You have to also take in consideration that they are 2 different focal lengths. Of course zooming un the 50 will appear more sharper its more compressed. You should try shooting the 42mm a foot ahead of where you shot the 50.
I never used an Olympus SP, but I have an Olympus RC and I think that all the Olympus photos were out of focus (it’s hard to focus with that patch) or the camera needs a recalibration of the lens. I also have a Leica M2 and a Contax IIa (my favourite) and with all cameras serviced I can say that the images I get are a lot better than either the summarit or SP I saw. But a comparison should be made with fresh film in my opinion The Olympus is no Leica nor Contax, but it’s not that far off in terms of optical quality, paired with a good film. And in 40 rolls the Olympus missed not more than 10 shots (mostly slide) because of erroneous exposure, while I can say that I missed a lot more shots because my exposure was off with both the Leica and the Contax
Thanks! Yes sorry I didn't know I would be testing cameras for a video and the only film I had left were these old Delta 400s. Yes agree it's fast to focus but not as accurate so at wider apertures easier to miss. The SP would be a great f8 camera for sure and its very sharp stopped down too (as a I see). Love my Kiev (Contax clones). I have a nice Contax iia too but use the Kiev's for the better RF (magnification).
To be totally fair you should not leave a skylight filter in front of the Olympus 35 SP and no filter with the M3. BTW the earlier Olympus 35 LC has the same excellent 7 elements 42 mm F 1.7 as the SP, and it is totally mechanical with the battery only for a match needle lightmeter.
Thanks. Yes fair point. In the next video similar to this I take off his filter on that particular camera. (Not posted yet). I don’t use filters much. Thanks about the LC info.
If I discount the Hasselblad which is in another league, I actually preferred the Olympus photos. The Leica looked a bit contrasty and grainy (maybe account for by the different focal length). Perhaps a proper test of Ken Rockwell's statement would have been to use new film, new chemistry, compensate for the different focal lengths and photograph a test card at various apertures?
Thanks! Yes sorry I didn’t know I’d be doing this test so yet used the film I had. Film looked the same from the can but might have been stored differently giving different grain.
Take away lessons: 1. Model and location are more important than choice of camera and lens 2. Of course medium format Hasselblad is winning over 35mm 3. Focal length/film/processing is more important than camera choice 4. Ultimate sharpness/resolution is not necessarily the only subjective criteria 5. You get the best with the camera you know and love and use intuitively
Apparently make sure is has a clean lens and yes the shorter base length make it less accurate at wider apertures. It's fine stopped down. (Same as the LEICA CL film camera and others)
I think Ken was saying that within a very specific technical envelope, the SP can't be matched by a Leica M. By which, he means that there isn't a fast 40mm-ish Leica lens which compares. It's a fairly typical Rockwell-ism, similar to the way he promoted the M9 as being better than any other digital because of the higher pixel count and smaller lenses (see also, the iPhone is the best camera ever). As ever, his statements lack clarity because he makes other confusing claims, such as that the results are comparable between the M and the SP, but that was never my experience. My SP shots were similar to yours here - lacking in contrast and detail. However, I couldn't say that my copy of an SP was a good one. It was definitely cheap, from a bric-a-brac shop in Brighton. I also thought the SP ergonomics were poor, and the VF seemed hazy and unclear.
I have always enjoyed Ken Rockwell’s very, very detailed writings about film camera and lens equipment but I guess we are not always perfect. Absolutely great video. Thank you. RS. Canada
Thanks for the video. I have an Olympus 35RD and an M3 with a summarit 50 1.5. I love the M3 but the Olympus is a fantastic little camera with an excellent light meter and a very sharp lens.
Olympus 35RD is damn hard to find, it's been a year since I've set up a search on our used gear market and it hit only once: it was sold in the same day.
Hi Matt, very nice video again. Honest, knowledgeable and precise in judgement. I like that you do experiments 'in the wild', e.g. while doing photoshoots, instead of creating a laboratory setup, i.e. an environment that doesn't anymore relate to what we might understand as 'real' photography. First about loading film: I always load the film by putting in the leader first, also in my Oly 35 SP ;-), I suppose it gives an extra frame on the roll (let's say a 39th frame). About the comparison: I have never shot or owned a Leica (so also not an M3 for that matter) but I guess that it must be an archetype of deutsche Gründlichkeit, freely translated as German thoroughness (and carefulness), which holds especially true in their engineering of so many tools and machines that people all around the world love to use. Supreme precision, endless durability and optimal utility. Ok, let's leave the superlatives aside. I do own the 35SP and I really like it for its low weight, compactness and simplicity (fixed lens of 42 mm focal length with a speedy f/1.7 max. aperture). Compared to an SLR the sound is nicer, compared to a European leaf shutter, maybe it is more crude (but I don't know that). What I do know is that the 35SP is much more affordable than a Leica M3 (the M3 body alone is 3 to 4 times as expensive than a good copy of an Olympus 35SP, then also add a fast normal Leica compatible lens for a much more expensive package). This makes me think that the comparison is maybe not completely fair. I don't know Ken Rockwells' line of thinking, but what I understand from his review is that if you consider the difference in affordability, the 35SP is quite a challenge to a Leica rangefinder with a fast normal lens. Also, in my experience the G. Zuiko lens of the 35 SP is very sharp, especially when stopped down a bit. I am convinced that given their skill, most photographers (myself included!) cannot justify the expense of a Leica M3 and the lenses that come with it. Of course, for professionals that make their money doing photography, the considerations and calculations change.
I've had an Olympus 35LC . I think it may have come prior to the SP. It's pretty good. Definitely has a unique look shot wide open, and I dig that it has dual light meter readouts (activated by a button) one in the viewfinder one on top of the body. Decent camera for the low low priced I payed for it.
Oh dear, I messed that up didn't I! You are absolutely correct. I make video on this stuff, I should know better. Sorry my little pea brain forgot and mixed them up. (Both the Summarit and Summitar are soft are wide apertures, I think the Summitar especially so but it does sharper up a huge amount stopped down. Thanks for spotting.
"not a Summarit" - Yup, I too saw that. I know there's the old 'Schneider Xenon' TTH design 5cm Summarit from the mid-fifties (f/1.5). And then came the modern computer designed 50mm versions from the early 2000's (f/2.4 and f/2.5). There were never any collapsible models...
Really enjoyed this. Thanks for posting Matt. I have an Olympus SP and I’ve just popped some HP5 in it as a result of watching this :)) Thanks for the inspo and keep up the great work.
Hola Matt!. Yo tengo la Olimpus *OM2* y la Leíca *M3* Trabajo desde hace muchos años con tres lentes en las dos cámaras 50mm/ 28mm/ 135mm que son mis predilectos. Uso película siempre en B/W. Y te puedo comentar que ambas cámaras trabajan casi de la misma manera! Disfruto muchísimo de los resultados. Sin embargo me quedaré siempre con el Resultado de la fantástica *M3* y sus ópticas insuperables Gracias por tus vídeos! Saludos desde México.....
The only thing I don’t like about the Olympus is the shutter release. It’s quite a strong spring , not 2 stage, so not quite sure when it’s going to fire. Maybe I’m being picky, the results are usually superb.
Matt, you’ve endangered my marriage…. a new Hasselblad 500, you’ve lead me into penury. Btw… I’m in my late 60’s as a teenager the local film stores would have displays-stocks of film from floor to ceiling in any and all permutations
I had the opportunity to use the 35sp many years ago. It’s an easy going, nearly point and shot camera. Sadly, for me the photos always turned out on the soft side compared to the Zuiko lenses that I had on my OM. This is why it’s been in a box for many years. I have never sold the camera because of its sentimental value to me.
