jpa66
Jan as in "Jan and Dean"
After reading all of these OM threads here ( including one that I started several months ago, I thought that it would be fun to try one out. Having just bought a new camera, however, I didn't want to fork over any more dough. Lo and behold, I found a cache of OM stuff super cheap from an elderly gentleman who hasn't used them in 20 years.
So I now have the following:
OM 1, 2 and 4.
Zuiko lenses:
- 21 f/3.5
- 28 f/3.5
- 50 f/1.4
- 50 Macro f/3.5
- 75-150/4 zoom
- a Tamron 28-80/4-3.5 zoom
There was a bunch of other stuff, also: a couple of motor winders, a few focusing screens, lots of filters, a couple of flashes and various other things. He also kept, and included all of the camera manuals, as well as magazine articles about the OM4. The OM1 needs to have it's prism replaced, as it looks like the foam has melted through to the viewfinder ( I thought that the OM 1n was the one with this problem ). The 2 and 4 look pretty good, and all the lenses are in nice shape upon cursory inspection.
I've read some things about the 50mm 1.4, but not much about the other lenses, especially the 50 macro. Once I get batteries, I'm going to fool around with the 4 and 2, and I'll figure out what to do about the 1 later.
If anyone wants to add their opinions on the lenses ( what I can expect, etc... ) feel free.
Also, if anyone has 1 or 2 screw caps to cover the spot where the motor winder links up with the camera, let me know, as I don't plan on using it.
JP
So I now have the following:
OM 1, 2 and 4.
Zuiko lenses:
- 21 f/3.5
- 28 f/3.5
- 50 f/1.4
- 50 Macro f/3.5
- 75-150/4 zoom
- a Tamron 28-80/4-3.5 zoom
There was a bunch of other stuff, also: a couple of motor winders, a few focusing screens, lots of filters, a couple of flashes and various other things. He also kept, and included all of the camera manuals, as well as magazine articles about the OM4. The OM1 needs to have it's prism replaced, as it looks like the foam has melted through to the viewfinder ( I thought that the OM 1n was the one with this problem ). The 2 and 4 look pretty good, and all the lenses are in nice shape upon cursory inspection.
I've read some things about the 50mm 1.4, but not much about the other lenses, especially the 50 macro. Once I get batteries, I'm going to fool around with the 4 and 2, and I'll figure out what to do about the 1 later.
If anyone wants to add their opinions on the lenses ( what I can expect, etc... ) feel free.
Also, if anyone has 1 or 2 screw caps to cover the spot where the motor winder links up with the camera, let me know, as I don't plan on using it.
JP
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
The OM-1 needs to be converted to modern batteries or use a criscam converter. Under low light situations I have found that the OM-1's meter will not give accurate readings. Congratualtions.
zuikologist
.........................
I daren't ask what this cost, it might make me cry.
There is a receptacle in the motor winder battery compartment for the metal caps. They may be there.
There is a receptacle in the motor winder battery compartment for the metal caps. They may be there.
jpa66
Jan as in "Jan and Dean"
The only opening I could find on the winder is the battery compartment, and it is empty.
The lot was 60 USD.
The lot was 60 USD.
jpa66
Jan as in "Jan and Dean"
Oops - just re-read your post.
Battery compartment empty.
Battery compartment empty.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
Did the previous owner happen to place the body caps in the place provided by the manufacturer...???
Olympus provided a socket in the Motor Drive to store the cap...Pentax Winders and the Nikon F2's Motor Drive provided a safe place to store these covers...
BillBingham2
Registered User
jpa66
Jan as in "Jan and Dean"
OK - found them! ( The battery caps that is ). They were in the winders, I just kept missing them. Thanks to Zuikologist and Nikon Sam for pointing it out to me.
Has anyone used the 21/3.5 and/or the 28/3.5? I've read about their faster brethren, but not about the slower ones.
Has anyone used the 21/3.5 and/or the 28/3.5? I've read about their faster brethren, but not about the slower ones.
FA Limited
missing in action
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
SIXTY dollars with a six and one zero. WOW. You just robbed the gentleman!
Now I'm heading SF craigslist with very low hope of finding such deal.
Now I'm heading SF craigslist with very low hope of finding such deal.
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
I would stick the 50mm on the OM-2 and take a film through to get experience of the camera and OM system. You have an abundance of riches. I would try to resist the tempatation to try out everything. The OM-2 is the simpler of your two working camera so I would use that first.
Incidentally I paid £12 extra for a' new' prism in my OM-1 when the camera was being cleaned and battery upgraded - that cost just under £50. Then you have to factor in postage costs to and from the repairer. I agree with you to leave the OM-1 for another day.
Great collection you have though. You can sell everything else now!
Incidentally I paid £12 extra for a' new' prism in my OM-1 when the camera was being cleaned and battery upgraded - that cost just under £50. Then you have to factor in postage costs to and from the repairer. I agree with you to leave the OM-1 for another day.
