OM pr0n

MelanieC · 11-12-2006

Since I know how many of you enjoy OMs, I thought you might enjoy these:

black OM-1n MD

Clockwise from front: black OM-1n MD, chrome OM-1 MD, champagne OM-G (OM-20).

Unfortunately, the silver OM-1 suffers a stuck shutter/advance (no solution found for this yet), and the black OM-1 has a frame counter that is not functioning (I am hoping this is a really simple fix because it does everything else just fine). The OM-G is in perfect working order and has nothing wrong with it, other than being made out of plastic.

visiondr · 11-12-2006

Mel,

That black OM-1n is a beaut. I remember having a silver one. I tended to leave the accessory hotshoe off because I hardly ever used flash and thought (and still think) the camera looks just so much more sleek without the clunky add on. You have a classic there.

Ron

Nikon Bob · 11-12-2006

Mel

You are right about the OM1's looking better without the acc hotshoe on.

Bob

visiondr · 11-12-2006

The only thing I didn't like about the OM-1 was how the Zuiko lenses rubber focussing rings tended to come unglued (and would slide around the lens barrel) with time.

Ron

colyn · 11-12-2006

I bought a chrome OM-1 with 50mm f/1.8, winder 2, and shoe today at a local flea market for $25. I need to re-seal the back door before using it though..

sebastel · 11-13-2006

brings up the memory how much i enjoyed using those ...

would someone swap an OM set for my pentax MX gear?
:-)

cheers
sebastian

xayraa33 · 11-13-2006

that black OM 1 is looking like a real classic,
they are a joy to use also.

MelanieC · 11-13-2006

I left the shoe on the chrome OM-1 because I'm afraid I'll lose it otherwise.

The black one came with a shoe as well and I already don't know where that one is.

I was able to fix the frame counter on the black OM-1. The back door foam is sticky to the touch so I'm guessing it could stand to be replaced. Who sells easy do-it-yourself kits?

I fear the chrome OM-1 is not salvageable by my own hand. Whatever it is that has the shutter/advance stuck is beyond my limited abilities. If anyone is interested in this camera for fixing or parts let me know because I am thinking of letting it go. I would love to get it working again because it is in excellent shape cosmetically but to be perfectly honest I doubt I'll be sending it off for repair since I have two working OM bodies and if someone else can actually do something productive with it, that would make more sense.

physiognomy · 11-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelanieC

...The back door foam is sticky to the touch so I'm guessing it could stand to be replaced. Who sells easy do-it-yourself kits?

I have heard good things about the kits that Jon Goodman (interslice) sells... here is an ebay link (click).
I think Micro-Tools (click) also sells some foam material that you can use.

Peter

MelanieC · 11-13-2006

Thanks man -- just ordered a kit.

jan normandale · 11-13-2006

yes, what Peter said.. Jon is the guy and a past RFFer

physiognomy · 11-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelanieC

Thanks man -- just ordered a kit.

No worries... glad to help!

Peter

jscolman@scolma · 11-13-2006

Shouldn't it be p0rn ?

ChrisPlatt · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebastel

brings up the memory how much i enjoyed using those ...

would someone swap an OM set for my pentax MX gear?
:-)

Sure, fun to use, but they didn't hold up.

Keep your Pentax. It will last far longer...

Chris

Trius · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Sure, fun to use, but they didn't hold up.

Keep your Pentax. It will last far longer...

Chris

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

xayraa33 · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Sure, fun to use, but they didn't hold up.

Keep your Pentax. It will last far longer...