Olympus sp nice camera sharp closed down soft wide open did not like film advance lever no f2 stop it's f1.7 straight to f2.8 bought mine for 100 pounds in the early 90s sold it for 110 pounds in the late 90s no loss just bought a canon ql 19 nicer wind on lever f1.9 f2 f2.8 stops I ve yet to put a film through but at 90 euros cheap fun there is nothing cheap about a leica
Matt, I really enjoyed this video. I absolutely love the way that you shoot. I honestly prefer to see photos from non American photographers because the style from photographers across the pond is just so different and unique. Great video.
Thanks David! I have to thank Thomas for making it possible. I don't normally have a video guy to hand (and often I get too busy with the photos (as you see) to remember to do a lot of video too. Yes loved the location. We ran there on the previous trip but didn't get to shoot there so it was on my list!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom meant to ask you a while back - have you ever thought of doing a Matt Osborne Community group on FB where subscribers can post their work?
I find all your videos very helpful. I am in the market for lenses for my Leica M3 that was just rebuilt by one of Canada’s last Leica repair technicians who is about to retire. Your lens reviews are excellent.
Which Leica repair technician? I have an M3 that needs serviced--I was going to go with Gus Lazzari, but he raised his prices ($975 for Leica!). I'm looking at going with Don Goldberg (DAG) instead.
I always enjoy your videos, Matt, inluding this one. But I think you overstepped a little. I looked at Ken Rockwell's original review of the SP. At no point did he say that "the SP is better than the M3", full stop. He did say things like this: "The f/1.7 speed is perfect. It's about as fast as the SUMMILUX, and about as sharp as the SUMMICRON." That sounds true enough, if one gives the "about" a charitable interpretation (as one should). The bottom line of his review is fairly plausible: From a cost-benefit point of view, those people who take the kind of pictures he shows as examples on his page will be better served with an SP than with a Leica. Ken Rockwell is a temperamental chap and his wordy reviews do not always carry the information one is looking for. But I never quite understood why Rockwell bashing is such a popular sport in the community. Most of it is really unfair. // I'd still like to see a careful review of the SP: performance over all f-stops and a range of distances with a verified rangefinder mechanism.
Hello, thanks for your feedback. I didn't mean the video to come across as bad towards Ken. I mention in my video that my Patreon says to me "hey Matt, Ken says..." and that's why we did the shootout test that day but it was all just a bit of fun and an excuse to use both cameras. Yes I later read his article and it looks like the SP is strong at f8. Agree a fun little camera and great value vs Leica. Sorry if it came across the wrong way to you. (I've nothing against KR, he's helped our community no end with his reviews. I often find them if researching a new to me lens for a video).
Hi Matt - the Oly 35 SP is a fabulous camera and the lens is top notch. Its lens is also prone to fungus or haze, especially if not stored probably. IMHO, the photos should have more contrast. This can be due to internal element haze or fungus. Did you examine the lens before the shoot? Despite the expired film and chemistry, the outcome of the photo shoot is amazing and I did enjoy it. The softness on the Olympus may actually work to the portraiture's advantage. If you do decide to check the lens, just out of curiosity, put the shutter on B, open aperture wide open, fire and hold the shutter button to keep shutter open, and shine a flashlight (your phone's flashlight should be good) from the back. In my experience this has made a tremendous difference.
Thank you! I'll tell Thomas who owns the camera. (This is why I don't like fixed lens cameras as I'm not limited by the lens if it gets haze etc). (My nice Canon 50mm f1.8 has since clouded up - fungus, sadly).
My 2 cents since I own both cameras: the M3/elcan is for sure the better lens if quality & enjoyability are your biggest concerns. I love mine and if I could only keep one camera it’d be that one. But, the olympus (mine is an LC, optically the same as an SP) is also fantastic; arguably better for zone focusing, and I am never worried about bringing it with me anywhere. Ultimately either one will get the job done!
People want to see the picture immediately. They like the picture on their iPhones, because that can manipulate the image. I have a canon R5, which is very versatile, and I am going to try to buy a Hasselblad digital camera like the one you’re recommended. (CCD sensor by Kodak). Everyone uses presets, and I would like to try the CCD sensor.
The nicest thing about the SP is it’s cheaper than the cheapest third party lenses for the Leica. So if someone owns a Leica and is curious to own the Olympus too, it’s hard to talk oneself out of it.
I have a few rangefinder cameras and people who have never shot film before come up and tell me they want a Leica. (I don’t have one) I tell them they should spend some time with fixed lens rangefinders first to see if they actually like the style. I would be very happy with any of the images you showed from the Olympus. That Elcan lens is really something though. Wow
Mint Olympus 35SP = £200 or less, mint M3 with decent Leica glass £££. - not really a fair comparison Matt, they certainly weren’t viewed as competitors back in the day. Having said that I shoot with Olympus 35 SP, RC & RD along with my Leica M2 & M6 and enjoy all of them. The particular SP you shot with doesn’t hold up to my experiences with the camera as I’ve always found it very sharp for vintage 35mm glass. Nevertheless an enjoyable video as always 👍
Sorry my little pea brain said the wrong lens. If you look carefully it's the Summitar 5cm f2 LTM. Sorry wide open but sharpens up stopped down. (I did get my Summarit cleaned too btw*)
Thank you Matt, very nice photos and beautiful models! I used Konica C35FD that is another name of Konica auto S3, it's joy to use: camera very light and tiny, the size is equal to half-frame FED micron 1, but it's FF and with very fast lens 38mm f/1.8! Though it's also not that sharp. It also works in shutter priority or manual with fixed 1/30 shutter speed. Also tried Canonet QL17 GIII, lens very sharp wide open, quick loading film system saves about 1-2 additional frames. But it's much heavier +200gr and more bulky, so I sold it. But it could be very good option, behind size and weight it's near the best fixed lens rf camera overall. But what I dream to own is Olympus 35RD, unfortunately it's damn hard to find.
Yes, another well-done video. No surprise there. You manage to be both affable and professional at the same time. You seem to have a sincere bond with your models. That makes it easier on both sides. You have the Big Three needed for success: Smart, Hard Working, and Easy to Get Along With. You are much more valuable with a camera than with a spreadsheet. Thanks for more good content. Oh, yeah, you are right, the Leicas are better. And film is on its last legs.
Thanks Sandy! (and for your kind PayPal gift! Much appreciated, thank you) Yes I try to build a bond with the models, it really helps to make good photos.. (Yes the video took a lot of time to make.. day to shoot, day to process/scan/resize the film, day to edit (yesterday, 6am start on Sunday and just got it finished to post by about 8pm.. it's not a job for everyone!) :)
Having a 35 SP I think I can see that one of the problems with it, which will lead to perceived softness, is the shutter button. It requires a ridiculously long push which leads to camera shake quite often. Adding a soft release button makes little difference. The 35 RC is much better in this regard. In fact I would choose the 35 RC over the SP any day.
At first glance I thought the slight visual advantage of the Leica-shots was due to the grain-effect (same shot with a bit of grain will appear sharper because of the added structure). But after going through all the shots the Leica-lens is sharper and it is also not differently calibrated rangefinders, so I agree with your assessment. Btw. isn't the Leica-lens a collapsible Summitar 2.0? You introduced it as a Summarit which would be the rigid 1.5-lens and labeled the photos accordingly but in the video it doesn't look like it.
