carlb
Established
I had longed for an Olympus OM1 for ages but had always had an attack of financial common sense just before plonking the money down and deciding that I "don't need another camera".
But while I was in Melbourne recently I couldn't stop myself looking in the second-hand section of a couple of stores. The prices were outrageous - one had a body for $AU 395 and the other had a body and 50/1.8 lens for $AU 499. It was easy enough to resist getting the credit card out at those prices!
Then I spied The Camera Exchange as I was on my way back to the hotel. "Worth a quick look" I thought. So I went in and they had an OM1 and 50/1.8 in what looked like great condition for $AU 160!!. After checking it over I told the assistant I'd have a think about it and come back when they re-opened after Xmas. But tbh, I didn't need to think about it very hard. My gf and I went back and her Xmas present to me was my very first OM1.
The meter is about 1/3 stop out but that won't matter for film and the seals need doing (I'm sure I can do this myself), but other than that it's in great condition. I may get it CLA'd just to be sure anyway.
And what a joy to use - it's so quiet and intuitive - who needs a manual !!!! And the handling just really seems to work for me. I can see why so many people love these little gems.
So that's the last camera on my "to get" list. Well, at least for the time being
But while I was in Melbourne recently I couldn't stop myself looking in the second-hand section of a couple of stores. The prices were outrageous - one had a body for $AU 395 and the other had a body and 50/1.8 lens for $AU 499. It was easy enough to resist getting the credit card out at those prices!
Then I spied The Camera Exchange as I was on my way back to the hotel. "Worth a quick look" I thought. So I went in and they had an OM1 and 50/1.8 in what looked like great condition for $AU 160!!. After checking it over I told the assistant I'd have a think about it and come back when they re-opened after Xmas. But tbh, I didn't need to think about it very hard. My gf and I went back and her Xmas present to me was my very first OM1.
The meter is about 1/3 stop out but that won't matter for film and the seals need doing (I'm sure I can do this myself), but other than that it's in great condition. I may get it CLA'd just to be sure anyway.
And what a joy to use - it's so quiet and intuitive - who needs a manual !!!! And the handling just really seems to work for me. I can see why so many people love these little gems.
So that's the last camera on my "to get" list. Well, at least for the time being
Livesteamer
Well-known
Congratulations. The Om's are much loved and respected. If I remember correctly, they have some foam between the top cover and the prism that can deteriorate and damage the silvering on the prism. You might want to invest in a repairman looking it over. Good Luck, Joe
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
There's no shortage of OM1 fans here Carl ... they truly are a beautiful SLR and as you say so intuitive to shoot with. I have two which is just as well as my fav black one died recently and although I will probably have it repaired eventually it will have to wait a while until finances are better. Meanwhile I have a silver OM1 and an OM2 to keep me happy in SLR land.
Now you should start thinking about a few more lenses ... I highly recommend the 35mm f2 and if you can get one for a decent price the 85mm f2. I started off just intending to get these mentioned lenses but also wound up with 24 28 135 and 200 plus a 35-70 zoom along with 50mm f1.2 and 50mm f1.4!
It's very hard to stop at one or two!
Now you should start thinking about a few more lenses ... I highly recommend the 35mm f2 and if you can get one for a decent price the 85mm f2. I started off just intending to get these mentioned lenses but also wound up with 24 28 135 and 200 plus a 35-70 zoom along with 50mm f1.2 and 50mm f1.4!
It's very hard to stop at one or two!
Peter_Jones
Well-known
Nice one !
I have two OM1 (a silver and a black), an OM2n and an OM2SP. Also several 50/1.8 in various types and conditions. The later ones of these are VERY good lenses but with cheaper build quality than earlier ones. Also a 50/1.4 (mine's an early one, the later ones are supposed to be much improved) and a 135/2.8 which needs a CLA. Also I have a gem of a lens which I can thoroughly recommend - the 28/2.8, this is always either on the camera or in the bag.
If you do get yours CLA'd it will be super-silky-smooth (even more so than now)
You will enjoy using it, many on here refer to it as a "Honorary Rangefinder" due to the small size and handling.
I have two OM1 (a silver and a black), an OM2n and an OM2SP. Also several 50/1.8 in various types and conditions. The later ones of these are VERY good lenses but with cheaper build quality than earlier ones. Also a 50/1.4 (mine's an early one, the later ones are supposed to be much improved) and a 135/2.8 which needs a CLA. Also I have a gem of a lens which I can thoroughly recommend - the 28/2.8, this is always either on the camera or in the bag.
If you do get yours CLA'd it will be super-silky-smooth (even more so than now)
You will enjoy using it, many on here refer to it as a "Honorary Rangefinder" due to the small size and handling.
grainy_shadows
Established
those high prices were at micheals right? i saw the prices in the window and though wtf! =(
carlb
Established
Yep, the body and lens were at Michaels and the body was at Camera Lane. Almost everything in the Michaels' window looked out of touch with reality price-wise. I'm sure some of the gear was in the window when I visited in April !!
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Your first OM-1, very cool!
If you are able to notice the meter being off by 1/3-stop, you must be very good at using meters
I use my OM-1 truly like an old rangefinder, completely manual, no batteries needed.
But if you must, search for ebay seller "interslice" who sells both foams to replace the old ones on your camera, and a battery adapter that will allow you to use ordinary hearing aid battery in your OM-1.
If you are able to notice the meter being off by 1/3-stop, you must be very good at using meters
I use my OM-1 truly like an old rangefinder, completely manual, no batteries needed.
But if you must, search for ebay seller "interslice" who sells both foams to replace the old ones on your camera, and a battery adapter that will allow you to use ordinary hearing aid battery in your OM-1.