Chris

my black paint OM 1 is still going strong, and I bought it in 1976.

thorirv · 11-14-2006

not excactly a good looking model pr0n ,-)

CaptB · 11-14-2006

The OM system cameras and lenses are wonderfull. I still have my black-paint OM-1 and several original lenses that I purchased in 1978. All fuction perfectly. When it first came out some photography mags campared the mechanical functions of the OM-1 as "leica-like" in quality...........I have to agree. When I was looking at a Bessa R2 last year.......I asked Steve Gandy if the build quality would be similar to my OM-1............he said..........no. I am still considering a RM3 though. The Olympus just feels good in the hands.......and so compact. All my lenses (21, 28, 35, 50 & 100).......take 49mm filters and accessories. The 100mm 2.8 is about the size of any other brands normal lens. The systems was not a "redesign" of an existing system......but completely designed from scratch. Several of the lenses are "world class".........the 100mm f2 in particular is just phenomenal. I would'nt swap them for "any" other slr equipment. My travel set is a 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8 and a 100mm f2.8 and OM-1. Very compact kit for an slr system. Everything still functions silky-smooth after almost 30 years of use.

I am coming back to rangefinders to further reduce the size and weight of an all-round travel kit. For me "less".........is more. I have a Canonet QL17-III with the 40mm lens I take back-packing. I am becoming less of a "techno" freak......and am divesting myself gear I don't use very often.

Not to offend......when I pick-up my Om-1 (one in excellent condition goes for less than $200 on E-bay)........and then pick-up a new ($2,500) leica (with-out lens!).......I just don't get it!!?? Don't get me wrong....I appreciate quality. The Leica is nice........but maybe "too precious". I would be affraid to use it. My wife is Russian and we make a yearly vacation trip to Russia. I would never take such expensive stuff to Russia.........the risk of theft is just too great. If I am affraid to use equipment in places like Russia with such phenomenal photo ops......why bother to purchase such equipment in the first place. Dante Stella's choice of equipment for a travel kit......Konica Hexar (non rf) and a Fuji GA645......both with 35mm (equivalent on the GA645) lenses......actually sounds interesting. I like the restriction of only one or two lenses.......it "forces" you to make do (maybe be "more" creative with what you have).

Maybe I'll just take a Fed, Zorki or Kiev to Russia next time. As far as "theft".....nobody will pay you any mind.

Capt B

David Murphy · 11-14-2006

The OM-1 is a very fine camera, and so is every Zuiko lens I've ever tried. I find however the build quality of the bodies and lenses is not up to Nikon standards (not even close really), but this is compensated by their small size and light weight. As much as I adore the Nikkormat it gets to be a real pain to lug around.

sebastel · 11-14-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Sure, fun to use, but they didn't hold up.

Keep your Pentax. It will last far longer...

Chris

hm, as far as i can see, there is few reason to expect a big difference in longevity between these two, since very similar technology is used - except for the light meter/gauge.

so, please prove your statement ... ;-)

cheers
sebastian

ChrisPlatt · 11-15-2006

So trade your Pentax for an Olympus and find out for yourself!

How many working OM users do you ever see out there anymore?

FWIW I worked at Olympus servicing OM cameras...

Chris

Xmas · 11-15-2006

My only OM problems ever from '79 - 6 bodies

- the foam replacement '78 body,
- one gummed shutter which is only intermittent on first frame, i.e. 1/30 sec instead, I waste a frame when needed
- jammed om4, not got around to fixing.

Noel

If you use the Nikon non pro cameras you get the same, my F2 needs foam

Noel

ampguy · 11-15-2006

that's so 2005!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jscolman@scolma

Shouldn't it be p0rn ?

Trius · 11-15-2006

Given the number of happy OM users, (esp. OM-1(n) and OM-2(n)) here, plus the OM list, I'd say .... TONS. Are there a lot of happy Pentax users out there? Yup, that too!

BTW, my go-to guy for OM repairs is John Hermanson, a former Oly tech/supervisor. He figures the OM-1 is one of the best around for durability and serviceability.

Other than that, I'm done here; no point counting angels on the head of a pin.

back alley · 11-15-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

So trade your Pentax for an Olympus and find out for yourself!

How many working OM users do you ever see out there anymore?

FWIW I worked at Olympus servicing OM cameras...

Chris

i would love to hear some more about your work as a service/repair person for the om.
what was the big problem with the om, for instance, is one body more reliable than another?
any insights at all would be very cool.
joe