OT: OM heaven [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

Igor.Burshteyn

03-13-2007, 00:10

Just can't keep it inside. Yesterday I became happy owner of OM4ti (black) and 4 lenses. Among them there are 2 rare specimen - 16mm f3.5 fisheye and 18mm f3.5 wide. Fisheye is in very good condition (given its age), but 18mm has prominent fungus growth on its giant front element. I would like to clean it someday (if it affects picture quality; and even if it doesn't), can you recommend me somebody who is able to do the work? How much I am expected to pay?

Eryximachos

03-13-2007, 02:57

Igor: I had some Zuiko lenses cleaned by Camtech in Huntington NY. This was in conjunction with a cla on a OM-1n body. One of the lenses had a small spot of fungus that was cleaned "as much as possible." According to my web research, Camtech is one of the main Oly repair guys. My experience was good. His web site http://www.zuiko.com/index.htm

Archie

03-13-2007, 06:32

Well Igor I join you in heaven, I bought a OM4 on saturday. I just have one lense (50mm 1.8) but in a few weeks I'll get a 100 and 28 2.8 if they are in decent condition.

ClaremontPhoto

03-13-2007, 06:54

Look out for a 28-48 wide zoom. I enjoyed mine yesterday.

Spyderman

03-13-2007, 08:32

Igor, Archie - welcome in heaven :D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/360731034_046fa67b95.jpg

nksyoon

03-13-2007, 08:38

This is my OM-1, bought in refurbished condition from Camtech. He also adjusted the meter for modern batteries. Lens is a 24/2.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/125518795_be0deea653_o.jpg

Archie

03-13-2007, 09:02

Well no Ti on my side here, but nevertheless if've fallen in love (for the second time, and no the first one isn't a camera :rolleyes: )

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42346&d=1173805277

Trius

03-13-2007, 09:34

You guys are killing me! Igor, I 2nd (3rd?) the recommendation for John Hermanson/Camtech. He's a great guy to deal with, as well as being a very good OM tech. He used to work at Olympus America. John usually has a 6-8 week backlog.

Unfortunately Clint Rumbo at Photosphere (olyfix.com) recently suspended new service orders and his website is now a single page with that statement.

BTW, Joe still has his Zuiko 28-48 up for sale here (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3829&cat=all)

shadowfox

03-13-2007, 10:38

O yeah! since we're all family ;)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/105/288183307_ea126f349e_o.jpg

my street-shooting gear... NOT !! :p

shadowfox

03-13-2007, 10:40

This is my OM-1, bought in refurbished condition from Camtech. He also adjusted the meter for modern batteries. Lens is a 24/2.

wow! that's the lens to get if you like wide-angle, it's quite a bit bigger than my 24mm/2.8

back alley

03-13-2007, 10:56

Look out for a 28-48 wide zoom. I enjoyed mine yesterday.

i have one for sale...cheap.

ferider

03-13-2007, 11:03

O yeah! since we're all family ;)

my street-shooting gear... NOT !! :p

How do you like the mirror lens ?

And a related question: I seem to remember that there was a shorter Zuiko mirror lens, like 350 or so.
Does anybody here have info on this ?

Thanks,

Roland.

PS: yeah, I owe you Zuiko porn; some have seen this already, my favorite Zuiko:

http://ferider.smugmug.com/photos/119214568-L.jpg

rpinchbeck

03-13-2007, 11:20

Just came in from shooting the newly fallen snow with my OM2 and a Tamron SP 500/8. Though a Kiev is always with me, an Oly is never far away ready to take up the task.

Nice Oly porn guys!