Great collection you have though. You can sell everything else now!
FrankS
Registered User
Congrats. I had a similar (but not quite as good) incident of OM good luck. For $15, the price of shipping, I got a nice OM1 (sticky film wind lever), winder 1, 28mmf3.5, 50mmf1.8 silver nose, and 100mm f2.8, all in a nifty hard case. (actually a repurposed vintage makeup case)
pagpow
Well-known
PatrickT
New Rangefinder User
I have the 28/3.5....its a great little lens that I use on my 5D primarily. Stopped down it is very sharp.
I've heard that the 21/3.5 is fantastic. I'd love to have a copy!
bawang
Established
I have the 28/3.5 and let me tell you it's a superb gem. It is surprisingly sharp with nice colors. The 21/3.5 on the other hand is lousy so send it to me
Seriously, the 21/3.5 is the best of the bunch. It's a much sought after lens. There is a serious fan over at fredmiranda Alt forum.
Enjoy.
Seriously, the 21/3.5 is the best of the bunch. It's a much sought after lens. There is a serious fan over at fredmiranda Alt forum.
Enjoy.
vrgard
Well-known
As jealous as I may be, it is still nice to read such "found gold" stories. Gives me hope that I'll find a rich vein someday as well.
-Randy
-Randy
P
Paul Connet
Guest
The prism foam problem is there in the OM2 as well, it just hasn't shown up yet. There is a tutorial explaining how to open them up for cleaning out the foam somewhere on the net. A fairly simple job and good to get out of the way before it starts eating on the prism coating. I kind of remember that the prism can be salvaged even after the damage, but you need to get it out and clean up the mess first.
I have done the clean up on four of my own 1n & 2, 2n bodies and it really is simple and straight forward.
regards, Paul C.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
The prism foam problem was fixed with the 1n, maybe even the 1MD, I can't recall. John will straighten us out or you can search a past thread here.
Congrats, it's a great haul. The 50 macro is quite nice as well.
Congrats, it's a great haul. The 50 macro is quite nice as well.
kuzano
Veteran
Don't convert the OM-1 or buy adaptors....
Don't convert the OM-1 or buy adaptors....
Wein cells (Zinc Air) batteries are available from 3 or 4 suppliers on eBay.
1) They are about $21 for 4.
2) They are rated at 1.35v and have a flat voltage curve.
3) Once you take off the seal, the air activates the process.
4) The shelf life is very long without exposing the Zinc to air.
5) The chemical process can be reduced by taping over the air holes.
6) They are exactly the same shape as the old mercury battery, needing no O-rings, or other jury rigging actions.
7) I consistently get 6 months on them with regular use.
8) I consistently get one year out of them if I tape over the air holes during periods of no use.
9) I've used them in my OM-1's, my Canon GIII 1.7QL and many other cameras.
I've never had a camera that used the old mercury PX625 batteries converted for exposure with 1.5 volt batteries. I've never bought a Cris or other adaptor. I use the Wein Cells which are readily available within 3-5 days and last as long as I leave them on the shelf un-activated.
The number that fits the OM-1 (px625 replacement) is MRB625. Here is a link to one site that explains and sells them. They can be bought for a bit less on eBay.
http://www.myoldcamera.com/Wein%20Cell%20Page%203.25.06.html
Here is an eBay listing at 4 for $20.49
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Wein-Cell-Bat...eras?hash=item3ef6989fa4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Don't convert the OM-1 or buy adaptors....
Wein cells (Zinc Air) batteries are available from 3 or 4 suppliers on eBay.
1) They are about $21 for 4.
2) They are rated at 1.35v and have a flat voltage curve.
3) Once you take off the seal, the air activates the process.
4) The shelf life is very long without exposing the Zinc to air.
5) The chemical process can be reduced by taping over the air holes.
6) They are exactly the same shape as the old mercury battery, needing no O-rings, or other jury rigging actions.
7) I consistently get 6 months on them with regular use.
8) I consistently get one year out of them if I tape over the air holes during periods of no use.
9) I've used them in my OM-1's, my Canon GIII 1.7QL and many other cameras.
I've never had a camera that used the old mercury PX625 batteries converted for exposure with 1.5 volt batteries. I've never bought a Cris or other adaptor. I use the Wein Cells which are readily available within 3-5 days and last as long as I leave them on the shelf un-activated.
The number that fits the OM-1 (px625 replacement) is MRB625. Here is a link to one site that explains and sells them. They can be bought for a bit less on eBay.
http://www.myoldcamera.com/Wein%20Cell%20Page%203.25.06.html
Here is an eBay listing at 4 for $20.49
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Wein-Cell-Bat...eras?hash=item3ef6989fa4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Last edited:
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
If you need to have an OM-1 overhauled, John will include converting to SR44/357 type. It's not that a zinc-air battery (Wein or otherwise) isn't a good option, it's about having only one type of battery to stock when you have other OM-2/3/4 etc., bodies.