Olympus Trip 35 Review: The Camera That Helped Bring Me Back to My (Photography) Senses by Katie Adams

Written by Katie Adams

Okay, that’s a bold statement—but let me explain.

I’ve been shooting analog/film photography for over 20 years, and I’ve owned a fair share of cameras in that time. But one late night, when no one was around to talk me out of it, I found myself diving into the world of 35mm rangefinders—something I had actually never tried before. I was after something compact and more capable than a point-and-shoot, especially after taking one on vacation the year before and feeling like I needed just a bit more control.

After way too much browsing, I stumbled upon the Olympus Trip 35. The second I saw it, I was hooked. It was undeniably cute, but also small without being too compact. I wanted something smaller than my SLR, and this seemed perfect.

Find the Olympus Trip 35 at KEH Camera or on eBay.

A Quick History of the Olympus Trip 35 & Specs

The Olympus Trip 35 was introduced in 1967 and remained in production until 1984. It was designed for travelers—hence the name “Trip.” (And me? I call them trips, too – Well, well!)

It’s a compact 35mm film camera with a fixed lens and built-in light meter. Not quite a point-and-shoot, not quite an SLR. Basically: made for the everyday shooter.

Specifications

Film Format: 35mm
Lens: D Zuiko 4 element Non-interchangeable lens, f/2.8, 40mm focal length
Shutter Speeds: 1/40 sec. or 1/200 sec.
Focusing: Zone focusing, 4 distances measured in meters and feet
Exposure: Automatic
ISO Range: ISO25 – ISO400
Filter Size: 43.5mm screw in
Accessory Shoe: Cordless flash contact
Size: 116mm x 70mm x 57mm (4.5″ x 2.75″ x 2.25″)
Weight: 410 grams (14.5oz)
View the manual for the Olympus Trip 35 online

Buying the Camera (And Not Reading the Specs, Whoops)

Did I read all the specs before buying it? Absolutely not. I found one online that had a fresh CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust), new light seals, and looked clean. That was enough for me to click “Buy Now” with the confidence of someone who’d done just enough research.

Then the next morning hit, and the panic set in. Cue: forums, reviews, photo groups. And what did I find? Complaints. Lots of them. Blurry shots, missed focus, underexposed frames, and the infamous red flag (yes, literally).

Had I just made a mistake?

The Camera & How I Carry It

The Olympus Trip 35 (find on eBay) is a 35mm film camera—the name kind of gives that away, huh? No interchangeable lenses. No fancy film backs. Just a simple, lightweight (~400grams or less than a pound!) everyday shooter of a camera.

I carry mine as-is. It’s not quite a “pocket camera” for me, but it’s small enough to live in my purse, a roomy coat pocket, or on my wrist with a strap when I’m out and about.

Concerns & Realizations About the Olympus Trip 35 (AKA: Things I Learned After Buying It)

Here’s what I should have known—but didn’t (and honestly, maybe it’s good I didn’t… I might’ve talked myself out of buying it):

• Two shutter speeds only: 1/40s and 1/200s.
• Selenium light meter: solar-powered and built into the ring around the lens. No batteries needed—bless.
• In Auto mode, it chooses both shutter speed and aperture (between f/2.8 and f/22), depending on the light.
• Manual aperture available if you’re using flash or bypassing Auto.
• Focusing is zone-based—you choose one of four icons on the lens (think: person, two people, group, mountain). Best part? The distances are also marked in feet under the lens. For us non-metric folks, this is a lifesaver.
  • How the zone focusing is listed:
    • One person: ~1m (3 ft)
    • Two people: ~1.5m (4 ft)
    • Family of 3-ish: ~3m (7 ft)
    • Mountain: ~infinity (15 ft and beyond—you get the reference!)
• ISO is set manually, just like on an SLR. You’ve got: 25, 40, 50, 64, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, and 400.

And that last one? The ISO maxing out at 400? That’s where I almost spiraled.

Let’s Talk About the Red Flag (No, Not That Kind)

The Olympus Trip 35 has a unique (and honestly smart) feature: a red flag that pops up in the viewfinder when there’s not enough light for a correct exposure in Auto mode. When it appears, it also locks the shutter—you physically can’t take the shot. It’s meant to save you from wasting a frame.

While it’s helpful, this feature can also be frustrating. Especially if you’re shooting in low light and don’t want the camera making that decision for you.

Now, this is a vintage camera. If the red flag isn’t working, or the shutter still fires when it’s supposed to be locked, chances are the mechanism is dirty or sticky (a common issue). That’s why I recommend to buy one that’s already been CLA’d or you’re more handy with camera repair than myself.

Pro Tip: Want to bypass the red flag?

• Use a flash – the camera will lock to 1/40s, and you can manually choose the aperture.
• Manually set the aperture in low light – the camera will pick a shutter speed, and the red flag won’t block your shot.

A Personal Test (And a Butt-Wiggle Redemption Arc)

After discovering that ISO 400 was the max, I was convinced I’d messed up. I shoot a lot at night, and I don’t use flash—never really got the hang of it. I figured I’d have to resell the camera. But I decided to give it a try first.

I remembered reading somewhere that someone used the Olympus Trip 35 for night photography. That post has since vanished from the internet (if you’re out there, thank you!), but it gave me hope.

I loaded up a roll of Kodak UltraMax 400—a reliable stock I trusted—and headed out for a walk around my neighborhood. No flash, no tripod. Just vibes.

Less than two hours later, I had finished the roll. I dropped it off at the lab the next morning, not expecting much.

And then I got the scans back. Y’all. I’ll be dipped.

Even in low light, my shots came out far better than expected. Everyone knows on a roll of 36, not every shot is going to be a “banger.” BUT – even the ones where I had to bust out my ridiculous-but-effective butt-wiggle stance (feet planted, slight butt wiggle, inhale, exhale, shoot) were surprisingly in focus.

Now because I shoot a lot at night (but not exclusively), I get messages from people asking the same thing over and over:

“How are you getting those moody night shots without the red flag popping up?”

Here’s the deal:

• The red flag does show up sometimes in low light—but it’s not a dealbreaker.
• The Trip 35 does not have a bulb setting, so long exposures aren’t an option.
• You don’t need to aim directly at a light source—just include some light in the frame, and let the camera do its thing.

Oh—and don’t psych yourself out about the viewfinder. It’s a little offset, but it has holographic frame corners. Stick to the corners. Don’t overcompensate like I did at first—you’ll throw off your framing for no reason.

Pricing & Buying Tips for the Olympus Trip

The Olympus Trip 35 is still fairly easy to find—whether on eBay, Etsy, KEH Camera, or at local camera shops. Prices vary, but I’d recommend buying from a reputable source or seller who has serviced the camera. That red flag, and of course, we all know – dirt or fungus! 

If you’re buying “in the wild,” here’s what to check or ask:

• Does the red flag pop up in low light?
• Do the aperture blades move smoothly?
• Does the light meter react to light changes?

Final Thoughts

I’m honestly really glad I haphazardly bought my Olympus Trip 35. I took a risk, and it paid off. It now comes with me almost everywhere—and will definitely be joining me on my next trip (pun fully intended).

But be warned: once you get this little thing in your hands, you might find yourself rapid-firing frames and falling in love. Just like I did.

Thank you so much, Katie! Katie is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and be sure to check out her other articles here. You can also find more of Katie’s work on Instagram.

Leave your questions about the Olympus Trip 35 film camera below in the comments, and you pick one up for yourself at KEH Camera or on eBay.

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Katie Adams

Katie Adams specializes in ambient and cinematography style film photography. She is a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film, and you can find her other articles here.

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