Hello from a new Fuji 35EE owner

[Hiding_Pup]

Taking some very slow, very tentative steps out of my digital comfort-zone into the strange new world of 35mm rangefinders so thought I'd just introduce myself, say hello to you all. I've recently picked up an Olympus XA2, a Ricoh 500G and, this week, a peculiar-looking thing called a Fujica 35EE:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/1240924494_1f3b0ab933.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/1240923046_587b85356d.jpg

The focusing's done by thumb-wheel (parallax correction in the viewfinder), the wind-on crank is on the bottom, the shutter speed dial's built into the lens, the exposure meter reading's on the top and the rewind crank is on the left side... Talk about topsy-turvy! I managed to download an instruction manual for the camera so know how it works - but does anyone know anything about the history of this camera, and whether it was well-regarded in its day?

[Tom hicks]

I think we are the only two people that own these things. Can't tell you too much, no more than google. Mine has a little differnt focus indicator on it. I post a pic of mine tomorrow.

[howpow]

Hi Hiding_pup. Fujica have made some excellent cameras over the years. I have a 35EE and a 35SE. They are both quality cameras with excellent optics and are capable of great results. I'm not 100% sure but I think both were made in the early sixties.
I think you'll find the ergonomics very convenient once you get used to them, Have fun. :)
Howard

[Hiding_Pup]

Thanks for your reply, guys. Wikipedia is saying 1961 for the EE. I'm sure I'm going to have fun with it - but I was just intrigued to know a little more about the 35EE. It seems really quite well specced, luxury item with the parallax correction, top shutter speed of 1/1000s, manual and shutter priority modes (despite not being battery powered), and the f1.9 lens, not to mention the fact that mine at least still seems to be working perfectly!

Found this on Flickr which you both might be interested in:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/n6nkn/361620090/