OM, I've become a Zuikoholic!

In the USA the 85/2 seems to go for about twice the price of the 100/2.8 and from what I've seen in the last few months, if you can find an 85 in good shape for under $200 you're very lucky. At KEH an 85/2 in BGN shape currently goes for about $200, in EX shape about $300.

http://www.keh.com/Class-Products/1/OM/6/55963/WG.aspx

I have no connection to KEH but they've always treated me right and their rating system is very reliable. I bought a 28/2.8 and a 100/2.8 from them, both EX grade. They looked almost brand new and have performed flawlessly.

You may be able to get a better deal on eBay or from a private dealer, but I haven't seen many available, and no deals on the few I've seen, but if you're more patient than I am, you probably will.

Good luck!
 
Well, I've jumped into the the OM pool with both feet. Got two OM-2 bodies, an OM-1n on the way, and these lenses: 28/2.8, 50/1.8 (two of these), 85/2, and I have a line on a 24/2.8. This should be a good start ;)
John
 
johnny9fingers said:
Well, I've jumped into the the OM pool with both feet. Got two OM-2 bodies, an OM-1n on the way, and these lenses: 28/2.8, 50/1.8 (two of these), 85/2, and I have a line on a 24/2.8. This should be a good start ;)
John
Click to expand...


This pretty well mirrors my OM kit ... and it now constitutes the majority of my black and white film usage!

I sometimes wonder why we bother with all that other camera gear! :D
 
How right you are, Keith. I'm seriously considering thinning my herd
of everything except my OMs and Bessas.

Too many nice toys just lanquishing for lack of attention.

Nikons, Canons and assorted FSU will soon be leaving the premises...

(Yes, of course I'll post on RFF 1st.)
 
Last edited:
Hi Keith, I know I'm pretty much a 35mm guy, but I've seen some wonderful work you've done with your medium format gear. The shot of you leaning on your car with the road going off to the horizon is a classic....
 
I happen to be reestablishing my OM kit at this time. If anyone's thinning their herd, PM me with what you are letting go. Right now I'm looking for an 85/2 and a 55. Yes, 55 not 50. Thanks
 
pggunn said:
In the USA the 85/2 seems to go for about twice the price of the 100/2.8 and from what I've seen in the last few months, if you can find an 85 in good shape for under $200 you're very lucky. At KEH an 85/2 in BGN shape currently goes for about $200, in EX shape about $300.

http://www.keh.com/Class-Products/1/OM/6/55963/WG.aspx

I have no connection to KEH but they've always treated me right and their rating system is very reliable. I bought a 28/2.8 and a 100/2.8 from them, both EX grade. They looked almost brand new and have performed flawlessly.

You may be able to get a better deal on eBay or from a private dealer, but I haven't seen many available, and no deals on the few I've seen, but if you're more patient than I am, you probably will.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Okay! Maybe I spoke up too soon.

Post from Trius:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1189742#post1189742

Local (Boston) cash sale only, but perhaps someone could help out:

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/pho/1467060224.html
__________________
My Gallery Flickr
Fine grain is a bourgeois concept

Happiness is APX100 and Rodinal 1:100
A bunch o cameras. Does it really matter?
http://weedram.blogspot.com
 
50/1.4 Question

50/1.4 Question

Hello everyone,
I've been following this thread for awhile & have decided to take the plunge. I'm looking at a black OM2n with a 50/1.4 lens. I've heard that some of these 50's are better than others & would like to know the serial range of the better of the lot? Somehow, I'm sure I can count on this group to help me out here.

MANY years ago, when I first became interested in photography & trying to decide on a camera system, the OM1 & 2 were on the short list but I went for Nikon instead. Now it seems the circle has been completed & I'll finaly get a chance to work with an OM. Can't wait!! Thanks for spreading Zuikoholism...:)
 
johnny9fingers said:
Well, I've jumped into the the OM pool with both feet. Got two OM-2 bodies, an OM-1n on the way, and these lenses: 28/2.8, 50/1.8 (two of these), 85/2, and I have a line on a 24/2.8. This should be a good start ;)
John
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a good start all right! First order of business is to get one of those OM bodies CLA'd (if necessary).
If you get the 24/2.8, you might find that it is too close in perspective to the 28/2.8. I had a similar setup to yours, and ended up getting rid of my 24/2.8 and saving up for a 21/3.5. I really liked the 24/2.8, but found it way too close in perspective to my 28/2, and preferred the look of the 28/2.

You should also think about getting one of the 135mm lenses, they are both nice, inexpensive, and make a good compliment to the 85/2.
 
nikku said:
Yeah, that's a good start all right! First order of business is to get one of those OM bodies CLA'd (if necessary).
If you get the 24/2.8, you might find that it is too close in perspective to the 28/2.8. I had a similar setup to yours, and ended up getting rid of my 24/2.8 and saving up for a 21/3.5. I really liked the 24/2.8, but found it way too close in perspective to my 28/2, and preferred the look of the 28/2.

You should also think about getting one of the 135mm lenses, they are both nice, inexpensive, and make a good compliment to the 85/2.
Click to expand...

All the cameras have been cla'd so I'm good to go :)
 
my 50/1.4 is an MC copy with a serial at about 930.000
The earlier versions are softer.
I haven't compared it to a >1.1mil, they seem to be quite rare

On another note, nobody has done a comparison of the 50/1.4 with pictures, online, that I know of.
 
The early 1.4 may be a little less sharp wide open but if I don't have the later one I don't really know this do I?

Ignorance is bliss and sharpness is over rated! :D
 
Keith said:
The early 1.4 may be a little less sharp wide open but if I don't have the later one I don't really know this do I?

Ignorance is bliss and sharpness is over rated! :D
Click to expand...

Exactly what Keith said. :D


4104658987_95b25f7eb9_o.jpg

Early 50/1.4 with silver nose
(I've posted this pic before somewhere but this one is a scanned darkroom print)
 
Haha, i like the "sharpness is overrated" Keith:p

This thread is very poisonous and harmful to my bank account, especially with me hovering around KEH.com everyday trying to think of a 3 lens kit for my holiday. lol

I wonder if EXC for keh is any better than BGN, or its just purely cosmetic. Anyone had experiences buying BGN OM lenses there?
 
I've got an early silvernose 50/1.4 (don't know the serial number, and it isn't to hand right now), and I love it - wide open it might not be the sharpest lens in the world, but I love the results I get from it in b&w.

Best,
 
I think its just cosmetics anyway, since everything has to work. Personally, no experience buying OM lenses there, but just about everyone says that KEH's "BGN" category is a good value and the pieces are not nearly as "bad" cosmetically as you would think. Probably another seller's "EX" at least. (From what I've heard)

dacookieman said:
Haha, i like the "sharpness is overrated" Keith:p

This thread is very poisonous and harmful to my bank account, especially with me hovering around KEH.com everyday trying to think of a 3 lens kit for my holiday. lol

I wonder if EXC for keh is any better than BGN, or its just purely cosmetic. Anyone had experiences buying BGN OM lenses there?
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom