OT: Where to buy an OM4

[Archie]

Hi,

I'm currently considering buying an OM4-T(i). Where would you say, should I buy such a camera?

I'm currently considering keh.com as one of my favourites as it seems quite safe and moderately priced (would be looking for a bgn)

As you see, I don't need a brand new camera, I just want it to work and be black.

Thanks,

Archie

[ferider]

KEH is a good bet, Archie, and the OM-4 T a great camera !

Roland.

[Trius]

You could also try members of the OM list (zuikoholic.com) ... you'd have to sign up to the list, of course, but those guys know their OMs and you might find someone with a well-cared-for body they are looking to sell. Or yet other sources than KEH. Nothing wrong with KEH, but having a choice is good.

[shadowfox]

I have handled many samples of both OM-4 T and OM-4, and I can say that I like OM-4 better, it has the right weight and heft for me (I do most of my shooting handheld). The T(Ti) is considerably lighter, but feels less robust. It is further proven by examining the samples that got into my hands. The T(Ti) samples are mostly dinged-up and has electrical problems. The OM-4 samples are more pristine, robust, and working.

So, if you're a collector, you may want (and end up paying outrageous amount for a mint T(Ti) ), but if you're thinking about using the camera, I'd go for an OM-4, the price is more reasonable and you don't sacrifice anything. Just curious, what's your budget?

I've read some articles or posts that touts the battery life as being longer on T(Ti), but I've used the same AgO (SR44) batteries in my wife's OM-4 for more than 6 months now and it's still cranking up juice, plus the battery is $1.25 a pop. So who cares, really?

My main camera used to be an OM-4, but now I like the OM-2 better, and I just got a black one

[Trius]

The latter run of OM-4 bodies had the same battery circuit as the OM-4T(i), so the battery longevity wasn't a problem. In addition, the battery circuit in the earlier OM-4s, which indeed did have excessive drain, may have been updated as a part of a complete CLA.

That's a good commentary, Shadow; now I don't lust after the Ti.

[wintoid]

I have an OM4 which supposedly doesn't have the later circuitry, and yet to be honest I don't see a battery drain problem at all. It hasn't rocked my world though. I prefer my Pentax ME Super

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by Trius

The latter run of OM-4 bodies had the same battery circuit as the OM-4T(i), so the battery longevity wasn't a problem. In addition, the battery circuit in the earlier OM-4s, which indeed did have excessive drain, may have been updated as a part of a complete CLA.

That's a good commentary, Shadow; now I don't lust after the Ti.

Thanks, Trius!

Eh, re-reading my post, I wasn't being clear, I meant to highlight the excessive-drain by mentioning my wife's OM-4. That one has the older circuitry (tested easily by letting the battery check beep goes on forever, the "fixed" ones stop after about 30 seconds), and yet a measly $2.50 worth of AgO battery keeps it running until now (8 months).

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by wintoid

I have an OM4 which supposedly doesn't have the later circuitry, and yet to be honest I don't see a battery drain problem at all. It hasn't rocked my world though. I prefer my Pentax ME Super

Thanks for confirming my experience with the batteries
Just curious, when you said that OM-4 hadn't rocked your world, did you use the spot-metering with memory (and/or the shadow/highlight buttons) ? When I finally understand how to use them, that blew me away, for a sun-drenched climate like mine, it's a boon!

Your Pentax ME Super sounds like comparable to my OM-2n, which I absolutely like, btw

[wintoid]

Originally Posted by shadowfox

Thanks for confirming my experience with the batteries
Just curious, when you said that OM-4 hadn't rocked your world, did you use the spot-metering with memory (and/or the shadow/highlight buttons) ? When I finally understand how to use them, that blew me away, for a sun-drenched climate like mine, it's a boon!

Your Pentax ME Super sounds like comparable to my OM-2n, which I absolutely like, btw

And thanks to you too. I'm about 4 months in to my OM4 so good to know they can last 8 months

I'm pretty fussy about cameras I think. The ME Super has some strange synergy with me, especially considering it really should be too small for my large hands. I have used the spot metering but I use B+W film so I am doubtful of how useful it really is. Also, in general my targets aren't stationary so I don't have time to meter all over the shop. I suppose I'd always heard things like "the OM4 is the best SLR ever made" from fanatics, and really expected something special. I've heard the same about the Pentax LX, by the way, but have decided that I love my ME Super so why bother. Similarly, many sources seem to imply that the Pentax 50mm M 1.4 is one of the worst 50mm lenses in Pentax's lineup, but I absolutely adore it. That's not something I can say about the Olympus 50mm 1.4. Oh well it's all personal.

Sorry for the massive OT

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by wintoid

I'm pretty fussy about cameras I think. The ME Super has some strange synergy with me, especially considering it really should be too small for my large hands.

I totally know how you feel it's sometimes that way with a particular camera, that's why I'm using my OM-2n in spite of having an OM-4, I just get more excited using it

Originally Posted by wintoid

I have used the spot metering but I use B+W film so I am doubtful of how useful it really is. Also, in general my targets aren't stationary so I don't have time to meter all over the shop. I suppose I'd always heard things like "the OM4 is the best SLR ever made" from fanatics, and really expected something special.

