Description

A Rare Collector’s Dream: Late-Production Olympus Trip 35 Camera*

This exceptional Olympus Trip 35 is likely one of the final models produced in the closing weeks of 1984, marking a significant piece of photographic history. Uniquely, this camera has no date stamp, consistent with a rare few produced in the final production run. By late 1984, Olympus had phased out the date stamp traditionally found on the film chamber, meaning only a small number of units, like this one, were left unstamped.

While serial numbers can hint at the manufacturing period, Olympus employed batch-numbering across multiple production units, leading to non-sequential serial patterns. Based on the specific characteristics of this camera, I estimate it was crafted between July and September 1984, just before Olympus discontinued the Trip 35 for good. This makes it an extraordinary find among the approximately 5.5 million units produced from 1967 to 1984—a true rarity for any collector or enthusiast.

If you want to stick to the original look then this is the camera for you. Our Black cameras are specially selected for their near perfect original covers. With these we choose the just left the factory look. Absolutely gorgeous!

Camera Serial Number: 5395126

D.O.M: July to September 1984*

Workshop Checklist:

✅Full check for lens / viewfinder dust, haze or fungus.

✅Exposure meter / needle mechanism air dusted, cleaned and lubricated.

✅Under Exposure Red Flag air dusted, cleaned, lubricated and checked in low to bright light.

✅Internal wiring checked.

✅Light seals replaced with high grade new seals.

✅Rear Door catch and correct fit / alignment.

✅Focus settings checked.

✅ASA settings checked.

✅Camera rattle check for any loose screws or parts in camera.

✅Viewfinder and Micro Window air dusted and cleaned.

✅Aperture blades checked in low / bright light and through the f stops for correct exposure position.

✅1/40 and 1/200 Shutter speed check.

✅Winding and rewinding mechanisms checked are operating smoothly.

✅Frame counter checked from 1 to 36 exposures with test film.

✅Interior film chamber cleaned and sanitised.

✅Camera body cleaned, polished and sanitised.

✅Silica Gel pouch placed in film compartment.

 

Items completed if required.

⚙️Lens stripped and cleaned. YES

⚙️Viewfinder cleaned inside, tightened and tape cover replaced. YES

⚙️Aperture mechanism disassembled, cleaned and tested.  YES

⚙️Shutter button mechanism cleaned and lubricated. YES

⚙️Black and Silver body touch up paint. SLIGHT

⚙️Remove old skin, alcohol clean body. YES

⚙️Replace with new / correct grade camera leather. NO

 

Jason’s workshops notes:

This camera is in excellent condition. A very late of Olympus Trip 35 production. The original black cover has aged beautifully, so it’s been preserved for authenticity. Stored in ideal conditions over the years, the camera did need some servicing—specifically, the aperture blades had become stuck, and the red flag mechanism wasn’t functioning due to dust buildup on the aperture spring. After a thorough cleaning and adjustment, everything is now operating smoothly, making this a truly charming early example of the Trip 35. Made in the last run of production that ended in 1984.