Thanks for confirming my outcome. Yes so sorry I said the wrong lens! My little brain got confused! It’s indeed the Summitar which Is soft at wider apertures. Good from f4
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom For me it's good news the Summitar 2/50 mm is actually that good as it is the lens that came with the IIIf I bought last year but hasn't seen much use yet because it needed to be fixed first. I had a Minolta Himatic E many years ago and this one also was just a hair behind my SLRs with other normal lenses like Nikkor 1.8/50 mm or the Sonnar 2.8/40mm in the Rollei 35 SE that replaced the Himatic. I have still to find a fixed-lens rangefinder with a rop-notch lens, until now they were all quite acceptable but not great.
fun view... thanks! I shoot an Olympus 35 RC and a Leica IIIf with Elmar or Color Skopar 50/2.5. The Leica is better, but the RC is much smaller and has some automation which isn't a bad thing. In your tests, the difference in grain is a little confusing, but it is what it is. Different exposures? When comparing film results, in reality, I have to include processing to get best images and from my Oly, if after sharpening and curves, I can get very similar results on a print, it's kind of all that matters. I look forward to more posts!
Thanks Mark, great! I love my little Leica cameras (and I have the Skopar too). I recommend the Elcan 50mm f2 LTM! (see the latest video). With the film it was not ideal as the film was gifted to me and I think although the same stock it may be different ages so not a great comparison (in terms of grain).
I’m confused Matt, the SP images all look grainier which has nothing to do with the lens, and if grain was removed to be equal what then would the sharpness look like? I may have got the wrong end of the stick but while Rockwell may be derided there is often a nugget of truth in his opinions. I have many Leica lenses and cameras, and also an Olympus RC35 P&S camera (full manual or auto, how many do that?), and to be honest like for like there isn’t much in it at similar apertures.
Hi Steve, thanks. Both films were developed in the same tank so they should look very similar. Yes bang for buck the SP is excellent (same as the RC). I think stopped down it performs best. I saw that Ken shot his at f8 a lot. As you know most good lenses should be excellent by f8 (on any camera). At wider apertures the older Leica lens designs were sharper most of the time (to be expected I think).
Well, I am one more who has both cameras, and curiously, my Olympus is better in all conditions than the Leica, but I imagine that this depends on many factors, models, exact years of manufacture and of course the lens used.
Hi Juan, interesting! Yes the Leica is merely a box so you need a good lens on it AND it's need to be correctly calibrated. Those are the 2 things that impact Leica photos. It will absolutely win hands down with a nice lens on it.
Very thorough and fair review, I'm willing to admit the Leica is a better camera on absolute merit - but is it 10-15 times better? Because it costs about 10-15 times as much... And if you use flash you're limited to 1/50s shutter on the M3 I believe, while the 35SP has a leaf shutter, meaning all shutter speeds can by used with a flash, all the way down to 1/500s. The 35SP spot meter function is also fantastic. The auto exposure as well - even pros want to take snapshots sometimes! For me, and I think for 95% of people getting into film photography, the 35SP wins hands down for practicality.
Ha I didn't even realize you were cutting the 35sp at least some slack by comparing to an older summitar! This is my camera and I can confirm it's a clean copy. Lens only has the usual dusts when viewed with a flashlight, and the rangefinder seems to be at least decently calibrated (can only compare at 1m with my M3 which gives me sharp shots but also lines up nicely at infinity). If you ask me colours with this camera are great if you're into that and if you put a battery in it (quite expensive and difficult to get) you have perfect full automatic exposure. Especially stopped down it's a great all round camera, but with the added benefit of having that extra speed when needed. You don't have that on many compact/point and shoots, and seeing as it's also a pretty camera I think it's great value, and good fun!
The Olympus lens has more contrast, but the Leica lenses are definitely sharper. I suspect the sharpness would be closer if you stopped down to f/5.6-8. I have a 35 RC but I have to admit it's an underused part of my collection.
Thanks! Yes the older Leica lens is lower contrast but I was pleased with the sharpness at the same apertures. Agree I think these small cameras (Olympus and others start to shine from f5.6-f8). Ken often shot his at f8 I noticed.
I‘m pretty sure if you calibrate the Rangefinder, the pictures would be sharper. Speaking from my own experience, with my 35 SP i have had perfectly sharp in focus pictures at f1.7, and other times its an absolute mess. Either i have to check the patch alignment or be more careful.
Thanks Ivan! The joys of old RF cameras eh! I'm currently playing with the Nikon F3T (see the video out shortly) so it's nice not to have these common RF "issues".
Ken Rockwell's site is useful when seeking factual information on gear but his opinions are all over the place. He frequently contradicts himself seemingly depending on the mood he is in. Take what he says with a generous pinch of salt and continue using the gear you enjoy regardless of what Ken says
Looks like the Oly pics are overexposed quite a bit, their focus is off while the Leica ones have a f*ckton more grain - something's not right. Repeat the test with CLA'd cameras, identical focal length & fresh film developed in the same tank..
Thanks, film was developed in the same tank BUT was gifted to me so might be different dates/ storage conditions. The Summicron 40mm would give a closer look.
I didn't see a Summarit 50/1.5 in your video. I did see a collapsible Summicron 50/2. Did I miss something? // I own an Oly SP as well as Leicas + S'cron 50. The idea that the Zuiko is en par wide with the (60s) S'cron wide open or even at 2.8 is ludicrous. But stopped down to f4 and more (less?) the Zuiko is a fine performer and absolutely adequate in most photographic situations. The SP is a good looking cameras, it handles nicely, and the viewfinder is one of the best in budget rangefinders.
Thank you! Yes sorry I messed up and said the wrong lens. I wrote Summarit in my notes but failed to engage my little brain and notice it was the Summitar 5cm f2 on the screen. The Summitar is too soft to use at f2 on film but from f2.8 it gets better and very sharp stopped down. Yes agree the Olympus cameras (like my RC and this SP get sharp once well stopped down, but still not too bad at f4). Yes nice finder!
Maybe I'm being a bit bias because I have an M3, which is my go-to camera for 35mm, but I agree with your assessment, the Leica is better than the Olympus. Nice video!
I didn't know I was going to do the test and it was just the film I had with me (and the chemistry was fine for the last batch so I assumed it would be fine).
THANK YOU for loading the Olympus the CORRECT way (takeup spool first.) As you can see, people doing it backwards is my pet peeve: ruclips.net/video/GpPEKdJjcEQ/видео.htmlsi=VKRK1fPLZg_GbGvi Re the Olympus, surely you wouldn't take Ken Klickbait seriously?!? I had a 35SP back in the day and while it was okay, the lens was certainly nothing special. Of all the compact leaf-shutter 35s I tried back then, the best I found for sharpness was the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S2, BUT… it's important to know that many of these cameras of all nameplates actually were manufactured by subcontractors (Cosina was one) so sample-to-sample variation was much larger than you'd find on a top-of-the-line camera with the same brand name. So, your pal's example of Camera X might be much better than your example, or vice-versa…
Thanks James! Interesting. I was sure i'd loaded it wrong! Ha the title was just a bit of fun but at the same time it's good to test it. Interesting point about the subcons and variations. A wealth of knowledge as usual! Thanks!
Ken is only interested in his "ever growing family", although Olympus is capable of very high quality lenses.... the Zuiko 50mm 1.8 standard is one of them!
We seeing this on screen so grain of salt. You’re saying the Leica image is sharper in instances when it clearly wasn’t as sharp. Still, I’d want the M3 if I could afford another Leica right now. But this Olympus performed welll
Great comparison. Your models are gorgeous 😍 It's a tough job but someone has to do it. 😊 Fun/$ the Oly SP is clearly a winner. It would have been good to see how the summitar and SP compared both at F2. Usually lenses have a sweet spot for the character of their rendering. Ken R is blowing hot air making claims about the Oly SP matching an M3 with Leitz optics....get outta here...😂
I used Olympus for some time, but hated it from the very beginning. I ended up selling it very quickly, even before I got my hands on film Leica. It felt so cheap I didn't want to take any shots with it. I guess manufacturing quality really matters to me, Leica is so superior when you feel it in your hands, I don't care even if Olympus had any superior characteristics. By the way the viewfinder is also crap lol. Edit: Hasselblad is awesome!
