o.t. - favourite om body

[back alley]

just wondering if you om fans have a favourite om camera.

joe

[xayraa33]

om 1 and om1n

[mfunnell]

My favourite is the OM-4T. I like the Av autoexposure (much the same as the OM-2 and the "consumer" OMs) the spot-meter (the same, I think, as the OM-2SP and the OM-3s) and the multi-spot metering (the OM-4s' specialty). The latter is most useful for landscape or other slow-paced work, though. I think the "T" version has (or is supposed to have) better build quality and some of the electronic gremlins worked out. I've had good use from mine (though not much use for some years now). Oh, I also like the 1/2000th shutter speed (not sure which other OMs have that, but I know my OM-20 doesn't). I had an OM-40, which I rather liked but guess that its early form of evaluative metering wouldn't cut it with modern electronic marvels. At the time, I decided to upgrade to the OM-4 as multi-spot metering suited my (then) uses better.

...Mike

[arbib]

I no longer own any Olys, But I had a OM 1, 2n, and 4.

I vote:

The OM 4. Loved the Multi-Spot meter with adveraging all the spots. Like the OLY 8080 DCam, I believe
BTW, I Never had any trouble with the LCD display ever. Although, I have heard, there were problems on some OM 4's

May be a camera for future GAS Expence....

(edit) Quick Ebay Check... A near pristine OM4 will sell for over $280.00 us (http://cgi.ebay.com/OLYMPUS-OM-4-OLYMPUS-OM4-BODY-GORGEOUS-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ260065503475QQihZ016QQcategoryZ 15239QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). Current high bid. but over 1 hour still to go.

[back alley]

when i had the canon t90 i used the spot meter most of the time.
i may have to start looking for one of the om bodies that has it.
but not till the new year...:)

[back alley]

i think the om 2000 goes for pretty cheap on ebay...hhmmmm

[Trius]

I'm with Roland: The OM-3Ti, which goes for silly money these days. AE in an OM isn't important to me, even though I have two OM-2 bodies and like them. So the multi-spot metering in a manual body is my Valhalla.

(BTW, Roland, check auction 280060899359)

So, of what I've owned ... OM-1(n). But I also once played with an OM-PC (is that the 2000?) ... the ESP metering worked really, really well. For an almost P&S SLR, it was nice. But the OM-1 wins because it's not dependent on electronic circuits.

[Trius]

Thanks. I just recalled, OM-PC = OM-40.

[back alley]

been reading and the om 3 looks really nice.
but rare and too $$ for me.
i might take a chance on an om2s if i catch a good deal.

just won a nos oly hood for the 35 or 50.

joe

[plummerl]

No question, the original OM-1 (owned since 1973) (non N, non MD). Still tickin (first CLA this year) .....

[rpinchbeck]

My fave is my good old OM2s that I bought new many years ago when they were still being made. I have some really nice brassing going on. The spot meter is also really fine. Can't remember when I had it in Auto mode last though.

I recently got a nearly mint OM2s body that will be my replacement when (and if) my current one craps out. I'm thinking obout send the old boy out for a CLA refurbish.

I've never owned a OM3, that would be sweeeeeet!

Cheers,

Russ Pinchbeck

[Hibbs]

Sadly I had a black OM2n stolen on the way to the Algarve. Left the backpack in the car and some Portugese bandits busted into the vehicle. Also lost a great 35mm f2.

I've not tried the OM4 but I now have an OM2S Program. Still...I'd have to say that the OM2n is my favourite OLY rig. Truly one of the greatest cameras made IMHO.

~hibbs

[tom_f77]

It's a tough choice. My *current* favourite is the OM3 I got from someone on the oly list a couple of months ago. The multiple spot metering and manual exposure only pretty much forces you to get it right every time...

Tom

[Igor.Burshteyn]

Actually choice is limited to sigle-digit OMs. If I have OM3... But I don't. So I vote for OM1n - refreshingly simple and delivers great results, too.