Cheers,

Russ Pinchbeck

Igor.Burshteyn

03-13-2007, 11:55

oh folks:> who can resist nowaday prices? not me. And I see that I am not the only one. I am surprised that you focused on OM4ti - I meant 16mm and 18mm glass when referred to heaven :>
Btw rewind crank gearing is smoother on my OM1n than on OM4ti, other than that both feel like little jewels.
Thanks for recommendations on 18mm overhaul. Is there any reputable oly tech in Europe (a bit close to Israel than US)?
I got 28mm f3.5 and 50mm f3.5 macro with this set as well. I like my OM 50mm f1.8 very much - one of sharpest lenses I ever used, or just feels like this because delivers results with almost every click. So I can not wait to try 50mm macro, as well.

humanized_form

03-13-2007, 12:24

i love the om-4(T)! i bought a few at the KEH bargain price and they are so much fun. my favorite lens is the 50mm/f2 macro. from that lens:

nksyoon

03-14-2007, 01:21

Speaking of the 50/2 macro...

OM-1, Fuji Reala
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/127557428_ae752d1c1f_o.jpg

Canon 20D (!)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/74/152919335_70fb795849_o.jpg

shadowfox

03-14-2007, 06:16

ferider: " How do you like the mirror lens ?"

Can you imagine how things look like when I put this lens on my E-300? I'll post a sample when I get home today. The only bad thing is the vibration, even with mirror-lock, you need a bean bag, or an extra sturdy tripod. My Slik tripod in the picture was too light :(

Igor: "or just feels like this because delivers results with almost every click"

That just about sums it up for me :) I feel the excitement everytime I shoot with my OM gears because more often than not, I like the results.

humanized_form and nksyoon: "50/2 macro..."

Shweeeeeet!!

Trius

03-14-2007, 06:35

Igor: Maybe some of the Euro members can chime in, but I seem to recall that CRR (UK, Luton I think?) has a good reputation overall and does OM work.

Nik & Humanized: Yowza, great stuff!

steamer

03-14-2007, 06:58

Shouldn't the OM series be made an honorary rangefinder?
Jeez Nick, did you have to post that 50mm macro shot, I'd almost forgotten how bad I wanted one of those.

Trius

03-14-2007, 07:09

ClaremontPhoto

03-14-2007, 07:24

Igor: Maybe some of the Euro members can chime in, but I seem to recall that CRR (UK, Luton I think?) has a good reputation overall and does OM work.

Nik & Humanized: Yowza, great stuff!

I don't know about CRR of Luton for Olympus, I thought that they are Leica people.

But Luton Camera Repair Service (http://www.lutcamre.demon.co.uk/) are good people for Olympus buys and repairs. They are located very close to the railway station.

Trius

03-14-2007, 07:48

That's for the clarification, Jon.

Igor.Burshteyn

03-14-2007, 07:52

Thanks for information !
I attached picture of my son David (shot with plain Jane OM 50mm f1.8, scanned today by high-street service provider) - I'd like to see how 50mm f3.5 macro I got with OM4ti outperforms it in terms of resolution :>

BillBingham2

03-14-2007, 08:03

I see the old 450mm Series 1 come up (some times under the P&E name too) from time to time. Small and heavy.

When I was rebuilding my Nikon system a few months ago, I was wondering about using a good 2X converter vs a longer lens. From what I saw, great 180s and 2X converts out perform 500mm lenses.

Not having both, its for me to make a true head to head test.

I do agree we should make the OM seriese a honorary member of the RF club. The 200/5 and an OM-1 take up no room in my bag!

B2 (;->

rpinchbeck

03-14-2007, 08:27

Well, just to add that the OM series should be at least an associate member of the RF clan, I'm making an adapter to mate my Zuiko lens' up to my Kiev RF bodies. There will be no RF coupling so I will require an external RF. I really should finish this project up soon but I have a Super Ikonta and a Oly RC to complete first.

Cheers,

Russ Pinchbeck

Trius

03-14-2007, 08:57

I have fantasized about putting the Zuiko 21/2 on an M body via adapter. I already own a 21 finder, as mentioned above. Please, no comments about my fantasy life. I already know it's sad... :(

Archie

03-15-2007, 06:43

for those who want to play god: 180 f2.0 (http://cgi.ebay.com/OLYMPUS-OM-ZUIKO-180mm-F2-LENS-NEW_W0QQitemZ220092686927QQcategoryZ3344QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

shadowfox

03-15-2007, 07:41

Shouldn't the OM series be made an honorary rangefinder? <cropped> Thanks for voicing my sentiment, Steamer. I counted 4 "votes" so far, if I can add 10 myself, I would :) so here's vote no 5.

As for why?
Bright viewfinder: Check
Ease of focusing: With the right focusing screen, Check
Small/Compact: Check
Quiet: For street-photography, Check
IQ: Check, Check, Check (anybody want to dispute me on this? ;) )and finally, here's an OM-2n street-shooting sample:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/383737320_985f85dc8f.jpg

Peace!

BillBingham2

03-15-2007, 07:58

lubitel

03-15-2007, 08:18

i really dont need more SLR GAS! but, boy, sure would like to try the famous OM camera!

BillBingham2

03-15-2007, 08:29

It truely is as close to an RF as you can get in SLR-land. When it first came out it shocked much of the camera manufactures. Bigger was thought to be better (look at the Nikon FTn & F2, Canon F1) and it rocked a lot of thinking. While many copied (e.g. Pentax ME, Nikon FM) noone ever duplicated.

I had the chance to handle one of the early ones (my AV directors brother was a rep for Olympus) with every lens they came out with. My father used Nikons at work so I went with Nikon so I could barrow lenses (the OM kit needed to go back). The Nikkormat is a great camera, but the OM-1 set a new standard in the industry (like the Nikon F).

I picked up and OM-1 on EvilBay a few years ago (I had purchased an 85/2 and 35/2.8 six years ago, just in case) and love it. I was able to get a 200/5 from a member here a few months ago. Now the OM-1 and 200/5 sit in my medium sized carry bag next to my M6, 105/40/15 system. For such a great system, it is very easy to carry.

B2 (;->

marcust101

03-15-2007, 08:35

Ltuon Camera repair are, great, I've just had my Dad's old OM1 (and my first camera) serviced, feels like new. Gotta love the feel of the OM1 and it's beautifully sharp glass. The 85mm F2 is my favourite, lovely portraiture lens, sharp but rounded or something

Igor.Burshteyn

03-15-2007, 10:28

Kind of busy at work these days, still didn't finish my first roll with my new set OM4ti/16mm/18mm/50mm macro :/
Any idea how to legalize 1 new camera and 4 lenses at home? .)
"Sweetheart, it was so cheap I could not resist" doesn't work.

ferider

03-15-2007, 11:12

Trius

03-15-2007, 12:15

Trius,

Living in Rochester requires one to have a good fantasy life. 18% gray sky sucks dude! But on the positve side, Toronto is just across the lake and the Finger Lakes are close.

I grew up in Greece and left after 20 years of......learning. It is a wonderful place, but business-wise not enough options for me these days.
B2 (;->

The skies make it easy to meter. :p

I lived in Greece for a few years (Bakerdale just north of Stonewood), but they kicked me out to West Irondequoit because I didn't drive a Camaro and wear gold chains.

My wife grew up in Greece, but she has gone through therapy and is fine now.

I spend a fair amount of time in Toronto/GTA. And I prefer Niagara Peninsula wines to FL, but the FL are very pleasant.

Rochester still has Nick Tahou's, so I guess there is that ...

Any idea how to legalize 1 new camera and 4 lenses at home? .)
"Sweetheart, it was so cheap I could not resist" doesn't work.
If your sweetheart can tell when a new camera or lens arrives, then you clearly do not have enough gear. As long as my SO does not notice a package arrive, I mix in any "new" gear with the old gear storage. As long as the new gear isn't new digi-stuff, it works. YMMV.

Earl

ruben

03-15-2007, 12:59

Shouldn't the OM series be made an honorary rangefinder?
.....

Emmeritus member.

Trius

03-17-2007, 05:49

HU for anyone who is now attracted to OM or needs to satisfy their GAS: ePray 160096928080. No connection, etc., but there are some goodies to be had.

