Just how much of a Zuikoholic are you?

[Snapper_uk]

I admit, I'm now a Zuikoholic. The OM system is a great way of getting some really good lenses for not a lot of money, and I've been buying up a few of the easier to find lenses.

But I've seen some eye-watering Buy-It-Now prices for the rarer lenses - £850 for a 'mint' f2 21mm 😱 last week (nobody bought it though).

So - come clean - what's the most you've ever paid for a second-hand Zuiko to feed your rampant zuikoholism?

For me, it was £150 for an 35/2 in a weak moment.

 

[igi]

I think it was around $250 for an MC 85 F2... it was also a weak(or rabid) moment. 😀

 

[newspaperguy]

I remember thinking I spent way too much for a 100/2.8 Zook, some 20-years ago...

but, hey... I'm still using it, and it's still a fave.

 

[dogberryjr]

I swore I was going to keep it down to a two lens kit: 50 1.8 and 24 2.8. Then along came that 85 2 at $300 . . .

 

[xayraa33]

I swore I was going to keep it down to a two lens kit: 50 1.8 and 24 2.8. Then along came that 85 2 at $300 . . .

Those three lenses are a great combination with any OM camera.

 

[valdas]

Bought here from RFF member 50/1.2 and 85/2, don't remember what paid, but this was my biggest $ spent on Zuikos...

 

[nikon_sam]

I only have a rangefinder with a Zuiko but it's a great camera and lens...
The Olympus 35-S II with the G. Zuiko 42mm 1.8 lens...

I also found a 35SP in great shape with the case...thinking of buying it this week...
The more I mention this camera the more I want it...I've seen what it can do and I know what the 1.8 version produces...now, is the 1.7 on the 35SP the same configuration but faster or is it different...???

 

[Borghesia]

I know what the 1.8 version produces...now, is the 1.7 on the 35SP the same configuration but faster or is it different...???

My personal opinion is that the 1.7 SP lens is a bit more refined (and sharp) as the 50mm 1.8 (which I think is a bit sharper). Also shooting with the SP is a different experience as to shooting with an OM. The big and bright VF of the SPis a joy to use, but then the 100% VF of certain OM's are also a joy.

Back to the topic, I once bought a 50mm 1.4 Zuiko # >1.100.000 for a 100 euro's. Never regretted that, it is the best 50mm lens I have !

 

[AFenvy]

The OM system is definitely a real gem, and I wish I could finance more of the fantastic Zuiko's. So far I haven't spent too much, my most costly lens has been a 28/2 for $220. But I have my heart set on a 55/1.2 or a 50/1.2, and of course a 21/2 would be stellar.

The SP is also a truly great camera, and the Zuiko 42mm is as good as they come. When stopped down it is one of the sharpest lenses I have used, and it is also buttery smooth in transitions from in focus to the OOF areas, with a pleasing non-distracting background. The 50/1.8 MIJ I cannot say the same for with its distracting background and poor OOF rendition. I'd go so far to say the lens on the SP is a better, faster, version of the OM system 40mm f2.

 

[wintoid]

Bought here from RFF member 50/1.2 and 85/2, don't remember what paid, but this was my biggest $ spent on Zuikos...

Valdas bought my lenses, and I do remember what he paid 😀 A very gentlemanly transaction, by the way. After I sold them, I really really started to miss the 50mm f1.2. I think it might be my all time favourite lens.

In the end I found another, very expensive, but such a late serial number 119xxx that I couldn't resist. That was an ouch! It's beautiful though, and I love it. My only OM lens now.

 

[wblynch]

The only 35mm SLR cameras I have ever owned have been Olympus OM's **. The first bought in 1975.

The most I paid for a second hand Zuiko was $130 for an 85/f2 last summer. A very happy find. Behind that was $235 for a near-mint OM4t which came with another 28/2.8, another 75-150/4.0 and another 50/1.8

Most of my OM's have been bought in the last 10 years and when prices were much cheaper than now.

I love the Silver nosed lenses, especially my original 50/1,4

** With 2 XA's, 1 XA2, 1 Stylus Infinity and 1 Stylus Epic I think I am a Zuikoholic. The only non-Olympus 35mm I own is a Konica Auto S2 rangefinder.

 

[kmallick]

I just bought a T-8 ring flash for $300! I always wanted that to go along with my OM-4T and 50 f2 macro.

 

[nikku]

$400 for an UG condition 100/2. It takes great pictures, but it's in pretty rough shape. I reckon I overpaid by about $100.

Other than that I've always felt like I got good deals. Not steals, but not ripoffs either. I paid $285 for my 50/1.2, and it's in mint condition. $120 for my 28/2, and another $180 for CLA and front element replacement, but it's also like new. Fair prices, for the most part.

The true bargains in the OM lineup are still, as always, the slower lenses--the 50/1.8, the 28/3.5, the 50/3.5 macro, the 200/4, etc.

 

[Todd Frederick]

I've used three Olympus DSLR cameras (in addition to a few OM-1's). I now use a Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 manual focus on my current Olympus DSLR, with an Om to 4:3rds adapter, and that is the equivalent of a very fine 100mm f/1.8 lens. Beautiful, and very inexpensive.

 

[Aurelius]

I bought the Zuiko AUTO-S 50mm f/1.2 (near mint) for 260 €.

 

[plummerl]

How much of a Zuikoholic am I? Certifiable! 😀

I believe that the most I have spent was for the 35-80mm f/2.8 lens, around $900 (€650), from a fellow Zuikoholic in Europe. A rather breath-taking lens.

 

[Lilserenity]

£79 (100/2.8). Pretty puny compared to most folks, but I chase a mean bargain.

In fact my OM kit (2 x OM2ns, 50 1.8, 50 1.4, 28 3.5, 100 2.8, lens hoods for all) only cost me just over £230 and to think what I have got out of it, priceless!

So I've probably spent the least, no less a Zuiko/OM fan for it mind!

Given I can shoot this thing reliably at 1/30th with minimal shake with the 50mm lenses, my M2 is pretty forlorn to be honest...

Vicky

 

[sreed2006]

What is great about Zuiko lenses is that nice ones can be found for really good prices. For example, I bought a 28/2.8 a week or two ago for $40. It is in great condition, and the picture quality it produces is excellent.

There are some expensive Zuikos, too. For years, I've had my eye out for a 250/2. I'm still saving up - maybe someday.

 

[FrankS]

I have very little money into my Olympus kit, but then I don't have any of the Star Zuikos. 28f2.8, 28f3.5, 35f2.8, 50f1.4, 50f1.8 MIJ, 100f2.8, 135f3.5

As an aside, I shot with an OM1 and an SP side by side, and preferred the view through the SLR to that of the RF, but perhaps the SP's viewfinder was dirty/hazy.

 

[ChrisN]

The most expensive OM lens I'll own will probably be the 85/2, when I can find one I can afford!