After watching this I no longer want a Leica due to the disappointment in the results of the shots. Maybe it’s because you rushed the shots or the expired film. Why use expired film on this! I’ve never used a Leica camera and it was a bucket lister to have one but this test has changed my mind.
Thanks Greg, you probably know this but i'll point out the obvious. With film the camera has no impact on the photo, only on the experience. Photo = film + lens. In this case old film so not the best results. What any other video to see the real results. (The latest video shows M film photos with fresh film). BUT with that yes if you only worry about the sharpness etc with film you can use a Nikon. I just enjoy operating the Leicas more.
I have M2, M3, M6 TTL and an M TYP 240. I also have a couple of Olympus rangefinders, one an RD with the F-Zuiko 40mm F1.7 lens, here F means the lens has six elements, as opposed to G-Zuiko which means the lens has seven elements and slighly more corrected. The lens is very high quality, but the problem is the rather lethargic rangefinder patch and very short base of the Olympus, which makes critical focusing rather hit or miss. So one has to rely on small apertures, which is a shame. They are decent cameras, with reasonable build quality if you find a good example, but Leica they are not. I think it has become a bit fashionable nowadays, to start talking nonesense and play a Leica down . That man is talking out of his back side again.
Thank you! Yes it reminds me of the Leica CL film camera. Short base length cameras don't suit me. I like accurate cameras like the M3 and Kiev 4 cameras. As you probably saw I missed a few photos with the SP due to the short base length/ focus throw. Like the CL, would be great at f8.
Dear Matt, please stop using expired film and expired chemistry. Friends don't let friends do that! :-P Film photography is all about getting a good negative! Please don't make your life more difficult in the darkroom than it needs to be. :-)
Thanks Greg! Yes don't worry this was the "final straw". I since started using new chemistry and the negatives are much better. As you correctly say, I need good negatives now if I want to print them!
Excellent video Matt. Great prove and verdict that the claim is wrong. But that didn't matter for the quality of the video. Really enjoyed watching you work and kuddos to your video person. Hope you enjoyed Holland and The Hague in particular. I wonder if this video is well recieved by your fans and followers. The numbers will tell afterwards. For me it was a 10. Liked the first girl more by far than the so called pro. Warmer face and personalty.
Thanks Rob! Yes it was hard for the second model to be herself when she doesn't understand me so nothing against her. Yes each model brings something different. Thanks about the video. Yes it's the #1 top performer (last 28 days ..a poor performance period) but sadly not due to the content. It's purely down to the title and thumbnail. All videos are good practice until I can get better at making more clickable titles for other videos. (But yes this would be the ideal format for me. Models + BTS video + sample photos.
I shoot very regularly with the 35RC, M3, and a 500c. I can't imagine throwing expired film into this endeavor and expired chems. I use XTOL as well, how funny. It's an insult to your time, the models' time, and just an offense to the cameras generally. HP5 is like $7 a roll and you have many many thousands of dollars worth of kit on this shoot. C'mon man, you can do better.
Thanks. Yes as mentioned I didn't know I would be doing the test so it's just the film I had with me. I've since moved to new chemistry (Adox XT3 now Xtol is hard to get and have got some great results). I'll share some of those in a follow up video.
If I'd gone to all that trouble I would have used fresh film and chemicals. I know that you are comparing cameras but you just had way too much stuff around your neck.
Thanks Jeremy, yes sorry I didn't know I'd be doing the test til the morning of the shoots so I used the film I had with me (and cameras I had on the trip). I will need to do a follow up film related video to redeem myself with some decent images!
Ken Rockworst ... I do not like that show off person. His blabla on photography. He is no Richard Avedon nor David Bailey. Mr Rockwell should not begg for mone. He had better find a decent job.
Haha, we have to thank Ken for all those informative review posts. I still visit his pages if reviewing a new to me lens even as someone that writes my own reviews.
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You have to also take in consideration that they are 2 different focal lengths. Of course zooming un the 50 will appear more sharper its more compressed. You should try shooting the 42mm a foot ahead of where you shot the 50.
Great point. I did go closer with some photos and others you can see the composition is further back (wider) being 42mm vs 50mm. Thanks!
I never used an Olympus SP, but I have an Olympus RC and I think that all the Olympus photos were out of focus (it’s hard to focus with that patch) or the camera needs a recalibration of the lens.
I also have a Leica M2 and a Contax IIa (my favourite) and with all cameras serviced I can say that the images I get are a lot better than either the summarit or SP I saw. But a comparison should be made with fresh film in my opinion
The Olympus is no Leica nor Contax, but it’s not that far off in terms of optical quality, paired with a good film. And in 40 rolls the Olympus missed not more than 10 shots (mostly slide) because of erroneous exposure, while I can say that I missed a lot more shots because my exposure was off with both the Leica and the Contax
Thanks! Yes sorry I didn't know I would be testing cameras for a video and the only film I had left were these old Delta 400s. Yes agree it's fast to focus but not as accurate so at wider apertures easier to miss. The SP would be a great f8 camera for sure and its very sharp stopped down too (as a I see). Love my Kiev (Contax clones). I have a nice Contax iia too but use the Kiev's for the better RF (magnification).
To be totally fair you should not leave a skylight filter in front of the Olympus 35 SP and no filter with the M3. BTW the earlier Olympus 35 LC has the same excellent 7 elements 42 mm F 1.7 as the SP, and it is totally mechanical with the battery only for a match needle lightmeter.
Thanks. Yes fair point. In the next video similar to this I take off his filter on that particular camera. (Not posted yet). I don’t use filters much. Thanks about the LC info.
I rarely agree with Ken Rockwells opinions, but I enjoy that he has them.
Thanks! Nicely written
If I discount the Hasselblad which is in another league, I actually preferred the Olympus photos. The Leica looked a bit contrasty and grainy (maybe account for by the different focal length). Perhaps a proper test of Ken Rockwell's statement would have been to use new film, new chemistry, compensate for the different focal lengths and photograph a test card at various apertures?
Thanks! Yes sorry I didn’t know I’d be doing this test so yet used the film I had. Film looked the same from the can but might have been stored differently giving different grain.
Take away lessons:
1. Model and location are more important than choice of camera and lens
2. Of course medium format Hasselblad is winning over 35mm
3. Focal length/film/processing is more important than camera choice
4. Ultimate sharpness/resolution is not necessarily the only subjective criteria
5. You get the best with the camera you know and love and use intuitively
Thanks! 1 - 100% true. 2 - Yes. 3 - 100%. 4 - Yes. 5 - True!
I was wondering if the Olympus is not quite calibrated?! Looked at one here in Copenhagen but wasn''t sure i it needed cla and calibration.
Apparently make sure is has a clean lens and yes the shorter base length make it less accurate at wider apertures. It's fine stopped down. (Same as the LEICA CL film camera and others)
I think Ken was saying that within a very specific technical envelope, the SP can't be matched by a Leica M. By which, he means that there isn't a fast 40mm-ish Leica lens which compares. It's a fairly typical Rockwell-ism, similar to the way he promoted the M9 as being better than any other digital because of the higher pixel count and smaller lenses (see also, the iPhone is the best camera ever).
As ever, his statements lack clarity because he makes other confusing claims, such as that the results are comparable between the M and the SP, but that was never my experience. My SP shots were similar to yours here - lacking in contrast and detail. However, I couldn't say that my copy of an SP was a good one. It was definitely cheap, from a bric-a-brac shop in Brighton. I also thought the SP ergonomics were poor, and the VF seemed hazy and unclear.
