Olympus Trip 35  VF
Format:  24 x 36 on 35mm film
Optics:  D Zuiko 40 mm 1:/2,8 (4 elements in 3 groups)
Shutter:  Automatic mode: 1/40 sec. or 1/200 sec., Manual mode: 1/40 sec.
Misc.: Zone focusing system (4 position setting by symbols)
Selenium ligthmeter controlling the shutter speeds.

This is one of the few cameras that I own for sentimental reasons. To be honest I had almost forgotten about the Olympus Trip 35 until a friend came visiting me, and donated the camera to my collection. Instantly I remembered my schooldays, schoolprojects and class excursions that more or less all were documented with the Olympus Trip 35's that every school owned and used as "lenders" to the pupils.  I have read that Olympus sold more than 10 million Trip 35's, and this is quite understandable !. The lifespan of the Trip 36 went from 1967 until 1983 as which point is was discontinued. Even today is has its crowd of loyal fans and followers, amateurs and proffesionals alike. It has become an icon.

When set to automatic mode it is in fact an awesome streetshooter, and the Zuiko lens renders stunningly razor sharp negatives. It is so easy to use that even a child can operate it. Under insufficient light conditions the automatic control simply blocks the shutter. This is the kind of camera that even the pro's get out of the bag once in a while just to rediscover how simple and fun photography can be. So go and get one, enjoy yourself and become member of the Trip 35 movement ! ;-)

Visit Peter Leslie's Trip 35 website and gallery:

The Olympus Trip 35