Finally sent my OM-1n off to Dr. John's Oly Spa

[Ken Ford]

I have a pair of Olympus OM bodies that I picked up a few years ago just before I jumped back into Leica Ms. One is a black OM-1n, the other a black OM-2n. Both are nice users, not so clean that I'm worrying about them but not beat up, either.

The OM-1n was always a pain because of the obsolete battery; I was using zinc-air cells, but they don't last long. I've been meaning to send them both to Camtech for overhaul but never seemed to get around to doing it.

I finally boxed up the 1n tonight and am sending it off. When that's done (6-8 weeks I expect) the 2n will get the same spa treatment. John converts 1/1n bodies to current batteries as part of the overhaul.

I'd been considering my options for going 21mm or 24mm on my Leicas when I remembered how well the OM bodies work in a kit with my Ms. I already have an Zuiko 24/2.8, so... why not get some use out of it?

In my opinion OMs are honorary RFs anyway.

 

[Keith]

My favourite Oly is a black OM-1 I've had for a year or so and sadly the meter suddenly changed to being four stops out and the advance became erratic a couple of months ago. I have two other OM's but for some reason this one always felt the nicest and with just a little brassing on the body looks the best ... which means it takes better photos of course. 😛

I think it may be due for a trip to the doctor when I have the funds ... I miss it.

 

[Ken Ford]

Do you have anyone down there that specializes in OMs? I seem to recall Olympus was more popular in Oz than here.

 

[Keith]

I remember someone mentioned a place in Sydney in a thread a while back but I can't remember the name of the repairer.

 

[ChrisN]

I've not tried him with Olympus, but Ben Vang at Camera Checkpoint in Dubbo did an excellent job with my Pentax LX and Hasselblad 400 C/M. If my OM2 needed service I'd be pretty confident he could oblige.

 

[wray]

Yep, I think when I get my tax return I'll send my OM 2 in to Dr. John then the OM 2n gets the spa treatment. It's kinda funny, I like my Nikons black but prefer my OMs silver!

 

[gavinlg]

I like a black om2n and a silver om1n - classic for the om1 and sexy for the om2. I sold both mine, and regret it. They're bloody fantastic cameras, and I'm just about to start search for another one.

 

[Ken Ford]

Back when I was a working PJ I always had a second camera system for "off duty" - Nikons reminded me too much of work! I did 6x6 for a few years, then a small OM system which itself was replaced by Leica Ms.

IIRC my old OM kit (gone almost 25 years now) was an OM1n and a motor with a 35/2 and a 100/2.8. I always wanted the 180/2.8 but never got one.

Now I have the two black bodies and two lenses - a 24/2.8 and a 135/3.5. They complement my Leica kit nicely! I'd still like a 180/2.8, though.

 

[Chris101]

Camtech service is luxurious! When I got my OM1n back about a year ago, it even smelled better.