OM, I've become a Zuikoholic!

chippy said:
To be fair Chris, i'm not 'harping' [;definition e,g,to talk or write persistently and tediously on a topic]...its one short resonably sound comment i have made on the topic (though it deserves more) and good advice generally speaking, though that doesnt mean getting a 1.1m is silly either if your heart desires it..go ahead but if your concerned about justifying it then you already have doubts and live/enjoy what you have i say.

though i havn't seen one for $80! if it was $80 then its possibly ruff (or mouldy lol) and you would be much better off with a sub 1.1m anyway..truth be told hardly anyone if anyone can tell the difference between them if given a blind test
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My comment about harping was more about the number of people who make comments like that, rather than saying you had harped. lol
 
Well my $139 black OM2n w/50/1.4 arrived & it's a keeper. There is only one small area of brassing on the leading edge of the left side top plate, right in front of the shutter release & there are no dents, dings or scratches & the optics are pristine, what a beautiful camera. All of the camera functions seem correct too. I know what I'll be doing this weekend...
 
mynikonf2 said:
Well my $139 black OM2n w/50/1.4 arrived & it's a keeper. There is only one small area of brassing on the leading edge of the left side top plate, right in front of the shutter release & there are no dents, dings or scratches & the optics are pristine, what a beautiful camera. All of the camera functions seem correct too. I know what I'll be doing this weekend...
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🙂

Alright! I think you're going to love it. It's a great system - small, rugged, well designed and beautifully made, versatile, excellent optics, and quite a bargain too.

I picked up a black OM1-MD and a chrome OM2 with a 50/1.8 almost two months ago at a camera show. Since then I've added a 28/2.8, a 28/2, a 100/2.8, as well as an Oly 35RC and a DC for my wife!

I've sold all my digital gear and started developing my own film - a large stock of Arista - using Xtol for now. My brother-in-law is giving me his old Epson v500 scanner when he comes down from Richmond in a week or two and I'll post some. I'm through buying any gear for a while - basically just converted all my digital gear to film, but hope to get a better scanner next Spring. Would love to build a darkroom and get an enlarger, et cetera, but don't have the space, extra plumbing or money now.

We do have an old HP 4xxxx something flatbed scanner with film adaptor at work, but it really clips the highlights and shadows. The histograms look like they go from about 75 to 175 instead of 0 to 256. I don't know what that translates to in dynamic range, but seems like about a 2! 🙁

Even so, here's one of those poor scans from my very first roll. One of my girls with one of her puppies. Minimal editing in Aperture. OM1-MD with 50/1.4:

4121125442_10eb6e6143_b.jpg
 
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P.S.

On my very first roll I was very nervous and studied all the relevant posts on RFF, read books, visited other websites, sacrificed an old roll of film learning to load the reel, prepared everything meticulously, and performed all the steps carefully, methodically, then realized that I hadn't counted on a roll of film being almost five feet long! The place I'd rigged up to hang the film for drying wasn't tall enough! WTF am I gonna do? I needed three hands! Grabbed some gaffers tape and used my teeth, hands, body language and a liberal amount of cursing to rig something up that worked and then dropped the film in the bathtub! D'oh! :bang: Hence the flaws sprinkled liberally about in the image. But it's funny now and I really learned quite a bit. It is starting to get easier. Whew!
 
What I did in my current digs was buy a couple of suction cup hooks from the hardware store, making sure I bought a model whose suction cup was at least 4cm in diameter. I knew I'd really only need one, but I bought two just in case. 😀

I stuck one on the side of the tub surround at the same height as the shower curtain rod, tied some twine to the hook, and tied the other end of the twine around the curtain rod. I use plastic clothespins to hang the film, one at top, another at the bottom for weight. Then I close the show curtain and let 'em dry overnight or during the day when I'm not home.

If your tub/shower surround isn't a smooth surface, you have to improvise.

