Olympus 35RC - Project Deco

stevelmx5 said:
No problem at all. The 35Rc text is already black but it's printed on a clear decal sheet so loses some of its intensity against the grey. The squiggle is the original Olympus logo but again, it doesn't stand out enough against the grey. Hmmm, think I might be sanding back lacquer later.
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Maybe off white might be better..I think it needs to contrast more.
 
The first ones I did were as light grey as I could print but unfortunately didn't stand out much hence trying black. I've made the decision and removed them all now anyway and sanded back the lacquer. I'm going to lacquer the plates without any logos and can add some afterwards if I can get some cut.
 
You need an old fashioned sign writer to paint them on..
 
Funny you should say that...I've just text a friend of mine who's an illustrator to see if he's able to do something.
 
Quite like the 'de-badged' look.
 
Me too to be honest :0). I've sent a message to a couple of decal suppliers about cutting the logos out but will see how the camera looks once it's re-assembled.
 
I'll wait for that too before I comment! :D
 
I've used a blade to scrape out the paint/lacquer from the threads of the battery cover so it now closes easily again (pita job!). Also re-assembled the base plate on the camera and have bonded the rangefinder surrounds back into the top plate.

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I'll leave the epoxy to harden overnight before I re-fit the top plate. I'll print a final film counter dial tonight as well so that's all ready to be refitted. Nearly there!
 
Few more photos now I've reassembled the top plate as well as the new leather bag;

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Jobs left to do;

Print final film counter dial and attach
Fit film counter window in top plate
Touch in the black paint on the body in a few places
Speak to a few companies about cutting decals
 
Definitely liking the stealthy un-badged look.
 
Me too :0)

I'll still sort out some decals so Baz can decide how he wants to go with it seeing as it's his camera.
 
Looks amazing Steve! Only on mobile so will have enlarged look a little later. Still VERY undecided about the decals though. I can see why the others like the look though!
 
wontolla said:
Still VERY undecided about the decals though. I can see why the others like the look though!
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Thanks Baz, glad you like it. It's been funny building a camera "to order" and a bit more stressful as a result! I think I'm going to leave cameras for a bit after this one as I've been chatting to a guy about building his custom Technics 1210 deck which is going to take a bit of time and planning for something completely different (for me).
 
I have had a half hour or so staring at the camera, still can't believe how good it looks!
I think I will go for the 'de-badged' version Steve.
It will also enable you to concentrate on your next project!
I cannot thank or praise you enough, I hope it wasn't too stressful!
Please thank your Mum again for the 'girly sewing' bit, I'm over the moon with the bag!
 
@wontolla I'm really glad you like it. There are a few parts I'd probably do differently if I did another 35RC (but I'll keep those to myself!). Overall I'm really happy with it and think it fits the original ideas we came up with. The grip works really well and makes it much more comfortable to use and once you fit the finger grip it will be spot on.

I'll get it packed up and back over to you as soon as I can get to the post office this week. I'll also pass on the thanks to my mum too :0)

Cheers
Steve
 
There's no rush Steve, I have lots of other film cams to point at stuff!
I have ordered a grey 'soft button' to put on the shutter release that should match, and
also in the prcess of making a leather double finger loop for the RC.
If you let me know how much the postage is once you ship it, I will PayPal it to you.
Keep us up to date if you decide to 'pimp' your Pen F (or get a 35RC)!
Once again thanks a million for giving me a camera that's 1 in a million!
 
Looking at the badged and plain versions, I'm with Monica on preferring the plain one. Should keep even experts guessing as to what it is, although to complete the illusion, the front ring of the lens would need some reworking!
 
Nod said:
Looking at the badged and plain versions, I'm with Monica on preferring the plain one. Should keep even experts guessing as to what it is, although to complete the illusion, the front ring of the lens would need some reworking!
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Cheers Ethel!
As for the front lens ring, I will do what I normally do and keep the lens cap on!
 
The Victoria Beckham school of photography!
 
You'll need to think of a suitable reply when you get the inevitable "what make is it" and "is it digital" questions.
Tell 'em it's a Hasselhof.
 
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ianp5a said:
You'll need to think of a suitable reply when you get the inevitable "what make is it" and "is it digital" questions.
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All suggestions to:-
'What is it mate?'
TP Towers
Tinternet,
Either

Iiiiiithankyou!
 
wontolla said:
There's no rush Steve, I have lots of other film cams to point at stuff!
I have ordered a grey 'soft button' to put on the shutter release that should match, and
also in the prcess of making a leather double finger loop for the RC.
If you let me know how much the postage is once you ship it, I will PayPal it to you.
Keep us up to date if you decide to 'pimp' your Pen F (or get a 35RC)!
Once again thanks a million for giving me a camera that's 1 in a million!
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Cheers Baz. I'm going away for a week on Saturday so will get it to you before then. The soft shutter should go nicely too along with the custom finger loop :0)

I'm not sure I can bring myself to do any serious modifications to the FT because it's basically mint. I've drawn up the grip for it so will get that printed this week and see how it handles with that.

No problem at all for customising the 35RC though mate, thanks for providing the donor!
 
The RC is back in my sweaty little hands again Steve! I love it!
I think you have done a fabulous job of customizing it and the bag your Mum made for me sets it of perfectly.
Just waiting for the soft button and some chicago screws for the finger loop to finish it off.
I hope to be showing it off this Sunday at Bury ELR Sci Fi weekend!
Thanks once again for my unique piece of Olympus magic!
 
I'm really glad you like it Baz, it was an enjoyable conversion. Personally, I think the grip works really well so I hope you find it comfortable too.

Enjoy the Sci Fi weekend!
 
:plus1:
 
wontolla said:
Couple of additions, love the loop, but not sure about the grey of the soft button or the lens hood, think it needs something a little more modern!
Problem is getting the 43.5mm thread!

35RC Bag & Loop. by Barry Smith, on Flickr

New 35RC front. by Barry Smith, on Flickr
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IMO, the soft release button looks like a tacky add on. The shutter release is fairly high on the camera already and the extra height the SR adds makes it look almost top heavy. As for the hood, maybe Steve could tell you exactly which paint he used and you could paint the outside of the hood (and maybe the SR) in the same shade.
 
The issue with the 35RC is that the shutter button stands quite tall so the soft shutter does look a bit perched on top. However, I think the camera would benefit from it though because the button doesn't have much travel.

I agree with Nod, if you colour-coded the lens hood and soft shutter it might blend in a bit more. I'll find the paint code when I get home.

Cheers
Steve
 
perhaps one of the more "domed" soft-release buttons might look better... (that is the convex top rather than the concave...)
 
Definitely dont like that SB so looking for another, Mark is just about on the button (sorry) with the domed type.
I have one that IS domed and smaller, but completely wrong colour.
 
Cheers Steve! Will go and have a butchers now.

EDIT: Great article Steve, well written and explained.
I left a comment on the blog.
 
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Thanks Baz. I read through the comments earlier. Apparently the article already had just under 1000 views by Saturday evening and I've just seen that Bellamy Hunt (Japan Camera Hunter) likes it too :0)

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