Some reviews of the Olympus 35 SP call it the best rangefinder ever made. It is touted for its super sharp lens (an Olympus G. Zuiko 42mm f1.7) and for-its-time revolutionary spot meter. It was introduced in 1969 and has remained a popular choice ever since. These reviews are what prompted me to get one of my own. Unlike most of my other rangefinders, this one wasn’t cheap. I paid almost $350 for a near-mint copy and had it shipped in from Japan. I was super excited to take it out and try it out.

I’ve had really nice results with Kentmere 100 in some of my other cameras. Some examples are here, and here and here. I put a roll into my Olympus for its trial run. To say I’m disappointed wouldn’t be fair. But the results were clearly not what I was expecting. Prior uses of Kentmere had produced fine grain and sharp negatives. This time they turned out grainer and almost too contrasty for my taste. I attribute this to my development. I souped it in Rodinal 1:50 for 15 minutes at a smidge over 68°. This was probably several minutes too long. And I think my agitation technique was too aggressive. I gently agitated but for about ten seconds every half minute.

I still have confidence in my Olympus but will be more careful with developement next time around.

Unlike most of my other rangefinders, this one wasn’t cheap.