Hans: You have a smoke detector IN THE BATHROOM?
 
hans voralberg said:
Drill a hole on your bathroom ceiling, screw a hook in there and hand the film on to that 😉 I used my fire alarm instead of a hook lol
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The hook is a great idea! I will definitely do that tomorrow after a trip to the hardware store.

I initially used a portion of heavy duty plastic coat hanger that I cut with a set of pruners. It was about three eighths of an inch in diameter and about eighteen or twenty inches long - the bottom length a pair of pants would hang on, plus a bit of the curve going up towards the hook. It was something I rigged up for a stirring rod to mix the chemistry. I propped it up in the corner of the shower on a ledge formed by the tile where it met the plaster, about a foot from the ceiling.

The problem was a built in shelf about three feet below that. Besides that, there wasn't enough clearance between the rod and the shower walls and the slightest disturbance, from my mere presence for instance, would cause the film to sway a bit and stick to the wall!.

All in all, it would have been very comical for any observer, but especially so for a better, more experienced photographer than I, which wouldn't be hard to find!
 
To Trius: Yes, ridiculous isn't it? I live in student accommodation so I don't have a say on where to put the damn thing. My flat mate trigger it more than once with his tendency to bath with really hot water.

To pggun: depend on whether you happen to have an empty wardrobe or not, that could be an option as well. I find that most would accommodate a roll of film just fine.
 
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Trius said:
What I did in my current digs was buy a couple of suction cup hooks from the hardware store, making sure I bought a model whose suction cup was at least 4cm in diameter. I knew I'd really only need one, but I bought two just in case. 😀

I stuck one on the side of the tub surround at the same height as the shower curtain rod, tied some twine to the hook, and tied the other end of the twine around the curtain rod. I use plastic clothespins to hang the film, one at top, another at the bottom for weight. Then I close the show curtain and let 'em dry overnight or during the day when I'm not home.

If your tub/shower surround isn't a smooth surface, you have to improvise.
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Another great idea. Sounds a bit easier too.

Trius said:
Hans: You have a smoke detector IN THE BATHROOM?
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Makes you wonder who he bathes with! 😀
 
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[quote
To pggun: depend on whether you happen to have an empty wardrobe or not, that could be an option as well. I find that most would accommodate a roll of film just fine.[/quote]

That's a very good idea too. I've thought about constructing a drying cabinet out of 2x4's and 1/4 inch plywood or even better, an old school locker, wardrobe, even a cardboard box for something temporary. Maybe use a furnace filter or something similar to provide some ventilation while excluding dust particles? Anybody out there have any more ideas? I haven't researched this yet but it occurs to me that RFF members would probably be the best source anyway.

An aside:

If I suddenly drop out of an active thread it's not because I'm ignoring anyone. I often get called away by family - too many females in my house! (Don't really mean that. I love them all, but they outnumber me five to one! I'm at a tactical disadvantage. Very hard for me to say no! Maybe that's why I'm outnumbered!)
 
pggunn said:
If I suddenly drop out of an active thread it's not because I'm ignoring anyone. I often get called away by family - too many females in my house! (Don't really mean that. I love them all, but they outnumber me five to one! I'm at a tactical disadvantage. Very hard for me to say no! Maybe that's why I'm outnumbered!)
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Apropos of your earlier posts:
So you've dropped digital completely and converted to film? That's a bold move my friend. I'm still on the fence, but find myself shooting about 60/40 film to digital. It's really hard to beat digital for convenience, but film is just so satisfying to work with. If you work exclusively in 135, I will recommend the Plustek series of film scanners. I use the 7300 and I've been really pleased with it. It gives good results with a minimal learning curve. It takes a little longer to scan a roll, but it's much easier to find than a Nikon Coolscan, at a much much better price (I think I paid $200 for mine). Just something to think about.
 
nikku said:
Apropos of your earlier posts:
So you've dropped digital completely and converted to film? That's a bold move my friend. I'm still on the fence, but find myself shooting about 60/40 film to digital. It's really hard to beat digital for convenience, but film is just so satisfying to work with. If you work exclusively in 135, I will recommend the Plustek series of film scanners. I use the 7300 and I've been really pleased with it. It gives good results with a minimal learning curve. It takes a little longer to scan a roll, but it's much easier to find than a Nikon Coolscan, at a much much better price (I think I paid $200 for mine). Just something to think about.
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Hello Nikku,

Thanks for your comments and advice. Believe me, I was a bit timid going back to film, especially since even though starting out with film, I really learned most of what I know about photography with digital.