[kbg32]

I had an OM3 for quite awhile and sold it to a former RFF member. It was sweet and the mutiple spot meter was great. I just didn't use the camera enough to warrant keeping it around for as long as I did. My favorites are still the OM1n and the OM2s.

[KoNickon]

rpinchbeck said something about the OM-2 having a spot meter -- news to me!

I guess I'd vote for the OM-2 or -2n -- remarkably sophisticated cameras, and pretty reliable. (But why couldn't Olympus make sturdier hotshoes?)

[Trius]

The OM-2(n) don't have spot meter, but the OM-2s does, so maybe that was what rpinchbeck meant. IIRC, the OM-2n introduced OTF TTL flash metering, and that is also implemented in the OM-1n.

[kbg32]

My only complaint with OM lenses through the years, is the lens mount lock always break. The spring breaks down through the years. I have had this service done on most of my lenses thorugh the years. My OM1n is almost 27 years old and going strong.

[Trius]

Keith: I've never had that happen, so I'm going to start knocking on wood!

BTW: Anyone have a 35/2.8 they want to sell? Needs to be fairly well-priced.

[back alley]

there are a few om2s cameras on ebay right now, priced pretty good (i think).
i'm tempted to hit the bin button but i'm thinking buying christmas dinner might be a better idea...;)

joe

[mike goldberg]

Sweet deal:
OM-1n body found on *Bay for $32-. It works just fine, tho' the meter needs repair.

As for now, I carry the Gossen Luna Pro a lot, meter or no.

I have another OM-1 with S/N 710xxx [6 digits]; must be the mid-1970's. Here the meter is right on, and two Zuiko 50/1.8's are great.

Ciao, mike

[Magnus]

why are we discussing OM cameras on a rangefinder forum ?

[Uncle Bill]

Magnus,

We are talking about OM's because they are the closest to a rangefinder in the SLR world.

I have an early OM-1 and a mid period OM-1 MD or N don't know how to distinguish them. I had to let go my OM-4 due to shutter issues and the repair was almost the same as the OM-1 MD, so a trade in occoured. I would love to get an OM-4ti someday.

Bill

[sebastel]

my choice: any OM-1 (incl. MD and N).

bill: the MD has a motor mount and a little MD logo on the front right side (seen from the front).
the N has this as well, can be distinguished by a different hot shoe (but unfortunately i don't remember the actual number)

cheers,
sebastian

[Trius]

OM-1MD was the addition of motor drive capability to the OM-1; came a year or two after the introduction of the OM-1. The N models came out later (can't remember the exact year) and are designated OM-1n and OM-2n. The MD badge was dropped since all single-digit OMs were MD capable after OM-1 MD. The OM-2 was always motor drive capable, but was never badged OM-2MD, AFAIK.

The hot shoe for the Ns is the Shoe 4, which also is used on the OM-4.

As far as RF-like goes, I agree. At my next session at the Irish music jam I will take an OM-1n w/ 21/2 and a Leitz/Veriwide finder mounted. I'm going to lock up the mirror and shoot by scale focusing. And I will post here since it is essentially RF shooting!

[back alley]

why are we discussing OM cameras on a rangefinder forum ?


it's clearly marked as off topic and it's in the olympus section.
and because it's a tiny quiet camera that many here love.

and because we're waiting for jorge to start an oly section in the dslr site...;)

[bgb]

I have owned a few ..
OM 10 Okay i guess but it didn't like the rough life on safari in Africa
OM40 ( PC in the USA ) rather nice but uses batteries at an alarming rate
OM 2 Spot Program My latest toy and so far the favorite ... likes batteries too :(
I lust after an OM-1 I wish i could afford an OM-4 Ti .... BUT
It's the Zuiko lenses that have kept me using these cameras.

[Rey]

I started 20 years ago with an OM-G. It took great photos, but when it froze up I invested in two OM 1's (chrome and black). They have my vote as the best slr ever made. BUT, I'd still like to wrap my hands around an OM-3Ti!!

