I have this great little camera that has some greatly annoying little problems, but I can work around the little problems because it's a great little camera.
The Olympus 35RC is super compact for a 40+ year old 35mm. It's about the same width and height of my phone. Granted, the lens makes it thicker than my phone but not by much. It has an auto function that adjusts the aperture based on chosen shutter speed and iso setting. It's super easy to slide into my pocket for photo walks. The images are pretty sharp and have a nice feel to them.
But the camera has three problems. One I have figured out a workaround. Another, I'll eventually figure it out. The last may not be fixable.
Problem 1: the metering is off so photos turn out dark. I've figured out how to "fix" this problem. I use 400 speed film but set the camera iso to 100. It works perfectly. While I don't typically set the camera to auto it is nice for when I want to shoot quickly. The camera does a great job balancing in difficult situations, like bright light/deep shadows (the goose image is a good example).
Problem 2: there is a light leak somewhere but I can't figure out where. I taped the entire back for this roll, every place there was a seam, but the light leak still showed (best seen in the boat image). I really can't figure out where it's coming from, unless it's leaking in around the lens. Next roll I will tape every damn surface that doesn't need to move. I will solve this problem.
Problem 3: the film slips sometimes. It appears the film loses contact with the sprockets causing the film advance window to show I'm on the next frame even though I'm not. You can see it in the double exposure of the bus and fire truck. It's not consistent and I'm really not sure how to fix the problem (or if I can).
If you find an Olympus 35RC on your next flea market run, buy it. Despite the problems I'm having it's a fun, handy little camera to have around.
...I started reading this when I found Spiegelman's "Raw" comix mag in the late 80s. They teach it in high school, now, thankfully. It should be required reading for every kid in every country...
...I read this recently and decided it was beautiful but it was also the most depressing book I've ever read. (While I'm at it, honestly, I should include 
, 
, 
, 
...oddly, though, not 
)
...since we're now in the lost generation. I managed to avoid reading this in HS and college...I didn’t read it until I was in my 30s, and I think I appreciated far more than I would have earlier in life.
was recommended by a writing teacher sophomore year of college. I fell in love with his ability to paint horrible images and horrible people so poetically. It’s a big reason why I began writing and went into journalism (because writers don’t make money), so it’s probably the most influential book of my life. It wasn't until I read 
, though, that I realized what a master of writing and reader manipulation McCarthy is...I think he is the best writer I've read.
, I read it as a kid just before Miami Vice began...I felt like I had a much deeper understanding of the show since I understood the term "Columbian necktie." It’s also why I became a cocaine kingpin and ran my own cartel for six hours.
...I read it the first time in high school. I've reread it half a dozen times. It reminds me that the American way, as unfair as it is, is still far better than the unfairness of mid-century Russia (and every other dictatorship that rules through fear).
(and 
I read). I managed to read all of his novels and short story collections before I started college. I was honored to speak with Vonnegut when I interned at Playboy in the late 90s. It was a silly thing, really, but I was tasked with calling him (he had a long-standing relationship with the magazine) to ask who his favorite playmate was. He responded "Janet Pilgrim...I used her name for the main character in 
." I'm still grateful he was so kind to me on the phone. I'm sure I sounded a mess of nerves.
...this childhood gem is my most treasured book. I still read it on occasion.
...this was a collection of Shel Silverstein's adult cartoons. I stumbled across it on a shelf in Davis-Kidd when I was a teen. It was big and expensive ($25, I recall). I really wanted it but didn't have the money. I went back a few weeks later and it was gone. I figured I'd pick it up some other time but they didn't have it again. It was a one-time run. I finally got a copy many years later. It cost considerably more than $25 at Elder Books. Shortly after, there was a 25th anniversary reprint and the prices for the originals dropped dramatically. Still, I'm glad I have it.