I aspire *not* to be an Oly fanatic, I just realized how tiresome it is to hear people (or myself) sticking to their point until their face is blue. In general RFF is one of a very few internet forums that are not like that, unless if you're in that one specific newly-released-digital-RF forum which shall remain nameless

[Trius]

The ME Super was not only a great camera, but a lot like OMs with respect to size, design, etc.; so the comparison is quite a good one. And it was well made.

I have never heard a knock on the Pentax 50/1.4, but then I don't follow those discussions. Glad to hear you like it ... the Zuiko 50/1.4 gets somewhat mixed reviews, somewhat based on which generation/iteration one is using. If I were to pick ony two Zuiko 50s I would really prefer, it would be the 50/1.2 and the 50/2 Macro. Neither of which I yet own.

[wintoid]

Originally Posted by Trius

I have never heard a knock on the Pentax 50/1.4

Sorry that came out wrong. I didn't mean to imply that any of them are bad. Simply, I read that they are ranked like this:

1. Pentax Super Takumar M42 50mm f1.4
2. Pentax SMC-A/SMC-FA 50mm f.14
3. Pentax SMC-F 50mm f1.4
4. Pentax SMC-M 50mm f1.4

So mine is in fourth place, but it's absolutely incredible IMHO.

[Igor.Burshteyn]

I handled Pentax ME (I think) just yesterday. I was surprised how small it was - actually smaller than my OM1n. I still prefer OMs - they seem and feel much better finished.
As far as I understand shadows/highlights control on OM4 it's nothing magical - just exposure compensation +/- ~2.5 stops - very simple to mimick on OM1 (on any camera, actually). Multi spot metering is another story, though

[Archie]

well thanks for so much great answers,

just to answer the questions:
I'm no collector, I intend to actually shoot the cameras I own.
As student my budget isn't really high, I hope to spend less than 300 $ on the body if I get a T(i) and when you say non T(i) is as good well then I will want to get it bellow 200 $ (as seen on KEH). as stated above, it has to work not to look good, that's the job of the photographs (and of course the photographer )

lenses I plan to get: 28, 100 (or 135), 180 all f2.8 and a 50 f1.8 or better

for the reasons:
I want the spot for concert, opera and theatre photography but I also do shoot street so I want a small (compared to other slrs) camera and center weighted for this. and last but not least I want a system that will satisfy my needs for the next few years as amateur photographer with a good lens system.

[Jeremy Z]

I had an OM4; I shouldn't have sold it; it was a GREAT camera. The highlight & shadow biasing is brilliant, as is the spotmetering, and averaging features. I certainly wouldn't pay extra for the gimmicky titanium one.

I have an OM1n now, which I will always have; it was my grandpa's favorite.

I had an ME Super too. They are not as well-finished & smooth as the OMs, but very nice nonetheless. The metering on the ME Super does not hold a candle to the OM4.

Lens-wise, I have had all the 50s except the macro for the OMs. The 1.4 and 1.8 were the best. The 1.2 was good too, but certainly no worth a premium over the 1.4.

With Pentax, I have an f/2 now, had an M 1.4 before. The Pentax lens coatings are a bit better than Olympus'. Optically, they're all superb.

As much as I liked the OM4, it just didn't have the mechanical charm of the OM1n.

Avoid OM1s (without the n or MD) Their film advance mechanism wasn't very good.

[David Murphy]

Originally Posted by Archie

Hi,

I'm currently considering buying an OM4-T(i). Where would you say, should I buy such a camera?

I'm currently considering keh.com as one of my favourites as it seems quite safe and moderately priced (would be looking for a bgn)

As you see, I don't need a brand new camera, I just want it to work and be black.

Thanks,

Archie

There are new ones sold occasionally on eBay by one or two dealers that seem to be slowly liquidating Olympus' remainin OM system stock. The OM-4 was in production till 2002 it is said. Sounds like a good investment to me if you got the $$.

[Archie]

I'd have the possibility to buy a 28mm f2.8 for 50 € (66 $) and a 100mm f2.8 for 65 € (85 $). That seems quite a good price as they seem in very good shape. Any opinions on this?

[Trius]

Archie: Those are good prices, especially for the 100.

When searching for a 50, get a 50/1.8 miJ (says "made in Japan" on the trim ring) or, as I stated above, a 50/1.4 with serial number >= 1,100,000. As I also said, my 50/1.4 is less than 1.1M, and I quite like it, so it's not an absolute must.

An OM-4 is probably a very good choice for your application, but an OM-1n would be fine for street. The spot metering on the OM-4 would be helpful for concerts, for sure.

[Jeremy Z]

OM1n's have more charm and will run without a battery.

OM4s are more versatile; technically, better in every way. But I don't think he is even considering an OM1n.

Yeah, those lens prices are good. One thing to check on the OM lenses is that the DOF preview button and aperture are snappy. I've seen a couple that were all gummed up.

[Archie]

hrm the prices are now clear, they show heavy wear. but the great thing is that I'll be able to view the lenses in the so called real life. the photos he sent me were all out of focus (as usual) so I'm looking forward to meet this guy.

and jeremy you are right, I don't consider the OM1n, as I want a camera with the spot feature and center weighted possibility. the battery independence is not sth I really need (so no om3) and the charm factor, well I hope the OM4 has enough

[Usher99]

One minor issue is use of the F280 with High speed sync. I think you will need a T(i) for that. It is not that powerful and it may not be an issue. Just thought you should know. (otherwise sync at 1/60)
Mike

[Archie]

thanks mike, but I don't plan to use a flash