[MikeyGaGa]

The black OM-1 which I purchased around 1976;ITS STILL PRODUCING FINE PHOTOS! In continual pro use for 30 years. I still own OM-2,OM-4T,OM-PC.OM-10. the later models were great for quick work,especially publicity and PR shooting with the TTL flash;slides were spot-on. But the OM-1 was literally a first love. When it first started using it,I heard a lot of derisive remarks about from Nikon purists

Had Nikon F and F2 when I was a pro(changed careers in 1993)as well,but used the OMs for field work.(Nikons in studio and for photographing artwork;Nikons have 100% accurate viewfinders;using a 45mm F:2.8 GN lens. The 45GN was intended for flash work,having an iris which was coupled to distance scale;however it was also a flat-field lens,and gave perfectly rectilinear shots of framed paintings).

The OM just felt right in my hands,and the lens line was comprehensive.

In truth the 70s/80s were the heydays for SLRS-Nikon,Pentax,Canon,Olympus were and are excellent.

Mikey GaGa

[Hibbs]

I forgot to mention that about a year ago I picked up a mint OM1 w/ a pristine 50mm 1.8 for $75 CDN at a pawn shop. I looked as though it sat in someones dresser drawer.

I highly recommend an OM to anyone.

[Spyderman]

Value for money: OM-2000 and OM-1. Each a camera of its own kind.
OM-2000 is a Cosina made body, very loud with kicking mirror, but the metering is perfect, and the ability to switch to spot metering is just invaluable. IMHO spot metering is essential when shooting slides.
OM-1 is made like a tank. Also very simple and thus reapirable by any just a little skilled tech. (even by me :) http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=442504 )
The viewfinder is big and bright, with nothing to distract you from your subject.

But for me, most important of all is the glass. All Zuikos are unbelievable lenses. Small, and all in the same form - all the time from 1970's to 1990's. (Nikon owners know what I'm talking about - AI / non AI, G... :D )

PS: Just recently I won an OM-4Ti with 35/2.8 and Winder on evilbay for €250. Not exactly bargain price, but I just had to have that camera... :angel: I'll tell you then what my favorite body is :D

[MikeyGaGa]

Not a great bargain,but consider that I bought my new OM-T body from B&H photo in New York for $333.00 IN 1990!

Mikey

[plummerl]

According to my OM-4T manual (printed), the -5 only applies to the OTF (off-the-film) phase of the exposure. In normal spot mode (pre-exposure), it only reads to 0.

[Tom Diaz]

just wondering if you om fans have a favourite om camera.

joe

I used an OM-3 and an OM-4 side by side for many years (1985-2005) and a OM1 for ten years before that.

The OM-4 was my favorite user, because the metering is so fantastic. It is very sensitive (going down to incredibly low light levels when you are on a tripod and thus in off-the-film mode). It has a very usable and effective system for doing multiple spot readings and averaging the readings. The flash automation is excellent! Great interchangeable screens (including Beatties!) and so on and on. I had a very fully equipped system.

I did have to have my OM-4 serviced a number of times in those 20 years, as metering system components went bad on me. The repair guys in my area could do it. If I were thinking of getting another one I would definitely find out where I was going to have it serviced, and I would assume I'd have it in there every couple of years at least.

I guess I would get the titanium model if I could, while I was at it. I must say, though, that the regular OM-4 body seemed very sturdy. I never had a single mechanical problem with any Olympus OMs in all those years, only the expected electrical problems as components got pretty old.

I do not think Olympus kept pace with other lens-makers in the quality of their lenses. They produced some spectacularly good ones (like their long, fast telephotos) but (for example) never produced a fast 50mm that was as good as the competition. I would rather shoot CV lenses, and Leica lenses really blow them away in equivalent focal lengths. However, I did a lot of good shooting with them and they are great to use. Sometimes quality is compromised a bit by their using fewer elements, but the result is really small and light lenses, like the 200mm f/5. Probably some fans here will chime in with their favorite Zuikos. (Mine were the 28mm f/2 and the 35-70mm f/3.6.) But I think this a fair verdict of the overall lens line compared with Nikon, Canon, and especially Leica. I think they just could not afford to improve such a large product line; they did not have enough success with professionals.