Igor.Burshteyn

03-20-2007, 09:57

Got back first results - wow, this OM 50mm macro is really sharp, and 18mm is realy wide. Now I have quite a full oly collection - 35sp, om1, om4ti with 18mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm macro, 50mm normal, 135mm. Now it's time to go out for some pictures. I am happy but not done ;)

attached some stuff - including 100% crop from edge of frame by 18mm

shadowfox

03-20-2007, 11:50

Niiice! I especially love the baby picture! welcome to you life-long addiction to everything Zuiko :)

Igor.Burshteyn

03-20-2007, 11:56

forgot that OM 16mm fisheye. For me it's more gimmick than real tool. Anybody has examp[les of creative usage of fisheye?

Igor.Burshteyn

03-20-2007, 12:11

Everything zuiko - I started quite a conventionally with minolta 800si - good camera, but I don't want to touch it anymore after feeling of om4ti. Actually after I got om1 I almost stopped using minolta. Too many features in order to use them all, too large in order to take it everywhere. OMs are much smaller and genuine intuitive in usage. Image quality is comparable - and I compare to good MAF glass, like 50mm prime, tamron 90mm macro and 28-135 mm f4-4.5.

Trius

03-20-2007, 19:29

Igor: I am very happy for you. Well, I'm envious of some of the Zuiko glass you have, especially that 50/2 macro. Man, I really want one of those!

I am shooting nearly all Zuiko/Kodak film tomorrow. The only non-Oly equipment I will use is a Mamiya 1000 DTL with some Russian and East German glass.

BillBingham2

03-20-2007, 19:58

Don't get me started on therapy, I talked with my Mother today and while I love her, there is not enough time or money! I lived in on El Mar, south west corner of Mt Read and Latta Rd. Paddy Hill School. Went to Arcadia HS and of course MCC.

Long to introduce my sons (or at least the older one) to a gut-bomb and as Mommy-dearist has moved out to Colorado, no reason not to visit. Never spent a lot of time in the FL, but the few trips were magic. NY is a great state, even when you add NYC into it. Lived there for 9 years in the 80s. Lots of camera stores there to cause serious GAS.

If I only had a clue in HS or college, I would have gotten a few Nikon SPs.......

B2 (;->

Igor.Burshteyn

03-21-2007, 09:06

Trius, don't envy - I got 50mm f3.5, not f2 ;)

Jeremy Z

03-21-2007, 10:57

Oddly enough, it seems that OM SLRs are at least as popular on RFF as the Olympus rangefinders.

This may not be the case if Olympus had jumped on the interchangeable lens RF bandwagon.

Once the SLRs were out, Olympus considered rangefinders to be a commoner's camera; not to be taken as seriously as the SLRs. Prior to the release of the OM system, their RFs were a little more high-end. (SP, for example)

I like my little Olympus RC; haven't seen pix from it yet, but I don't expect it to be quite on part with the OM1n. However, it is pocketable.

Trius

03-21-2007, 13:11

BB2: If you make it to the area, be sure to let me know ... if I'm still here, of course. ;) My wife grew up on Rumson Rd., went to Cardinal Mooney.

Igor: Well that's a great lens, too. A friend of mine had one, and used it regularly as his standard lens.

Jeremy: You're right, but that was the case with nearly every camera manufacturer that made the move to SLR. You may be surprised by the RC. If exposure is right, the sharpness will please you.

Jeremy Z

03-21-2007, 13:15

Oh, I nearly forgot.

Forgive my "hitting for the other side", but OMs are way too versatile to be honorary rangefinders. ^_^

They're not as quiet, not as thin, and not as easy to hand-hold at slower shutter speeds, but other than that, they leave RFs in the dust.

Igor.Burshteyn

03-21-2007, 23:35

OM against the RF world - I was looking desperately for RF in price level of OM1/50mm normal (~100$) whch would compare in image quality to OM combo. I didn't succeed to get even close - even oly 35SP with its highly regarded lens is far behind (though low light perfromance is superior to any slr). Nothing beats OMs for price/performance and versatility - I got OM4ti/16mm fisheye/18mm(ugly)/28mm/50mm macro for less than M body alone would cost.

decoyslikecurve

03-28-2007, 22:13

Another vote here for an OM sub-section. I love my OM2n and I'm going nto buy a black OM1 when I get the chance.