It's just that after five years, I slowly became disenchanted with digital. First with all the gear I was lugging around - a giant DSLR (then two) with correspondingly large constant aperture zooms, lightstands, strobes, PW's, etc. Then the over dependence on zoom lenses for composition, the machine gun approach to shooting resulting in hundreds of photographs with a few gems here and there instead of dozens of more carefully considered and composed shots. Digital made me lazier.

And film also has a certain look, a certain feel, something I just like better. I may go back to digital eventually, probably, but I think I'm going to stick with film for the most part. Besides as far as convenience goes, photography is not my main job anyway. For a while there I was supplementing my income doing weddings, family reunions, parties and other events, theater and portfolios, etc. Even got a few photos in local papers. I never really considered myself a pro (but after seeing every "pro's" website listed in the local yellow pages, maybe I should reconsider! More likely, the real pros don't have time for web pages.) and probably would have starved if I'd tried to go full time.

At any rate, I finally decided that I am not, and never will be, a business man and decided that I could be perfectly happy, actually much happier, being an amateur, then started shedding equipment and turning down the few jobs I was offered. Actually, that didn't take too long because I just stopped networking and marketing, which I hated doing anyway. First the lights, then the second body, then down to one DSLR and two lenses, and one lens.

Shortly after that, saw an OM1 and a light went off. Did some research, got intrigued, got a couple of OM's and sold the rest of the digital gear. I'm much happier now!

Anyway, I appreciate your advice. I've been leaning towards a Plustek or an Epson v700 so far, based on my research, and have to say that the Plustek does sound like an excellent value. My only reservation about it is that I have been shooting some MF lately.

A coworker gave me an old Ricohmatic 225 that needed some TLC, but it cleaned up well and and I surprised myself by fixing a few problems and the meter even works now! I also acquired a Rollei Baby Gray in good shape a couple of weeks ago (lately old cameras have just been falling in my lap, unsolicited!) and got a dozen rolls of 127 film to try. Too early to tell whether TLR's are my thing or not, but I am intrigued and initial results (just one roll through the Ricohmatic) are looking good. Hope to shoot several more rolls tomorrow. The weather here, and my responsibilities over the last month and a half, have cut in to my time, but I see good light at the end of the tunnel.

If I decide to keep shooting MF, I guess I'll have to hold out for something else, like the v700 maybe, scanner-wise, but the Plustek sounds hard to beat for 135.

Thanks again for the advice. Sorry to ramble on so, I don't get to talk much at home, mostly have to listen!

Take care and happy shooting!
 
pggunn said:
Hello Nikku,

Thanks for your comments and advice. Believe me, I was a bit timid going back to film, especially since even though starting out with film, I really learned most of what I know about photography with digital.

It's just that after five years, I slowly became disenchanted with digital. First with all the gear I was lugging around - a giant DSLR (then two) with correspondingly large constant aperture zooms, lightstands, strobes, PW's, etc. Then the over dependence on zoom lenses for composition, the machine gun approach to shooting resulting in hundreds of photographs with a few gems here and there instead of dozens of more carefully considered and composed shots. Digital made me lazier.

And film also has a certain look, a certain feel, something I just like better. I may go back to digital eventually, probably, but I think I'm going to stick with film for the most part. Besides as far as convenience goes, photography is not my main job anyway. For a while there I was supplementing my income doing weddings, family reunions, parties and other events, theater and portfolios, etc. Even got a few photos in local papers. I never really considered myself a pro (but after seeing every "pro's" website listed in the local yellow pages, maybe I should reconsider! More likely, the real pros don't have time for web pages.) and probably would have starved if I'd tried to go full time.