I have not said much about the OM-3 because I used it remarkably little. So long as I had the OM-4 in working order I never used the OM-3 by choice. I took it along when I needed two bodies or when the OM-4 was in the shop. I always had spare batteries with me, and the SR44 is a ubiquitous one anyway.

I can see why collectors prize the OM-3, especially the titanium one (which would be newer among other things). However, I don't see what would be the rationale for buying an OM-3 to use, instead of one of the automatic ones like an OM-4T. So you could get access to the lenses? Yes, but again, I don't think I would use Zuikos on an assignment where I could use RF lenses instead (28mm-135mm). Of course, you could envision a future in which film still existed but SR44 batteries didn't. Pretty far off, considering that Leica Ms use SR44s, too!

[tom_f77]

I guess I prefer the 3 over the 4-T because it forces me to work in manual. I seldom use the multi-spot average auto exposure on the 4-T because averaging the spot readings is seldom what I want to do. In manual you take readings on whatever you like and then place your exposure as you like among them.

It's also all mechanical and somehow slightly closer in spirit to the M6.

I don't want to get into the lens comparisons, let's just say both systems make nice prints?

Tom

[Trius]

Tom D: I agree with the overall assessment of the lenses, plus Tom's "both systems make nice prints" comment. The ratio of quality vs. cost & size also a factor. Of the lenses I own, the 100/2.8 and 21/2 are the standouts. The late SN 50 is no slouch, though it is not a Lux or Sonnar. Of those I don't or haven't owned, I'd be happy to own both of the 50 macros (f2 & f3.5), the 90/2 (also a macro) and the 100/2. As far as the fast 50 goes, I don't have any experience with the 50/1.2, but I wouldn't say no to having one to test.

One thing Tom D didn't mention is that Olympus really excelled with the macro system.

Also, to fully "test" the OM lenses when comparing them to RF lenses, you need to use an OM4 or OM2s with mirror lockup and aperture prefire.

[Tom Diaz]

One thing Tom D didn't mention is that Olympus really excelled with the macro system.

Also, to fully "test" the OM lenses when comparing them to RF lenses, you need to use an OM4 or OM2s with mirror lockup and aperture prefire.

Yes, I very much enjoyed macro work in those days and remember fondly lying on my belly in Costa Rica shooting leaf-cutter ants marching along. The OM4 (especially!) was fantastic with the flash automation, with an Olympus flash connected via its special sync/automation cable so you could get it near the critters and shoot at small apertures. And the 50mm f/3.5 macro was very good. For anyone interested in macro shooting this camera system is really one of the great ones, 'cause you could switch to appropriate focusing screens and so on. I think I would probably use Canon digital equipment these days if I were still doing that stuff, but I might not get the same macro-flash goodies.

I found the tests with mirror up useful for comparing OM mount lenses with each other, for use on an OM. However, it seems like the right comparison between any SLR and any RF should include the SLR mirror banging around in there! That's fair, isn't it? (If we pursue this notion we might subtly get this thread back on topic, eh?)

[David Murphy]

I think the OM-2000 was targeted mainly for the Asian market. I've seen them on eBay from time-to-time.

[oscroft]

The OM2n is my favourite. Aperture priority plus manual is the best combination for me, with a proper match-needle (which is better than LEDs). OM1n is my second favourite, because it works without batteries. And I also like the OM2s (though I haven't got one), but I don't like its battery usage - it drains even when not in use. The OM4 doesn't impress me, because cameras shouldn't be operated by buttons.

[back alley]

i also like aperture priority and manual together.
i was hoping my om2n would be delivered today but no luck. which means it won't be here for my break from work, too bad.

[Trius]

I found the tests with mirror up useful for comparing OM mount lenses with each other, for use on an OM. However, it seems like the right comparison between any SLR and any RF should include the SLR mirror banging around in there! That's fair, isn't it? (If we pursue this notion we might subtly get this thread back on topic, eh?)
Of course you are right ... real world work is where things matter. I was just thinking about the absolute capabilities of the lenses since the comparison to Leica glass was made. Since with M glass, at least, you don't have mirror slap and vibration to contend with, it only seemed fair. And I AM going to shoot with the 21/2 on the OM-1n with mirror locked up, RF style. I'll stick a Leitz 21mm finder on Shoe 4 (yes, it has a hairline crack!) and shoot away at 1/4 ~1/8 sec, maybe faster if I'm lucky.