Yes I think at f8 it’s much closer to a Leica. I just rarely shoot at f8.
I have always enjoyed Ken Rockwell’s very, very detailed writings about film camera and lens equipment but I guess we are not always perfect. Absolutely great video. Thank you.
RS. Canada
Yes me too, jokes aside I think his website is a go to reference for many of us researching gear.
I have an 35 SP love it to bits. Great video awesome photography photography cheers
Thanks Paul!
Thanks for the video. I have an Olympus 35RD and an M3 with a summarit 50 1.5. I love the M3 but the Olympus is a fantastic little camera with an excellent light meter and a very sharp lens.
Thanks Paul! Yes stopped down a bit I think the Olympus camera are great performers. I have the RC. My smallest 35mm FF camera.
Olympus 35RD is damn hard to find, it's been a year since I've set up a search on our used gear market and it hit only once: it was sold in the same day.
Hi Matt, very nice video again. Honest, knowledgeable and precise in judgement. I like that you do experiments 'in the wild', e.g. while doing photoshoots, instead of creating a laboratory setup, i.e. an environment that doesn't anymore relate to what we might understand as 'real' photography.
First about loading film: I always load the film by putting in the leader first, also in my Oly 35 SP ;-), I suppose it gives an extra frame on the roll (let's say a 39th frame).
About the comparison:
I have never shot or owned a Leica (so also not an M3 for that matter) but I guess that it must be an archetype of deutsche Gründlichkeit, freely translated as German thoroughness (and carefulness), which holds especially true in their engineering of so many tools and machines that people all around the world love to use. Supreme precision, endless durability and optimal utility.
Ok, let's leave the superlatives aside. I do own the 35SP and I really like it for its low weight, compactness and simplicity (fixed lens of 42 mm focal length with a speedy f/1.7 max. aperture). Compared to an SLR the sound is nicer, compared to a European leaf shutter, maybe it is more crude (but I don't know that). What I do know is that the 35SP is much more affordable than a Leica M3 (the M3 body alone is 3 to 4 times as expensive than a good copy of an Olympus 35SP, then also add a fast normal Leica compatible lens for a much more expensive package). This makes me think that the comparison is maybe not completely fair. I don't know Ken Rockwells' line of thinking, but what I understand from his review is that if you consider the difference in affordability, the 35SP is quite a challenge to a Leica rangefinder with a fast normal lens. Also, in my experience the G. Zuiko lens of the 35 SP is very sharp, especially when stopped down a bit. I am convinced that given their skill, most photographers (myself included!) cannot justify the expense of a Leica M3 and the lenses that come with it. Of course, for professionals that make their money doing photography, the considerations and calculations change.
Thank you! Yes agreed stopped down the SP is great I think and by far the best "bang for the buck" as they say.
I've had an Olympus 35LC . I think it may have come prior to the SP. It's pretty good. Definitely has a unique look shot wide open, and I dig that it has dual light meter readouts (activated by a button) one in the viewfinder one on top of the body. Decent camera for the low low priced I payed for it.
Great, I've not tried that one, I have the RC
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I also have an RC. Surprisingly good little camera for it's size. I'm not afraid to even run slide film in that little thing.
Hi Matt, I think the leica lens you mounted on the M3 and the SL was a Summitar 50/2, not a Summarit 50/1.5.
Oh dear, I messed that up didn't I! You are absolutely correct. I make video on this stuff, I should know better. Sorry my little pea brain forgot and mixed them up. (Both the Summarit and Summitar are soft are wide apertures, I think the Summitar especially so but it does sharper up a huge amount stopped down. Thanks for spotting.
"not a Summarit" - Yup, I too saw that. I know there's the old 'Schneider Xenon' TTH design 5cm Summarit from the mid-fifties (f/1.5). And then came the modern computer designed 50mm versions from the early 2000's (f/2.4 and f/2.5). There were never any collapsible models...
Loved my Oly35SP while it lasted. The electronics died tho and couldn’t find anyone who could service it 😢
Oh no, yes old cameras and electronics scare me!
Really enjoyed this. Thanks for posting Matt.
I have an Olympus SP and I’ve just popped some HP5 in it as a result of watching this :))
Thanks for the inspo and keep up the great work.
Great! Happy I could inspire you!
Hola Matt!.
Yo tengo la Olimpus *OM2* y la Leíca *M3*
Trabajo desde hace muchos años con tres lentes en las dos cámaras
50mm/ 28mm/ 135mm que son mis predilectos.
Uso película siempre en B/W.
Y te puedo comentar que ambas cámaras trabajan casi de la misma manera!
Disfruto muchísimo de los resultados.
Sin embargo me quedaré siempre con el Resultado de la fantástica *M3* y sus ópticas insuperables
Gracias por tus vídeos!
Saludos desde México.....
Thanks! Great yes for small f8 setup the SP would work great
The only thing I don’t like about the Olympus is the shutter release. It’s quite a strong spring , not 2 stage, so not quite sure when it’s going to fire. Maybe I’m being picky, the results are usually superb.
Thanks Ted, yes sharp photos stopped down a bit!
Ken Rockwell? I haven't read his site for years. I thought you meant Ken Wheeler!
Haha so did I!
Haha, I didn't want to be too specific but hoped most people would get it. Yes KR :)
Ha sorry!
Matt, you’ve endangered my marriage…. a new Hasselblad 500, you’ve lead me into penury. Btw… I’m in my late 60’s as a teenager the local film stores would have displays-stocks of film from floor to ceiling in any and all permutations
Haha sorry David! Congrats on your Hassy
I had the opportunity to use the 35sp many years ago. It’s an easy going, nearly point and shot camera. Sadly, for me the photos always turned out on the soft side compared to the Zuiko lenses that I had on my OM. This is why it’s been in a box for many years. I have never sold the camera because of its sentimental value to me.
Thanks Yoram and sorry to hear. I'm sure there must be some sample variation but equally I think we get spoilt by interchangeable lens camera too.
Olympus sp nice camera sharp closed down soft wide open did not like film advance lever no f2 stop it's f1.7 straight to f2.8 bought mine for 100 pounds in the early 90s sold it for 110 pounds in the late 90s no loss just bought a canon ql 19 nicer wind on lever f1.9 f2 f2.8 stops I ve yet to put a film through but at 90 euros cheap fun there is nothing cheap about a leica
@YoramPomer you should check the focus of the 35 SP, make sure the rangefinder is properly calibrated.
The rangefinder on the Olympus is not calibrated. You have front focus.
Thanks! It was my friends. I can tell him.
Matt, I really enjoyed this video. I absolutely love the way that you shoot. I honestly prefer to see photos from non American photographers because the style from photographers across the pond is just so different and unique. Great video.
Ah thank you! I was on autopilot so yes that's how I shoot all the time.
Love these videos of you out with your cameras (especially the film ones). Lovely images Matt. Great models, and that is a damn cool location.
Thanks David! I have to thank Thomas for making it possible. I don't normally have a video guy to hand (and often I get too busy with the photos (as you see) to remember to do a lot of video too. Yes loved the location. We ran there on the previous trip but didn't get to shoot there so it was on my list!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom meant to ask you a while back - have you ever thought of doing a Matt Osborne Community group on FB where subscribers can post their work?
@@davidellinsworth3299 thanks yes I have one, there’s maybe 90 people on it I think. Access via Patreon
I find all your videos very helpful. I am in the market for lenses for my Leica M3 that was just rebuilt by one of Canada’s last Leica repair technicians who is about to retire. Your lens reviews are excellent.
Great, no problem!
