Lens comparison: Olympus SLR 50mm vs Olympus SP rangefinder

[dnk512]

How does the Olympus SP rangefinder (with its 7 element, highly regarded for sharpness, lens) compare to the Olympus SLR normal lens? I found/read comparisons of the 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4 vs 1.2 and comparison of the RD, RC and SP rangefinders, but nothing cross-referencing the SLR normal lens to the (slightly wider) rangefinder fixed lenses. I am interested in resolving power, bokeh light fall out (all at the wider f settings), but any comment will be appreciated.

Thank you in advance, dimitri

[ray_g]

I am curious about the comparison you mentioned between the sp, rd and rc lenses. Can you let me know where I can read that? Thanks. - ray

[dnk512]

Hi Ray,

I have not found a site with numerical comparisons but I came across several sites that refer to the 7 element SP lens as the best. The reference below contains reviews for the SP as well.

http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~yue/misc/35RD.html

From the above site/reference:

"The the 35 RD uses the F. Zuiko, six element lens, which was first used on the Olympus 35DC. It's a good lens, but not as well executed as the seven element, G. Zuiko lens which was fitted to the Olympus 35SP."

[kiev4a]

I had an Olympus OM-1 and was never that impressed with the lenses. I go rid of it pretty quick--the images didn't seem to be up to the quality of stuff taken with my older Nikon lenses. I was impressed with the 35RC lens. Of course that may have been because I only paid $10 for the RC at a garage sale so the photos it produced were a pleasant surprise.

[Solinar]

Yipes! That is my web site which is quoted above and I'm comparing fixed-lens 35mm range finders.

The G. Zuiko on the 35SP is better corrected when shooting wide open when compared to the later F. Zuiko fitted to the later 35DC and RD. In normal shooting at f/4 and above, it may not matter. I'm also always impressed by the color fidelity of this lens.

As an addendum to the web page, as the population around me ages, I'm starting to prefer the softness of some older lenses. Also, I've begun shooting black and white again which does not always call for clinical sharpness, if one is shooting to capture a mood.

[Trius]

Andrew: And it is laragely because of your site that I have purchased two SPs, and am on the lookout for an SPn and/or UC. Thanks for the site. One of my SPs has just been CLAed by Clint, though I haven't received it yet. I'm anxious to have it back. The other one will get a CLA once it returns.

Thanks again for the site. I also have an RC and 2 XAs, though I've had XA for many years.

Trius