I only have a 50 1.8 but I would like a 35, 34 and around 75-90

any more example pics from simular lenses?

nightfly

03-29-2007, 05:02

Which version of an OM1 should I be looking for? I want a black one, that's pretty much it. Won't ever use a flash or anything other than basic metering. I've never used a motor drive but maybe.

Archie

03-29-2007, 05:02

I just came back from shooting an opera. Had my om4 with me (with 50 1.8 as I don't have another lense yet) and I had a few glances through the viewfinder to try some spot meter stuff. Well the problem is, that you can't see the readings, when the stage is nearly dark. Is there any solution for this? (Thought about some LED mounted via Hot-Shoe in front of the small window which captures the light for the readings.)

Jeremy Z

03-29-2007, 07:19

Well the problem is, that you can't see the readings, when the stage is nearly dark. Is there any solution for this?

Do you have a manual for your OM4? If not, get one somehow.

For the mighty OM4, this is an easy situation. Either take multiple spot readings of your subjects and average them, (I think it does this automatically, when you take more than one spot reading) or take a highlight or shadow reading and let the light meter figure it out.

I haven't had my OM 4 for about 8 years, so the details may not be 100% accurate, but I believe if you press the 'shadow' button, it takes a spot reading at that time, and tells the camera's meter to bias this as a dark area. It adjust the exposure accordingly, automatically.

skipwilliams

03-29-2007, 07:29

OM4's have a viewfinder light. If you look on the side of the lens mount, just above the self timer, there is a button that, when pressed, illuminates the meter reading scale below the viewfinder.

Skip

oftheherd

03-29-2007, 07:44

forgot that OM 16mm fisheye. For me it's more gimmick than real tool. Anybody has examp[les of creative usage of fisheye?

The 18mm will lend itself to photographs of your hand with something behind it that appears to be actually in the hand. I once did a photo of my wife with my hand close to the lens, and her standing back a ways from the lens, but looking like she was standing in my hand. You may have to try several times to get just what you want, or use something to steady your hand, but it is cute. Not an original idea either, I saw it somewhere, in a magazine as I recall.

My 18mm is a Spriratone in screw mount for my Yashica TL Super and my Fujica ST 901. I think the Fujica beat the OM1 out in smallness (I mean first. I don't remember how they compare size wise), and their lenses were very sharp, but just never got the credit they deserved. That was partly because of marketing I guess, and the fact they were screw mount rather than the "pro" bayonet mount lenses. To me the big advantage of the ST 901 was that it was AP auto-exposure as well as compact. I still love that camera and the Fuji lenses (50 1.4, 28 3.5, 135 3.5 and 50 3.5 macro) are still sharp.

That is not to take away from the OM1. The first ones I saw I liked. Nobody I knew in Korea at the time who had one wanted to get rid of it. Even I had a minor GAS attack but just couldn't afford another series/system of camera.

Archie

03-29-2007, 08:26

oh thanks skip, I always thought this button was for unmounting (was wondering why two buttons have to be pressed). ok time to get a manual.

oscroft

03-29-2007, 08:45

Which version of an OM1 should I be looking for?
I'd go for an OM1n - the improvements over the OM1 are not great, but it will be a newer camera (possibly by quite a few years).

scottgee1

03-29-2007, 09:41

Steamer: I agree, it's an honorary RF. Maitani was a big Leica fan, and that was in his mind when designing the OM system. For my next foray into stygian darkness photography, I'm going to shoot with an OM-1n, 21/2, Leitz 21mm finder and mirror locked up, scale focus, at slow speeds. As close to RF with an SLR as I can get.

Trius, you beat me to the 'history lesson'. ;)

As for your available darkness work, I'd suggest a beanbag draped over the camera and lens. I'm a member of the "Zuikoholics Anonymous" list and we've found that aperture release can add a bit of vibration that can be reduced with a beanbag. OM4 and later models have aperture pre-release.

BTW, if any of you-all are interested in joining the OM list, here's the URL:

http://www.zuikoholic.com

We cover OM of course, but a lot of the regulars use a lot of gear and have a wide range of interests so those get discussed as well.

