Oly OM1/1n or 2/2n?

[jpa66]

Thinking about getting my wife a film slr, and am considering the Oly OM 1 or 2. Which one do you Oly OM users recommend - the OM 1 or 2? What's the main difference between the standard OM's and their "n" versions, and is it worth getting one over the other?

JP

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Get either a 2 or 2n. The OM-2 and 2n use modern silver-oxide batteries, the OM-1 uses mercury. The 2 also offers autoexposure if you ever want it.

 

[Eryximachos]

Camtech says get the OM-1n over the OM-1

Camtech says get the OM-1n over the OM-1

I've had several OM's repaired by Camtech, who work exclusively on film burning Olympuses. Their motto is "Dedicated to Preserving the OM System".

When I first started acquiring OM gears, I sought the OM-1n over the OM-1 based on the following from Camtech's web site:

"I recommend any used 1N over a plain OM-1 of any production date. Top quality material has been used throughout. A key meter gear that began as plastic was upgraded to brass. The screw that held the battery contact down, started as metal, went to nylon, then went BACK to metal. The 1N had become a hybrid of the original 1 from 1973. It differed from the 1 in these ways: the 1N has an LED in the viewfinder which lights when a T flash (or other brand of dedicated unit) is ready to fire. A smooth contoured wind lever, a more contoured rewind release button on the front (which you will now find on some original 1s due to the unavailability of the original rewind release lever), modified back cover springs to firmly hold the film cartridge in place, and an internal contact to connect to Databack 3 or 4." Source: http://www.zuiko.com/index_028.htm

 

[jpa66]

The 2 sounds like it'd be better for her, if it has auto exposure.

Any ideas on a nice wide angle Oly lens that works well with the 2?

 

[Keith]

How wide? ... the Zuiko 35mm f2 is an absolute gem!

 

[jpa66]

Interesting info on the OM 1n. I'll check out more on the 2.

Thanks.

 

[fbf]

Im going with 1n. Simple and perfect for me.

 

[jpa66]

For width, 35mm is good, but a 28 or 24 would be even better, as I wouldn't mind using it every once in awhile, also...

 

[Keith]

I have 24mm f2.8 ~ 28mm f2.8 as well as the 35mm f2 and they are all superb!

I'm pretty sure I took this with the 24mm!

 

[jpa66]

Nice photo - seems like you like your zuiko lenes!

 

[pagpow]

Get either a 2 or 2n. The OM-2 and 2n use modern silver-oxide batteries, the OM-1 uses mercury. The 2 also offers autoexposure if you ever want it.

Ditto choice, ditto reason.

 

[wray]

Thinking about getting my wife a film slr, and am considering the Oly OM 1 or 2. Which one do you Oly OM users recommend - the OM 1 or 2? What's the main difference between the standard OM's and their "n" versions, and is it worth getting one over the other?

JP

I'm letting my Om equipment go. Pm me if you're interested.

 

[ChrisN]

Get either a 2 or 2n. The OM-2 and 2n use modern silver-oxide batteries, the OM-1 uses mercury. The 2 also offers autoexposure if you ever want it.

What he said.

I also have some OM gear needing a new home - see link below to my advert in the RFF classifieds.

 

[ChrisN]

I have 24mm f2.8 ~ 28mm f2.8 as well as the 35mm f2 and they are all superb!

I'm pretty sure I took this with the 24mm!

Nice shot Keith. 24mm is turning into my favourite field-of-view. 🙂

 

[Aurelius]

Why not both?
A silver OM-1n and a black OM-2 + the winder.
I think she would love this combo! 🙂

 

[Robint]

I agree with Aurelius. At the price the cameras sell for get her an OM 1n. Completely mechanical, battery operates meter. Use a 1.4v zinc-oxide hearing aid battery & a #9 "o" ring from Home Depot. The OM 2n with its OTF control of upto 9 Oly or dedicated flashes is unbeatable.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I've both and can't say which I prefer; although sometimes I think I'll keep the 2 as it's auto or manual and the batteries are easier to get and last.

A couple of points; do a bit of research into the flash shoes. I think the 1 has a version that cracks and the 2 is what you'd expect. Also, keep your eye open for a flash extender that raises the flash by about 3 or 3½".

As for lenses I'd like the f/2 wide angles but the not so wides are pretty good and cheaper. As is the OM 10 which people despise (to judge by ebay prices) but I've used them and they work OK and the manual adapter does what it says on the box.

The lens people chase after and pay for is the 85mm f/2, which pairs nicely with the 35 or 28mm.

Regards, David

 

[mfunnell]

One thing to think on with the OM-1/1n is how well your wife might like the shutter speed control on the OMs on a manual-only camera. I love my OMs, and have used my OM-20 and OM-4T over many years. But I find the shutter ring a pure PITA, and hate using my (recently acquired and thankfully cheap) OM-1 because of that. Others don't find it a problem, or even like it, but I pretty much use my OMs only in AE (except when on tripod) because of that.

It might not be a problem for your wife, but then again it might be.

...Mike

 

[Chris101]

Get either a 2 or 2n. The OM-2 and 2n use modern silver-oxide batteries, the OM-1 uses mercury. The 2 also offers autoexposure if you ever want it.

Correction: (Un-modified) OM-1 and 1n use zinc air batteries, as you cannot buy the older mercury cells in the US.

 

[helen.HH]

I have an OM1 / purchased for $46.00 w/ a 50 1.4 zuiko lens
The Batteries I got at B&H / $4.95 each / #W9901201
WEIN CELL / 1.35 V mecury replacement
for OM & other Models

THE OM IS A PLEASURE to Use....