meter to 1.5 volts.

Trius

[Casper]

Thanks Trius

[tomperson]

One question, does this camera REQUIRE batteries to work? Does it feature manual exposure setting (aperture, time), or is it just auto?