FWIW, I got into Olympus after starting a thread here at RFF that asked the question, "Which SLR is most like an RF?" We had a good time and learned a lot. I ended up getting a small OM kit and really like it.

Have fun!/ScottGee1

Trius

03-29-2007, 18:33

Scott: I used to belong to the OM list (as did GeneW and maybe some others here), but I unsubscribed nearly 2 years ago. The volume of posts was SO high, and a lot of it was OT at the time. I still email AGSchnozz and some others from time to time, especially if I need some information that I can't find in the eSIF.

As for the beanbag technique, which was a subject when I was subscribed, I'll be shooting in a pub and moving around, so that really wouldn't work. Thanks though.

Earl

Archie

03-30-2007, 01:18

scottgee1

03-30-2007, 03:34

Yeah I also subscribed to the list a while ago, but there were really too much posts, so I unsubscribed soon. It would be great if the whole thing would run in a forum like this. Or why do they still use the mailing list method?

The subject comes up periodically and the group invariably votes to retain the mailing list rather than create a forum. May be less expensive and certainly less work for the owner as well.

FWIW/ScottGee1

Jeremy Z

03-30-2007, 08:18

nightfly: definitely go for the 'n' or 'MD' version of the OM1. Personally, I don't care that it can take a motor drive. But the improvements to the film advance are substantial, IMO. I've never seen a non 'n' version with properly-working film advance.

Igor: I was also struck by the comment about the SP lens not being as good as the prime 50mm f/1.8 lens. I had kind of assumed they would be equal, with maybe the rangefinder one being a bit better. (less complexity, closer to film plane) Any comments on this?

Igor.Burshteyn

03-30-2007, 08:56

Jeremy, my very subjective feeling is that OM 50mm is better than 35SP on close distances at f1.8-f5.8, while 35SP is better on infinity at f8-f16.

Igor.Burshteyn

03-30-2007, 09:48

Got back roll shot almost exclusively with OM 18mm - I like it. Almost no distortion, very usefull.
Interesting how this 30 years old lens compares to M-mount wides.

scottgee1

03-30-2007, 10:07

SNIP!

Igor: I was also struck by the comment about the SP lens not being as good as the prime 50mm f/1.8 lens. I had kind of assumed they would be equal, with maybe the rangefinder one being a bit better. (less complexity, closer to film plane) Any comments on this?

FWIW, I'm always careful about comparing ANY lens/body, etc. unless it has been properly serviced/calibrated. True of older equipment of course and, sadly, a lot of the newer stuff as well.

ScottGee1

Trius

03-30-2007, 10:15

While I obviously think a lot of the 42/1.7 on the SP, I haven't done any structured comparison between it and the 50/1.8. The latest 42/1.8 lenses were probably produced around 1969, maybe even 1968. The last OM 50/1.8 miJs were produced nearly 30 years later. I would be very, very surprised if the 42/1.7 was equal or "better" than a late 50/1.8, at least significantly so. But it's an interesting question, probably calling for some tests. :D

Igor.Burshteyn

03-30-2007, 10:24

That's why I called it "my very subjective feeling", not even comparison.

scottgee1

03-30-2007, 10:38

That's why I called it "my very subjective feeling", not even comparison.
Igor, my comment was general to this type of discussion and not specifically in reponse to you.

Based on personal experience, I'd rather have a mediocre lens that works well than an exceptional one that doesn't. That may sound painfully obvious, but I think a lot of gear (used AND new) is out of spec/calibration.

About a month ago I sent a lens back to a manufacturer's service department for repair and calibration under warranty. The repair was just mechanical (zoom mechanism replacement) but the calibration made a significant difference. Before having it serviced, I planned to get it fixed and sell it and put the $$ toward a more expensive lens in order to get better quality. It is SO much better since the service that I'll probably drop my plan and keep it and spend my money on other toys, er, tools. :D

ScottGee1

Jeremy Z

03-30-2007, 20:29

That's why I called it "my very subjective feeling", not even comparison.That was good enough for me; it was just what I was looking for, information-wise. Short of blowing a bunch of film to prove it one way or the other, most of our lens opinions are subjective.

