kbg32
neo-romanticist
I owned an OM-3. It was an upgrade from my OM1n. I sold it around some years ago for 3x the price I paid for it. They became very desirable and collectable. That "averaging" spot meter was awesome!
Olympus OM-3 review (finding the holy grail)
- Thread starter Keith
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cidereye
Film Freak
Probably one of the best meters ever on a camera IMHO.
I agree with an earlier comment about "coffee grinder film advance" though, probably the worst I've certainly ever encountered on a 35mm camera. I have a beater OM-3 that is in perfect working order and had a full CLA by a UK Olympus specialist before I purchased it and the wind on is as bad as all my other OM's inc the OM-4 Ti. Hey ho. 🙁
Vickko
Veteran
I have an OM4 with a "twang".
But my OM4TI doesn't have a twang.
So - maybe model and unit-dependent.
But my OM4TI doesn't have a twang.
So - maybe model and unit-dependent.
Ade-oh
Well-known
Well, I've said it before but I'll say it again now: I never really liked my OM-3. The metering didn't add much to the mix because it was much less convenient to use than the OM-4 version (i.e., it didn't auto-expose) and the battery drain issue was a huge pain in the arse. I'm very happy with my OM-1s (and my OM-4tis) which between them do everything I ask of them, in an elegant package.
That's not to say the OM-3 is a bad camera, but it certainly didn't suit me.
That's not to say the OM-3 is a bad camera, but it certainly didn't suit me.
bonatto
looking out
Nice write up, Keith, never tried an OM but want to handle one now!
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Amazing to see this thread pop up out of the blue ... I was fondling the OM-3 today and thinking about putting some batteries in it and re-uniting myself with it. I think I still prefer my OM-1 at a sentimental level though! 🙂
wblynch
Well-known
I think I will get my OM-3 out this weekend. It's been a while since I used it. The last time I didn't realize it had no batteries until I was out in the field. Just used it sunny 16 and all was well.
Sometimes, when I depend too much on meters that's when things go awry. Best to stick with the basics. So I guess that's a case for the OM-1 !
Sometimes, when I depend too much on meters that's when things go awry. Best to stick with the basics. So I guess that's a case for the OM-1 !
raid
Dad Photographer
Many years ago, and as I was using Canon FD cameras, I was very much tempted by the OM3, but decided to stick with Canon cameras instead. I wonder which lenses I may had bought had I switched to Olympus.
Strelnikoff
Member
I have several OMs 1 through 3. The OM3 is perfect for extreme lighting conditions like available light indoors with very high ISO. For all other circumstances I prefer the OM1n. The OM2n is used in manual mode mostly. I am overextended by too many controls (besides other things that's why digis and zoom lenses are not for me) and the shutter dial on the OM3 is too slim. Film advance is rough compared to the OM1 but that's said to be blamed to the gears made of steel.
giellaleafapmu
Well-known
Welcome to the club, I also got one and it is a great camera. Unfortunately mine drains batteries at a surprising pace, but it's ok, a pair of LR44 go for about two weaks, a reasonable price to pay to use the camera.
GLF
GLF
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
valdas
Veteran
I love my OM-1, but I was unlucky with OM-2 SP (battery drain) and now bad luck with OM-4ti. I have sold OM-2 SP for parts, but still keep OM-4Ti. It has a strange issue - from time to time the shutter fires while advancing the film advance lever (or maybe, to be correct - it is not the shutter that fires, but mirror goes up and down and shutter does not cock and it needs another advance of the lever to cock the shutter which results in wasted frame). I gave it to repair three times, they said they did not find anything wrong 🙁 But I was thinking that maybe the motor winder will be the solution for this issue...
wblynch
Well-known
The OM-3 is better than an OM-1 because:
* Impresses the dudes
* Fantastic complex metering system
* Uses modern, easily available batteries
* Built in flash shoe. No cracks, broken or missing flash shoes
* No prism grunge
* 1/2000th shutter speed. Plus newer more accurate shutter
* Tougher and more rugged
* Worth more if you have to sell it (but your wife doesn't know that)
OM-1 is better than OM-3 because:
* Impresses the chicks
* Fantastic simple metering system
* Quieter and smoother
* Meter off switch to save batteries
* Self timer
* PC flash socket
* Mirror lock up
* cheaper and easier to buy
* Impresses the dudes
* Fantastic complex metering system
* Uses modern, easily available batteries
* Built in flash shoe. No cracks, broken or missing flash shoes
* No prism grunge
* 1/2000th shutter speed. Plus newer more accurate shutter
* Tougher and more rugged
* Worth more if you have to sell it (but your wife doesn't know that)
OM-1 is better than OM-3 because:
* Impresses the chicks
* Fantastic simple metering system
* Quieter and smoother
* Meter off switch to save batteries
* Self timer
* PC flash socket
* Mirror lock up
* cheaper and easier to buy
Gid
Well-known
Agree, but OM1 plus OM4 or Ti is close.
dubya
Established
If the OM-3 is like the OM-4, setting the shutter to Bulb will keep the meter off while it's in the bag. I never had a battery problem after doing that with the 4ti.
I miss my OM-4ti, that line has one of the most intuitive metering systems ever IMO. Too bad for me the OM-3 is so darn expensive and, since it's mechanical, doesn't have the auto averaging or highlight and shadow spotmeter functions. 🙁
W
Strelnikoff
Member
It is auto averaging and has the hi lo functions. All you will miss is aperture priority exposure. A simple OM3 can be had for about 300€, if you can find one at all. The OM3Ti is really expensive though. The advantages over the regular OM3 doesn't justify the high price IMHO. I didn't notice a battery drain on mine by the way.
dubya
Established
Thanks for the insight. I've never used the 3 and only actually seen two of them in person. I'm assuming that the meter shows you the proper settings for hi lo and averaging spot but you have to set them yourself. Making it just like the 4 only without the automation and much more reliable being a mechanical camera. ?
I probably shouldn't have read this thread... now I'm lusting after OMs again. 😱
😀
W
marcr1230
Well-known
@dubya - yes , it is just like the 4 w/o automation - very sweet camera
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
One thing I have noticed about the OM-3 is the build quality ... it feels really solid in a way that an OM-4 doesn't for some reason.
______
Well-known
The attraction of the OM-3 for me is, in addition to the all mechanical nature (I have no interest in the OM-2 and OM-4), the spot metering. I have never handled one though. Can you just select spot metering and go with it, without going through the top button highlight shadow presses. I just want to choose an area, place it in its appropriate zone, and adjust exposure accordingly.
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