OM Bargain Buy

[ColinW]

Last week when trawling through fleabay I noticed a lens for sale, a Tamron SP 35-80mm macro. What drew my attention to it was in the small photo there was what looked like an Olympus Compartment S hard case in the background. Being nosey I had a look, but to my surprise although the lens was the featured item, it also included the case, a Sunpak flash and...an OM3! The listing said the OM3 was working fine mechanically but the electrics were out, so it was included with the lens. I put in a reasonable bid thinking I had no chance but the great god Maitani shone on me and I won.

It was delivered and is cosmetically excellent, and as listed, works fine mechanically through all shutter speeds (as compared to my recently CLA'd OM4, both with a strip of film in). I put new silver cell batteries in and not a peep from the electrics. The only other problem seems to be the dreaded Tamron disease where the lens mounting has snipped off the top of the spot metering ball/button. I'm not sure if this can be replaced or not but as the electrics aren't working it's neither here nor there at the moment.

For now I'm going to take it for a test drive using either 'Sunny 16' (in Scotland?!) or using the OM4 as a light meter, then send it to Keith Leedham for a look over. If it can't be repaired, the worse case scenario is that I get a separate light meter or carry both cameras: colour in the OM4; black & white in the OM3; using the OM4 as a light meter when using the OM3.

At the end of the day I've got a cosmetically/mechanically sound OM3 (plus the lens, flash and case) for about the price of a 35RC. My Zuikoholism is sated... for the moment 😉

Attached is a picture with his new best friend.

 

[dtcls100]

I'm happy that you're happy with your purchase. But what is the point of having an OM-3 without a functioning meter? Isn't that the whole point of having one, as opposed to having an OM-1 which also will work without batteries and is a hell of alot cheaper to buy and have serviced? By the way, I don't think the OM-3's circuit board (which is likely the problem) can be fixed or replaced, as Olympus never issued upgraded circuit boards for the model and other OM-3 cameras are pretty scarce.

 

[ColinW]

dtcls100,

As I mentioned, there are other ways to use it if the meter is gone, and yes you're right; if it's the meter there's no chance of repair. If the meter is gone it's no problem, I have an OM1n and use that without the meter and get good results. If nothing else it's another OM to the collection 😉.

 

[former member]

Well, I'd be elated if someone included a working OM-3 sans meter as a free rear lens cap. My Weston 715 provides most of the metering that I'll ever need, and is compatible with an OM-3.

Congratulations.

 

[ferider]

Good deal, Colin. You might want to try John Hermanson, to fix it.

But even without meter, it will be a more reliable camera than the OM1, you possibly have a brighter screen, etc.

Roland.

 

[BillBingham2]

You got two great items, the OM-3 (which should go to John for some TLC, he is the best) and the small hard case. If that is the one I think of it ROCKS. I have a small Leica hard case that I love. Even if you do not fix her right now she is a wonderful find at a GREAT price. Congrats.

B2 (;->

 

[ColinW]

My Weston 715 provides most of the metering that I'll ever need, and is compatible with an OM-3

Brian, thanks for the heads up. The Weston 715 looks quite small and cool.

...you possibly have a brighter screen.

Roland, it's strange you should say that, 'cos I thought screen was brighter than normal, but I when I looked it's just got 13 on the tab not 2-13.

...the small hard case. If that is the one I think of it ROCKS.

Bill,

It's the small one at this link:

http://zuserver2.star.ucl.ac.uk/~rwesson/esif/om-sif/casegroup/compartment_case_s.htm

I've had one for a few years and it's handy for a small walkabout kit.



I'm also aware that John H is a God, but I'd rather stick to the UK and I find Keith Leedham the best for me. Thanks.

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