Help with Olympus OM-4

[Peter V.]

Turn the battery check switch on. Does it turn off by itself within a minute? If it does you have the new circuitry that should prevent battery drain......Do not despair if it stays on, which indicates you have older circuitry..... Place the shutter speed on the RED B or 60th when stored/not in use, that should kill any battery drain. It would be a pain if this was getting volume pro level use, but that doesn't happen with these cameras anymore, enjoy...

 

[Archie]

I'm using a Tamron 80-200 f2.8 SP on my OM-4 for theatre shooting. With this lens you really have sth in your hands / on your tripod and it's a pleasure to use. I just got myself a 1.4x tc for the Tamron system and can't wait for the next rehearsal to try it out.
But you guys already make me think of buying a new screen, as I'm doing a lot of low light shooting. The spot meter by the way is simply amazing and perfect for shooting various stage performances.

 

[Dektol Dan]

I'm off to try the cures listed for my OM 4 . Thanks!!!

 

[shadowfox]

Removing batteries after a day's shoot isn't that much of a pain with a nylon coin made from a paint scraper. A metal coin will really nick the soft brass battery cover up quickly.

One "trick" that I do to combat this problem is to close the battery lid with one finger (finger surface, not finger tip) until it's snug but it can easily be opened back with the same finger.

NOTE: This is easy to do with OM-4's small battery lid. Not that easy with the OM-1's bigger one (for those of ya who'd like to try it).

 

[2tcreative]

You may want to get in touch with John at http://www.zuiko.com/ . He services the OM and is excellent. He also can help you with the screen as well.

I do not think that the OM4 can have its circuits upgraded to the later OM4 or OM4T/Ti. But I may be wrong. A question for John to answer.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

You may want to get in touch with John at http://www.zuiko.com/ . He services the OM and is excellent. He also can help you with the screen as well.

I do not think that the OM4 can have its circuits upgraded to the later OM4 or OM4T/Ti. But I may be wrong. A question for John to answer.

The OM-4 could be upgraded in the past to the OM-4T circuits, but John has told us on the OM Email List that its not possible anymore because Olympus will no longer service OM-4 bodies, only the 4T. He said they raised the dealer cost of the 4T circuit so sky-high that he no longer replaces them either, even in 4T bodies. If he is repairing a 4T that needs a new circuit, he sends the body to Olympus and pays them to do it because ethey charge less for the part plus installation than they do for the part alone.

 

[Trius]

Thanks for the tip, Chris. I've decided to thin out my OM bodies to the OM-1n and seek out an OM-4 body with the newer circuit.

 

[Spyderman]

Place the shutter speed on the RED B or 60th when stored/not in use, that should kill any battery drain.

This is not true. Camera drains the battery even if you set B or mechanical 1/60 shutter speed.

 

[John Hermanson]

I recently purchased an Olympus OM-4

Can someone point out where I may get an instruction manual for the camera - for starters.

Does Olympus provide any service on the OM-4. Does anyone else repair these if needed.

.

Not only does Olympus NOT service OM anymore, they have NO factory service center in the US. I service the OM line, am factory trained and have been servicing OM since 1977. John
www.zuiko.com

 

[John Hermanson]

For Chris Crawford: Slight correction, Olympus does not service any OM anymore. John

 

[John Hermanson]

Thanks for the tip, Chris. I've decided to thin out my OM bodies to the OM-1n and seek out an OM-4 body with the newer circuit.

For newer circuit test: turn battery check on, if beep/LED turn off automatically in about 30 seconds it has a newer low drain circuit. John

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

For Chris Crawford: Slight correction, Olympus does not service any OM anymore. John

I know, I posted that 6 years ago, when they still did (at the time, you posted on the OM mailing list that you sent OM-4T bodies to Olympus if they needed a new circuit). 😛