Which Leica repair technician? I have an M3 that needs serviced--I was going to go with Gus Lazzari, but he raised his prices ($975 for Leica!). I'm looking at going with Don Goldberg (DAG) instead.
3:53 why did you use expired film and chemistry to test?! Almost nulifies the pointof this whole test.
I didn’t know I would be testing, it was just the film I had with me. I’ll try to carry fresh film in future if there is a chance I’ll be testing.
I always enjoy your videos, Matt, inluding this one. But I think you overstepped a little. I looked at Ken Rockwell's original review of the SP. At no point did he say that "the SP is better than the M3", full stop. He did say things like this: "The f/1.7 speed is perfect. It's about as fast as the SUMMILUX, and about as sharp as the SUMMICRON." That sounds true enough, if one gives the "about" a charitable interpretation (as one should). The bottom line of his review is fairly plausible: From a cost-benefit point of view, those people who take the kind of pictures he shows as examples on his page will be better served with an SP than with a Leica. Ken Rockwell is a temperamental chap and his wordy reviews do not always carry the information one is looking for. But I never quite understood why Rockwell bashing is such a popular sport in the community. Most of it is really unfair. // I'd still like to see a careful review of the SP: performance over all f-stops and a range of distances with a verified rangefinder mechanism.
Hello, thanks for your feedback. I didn't mean the video to come across as bad towards Ken. I mention in my video that my Patreon says to me "hey Matt, Ken says..." and that's why we did the shootout test that day but it was all just a bit of fun and an excuse to use both cameras. Yes I later read his article and it looks like the SP is strong at f8. Agree a fun little camera and great value vs Leica. Sorry if it came across the wrong way to you. (I've nothing against KR, he's helped our community no end with his reviews. I often find them if researching a new to me lens for a video).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 👍 thanks!
Hi Matt - the Oly 35 SP is a fabulous camera and the lens is top notch. Its lens is also prone to fungus or haze, especially if not stored probably. IMHO, the photos should have more contrast. This can be due to internal element haze or fungus. Did you examine the lens before the shoot? Despite the expired film and chemistry, the outcome of the photo shoot is amazing and I did enjoy it. The softness on the Olympus may actually work to the portraiture's advantage.
If you do decide to check the lens, just out of curiosity, put the shutter on B, open aperture wide open, fire and hold the shutter button to keep shutter open, and shine a flashlight (your phone's flashlight should be good) from the back. In my experience this has made a tremendous difference.
Thank you! I'll tell Thomas who owns the camera. (This is why I don't like fixed lens cameras as I'm not limited by the lens if it gets haze etc). (My nice Canon 50mm f1.8 has since clouded up - fungus, sadly).
My 2 cents since I own both cameras: the M3/elcan is for sure the better lens if quality & enjoyability are your biggest concerns. I love mine and if I could only keep one camera it’d be that one. But, the olympus (mine is an LC, optically the same as an SP) is also fantastic; arguably better for zone focusing, and I am never worried about bringing it with me anywhere. Ultimately either one will get the job done!
Thanks, yes agreed. Both have advantages!
People want to see the picture immediately. They like the picture on their iPhones, because that can manipulate the image. I have a canon R5, which is very versatile, and I am going to try to buy a Hasselblad digital camera like the one you’re recommended. (CCD sensor by Kodak). Everyone uses presets, and I would like to try the CCD sensor.
Yes I’m still enjoying my CCD. Lots of new photos to come after my US workshops and I’ll make my CCD presets available on the blog soon. (+ M262).
The nicest thing about the SP is it’s cheaper than the cheapest third party lenses for the Leica. So if someone owns a Leica and is curious to own the Olympus too, it’s hard to talk oneself out of it.
Yes 100% Great value.
That shot at 11.42 , Beautiful !
Thanks Bill!
I have a few rangefinder cameras and people who have never shot film before come up and tell me they want a Leica. (I don’t have one) I tell them they should spend some time with fixed lens rangefinders first to see if they actually like the style. I would be very happy with any of the images you showed from the Olympus. That Elcan lens is really something though. Wow
Thanks and yes wise words! I tend to say try a Soviet RF camera before buying a Leica. Some are great fun to use. I love my Kiev 4 cameras.
Mint Olympus 35SP = £200 or less, mint M3 with decent Leica glass £££. - not really a fair comparison Matt, they certainly weren’t viewed as competitors back in the day. Having said that I shoot with Olympus 35 SP, RC & RD along with my Leica M2 & M6 and enjoy all of them. The particular SP you shot with doesn’t hold up to my experiences with the camera as I’ve always found it very sharp for vintage 35mm glass. Nevertheless an enjoyable video as always 👍
Thanks! Yes only a bit of fun. Shoot both cameras at f8 and the SP will be more more comparable.
Did you get your Summarit cleaned? It's missing all the glow/haze that it usually has. Maybe I can't tell whats going on cause of the expired film lol
Sorry my little pea brain said the wrong lens. If you look carefully it's the Summitar 5cm f2 LTM. Sorry wide open but sharpens up stopped down. (I did get my Summarit cleaned too btw*)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom dont forget to update the flickr image you posted from Summarit to Summitar.
@@hyprz already done it! Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you Matt, very nice photos and beautiful models!
I used Konica C35FD that is another name of Konica auto S3, it's joy to use: camera very light and tiny, the size is equal to half-frame FED micron 1, but it's FF and with very fast lens 38mm f/1.8! Though it's also not that sharp. It also works in shutter priority or manual with fixed 1/30 shutter speed.
Also tried Canonet QL17 GIII, lens very sharp wide open, quick loading film system saves about 1-2 additional frames. But it's much heavier +200gr and more bulky, so I sold it. But it could be very good option, behind size and weight it's near the best fixed lens rf camera overall.
But what I dream to own is Olympus 35RD, unfortunately it's damn hard to find.
Thanks Arthur! Nice! Yes there are a few nice fixed lens cameras from this period.
Yes, another well-done video. No surprise there. You manage to be both affable and professional at the same time. You seem to have a sincere bond with your models. That makes it easier on both sides. You have the Big Three needed for success: Smart, Hard Working, and Easy to Get Along With. You are much more valuable with a camera than with a spreadsheet. Thanks for more good content.
Oh, yeah, you are right, the Leicas are better. And film is on its last legs.
Thanks Sandy! (and for your kind PayPal gift! Much appreciated, thank you) Yes I try to build a bond with the models, it really helps to make good photos.. (Yes the video took a lot of time to make.. day to shoot, day to process/scan/resize the film, day to edit (yesterday, 6am start on Sunday and just got it finished to post by about 8pm.. it's not a job for everyone!) :)
LOL…pixel peeping film now. All the shots looked fantastic.
Haha sorry, I guessed the images would be too small to compare otherwise. All good fun!
Having a 35 SP I think I can see that one of the problems with it, which will lead to perceived softness, is the shutter button. It requires a ridiculously long push which leads to camera shake quite often. Adding a soft release button makes little difference. The 35 RC is much better in this regard. In fact I would choose the 35 RC over the SP any day.
Thanks Richard! Great tip. I have the RC, see that video.
It is certainly a problem that could be fixed with a CLA. A camera technician can change the stroke of the release button.
At first glance I thought the slight visual advantage of the Leica-shots was due to the grain-effect (same shot with a bit of grain will appear sharper because of the added structure). But after going through all the shots the Leica-lens is sharper and it is also not differently calibrated rangefinders, so I agree with your assessment. Btw. isn't the Leica-lens a collapsible Summitar 2.0? You introduced it as a Summarit which would be the rigid 1.5-lens and labeled the photos accordingly but in the video it doesn't look like it.
