Olympus Trip 35
The Olympus Trip 35 was introduced in 1967 and had a heroic run until 1984. Final production was reported at over ten million units.
The Trip 35 was a very simple zone focused point and shoot camera. In auto mode “A” the camera picks the aperture and matches it with a stunning two shutter speeds. The only speeds available are 1/40th and 1/200th of a sec. If you want to pick your own the aperture you get 1/40th as the default. You are also limited to a top ISO speed of 400 (200 on older models).
If this all sounds limiting, it is not. The lens is a fantastic D. Zuiko 40mm f2.8 and metering is done through a selenium meter that is not battery dependent. Focus is via four icons or feet/meter scale. The icons are visible through the viewfinder.
My Take:
Why would such a low spec, low controls camera sell so many units and develop a dedicated following? Because it does what it was designed to do. Gives you a compact easy to shoot camera that fits in your pocket, goes anywhere, if free of batteries and takes fantastic shots. Basically it lives up to the Olympus name and the Trip is an invitation to take it along everywhere.
I have shot several of the Olympus 35 cameras but the Trip 35 escaped me until now. The size and feel reminded me of the Pen-EE.S. But the Pen was a half-frame format. The Trip gives you the full shot.
Because so many were made and the construction was so good, they are still out there and obtainable.
Film: FujiColor 400
Lens: D. Zuiko 40mm f2.8