If the last SP lens was made around '69, and the first OM lens was made around '71, I suppose the OM lens might stand a good chance of being better. All my OM lenses are from probably '75 or so. (28/3.5, 50/1.8, 135/3.5, Tokina-Special 75-150/3.5) Looking through the finder, they look kind of yellowish; does that mean the coating's going bad?

Trius

03-31-2007, 06:33

Yellowish? I'll have to check my OM lenses, but I don't think that is unusual. As far as I know, the only OM lens that yellowed significantly, with detrimental affect on performance, was the 55/1.2, which used a radioactive coating ... lanthanum if I remember.

And just to be clear, I do agree that it's all subjective wrt to lens "performance". My comment about the time span between production dates was latest to latest. I think the 42/1.7 is perhaps "better" than the original silver-nose OM F.ZUIKO 50/1.8. That iteration of 50/1.8 had its charms, but it wasn't the best of that line. The 50/1.8 miJ, the last version, is regarded as the "best", at least in terms of resolution, colour balance, contrast, etc. Again, all subjective.

MelanieC

03-31-2007, 07:29

I'd go for an OM1n - the improvements over the OM1 are not great, but it will be a newer camera (possibly by quite a few years).

I agree.

I had a beautiful black OM-1n until three nights ago, when I was mugged and it was stolen. I enjoyed it a great deal while I had it!

I still have an OM-G left but, well, it isn't quite the same.

foto_fool

03-31-2007, 07:54

I've had my OM-1 for 30 years - my first (and last) SLR. I'm shooting through a newer Zuiko 50mm/f1.2; IMHO one of the best lenses ever made. LOVE the OM!

Note to those looking to pick one up - original mercury-cell battery no longer made. If it has not alreay been done, you will need to get the camera modified to use an available battery. Foam around the film compartment also may need to be replaced. ASA indicator dial also has a tendency to pop off and may have been haphazzardly put back on. In other words - get a good CLA.

ray_g

03-31-2007, 08:11

Sorry to hear that, Melanie. I hope all is well.

nightfly

03-31-2007, 08:16

Melanie, hope you are OK. That's got to be frightening.

If you don't mind my asking, when did you use your Olympus as opposed to your Leica? I was thinking of getting one but I'm on the fence about having another camera and was wondering what situations you used it rather than your Leica. Did you find they complemented each other or did you sorta struggle with which to use?

MelanieC

03-31-2007, 12:12

I'm OK. It could have been worse. Camera-wise they took my OM and also my D-Lux 3 point and shoot digi. I'm just glad I didn't have my dad's cameras with me.

As far as the OM vs. the Leica, sometimes I struggled with which camera to carry. In most situations I would rather carry the Leica, but it's heavier (by a lot) and not as versatile as the OM. I only have a 50 for the Leica, so if I wanted to go wider I needed to carry the OM. I also carried it when I felt like seeing through the lens, if that makes any sense. In this case I was traveling and wanted to practice with the cameras that I planned to bring to Morocco with me in May. It's kind of funny, I lived in Philadelphia for 15 years and never experienced any kind of crime, and then I'm back visiting for a mere four days and I get mugged. I think living in San Francisco has made me soft and stupid.

back alley

03-31-2007, 12:18

sorry to hear about the camera and the mugging!
i just hate people who steal...

will you be looking for another om1 before your trip?

oscroft

03-31-2007, 12:43

I had a beautiful black OM-1n until three nights ago, when I was mugged and it was stolen
Oh no, that's awful - really sorry to hear about it.

MelanieC

03-31-2007, 18:27

will you be looking for another om1 before your trip?

No, I have the OM-G and can always bring that. It'll take the same pictures, it's just not quite as elegant in the hand.

I also lost a 50/1.4 lens, but I have two other 50s (the ubiquitous 1.8, in "silvernose" and multicoated versions) so life goes on.