BTW, the crawling on the belly reference brings back memories to me, too. Thank goodness I have the Varimagni finder!

My favourite body remains the OM-1 rather than the OM-2 because of mirror lock-up. (It could be the OM-3 or OM-4 if I'd actually owned one.) For the life of me, I can't figure out why mirror lock-up was omitted on the OM-2.

[Usher99]

The single digit OM's are certainly the best. The OM1's and 3's have manual shutters. The 3 T(i) was the last made though does not have aperture prefire or Mirror lock or self timer up if that is imp't to you. It has the toughest paint and fastest CPU. It is a nice charcoal color.
The 4's with older circuit are known as battery eaters. I like the 4T(i) or 2's though it depends on what is important. The 2S is more like a 3 or 4 than anything else with itsspot metereing.
Mike

[Uncle Bill]

I am partial to the OM-1 with the MD or not but I do miss the OM-4. I got addicted to the metering.

Bill

[Xmas]

i also like aperture priority and manual together.
i was hoping my om2n would be delivered today but no luck. which means it won't be here for my break from work, too bad.
Joe
Is this an old post or should I post you an Oly hood for Xmas?
Noel
(Xmas: note I'll send it via Raindeer, dont trust Finnish PO...)

[Chris101]

Wow. Everything Oly is bubbling to the top! Of course the OM1n-MD rules. Mine has served me well for 23 years now.

[shadowfox]

I am partial to the OM-1 with the MD or not but I do miss the OM-4. I got addicted to the metering.

Bill

I have the OM-1, my wife has the OM-4, so there's peace in the family. :D

I still dream of an OM-3 sometimes...

[AKAJohnDoe]

One of my camera "collections" is OM gear.

I am particualrly fond of the OM3Ti, although I also like the OM4, OM4T, and the OM-G, which was an OM10 with a manual mode.

[back alley]

Joe
Is this an old post or should I post you an Oly hood for Xmas?
Noel
(Xmas: note I'll send it via Raindeer, dont trust Finnish PO...)


old post.
i have 3 zuiko lenses and 4 hoods so i'm ok for now.
joe

[Ade-oh]

I've mentioned this in another thread but my favourite OM is my OM-1 which I bought (secondhand) nearly 30 years ago and which is still going strong, courtesy of several CLA's and one repair, which has left it with a black-chrome rewind crank on a silver chrome body because chrome rewind cranks have dried up. Oddly enough, although it is a basic OM-1 - not an MD or 'n' - it is motordrive capable and I have it fitted with the excellent 'Winder 2'.

It cost me £95 in 1978, plus another £44 for a new 50/1.8. I recently managed to get an almost mint black OM-1n on Ebay for £60 so secondhand prices are evidently falling!:)

[shadowfox]

I've mentioned this in another thread but my favourite OM is my OM-1 which I bought (secondhand) nearly 30 years ago and which is still going strong, courtesy of several CLA's and one repair, which has left it with a black-chrome rewind crank on a silver chrome body because chrome rewind cranks have dried up. Oddly enough, although it is a basic OM-1 - not an MD or 'n' - it is motordrive capable and I have it fitted with the excellent 'Winder 2'.

It cost me £95 in 1978, plus another £44 for a new 50/1.8. I recently managed to get an almost mint black OM-1n on Ebay for £60 so secondhand prices are evidently falling!:)

Coooll!! I have the exact opposite, I have a black OM-1 with chrome rewind crank :)
You should post the picture of your OM on this thread:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41980

[Henryzx]

Black OM-3ti -----> the price is just not right

Black OM-4ti -----> the shutter flap does not sound like an OM ... and you need battery to use it.

Black OM-1n -----> The WINNER !!!! Don't really need the spot metering ! I have a spot metering eye ! lol !!!