Thanks for confirming my outcome. Yes so sorry I said the wrong lens! My little brain got confused! It’s indeed the Summitar which Is soft at wider apertures. Good from f4
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom For me it's good news the Summitar 2/50 mm is actually that good as it is the lens that came with the IIIf I bought last year but hasn't seen much use yet because it needed to be fixed first. I had a Minolta Himatic E many years ago and this one also was just a hair behind my SLRs with other normal lenses like Nikkor 1.8/50 mm or the Sonnar 2.8/40mm in the Rollei 35 SE that replaced the Himatic. I have still to find a fixed-lens rangefinder with a rop-notch lens, until now they were all quite acceptable but not great.
@@kalenderquantentunnel9411 stop it down a bit and it’s great!
Nice work, Matt.
Thanks John!
fun view... thanks! I shoot an Olympus 35 RC and a Leica IIIf with Elmar or Color Skopar 50/2.5. The Leica is better, but the RC is much smaller and has some automation which isn't a bad thing. In your tests, the difference in grain is a little confusing, but it is what it is. Different exposures? When comparing film results, in reality, I have to include processing to get best images and from my Oly, if after sharpening and curves, I can get very similar results on a print, it's kind of all that matters. I look forward to more posts!
Thanks Mark, great! I love my little Leica cameras (and I have the Skopar too). I recommend the Elcan 50mm f2 LTM! (see the latest video). With the film it was not ideal as the film was gifted to me and I think although the same stock it may be different ages so not a great comparison (in terms of grain).
Nice photos! And excellent models! I imagine there are certain f-stops where the Olympus really shines.
Thanks! Yes f8 it really shines from seeing other photos.
I load my film cameras the same way you did. I find it easier.
Ah thanks Eduardo! I thought I was wrong. (Yes that's how I load all my cameras)
I’m confused Matt, the SP images all look grainier which has nothing to do with the lens, and if grain was removed to be equal what then would the sharpness look like? I may have got the wrong end of the stick but while Rockwell may be derided there is often a nugget of truth in his opinions. I have many Leica lenses and cameras, and also an Olympus RC35 P&S camera (full manual or auto, how many do that?), and to be honest like for like there isn’t much in it at similar apertures.
Hi Steve, thanks. Both films were developed in the same tank so they should look very similar. Yes bang for buck the SP is excellent (same as the RC). I think stopped down it performs best. I saw that Ken shot his at f8 a lot. As you know most good lenses should be excellent by f8 (on any camera). At wider apertures the older Leica lens designs were sharper most of the time (to be expected I think).
Well, I am one more who has both cameras, and curiously, my Olympus is better in all conditions than the Leica, but I imagine that this depends on many factors, models, exact years of manufacture and of course the lens used.
Hi Juan, interesting! Yes the Leica is merely a box so you need a good lens on it AND it's need to be correctly calibrated. Those are the 2 things that impact Leica photos. It will absolutely win hands down with a nice lens on it.
Very thorough and fair review, I'm willing to admit the Leica is a better camera on absolute merit - but is it 10-15 times better? Because it costs about 10-15 times as much... And if you use flash you're limited to 1/50s shutter on the M3 I believe, while the 35SP has a leaf shutter, meaning all shutter speeds can by used with a flash, all the way down to 1/500s. The 35SP spot meter function is also fantastic. The auto exposure as well - even pros want to take snapshots sometimes! For me, and I think for 95% of people getting into film photography, the 35SP wins hands down for practicality.
Thanks for watching. Yes I agree the 35SP is a great starter camera until you want to start playing with different lenses.
My Olympus 35sp is super sharp - often shaper than my 35 summicron v4 on my Leica m, so not sure if the copy you had was entirely right.
Thanks! I see it's sharp stopped down. Ken looked to shoot his mostly at f8
Ha I didn't even realize you were cutting the 35sp at least some slack by comparing to an older summitar! This is my camera and I can confirm it's a clean copy. Lens only has the usual dusts when viewed with a flashlight, and the rangefinder seems to be at least decently calibrated (can only compare at 1m with my M3 which gives me sharp shots but also lines up nicely at infinity). If you ask me colours with this camera are great if you're into that and if you put a battery in it (quite expensive and difficult to get) you have perfect full automatic exposure. Especially stopped down it's a great all round camera, but with the added benefit of having that extra speed when needed. You don't have that on many compact/point and shoots, and seeing as it's also a pretty camera I think it's great value, and good fun!
At f8 the SP would really shine I think!
The Olympus lens has more contrast, but the Leica lenses are definitely sharper. I suspect the sharpness would be closer if you stopped down to f/5.6-8. I have a 35 RC but I have to admit it's an underused part of my collection.
Thanks! Yes the older Leica lens is lower contrast but I was pleased with the sharpness at the same apertures. Agree I think these small cameras (Olympus and others start to shine from f5.6-f8). Ken often shot his at f8 I noticed.
Thanks Matt. Very nice video
Thank you!
Ken Rockwell is correct The Olympus 35 SP is better than a Leica........ on your pocketbook.
35 SP is a nice stopped down, Leica better for my portraits at wider apertures
I enjoyed this video. Very informative and filled with charm with the models.
Thank you!
I‘m pretty sure if you calibrate the Rangefinder, the pictures would be sharper. Speaking from my own experience, with my 35 SP i have had perfectly sharp in focus pictures at f1.7, and other times its an absolute mess. Either i have to check the patch alignment or be more careful.
Thanks Ivan! The joys of old RF cameras eh! I'm currently playing with the Nikon F3T (see the video out shortly) so it's nice not to have these common RF "issues".
Excellent video.
RS. Canada
Thanks Richard!
Ken Rockwell's site is useful when seeking factual information on gear but his opinions are all over the place. He frequently contradicts himself seemingly depending on the mood he is in. Take what he says with a generous pinch of salt and continue using the gear you enjoy regardless of what Ken says
Thanks, yes agreed, great source of factual spec data. This title was a bit of fun.
I thought that Ken Rockwell just always recommended whatever camera he was being paid to review?
Haha, jokes aside I find the info he’s shared over the years very useful. Great resource.
amazing comparison
Thank you! Not perfect but good fun to do!
I could never bring myself to use/buy a fixed lens camera.
Yes not my preference either. I like using different lenses too much
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh we know! 🤣
I never thought about it, but some of my favorite cameras to shoot are my Yashica 124, Yashica GSN & Olympus XA😊
Looks like the Oly pics are overexposed quite a bit, their focus is off while the Leica ones have a f*ckton more grain - something's not right. Repeat the test with CLA'd cameras, identical focal length & fresh film developed in the same tank..
Thanks, film was developed in the same tank BUT was gifted to me so might be different dates/ storage conditions. The Summicron 40mm would give a closer look.
I didn't see a Summarit 50/1.5 in your video. I did see a collapsible Summicron 50/2. Did I miss something? // I own an Oly SP as well as Leicas + S'cron 50. The idea that the Zuiko is en par wide with the (60s) S'cron wide open or even at 2.8 is ludicrous. But stopped down to f4 and more (less?) the Zuiko is a fine performer and absolutely adequate in most photographic situations. The SP is a good looking cameras, it handles nicely, and the viewfinder is one of the best in budget rangefinders.
Thank you! Yes sorry I messed up and said the wrong lens. I wrote Summarit in my notes but failed to engage my little brain and notice it was the Summitar 5cm f2 on the screen. The Summitar is too soft to use at f2 on film but from f2.8 it gets better and very sharp stopped down. Yes agree the Olympus cameras (like my RC and this SP get sharp once well stopped down, but still not too bad at f4). Yes nice finder!
The sound is great! 🥰
Thanks! It was quiet outside so I was lucky!
