The Samoca 35/M is not just another 1950’s/60’s rangefinder camera to join Andrew’s camera assortment. Ohh no. This is a double stroke rangefinder.🤭 Why is this significant? Well like many I would love to own a double stroke Leica M3. There is something about the form factor of that camera that make it so desirable. But surely this lesser known camera, about which I can find little information about, could never aspire to replace the Leica. Of course not. But in my hands and in my opinion, it comes close to keeping me content with a little less.
I found as soon as I picked up the camera, it felt comfortable to hold and easy to use. These are always good signs at the begining of my time with a camera. With no light meter built into the camera you have to rely on your experience or resort to using an external light meter. I used the later option. The days I used the camera it was a little dull and so I was forced, using Fomapan 200, to use quite low shutter speed around 1/60th to 1/30th second along with apertures around f8.
This camera is far from being a Leica replacement. My particular version has a stiff focus ring which did cause me some concern as to whether the lens would focus, particularly as the lens plays a major role in providing sharp images. Reviewing the images dispelled those concerns. The camera does have a depth of focus scale around the area of the aperture ring to help with discerning what should be in focus. However I will have to work on my judgement of distance as a number of images were out of focus.🤓
The top plate of the Samosa 35 is well arranged. Did I mention the double stroke film wind on lever?😁 The camera weights just over 1 1/2 lbs or 700gms in its brown half case, which make its look the part.
Pictured above is the film rewind. From its construction the Samoca Camera Company took a lot of care and attention to small details about this camera. I like this , it adds to a good user experience.
But is the camera any good?? I loaded some Fomapan 200 and developed in Caffenol.
Reviewing the images has left me pleased and relieved.
I want to put a couple more rolls of film through this camera to make sure the lens focus issue is me and not the camera. Good excuse don’t you think🤭
Is this a replacement for a Leica M3. No
I do like it a lot though. It does feature a double stroke film advance, did I mention that?? More importantly I had a good time and was rewarded with some, in my opinion, nice images.
But don’t take my word for it. Why not try one for yourself.
arhphotographic 