OlyMan

04-01-2007, 01:44

As a confirmed Oly nut (or is that Zuikoholic) I can still see why Leica M users often feel they have the best of all worlds. Reading through this thread there is an underlying topic of 35SP vs OM in terms of image quality. I have both an SP and an OM4Ti and I too still wonder which one ultimately gives me the best images. There are times when the shooting situation calls for the SP, but then I end up wondering if the shot would have been better with the OM, and vice versa. Many Leica M fanatics are already of the opinion that their glass is the finest available, so don't end up wondering if they should have reached for an SLR instead, unless shooting macro or extreme telephoto.

Igor.Burshteyn

04-01-2007, 04:28

Melanie, that's really awfull, sorry to hear about it.

scottgee1

04-01-2007, 04:39

SNIP!
It's kind of funny, I lived in Philadelphia for 15 years and never experienced any kind of crime, and then I'm back visiting for a mere four days and I get mugged. I think living in San Francisco has made me soft and stupid.
Stupid? I doubt it. Unless you were flaunting it in an area known for high crime, you were the victim of a criminal so do NOT take any responsibility for their actions.

IMO, of course./ScottGee1

ClaremontPhoto

04-01-2007, 04:50

Melanie:

That is too bad. I am so sorry to hear of your misfortune.

You sound ok, but a camera is just a camera and there's plenty of OM1's around now. Get another one and get back to making photos again.

Trius

04-01-2007, 09:49

Melanie: I can only imagine the feeling; not for the loss of the camera, but for the personal violation. I too am glad you are OK.

WRT your answer about Leica vs. OM, I feel the same way. Yesterday and today I have been carrying the OM with 50/1.4 & 28/2.8. The 50/1.4 is significantly "bulkier" than the 50/1.8, but the combination is still compact and balanced. As I shot informal portraits and grab shots with it yesterday, it was almost like falling in love again. The combination of the 1.4 and the big, bright OM viewfinder actually helped me make better pictures. The ability to focus closer than the 42/1.8 on the SP was also a factor ...

... and that, as to OlyMan's comment, is another factor. I find the two are suited to different types of shooting. At the lake Friday morning, the SP was perfect for walking around with only that camera, making shots of the pavilions, the fencing on the beach, etc. The OM would have been fine, but the visualization process is different.

Jani_from_Finland

04-06-2007, 12:23

Hello fellows and easter greetings from Finland!

I´ve read this thread for a while now, not many comments thou.

I´m a happy owner of an OM-1 and have managed to get a few Zuikos a while a go, it´s the 18/3.5, 21/3.5, 24/2, 50/3.5, 85/2, 100/2 and the 135/3.5, looking out for the 180/2.8 lens.

My question is that where can i found the adapter for the 18/3.5 lens, the "Olympus OM Zuiko Adapter 49->72mm". I know it´s rare and difficult to find, but i´m ready to pay good for it.

I shoot Fuji Neopan on my OM-1 and also use quite often the 35 RD and frequently my Mju:II also. Oly makes some great cameras!

Rgds,
Jani

plummerl

04-06-2007, 16:03

Jani, it took me a very long time to locate the 49->72 shade/adapter for my 18mm. As long as your willing to spend a princely sum of money, they do show up occasionally on EBAY. I would also check out (and join :) ) http://www.zuikoholic.com/. You can ask other members and see if someone wants to give one up. An alternative, is to put together some filter adapters, stepping out to 72mm, to approximate the Olympus adapter/shade. The only caveat, is to be careful about the thread gap area (between the glass and thread). This gap is very tight, and you want to make sure the 49mm portion is thin enough. The 18mm is probably my favorite Oly lens. I will try and measure/profile my adapter/shade this weekend and PM you the data.

Uncle Bill

07-03-2007, 07:51

They are great cameras, I have one with MD one without and I want to get my hands on the OM-4ti at some point.

Uncle Bill

07-03-2007, 07:55

I agree.

I had a beautiful black OM-1n until three nights ago, when I was mugged and it was stolen. I enjoyed it a great deal while I had it!

I still have an OM-G left but, well, it isn't quite the same.

Melanie,

Sorry to hear about the mugging, I am just glad to hear you are alright. Cameras can be replaced.

Bill