Most compact lens for Olympus OM2n (aside from the 40mm 1:2)

[Nitroplait]

A local brick & mortar shop had a used black OM2n with a 28mm 1:3.5 at an impossibly low price I couldn't resist.
I found the ultra low compact size irresistibly nice and started speculating if I could make it even more compact.
Aside from the crazy prized 40mm/2.0, what would be the lowest profile lens I could add to the OM2n - 3rd party lenses included?
I kind of doubt it is possible, but maybe something exists that I didn't think of?

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Crazy prices for that pancake 40 f2 $2,000 + USD ?? When i was using the similarly small Pentax MX i did like the tiny 40 2.8. Makes for a slim kit.

 

[Nitroplait]

Crazy prices for that pancake 40 f2 $2,000 + USD ?? When i was using the similarly small Pentax MX i did like the tiny 40 2.8. Makes for a slim kit.

LOL.
2000+ doesn't really make sense considering an otherwise excellent line of lenses which cost only a fraction of that.
I am familiar with the MX and 40mm pancake, a very nice little camera, but the ON2n came to me at a basically giveaway price, thus I am not inclined to change system. I am just toying with the idea to making a small package even smaller - if possible.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

LOL.
2000+ doesn't really make sense considering an otherwise excellent line of lenses which cost only a fraction of that.
I am familiar with the MX and 40mm pancake, a very nice little camera, but the ON2n came to me at a basically giveaway price, thus I am not inclined to change system. I am just toying with the idea to making a small package even smaller - if possible.

Of course, I just mentioned the MX since i used it recently and haven't used an OM for decades. Yes, stumbling on a black OM2 at a bargain price is a gift....and the thought of a trim body/lens combo gets the mind going. I've settled on the Leica CL w a 35mm Elmar as my tiny camera.

 

[zuiko85]

In practice the 35mm f2.8 is really compact enough for a moderate wide. The 40mm f2 is 25mm long and the 35mm f2.8 is 33mm long, only an extra 8mm. For my wide Zuikos, a 24 f2.8 and 35f2.8 I have installed a filter with the glass removed since both have the front elements so close to the rim. Also an advantage if you dent a rim you only need to screw in a new one.
I’ve had a 40 f2, it was too valuable to use so I sold it to purchase two other Zuiko’s.

 

[p.giannakis]

The 50f/1.8 is a small and good lens.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The 24/2.8, 28/3.5, 28/2.8, 35/2.8, and 50mm f1.8 are all about the same size. The 24/2.8, 28/2.8, and 50/1.8 are exceptionally good lenses. The 35/2.8 is ok, but not great. The 28/3.5 has a similar reputation but I have not personally used one.

 

[valdas]

21/3.5 is very compact, but surely - very wide as well…

 

[Danny D]

Crazy prices for that pancake 40 f2 $2,000 + USD ??

On eBay Japan there is price gouging on some specific lenses. the Zuiko 40/2 and 21/2 are notable examples of this.

I'm not going to spell out any eBay exploits, but I tell anyone who will listen to stop believing the listings under the 'sold' checkbox. That figure in green right there, it should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

A local brick & mortar shop had a used black OM2n with a 28mm 1:3.5 at an impossibly low price I couldn't resist.
I found the ultra low compact size irresistibly nice and started speculating if I could make it even more compact.
Aside from the crazy prized 40mm/2.0, what would be the lowest profile lens I could add to the OM2n - 3rd party lenses included?
I kind of doubt it is possible, but maybe something exists that I didn't think of?

I have that kit (in my case a black OM1n) and can't speak highly enough about the little 28/f3.5. It's a lovely bit of glass that punches well above it's weight.

 

[iphoenix]

I used to have a 28/3.5 M series. Sold it :bang:. It was a great lens and very compact. My OM series 28/3.5 and 50/1.8 are very compact, contrasty and sharp. Love 'em.

 

[zuikologist]

If you don’t mind going off brand, the Vivitar 28mm f2.8 close focus has a good reputation and is very compact and inexpensive.

 

[splitimageview]

On eBay Japan there is price gouging on some specific lenses. the Zuiko 40/2 and 21/2 are notable examples of this.

I'm not going to spell out any eBay exploits, but I tell anyone who will listen to stop believing the listings under the 'sold' checkbox. That figure in green right there, it should be taken with a grain of salt.

Believe it or not, the 40s are actually selling for these prices. If you have one, list it and you'll see. 🙂

 

[splitimageview]

what would be the lowest profile lens I could add to the OM2n - 3rd party lenses included?

I have no clue about 3rd party, but the replies above pretty much cover it. I had the 28/3.5 until recently when I picked up the 28/2.8 in a multicoated version at an estate sale, both are essentially the same size. The 28/2.8 and the 50/1.8 are identical in length when focused to infinity; the 50 is longer when set to close-focus.

 

[Paul T.]

the 50/1.8 is a fantastic lens, I also have the 50/1.4 but never use it.