Olympus Q&A thread

[DCB]

I saw a Olympus 28mm 2.0 in the classifieds a while back and the add is gone. Anyone know if it's still for sale?

Peace

 

[Noll]

I have an OM-4 and OMG that, when used on "AUTO" mode, seem to overexpose.

When this happens, the meter reading appears correct, but the mirror seems to stay up for longer than it should.

Is this a common issue, or am I doing something wrong?

 

[John Hermanson]

The OM-4 finder is very good IMO ... but the OM-1 is definitely a few notches above it. I haven't used a lot of SLRs but the ones I have used always get a fail for their finders. Once you've looked through a good OM-1 finder it's hard to be satisfied with anything else.

OM-2S, 3, 4, 4T have semi silvered mirrors so part of the light goes to the finder, the other part goes to the cell in the mirror box floor. End result is the finder in those cameras is darker. John

 

[John Hermanson]

I have an OM-4 and OMG that, when used on "AUTO" mode, seem to overexpose.

When this happens, the meter reading appears correct, but the mirror seems to stay up for longer than it should.

Is this a common issue, or am I doing something wrong?

If you're "testing" auto function, a lens must be mounted and test film must be loaded, otherwise light is reflected off the black pressure plate and the shutter stays open much longer than it should. John

 

[John Hermanson]

I got one on ebay...it's like new. I stole it (price wise).

Will post pics soon.

Peace

You are lucky and fortunate to get one in like new condition. many of them have scratched/worn down front elements. That part seemed to have an unusually soft coating subject to easy damage. Part is no longer available. John

 

[Chris101]

OM-2S, 3, 4, 4T have semi silvered mirrors so part of the light goes to the finder, the other part goes to the cell in the mirror box floor. End result is the finder in those cameras is darker. John

Where does the OM-1's meter pick off it's light?

 

[wblynch]

Where does the OM-1's meter pick off it's light?

There are two cells at the back of the penta-prism, on either side of the eyepiece.

 

[DCB]

I ment I bought a like new 50mm Olympus metal lens hood.

I would like to get a 28mm 2.0 though.

Peace

You are lucky and fortunate to get one in like new condition. many of them have scratched/worn down front elements. That part seemed to have an unusually soft coating subject to easy damage. Part is no longer available. John

 

[DCB]

Just got a motor drive 2 today and it seems that the battery pack is not keeping a charge (I do not have a charger). I was wondering if it is wroth trying to replace the batteries (aftermarket?)?

Thanks

Peace

 

[DCB]

I am looking for the Olympus strap that is made from some type of material with some type of tacky material on the underside. It is has a contoured shape for your shoulder/neck.

Thanks

Peace

 

[Lawrence A.]

Just how bad is the OM-4 battery drain. I have a chance to get a $99 OM-4 in workable used condition, with body rubs and paint loss but no dings or dents, and with new seals. At that price I'm tempted to just go for it and buy stock in a battery manufacturer.

 

[DCB]

The battery thing can be bad. Just carry extra batteries.

The battery in the 4T will last for a year or so.


Peace

 

[Lawrence A.]

Thanks. I went ahead and got it anyway. For the money, and with a guarantee that all functions work, it seemed silly to hold back, especially as the large photos indicated fairly normal use. I've got an OM-1, and an OM-10, including the manual adapter, that I got for $10 at a thrift store. An OM-4 will be a nice addition.

 

[Noll]

Just how bad is the OM-4 battery drain. I have a chance to get a $99 OM-4 in workable used condition, with body rubs and paint loss but no dings or dents, and with new seals. At that price I'm tempted to just go for it and buy stock in a battery manufacturer.

Sometimes I get a couple months out of a pair of batteries, sometimes just a couple weeks. It probably depends how good I am at switching it to "B" or the red "60" which is supposed to shut off the circuit. Either way, it can be a pain. Thankfully, those little button cells are cheap as dirt online so there's no reason to keep a couple extra sets.

 

[CliveC]

I bought a OM4 a while back from a camera store via eBay before I knew about the battery problem. Luckily, a quick test showed that the circuitry had been updated at some point.

 

[Lawrence A.]

I'll test mine when I get it, but I'm not counting on it having had the 4T circuitry installed. I did just order a 10 pack of batteries for it, though, so I should be good to go for a while.

 

[Lawrence A.]

I don't know if this is just an OM series thread or not, but it says "Olympus" so I'll risk it.

Does anyone else shoot the Olympus 35 SP?? I recently got one in pristine condition, and absolutely love it. The 42mm focal length provides a very useful walk-around field of view, the lens itself is a real contender, sharp, and contrasty enough without being brutal. I love the way the manual exposure works: the viewfinder gives an EV value, that you match with any appropriate combination of shutter speed and aperture. I guess some people don't like it, but it seems simplicity itself to me. The spot meter is very useful, although the meter seems heavily weighted toward the center in any event, and the thing is very well built. The meter in the one I have is very accurate and the negatives are beautiful. I've used some of the other Olympus rangefinders and zone focus cameras, and the SP is in a class unto itself.

 

[Rodchenko]

I adore my 35SPs. One doesn't have a functional light meter, which is a wee bit irritating, but no problem really. Favourite camera ever.

There are several threads on 35SPs in the Olympus rangefinder board. This is in SLRs, so I expect it's mainly about OMs.

 

[dtcls100]

35 Sp

35 Sp

I have 4 fully working (including a black SP), and one semi-broken one. Wonderful lens and 42mm focal length. Spot metering is great too. The flashmatic system gives simple and perfect flash exposures too -- being based on the flash guide number and focusing distance -- without having to compensate for dark or bright backgrounds.

 

[Rodchenko]

I confess I've tested the flash works with my SP, but I haven't actually used it with film in.