Maybe I'm being a bit bias because I have an M3, which is my go-to camera for 35mm, but I agree with your assessment, the Leica is better than the Olympus. Nice video!
Thanks Jerome, yes I love my M3 too haha :)
I own the Olympus 35 RC and I'm happier using the RC over my Leica M6 Titanium ... Far easier to use.
Yes they are very pocketable too!
Why would you test a camera and lens with expired film and chemicals?
I didn't know I was going to do the test and it was just the film I had with me (and the chemistry was fine for the last batch so I assumed it would be fine).
THANK YOU for loading the Olympus the CORRECT way (takeup spool first.) As you can see, people doing it backwards is my pet peeve: ruclips.net/video/GpPEKdJjcEQ/видео.htmlsi=VKRK1fPLZg_GbGvi
Re the Olympus, surely you wouldn't take Ken Klickbait seriously?!? I had a 35SP back in the day and while it was okay, the lens was certainly nothing special. Of all the compact leaf-shutter 35s I tried back then, the best I found for sharpness was the Minolta Hi-Matic 7S2, BUT… it's important to know that many of these cameras of all nameplates actually were manufactured by subcontractors (Cosina was one) so sample-to-sample variation was much larger than you'd find on a top-of-the-line camera with the same brand name. So, your pal's example of Camera X might be much better than your example, or vice-versa…
Thanks James! Interesting. I was sure i'd loaded it wrong! Ha the title was just a bit of fun but at the same time it's good to test it. Interesting point about the subcons and variations. A wealth of knowledge as usual! Thanks!
I actually like the output of the Olympus better.
It's a fun little camera for the money, no doubt. I'd just shoot it at f8 to get sharper in focus images.
Ken is only interested in his "ever growing family", although Olympus is capable of very high quality lenses.... the Zuiko 50mm 1.8 standard is one of them!
Ha Ken is great. I used his website a lot over the years as a reference
We seeing this on screen so grain of salt. You’re saying the Leica image is sharper in instances when it clearly wasn’t as sharp. Still, I’d want the M3 if I could afford another Leica right now. But this Olympus performed welll
Yes sorry with the YT compression it will be difficult to see. The Olympus is good stopped down. The Leica will depend what lens you put on it.
Great comparison.
Your models are gorgeous 😍
It's a tough job but someone has to do it. 😊
Fun/$ the Oly SP is clearly a winner.
It would have been good to see how the summitar and SP compared both at F2.
Usually lenses have a sweet spot for the character of their rendering.
Ken R is blowing hot air making claims about the Oly SP matching an M3 with Leitz optics....get outta here...😂
Thanks! The Summitar is soft at f2 but fine on digital. They are possibly similar at f2 but the Leica setup is more accurate to focus.
You could do worse than the olympus, but no suprise that the Hassie did the best of all.
Thanks! yes not fair with the Hassy but good fun
I used Olympus for some time, but hated it from the very beginning. I ended up selling it very quickly, even before I got my hands on film Leica. It felt so cheap I didn't want to take any shots with it. I guess manufacturing quality really matters to me, Leica is so superior when you feel it in your hands, I don't care even if Olympus had any superior characteristics. By the way the viewfinder is also crap lol. Edit: Hasselblad is awesome!
Yes I do enjoy Leica and Hassy too!
i heard that the Konica Auto S3 is very "Leica"
Thanks! If I ever come across one and have models I will have to do a test video.
After watching this I no longer want a Leica due to the disappointment in the results of the shots. Maybe it’s because you rushed the shots or the expired film. Why use expired film on this!
I’ve never used a Leica camera and it was a bucket lister to have one but this test has changed my mind.
Thanks Greg, you probably know this but i'll point out the obvious. With film the camera has no impact on the photo, only on the experience. Photo = film + lens. In this case old film so not the best results. What any other video to see the real results. (The latest video shows M film photos with fresh film). BUT with that yes if you only worry about the sharpness etc with film you can use a Nikon. I just enjoy operating the Leicas more.
I have M2, M3, M6 TTL and an M TYP 240. I also have a couple of Olympus rangefinders, one an RD with the F-Zuiko 40mm F1.7 lens, here F means the lens has six elements, as opposed to G-Zuiko which means the lens has seven elements and slighly more corrected. The lens is very high quality, but the problem is the rather lethargic rangefinder patch and very short base of the Olympus, which makes critical focusing rather hit or miss. So one has to rely on small apertures, which is a shame. They are decent cameras, with reasonable build quality if you find a good example, but Leica they are not. I think it has become a bit fashionable nowadays, to start talking nonesense and play a Leica down . That man is talking out of his back side again.
Thank you! Yes it reminds me of the Leica CL film camera. Short base length cameras don't suit me. I like accurate cameras like the M3 and Kiev 4 cameras. As you probably saw I missed a few photos with the SP due to the short base length/ focus throw. Like the CL, would be great at f8.
Dear Matt, please stop using expired film and expired chemistry. Friends don't let friends do that! :-P
Film photography is all about getting a good negative! Please don't make your life more difficult in the darkroom than it needs to be. :-)
Thanks Greg! Yes don't worry this was the "final straw". I since started using new chemistry and the negatives are much better. As you correctly say, I need good negatives now if I want to print them!
Excellent video Matt. Great prove and verdict that the claim is wrong.
But that didn't matter for the quality of the video. Really enjoyed watching you work and kuddos to your video person. Hope you enjoyed Holland and The Hague in particular. I wonder if this video is well recieved by your fans and followers. The numbers will tell afterwards. For me it was a 10.
Liked the first girl more by far than the so called pro. Warmer face and personalty.
Thanks Rob! Yes it was hard for the second model to be herself when she doesn't understand me so nothing against her. Yes each model brings something different. Thanks about the video. Yes it's the #1 top performer (last 28 days ..a poor performance period) but sadly not due to the content. It's purely down to the title and thumbnail. All videos are good practice until I can get better at making more clickable titles for other videos. (But yes this would be the ideal format for me. Models + BTS video + sample photos.
I shoot very regularly with the 35RC, M3, and a 500c. I can't imagine throwing expired film into this endeavor and expired chems. I use XTOL as well, how funny. It's an insult to your time, the models' time, and just an offense to the cameras generally. HP5 is like $7 a roll and you have many many thousands of dollars worth of kit on this shoot. C'mon man, you can do better.
Thanks. Yes as mentioned I didn't know I would be doing the test so it's just the film I had with me. I've since moved to new chemistry (Adox XT3 now Xtol is hard to get and have got some great results). I'll share some of those in a follow up video.
I understand, it just makes me sad.@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
Ken can be a tad hyperbolic at times😂
Haha ,It made for a fun title if nothing else!
😊
Thanks!
If I'd gone to all that trouble I would have used fresh film and chemicals. I know that you are comparing cameras but you just had way too much stuff around your neck.
Thanks Jeremy, yes sorry I didn't know I'd be doing the test til the morning of the shoots so I used the film I had with me (and cameras I had on the trip). I will need to do a follow up film related video to redeem myself with some decent images!
It's absolutely better as an amateur 😂
haha thanks!
Ken Rockworst ...
I do not like that show off person.
His blabla on photography.
He is no Richard Avedon nor David Bailey.
Mr Rockwell should not begg for mone.
He had better find a decent job.
Thanks Jaco
Why would anyone care what Ken Rockwell has to say after looking at his work?
Go easy on ken, his reviews are the pillars of the camera scene old and new
😂
Because (whilst often hyperbolic in style) his opinions on Nikon & Leica are usually on point.
Haha, we have to thank Ken for all those informative review posts. I still visit his pages if reviewing a new to me lens even as someone that writes my own reviews.
Yes he's done a lot for the community I think
They all look the same
That means you'll be happy with either camera!