OM4Ti - opinions

[_larky]

Hello.

I've decided if I get the new job I'm going for, I shall treat myself to two things:

1> Motorbike to get to work.
2> New camera.

Now, I've decided to buy another film camera until the X100 comes out, and I've noticed the OM4Ti is going for a good price now on EBay. I always dreamed of this camera, but could ever really afford it. I like the OM layout, the lenses are affordable. I've looked for reviews but now found much other than the same guy's post over and over on every site.

So I wondered if anyone here had one, has used one, and has an opinion? I shoot street, protests etc. I am a very quick shooter, I don't linger. I like film either on the 800-1600 or 50 or below range. I'm looking for something solid, small-ish (not Digital SLR size) and thought this fit the bill.

So, any opinions?

A.

 

[dtcls100]

I have 3 OM-4T cameras (US version of OM-4Ti). I've used Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc. and believe that the OM-4T is one of best, if not the best, 35mm SLR ever built. The multi-spot meter is truly useful and the camera is durable and handles excellently. Zuiko lenses are top notch. Definitely try to get a 2-series focusing screen, which are brighter and focus much easier than the standard screens.

 

[E.M]

I use Nion F-series cameras since early seventies , but always liked those Olympus cameras for small size and spotmetering .

What motorbike do you have in mind ?

http://www.etiennemichiels.com

 

[sevres_babylone]

It was my main camera from 1994 or 1995 until 2005 when I bought my R-D1. Part of the reason for choosing the R-D1 was I wanted a kit about as compact as that of the OM system.

Previously, I had the OM-1 and OM-2. The OM-4t was my favourite. I never really got to know the multi-spot capability well, but did love the spot meter.

In the end, it developed a shutter problem, which combined with the development of a battery-drain problem (it was fine until then), led to its retirement.

 

[sreed2006]

My opinion is that the OM-4Ti is a great camera, and you won't have buyer's remorse for purchasing it. Quite the opposite.

I have one that I bought new 7 years ago. I've had to have it serviced twice. The first time, because the film advance lever would advance the film, but the shutter wouldn't cock, so I was losing frames. The second time, the diopter adjustment mechanism broke. John Hermanson repaired it both times, and wrote that he'd never seen the diopter adjustment mechanism break before. Apparently, it was a manufacturing defect, because it had always been hard to turn the little knob. So, if the knob is easy to turn, it probably will never break.

Other than those two problems, I have been extremely happy with the camera. My sole "complaint" is that the aperture setting is not displayed in the viewfinder.

I have so many cameras it's embarrassing to list them all, but the OM-4Ti is my favorite amongst the bunch. It is easy to use, the meter is psychic, the meter display is terrific when you want to work in manual mode (especially with spot metering), it is small and lightweight, and is really a nice looking camera.