At any rate, I finally decided that I am not, and never will be, a business man and decided that I could be perfectly happy, actually much happier, being an amateur, then started shedding equipment and turning down the few jobs I was offered. Actually, that didn't take too long because I just stopped networking and marketing, which I hated doing anyway. First the lights, then the second body, then down to one DSLR and two lenses, and one lens.

Shortly after that, saw an OM1 and a light went off. Did some research, got intrigued, got a couple of OM's and sold the rest of the digital gear. I'm much happier now!

Anyway, I appreciate your advice. I've been leaning towards a Plustek or an Epson v700 so far, based on my research, and have to say that the Plustek does sound like an excellent value. My only reservation about it is that I have been shooting some MF lately.

A coworker gave me an old Ricohmatic 225 that needed some TLC, but it cleaned up well and and I surprised myself by fixing a few problems and the meter even works now! I also acquired a Rollei Baby Gray in good shape a couple of weeks ago (lately old cameras have just been falling in my lap, unsolicited!) and got a dozen rolls of 127 film to try. Too early to tell whether TLR's are my thing or not, but I am intrigued and initial results (just one roll through the Ricohmatic) are looking good. Hope to shoot several more rolls tomorrow. The weather here, and my responsibilities over the last month and a half, have cut in to my time, but I see good light at the end of the tunnel.

If I decide to keep shooting MF, I guess I'll have to hold out for something else, like the v700 maybe, scanner-wise, but the Plustek sounds hard to beat for 135.

Thanks again for the advice. Sorry to ramble on so, I don't get to talk much at home, mostly have to listen!

Take care and happy shooting!
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Very cool. I think you'll be satisfied with your choice to shoot film exclusively. Film can be frustrating at first, but ultimately it's worth it.

You should also think about picking up a cheap vintage fixed lens rangefinder, like a Konica Auto S2. Those are great carry-everywhere cameras, that give really nice results. I don't typically encourage GAS, but since you sold all that digital gear, you probably have room for one more camera 🙂
 
nikku said:
Very cool. I think you'll be satisfied with your choice to shoot film exclusively. Film can be frustrating at first, but ultimately it's worth it.

You should also think about picking up a cheap vintage fixed lens rangefinder, like a Konica Auto S2. Those are great carry-everywhere cameras, that give really nice results. I don't typically encourage GAS, but since you sold all that digital gear, you probably have room for one more camera 🙂
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DOH just saw your comment above that you got a 35 RC and RD! I'd say you're already set then 🙂
 
Thanks

Thanks

pggunn said:
Mike,

That's beautiful. Have fun with it!
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Thanks, it's an e-bay purchase but the seller had 100% positive feedback after 3500+/- transactions, so it wasn't too much of a risk. After it arrived I was more than happy with the condition. I know I will enjoy using it because I already enjoy just holding it & manipulating the shutter (reminds me of the Nikkormats) & aperture ring (again, reminds me of another camera, Leicas).

By the way, we need to post a caution notice for this thread. I casually started reading this thread a month or so ago & now I have another camera added to my kit! YES, we definitely should post a warning... 😉
 
mynikonf2 said:
Thanks, it's an e-bay purchase but the seller had 100% positive feedback after 3500+/- transactions, so it wasn't too much of a risk. After it arrived I was more than happy with the condition. I know I will enjoy using it because I already enjoy just holding it & manipulating the shutter (reminds me of the Nikkormats) & aperture ring (again, reminds me of another camera, Leicas).

By the way, we need to post a caution notice for this thread. I casually started reading this thread a month or so ago & now I have another camera added to my kit! YES, we definitely should post a warning... 😉
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Yes, i agree, as we speak i have another OM1 body from john titterington and a 1.1 mil 50mm f1.4 coming to me in the mail as we speak.
 
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