I sold a camera. There I said it. It’s not the camera, it was me. We just weren’t compatible. I loved the idea of this little Russian gem but in reality it was more of  an amusement than a shooter. It made lovely images, needed no batteries and could take lovely M39 mount lenses. But I found the shutter release in the wrong place, the viewfinder a touch small (especially after my Olympus OM slr’s) and I have a lovely Voightlander CLR that I found In a second hand shop too. So it is off to pastures new, and hopefully to a new owner that will give it the love and time it deserves. Bon Voyage!

So, having found that film photography is my new/old thing, and that the only camera I had was the admittedly great Olympus Trip 35, I started looking for another, more flexible film camera. I had started shooting some Street Photography on my iPhone so started exploring that genre. Several commentators had mentioned the Olympus 35 RC as a great option. Fully Auto or Manual takes easily available low cost and long living batteries (after conversion), and shoots 38 frames per roll! Super sharp Zuiko lens and about the same size in the hand as the Trip 35.  I started to search for one  I mentioned to a friend at work who is equally nuts about old cameras that I was on the hunt  he mentioned he may have one I could have, liberated from a thrift store  Naturally I agreed, agreed a price and took possession. It turned out that the RC was in less than perfect condition, with a sticky rangefinder. After an unsuccessful attempt to free things up I capitulated and took it to the excellent Luton Camera Repairs. Here it was treated to a full service, battery conversion and sorting of the RF issue. Now, this is my go to compact camera. Pocketable, light, and fast to shoot. Here is a few samples from the first roll of Ilford FP4 I ran through it. Not overly inspiring but showing potential.