Quick ? on OM cameras.

shadowfox said:
You can't spread false info about OM cameras when Earl's around, he's our resident OM sheriff around here 😉

I believe this is true for OM-4 also, but on my OM-3, it went to sleep mode after a while, so the next time I am ready to shoot, I just wake the meter up by pushing on the reset dial with my right index finger.

And yes, the 2-13 screen I have on mine is just awesome. It makes the viewfinder as bright as RF cameras (with fast lenses on).... Earl, you're going to hate me again, but good luck finding one of those without crazy price attached to it 🙂
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know ... the 2 series screens are pricey, but I reckon will be worth it, especially with the 50/1.4 or 21/2 in low light. I think I'll be keeping two OM bodies ... a chrome OM-1n and either of a black OM-2 (SUCH sexy brassing!) or a chrome OM-2n. Not sure I need the "n" upgrade for the OM-2, as I don't do a lot of flash work. And all my bodies need some servicing, so once I find the screens they will go off to John (one at a time) for screen install, CLA and recalibration of the meter. There goes part of my M budget.

Yes, I hate you again. What else is new? 😛
 
Trius said:
Ah, you want an unmetered Pentax. Or better,yeah, the OM-1 with the meter turned off. 😀
Click to expand...

Standing it in ½” of seawater ensured the needle stopped moving in one, and I cant get batteries anymore so I’m not even tempted switch the other on.

I recently bought a 2.5/105mm nikkor to see what all the fuss was about and had to get a Nikkormat to put it on, I was surprised how similar to the om it was, just a bit more agricultural in concept and construction, but it was back to chase the lady with the meter
 
Sparrow said:
Standing it in ½” of seawater ensured the needle stopped moving in one, and I cant get batteries anymore so I’m not even tempted switch the other on.
Click to expand...

Finally, the truth is revealed! LOL

Sparrow said:
I recently bought a 2.5/105mm nikkor to see what all the fuss was about and had to get a Nikkormat to put it on, I was surprised how similar to the om it was, just a bit more agricultural in concept and construction, but it was back to chase the lady with the meter
Click to expand...

I bought and tried a Nikkormat FTn with pre-AI 50/1.4. I really liked the lens, but the body itself, while similar to the OM in size, didn't do much for me. It is more "dense" (heavier) than an OM, and while that is a good thing from at least one perspective, it just didn't have a feel that was comfortable for me. I guess after shooting OMs for 35 years, my hands have certain expectations. I really wanted to like the Nikkormat, I had wanted one for a long time. :shrug:

Earl
 
Same experience Earl. Picking up the the Ftn over the OM 1 with 50 1.4s felt like breaking out the Kenworth instead of the hatchback to pop down to the shop for a litre of milk....
 
The OM 2 cameras have the silicon blue metering cells in the mirror box controlled by the mirror. This is the reason for no mirror lock up on the OM 2 models. There is no connection between the "auto-manual-off" switch and the silicon blue cells. That switch controls the cds cells by the pentaprism, and moves the read-out. This is why we can fire away and get good shot providing the light is bright enough. What I do like about the OM 2n I have, is the use of OTF flash control at any aperture. For normal carry I prefer my OM 1n. Though at the moment I am trying out an Ace E rangefinder I found for $20. Now if I can only find the 35mm f2.8 and the 80mm f5.6 lenses for it I will be a happy camper.
 
An Ace E for $20? I had an auto eBay search for the Ace and its Tower equivalent for ages but finally gave up. They were either too expensive or were in such condition as to require a full CLA. Even John Hermanson was a bit tentative about working on them.
 
I still don't understand why you couldn't have lock-up on the OM-2. The purpose is to reduce vibration for long exposures. The OM-4 has lock-up (electronic) and aperture pre-fire. Zuiko resolution tests are generally better with that set-up.
 
The title of this thread is ... 'Quick? on OM cameras'

Forty nine blathering posts later we're still raving about our OM's ... and I thought the Leica fan boys were bad!

😛😛😛
 
Last edited:
Keith - you can't talk! Actually I had I good day in the OM department - I scored a mint (and I do mean mint!) OM 135/3.5 with filter, caps and case for $30. And I passed on a 35/2 for $100.
 
I too had a good OM day. Got an OM-1 with a 50/1.4 and 35/2.8, extra focussing screen, and other bits... all for $150 AUD. All gear in near new condition. This would be my 3rd OM body and Zuiko venture.

Oh... and to answer the original question (otherwise Keith will get up me)... yes, the OM-1 does have an off switch 🙂
 
ChrisN said:
Keith - you can't talk! Actually I had I good day in the OM department - I scored a mint (and I do mean mint!) OM 135/3.5 with filter, caps and case for $30. And I passed on a 35/2 for $100.
Click to expand...


As far as I'm concerned there is no such thing as 'too much OM talk!' Reading this thread is making me lust after more gear ... maybe a black OM-2.

One thing I do know is I'm definitely sending my broken black OM-1 off to John Hermanson in the US for a rebuild ... it died some months back now and I'd really like to get it up and running to use along side my silver OM-1

I'm totally in love with my OM-1 at the moment for some reason ... haven't had a 35mm film rangefinder in my hands for weeks now! 😱
 
Way back in 1984? I had the opportunity to change SLR systems. I was using Nikon because that is what my dad used and it made sense economically.

I had a look at everything on the market... and had settled on moving to the OM system. But in the end I stayed with Nikon because I had access to my dad's gear and I put the money to expanding our collective system.

But I did like the OM's and was especially intrigued with the white bodies... anyone remember them?
 
hunghang said:
I too had a good OM day. Got an OM-1 with a 50/1.4 and 35/2.8, extra focussing screen, and other bits... all for $150 AUD. All gear in near new condition. This would be my 3rd OM body and Zuiko venture.

Oh... and to answer the original question (otherwise Keith will get up me)... yes, the OM-1 does have an off switch 🙂
Click to expand...

Where do you and ChrisN find these deals? 😱 😀
 
Keith said:
As far as I'm concerned there is no such thing as 'too much OM talk!' Reading this thread is making me lust after more gear ... maybe a black OM-2.

One thing I do know is I'm definitely sending my broken black OM-1 off to John Hermanson in the US for a rebuild ... it died some months back now and I'd really like to get it up and running to use along side my silver OM-1

I'm totally in love with my OM-1 at the moment for some reason ... haven't had a 35mm film rangefinder in my hands for weeks now! 😱
Click to expand...

I completely agree with you Keith. Since I got my first OM 1 last Xmas, it's quickly become my equal favourite camera, right up there with my LX.

In fact, I like them so much that I recently bought another one!!!!
 
I cant ignore this OM talk! I absolutely love these cameras 😀
Have about 6 OM bodies now and quite a few lenses, always have them loaded with different film. My best deal lately was an ebay lot (who would of thought). Absolutely mint in original cases 50/1.4, 24/2 lenses, and an OM System Large bag all for $140 AUD (the lot also included about a dozen filters, and 2 Minolta SRT101's with Rokkor f/1.4 lenses attached, but I had to get rid of those quick smart!).

Been using the OM2 mostly the last few months, as I really like AE at the moment. Have to agree with everyone else, the OM1 does have that something "special" about it. I'm too scared to use my OM3 which I like alot also, they're too expensive (probably more than they should be) and i'd hate if I dropped it.

Oh yeah, i'd like to confim the abover posters findings, the OM1 does have a handy off switch. 😉
maybe we need an OM gear thread?? 😀
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom