2 questions about the 35 SP

Romanski · 07-30-2012

hy all
i have two questions about my "new" 35 SP:

after shooting, the film transport lever doesn't move to the basic position (as it does at the 35 RC). an extra of the SP..?

some wrote, that the SP was produced from 1969 to 1976. is this correct, or was it from 1969 to 1973?

thx 4 your answers!

greets romanski

kuzano · 07-31-2012

Near as I can tell"

35SP 1969 to 1972
35SPn two more years.

Some indication to 1976 final date. However that may have been the 35UC, a followup camera to the 35SPn in chrome/black with some black trim around the view and rangefinder windows, and the name 35UC...

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/japan/manual-camera/35uc1.htm

Unique find and have only seen 2 or 3 over many years. Interestingly, one on eBay US right now at under $300 and if in good shape, I would consider it a very good buy. Not as valuable as an all black, but more valuable than a chrome/black 35SP or 35SPn.

Personal observation.

Romanski · 08-01-2012

thanks kuzano. personally i don't like the design with the plastic trim on the UC. however.... any ideas about the lever position?

whitecat · 08-01-2012

My SP is the same way. Wear or just old I imagine but it works fine.

Rodchenko · 03-25-2013

So what's an SPn? Was that a US-only model, because I haven't seen any in the UK?

murpograph · 03-25-2013

the only difference compared to the SP is the battery-check led. Quite ambitious to give it an "n" for new. Nevertheless both are excellent rangefinders. The SPn is very rare and difficult to find.
Regards

Udo

Rodchenko · 03-25-2013

Thanks. That's a helpful answer.

Frontman · 03-25-2013

Your transport lever sounds like it is working properly. You must pull the lever out somewhat to wind the camera, and then fold it back in after use, not much different than the lever on Nikon SLR cameras.

There are three versions of this camera, the SP, UC, and SPN. With the exception of the battery test lamp on the SPN, and the color of the lens housings, the cameras are mechanically the same. The levers work the same on all three (I have several examples of each csmera). I am not sure about the production years of these cameras, I have never bothered to check it out.