Olympus 35RC - Project Deco

[Asha]

...Go and take some achingly artistic 'street' pictures to convey the horrors of weekend supermarket shopping ;0)

What?...in the local village Spar!

Mindst, i tell ya, when them old cronies, oops, lovely aged locals get in there to search out bargains, it's worse than UK Christmas shopping!

 

[wontolla]

What?...in the local village Spar!

Mindst, i tell ya, when them old cronies, oops, lovely aged locals get in there to search out bargains, it's worse than UK Christmas shopping!

That's it! First you insult the guy that's pimping my camera, then you insult my fellow pensioners!
Where will it end?


AND, don't think you can get round me by 'liking' my pic!

 

[ChrisR]

I think #2 is probably my favourite, but whichever of these is most suitable is fine!


breamcatcher-font-3-big by Barry Smith, on Flickr

calamity-jane-nf-font-4-big by Barry Smith, on Flickr

daffadowndilly-nf-font-4-big copy by Barry Smith, on Flickr

I think you need a bit of weight in the font for that application, and a fair bit of clarity too, making sure it works in the double digit situations. The 3rd is an ugly font, but looks fairly well weighted for the job (not sure of the technical terms here, not an expert!). The second is a lovely, clear font, but looks light as presented, maybe there's a stronger version? The first... I've got a feeling it's too confusing, with similarities between a few of the numbers, specially the 8 and the 9. Just my thoughts, anyway.

 

[simon ess]

This is great!

Lots of people chipping in with design suggestions. I'll be the T.P.F&C camera, with Steve the artistic and technical director.

I agree with Chris on the font above. I love the second, but it might need to be slightly bolder.

 

[stevelmx5]

I'll see what versions are available when I download it. There's not a lot of space on the counter with the numbers rotated 90 degrees so they're pretty close together.

 

[wontolla]

Thanks for the input Chris and I see what you are saying & sort of agree, but don't forget the font will be on a white background and will contrast better.
Anyway, see what Steve comes up with and if he can sort it. If not, happy to go with #3. (or source another!)

 

[stevelmx5]

This is the Calamity Jane (Bold) font with the text set to Bold as well. Without that the letters looked a bit thin still.

 

[wontolla]

View attachment 58931

This is the Calamity Jane (Bold) font with the text set to Bold as well. Without that the letters looked a bit thin still.

That is superb! Cheers Steve, spot on, love it!

 

[stevelmx5]

No problem Baz, glad you like it. I'll print some test counters out and try them on the camera for alignment.

 

[stevelmx5]

I've just spent some time cleaning up the rangefinder and lenses. There are still a couple of marks on the internal rangefinder mirror but I'm not going to try to shift them as the mirror finish is pretty delicate. The viewfinder is much clearer now though.

 

[stevelmx5]

I've also removed the strap lug from the left side of the camera (viewfinder side) but the one on the right will need some surgery to get to the retaining screw.

 

[stevelmx5]

I didn't like the result of the numbers being rotated 90 degrees. To fit them all in comfortably the font had to be very small which made it difficult to read. I've now rotated them back to match the original wheel but kept the Art Deco font.





I've run the camera through a complete 36 exposure cycle and all numbers and markers in between are lining up nicely. I'm still going to fit a Leica M4 style surround to the counter but it will be in the original location on the top plate.

 

[stevelmx5]

 

[wontolla]

I've just spent some time cleaning up the rangefinder and lenses. There are still a couple of marks on the internal rangefinder mirror but I'm not going to try to shift them as the mirror finish is pretty delicate. The viewfinder is much clearer now though.

Wow! Didn't realise it was dirty!
Brilliant!

 

[wontolla]

Sorry I haven't been on all day Steve, it's our walkies day on a Wednesday.
Been out in the wilds of Lancashire (well, ok, Leeds & Liverpool canal & Yarrow Valley) by eck it was muddy!
Pittled down all morning, so not much in the way of photography, but managed a few after lunch, even though light was crap!

All looking good so far, thanks for the updates bud!

 

[stevelmx5]

It's no problem Baz. My build threads are just an ongoing update so no need to reply to each post :0).

 

[wontolla]

Only just noticed part of your handle!
Is pertaining to one of these?

Dennis in his MX5 front view by Barry Smith, on Flickr

 

[stevelmx5]

Yup :0)

 

[stevelmx5]

 

[wontolla]

Very nice! I drive my mates occasionally, when we get up to the Dales (no better place!)
My other walking buddy, Dave has one in black, but it is rarely out of the garage!
I keep threatening to take some pics of the two together.
Cracking little cars!

 

[Nod]

Good to see that Mrs Nod's 2 1/2 wasn't the only one missing a foglight blanking bit of trim! Loved it but since it was hers, I couldn't object to her trading it in against an XK8.

 

[stevelmx5]

Mine was an aftermarket Viper bumper which I never got round to retro-fitting fog lights into :0)

 

[Nod]

Mrs Nod's was missing one of the bits of trim when we bought it and we never got round to finding one to replace it! (In my defence, I didn't really care about anything at the time - would get it sorted PDQ these days!)

 

[stevelmx5]

Disclaimer: Ignore the fact it's red plasticine..

I've been thinking about the handling of the 35RC today so started shaping a grip. I don't want to make anything too big but there's no point in having a grip that doesn't add anything so I think the size is about right. I'm thinking about overhanging the top and bottom plates with the grip to make it the full height of the camera but still allow the plates to be removed if need be in the future.





I still haven't removed the strap lug from that side of the body but may be better building the grip around it so an index finger grip can still be attached to it. I'm not a huge fan of camera straps and find the single finger loop more than enough for my Sony A6000 which is bigger and heavier than the RC so it should be fine.

 

[stevelmx5]

My original intention was to remove the original leather skin, bond the grip to the body then fit a new skin over the top so it's all part of the same leather finish. If I overhang the top/bottom plates that's harder to do because I'll have to stretch and bond the leather around the body and a tall grip. The alternative is I spray the grip gunmetal grey to match the top/bottom plates or black to match the leather.

I like the idea of blending it into the leather skin though and I never go the easy route so I'm still thinking :0)

 

[wontolla]

My original intention was to remove the original leather skin, bond the grip to the body then fit a new skin over the top so it's all part of the same leather finish. If I overhang the top/bottom plates that's harder to do because I'll have to stretch and bond the leather around the body and a tall grip. The alternative is I spray the grip gunmetal grey to match the top/bottom plates or black to match the leather.

I like the idea of blending it into the leather skin though and I never go the easy route so I'm still thinking :0)

I like the idea of the grip, but what about something like the Olly E-PL5 type of grip, but a little smaller?
Maybe a bit easier for you too?


I use an E-PL5 and an E-PM1 so I am used to those grips and feel comfortable with them!
Just a thought.

 

[stevelmx5]

Ive actually just re-shaped the grip to make it narrower at the top and flow better. I've never used any of the E-P series but if you find those grips comfortable I'll shape this one he same way. I'm wary of making the camera too large but at the same time enjoy the challenge of improving the slab sided ergonomics!

 

[stevelmx5]

The major difference with the 35RC is that the distance between the edge of the body and the lens is shorter than on the E-P above so any grip needs to fit without getting in the way of the lens. Maybe if the grip is the same height as the leather skin it can add to the handling without being obvious.

 

[wontolla]

The major difference with the 35RC is that the distance between the edge of the body and the lens is shorter than on the E-P above so any grip needs to fit without getting in the way of the lens. Maybe if the grip is the same height as the leather skin it can add to the handling without being obvious.

Yep, that what I think I meant!

 

[stevelmx5]

Grip update:







With the slimmer design and the grip only fitted to the main body I'm going to fit the leather skin over the top of it so it's part of the body.

 

[stevelmx5]

I also got the stainless countersunk washer in the post that I'm going to use to surround the film counter.





I've gone backwards and forwards between an M3 and M4 washer and settled on an M3 to keep the outside diameter down to fit onto the top plate.

The original plan was to blend this into the body then spray it grey to match but I'm wondering if it might make a nice contrast to keep it stainless?

 

[wontolla]

Grip update:

View attachment 59091

View attachment 59092

View attachment 59093

With the slimmer design and the grip only fitted to the main body I'm going to fit the leather skin over the top of it so it's part of the body.

Yes please! I like it much better that way! With the skin over it will blend in and keep the flow, S M O O T H!

 

[wontolla]

I also got the stainless countersunk washer in the post that I'm going to use to surround the film counter.

View attachment 59094

View attachment 59095

I've gone backwards and forwards between an M3 and M4 washer and settled on an M3 to keep the outside diameter down to fit onto the top plate.

The original plan was to blend this into the body then spray it gray to match but I'm wondering if it might make a nice contrast to keep it stainless?

Looking back at posts 9 & 33, grey is the way to go I think.
Will the shutter release button & rewind crank stay (silver)?

 

[stevelmx5]

Yes, the shutter and rewind will stay silver to contrast but I'll colour code the film counter surround. I've started shaping the MDF grip to go under the leather. I'm going for a Konica Hexar look :0)








I'm going to make it slightly thinner still because the black leather I've got has a suede backing so is a little thicker. The top and bottom of the grip will be covered in leather as well.

 

[wontolla]

Yes, the shutter and rewind will stay silver to contrast but I'll colour code the film counter surround. I've started shaping the MDF grip to go under the leather. I'm going for a Konica Hexar look :0)
I'm going to make it slightly thinner still because the black leather I've got has a suede backing so is a little thicker. The top and bottom of the grip will be covered in leather as well.

Grip looks just great, I have had a look at the Konica and rather like it! It's going to be a gem to handle!
I also like the idea of a finger loop for use with the grip, how would it be fixed on the RC?

 

[stevelmx5]

I'll use the original strap lug because it's going to take a full strip down of the winding mechanism to remove it so I think it's better to leave in place. I think removing the left side lug will still look good.

 

[stevelmx5]

Fitted my finger strap from the A6000 to see how well it handles on the 35RC and it's actually really comfortable. I thought the split ring might space it out from the body too far but it's fine. My grip is made from a strip of double sided Velcro so it's adjustable and I'll use the same on the 35.

 

[wontolla]

Good idea that Steve, I saw something similar on dpreview I think, and also one that was made from a leather wrist strap.
Thing is with a velcro loop, you can replace it easily if it becomes tatty!

 

[stevelmx5]

Well, I'm committed now with the grip :0)





The grip is now shaped and bonding to the body. Once it's bonded I'll be fitting black textured plastic top and bottom caps like the Hexar AF and then fitting a new black skin.

 

[stevelmx5]

I'm biased but am loving the new grip :0). Making the templates for the top and bottom finishing pieces and have re-fitted the original skin section to check the fit and shape.









It adds just enough additional grip without cutting off the space for your fingers next to the lens. I'll cut the skin later or tomorrow and get it fitted.