Vintage Classic Cameras, The Unvarnished Truth
Olympus OM SLRS, Part 1: The M-1, OM-1, OM-1MD, and OM-1n
By Jason Schneider
Back in 1967 Olympus decided to create a full frame (24 x 36mm format) 35mm SLR to complement its very successful Pen F system of half-frame (18 x 24mm format) SLRs that had debuted in 1963. Many within the company suggested that the easiest and least costly path was offering a rebranded product made by another manufacturer. However, the renowned chief camera designer of Olympus, Maitani Yoshihisa (last name first per Japanese custom), fought hard to convince them that the best strategy was to design and build a truly unique product in house. Finally, after a yearlong struggle, he carried the day. His concept: a revolutionary ultra-compact SLR that was as durable and capable as the bulky, hefty pro SLRs of the day, such as the Nikon FTn Photomic. Over the next 4 years he relentlessly pressed his staff to create a pro-spec camera that was 20% smaller and 50% lighter than the Nikon and incorporated a shutter capable of 100,000 actuations. The result, unveiled at Photokina 1972, was initially named the Olympus M-1 in honor of Maitani, but after a very small production run, it was renamed the OM-1 to assuage complaints by E. Leitz Wetzlar, maker of the famed M-series Leicas.
Original Olympus M-1 unveiled in 1972 soon became the OM-1.
Olympus M-1 in chrome with 50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko lens.
On first impression the Olympus OM-1 seems to be an elegantly scaled down version of a traditional SLR, and it certainly incorporates some time-proven elements. These include a horizontal travel focal plane shutter with rubberized cloth curtains, a manual, center-the-needle metering system employing 2 CdS cells, one on either side of the eyepiece, that read directly off the focusing screen at maximum aperture, and a mechanical meter cross-coupling system that uses an intricate series of coupling cords.
However, when you look closer, it’s clear that the OM-1 is a lot more than a downsized conventional 35mm SLR. The knob on top where the shutter-speed dial is usually found is the film speed dial, and it has a lock to prevent accidental mis-setting. The actual 1-1/000 sec plus B shutter dial is concentric with the lens mount (like a Nikkormat) and it couples to the speed control cam stack (which controls the slit width, the pallet engagement and the retard engagement) that’s located beneath the mirror box to save space and lower the height of the pentaprism. The reflex mirror itself is oversized to prevent image cutoff with lenses up through the Olympus 800mm telephoto, and it incorporates an air-damping piston-type shock absorber to reduce noise and vibration, the first in a 35mm SLR. The shutter itself uses special thin high tensile strength fabric cords to connect the shutter curtains rather than ribbons to save space while enhancing durability. One could go on for many pages detailing all the ingenious space saving stratagems to be found in the OM-1, but you now have some idea why it took over 4 years to design the camera that ignited the ultracompact 35mm SLR revolution of the ‘70s.
Other notable OM-1 features: 11 interchangeable viewing screens removed through the open lens mount; standard screen is matte with split-image rangefinder and microprism collar; pentaprism viewfinder shows 97% of actual picture field plus meter needle; ratchet type wind lever operates in a single 150-degree stroke or several shorter strokes; double exposure prevention with override, self-zeroing additive exposure counter; rewind crank and hinged back; ASA settings 25-1600. The camera measures an incredibly compact 5-3/8 x 3-1/4 x 3-3/16 inches and weighs a mere 24.0 ounces with standard 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens. NOTE: All Olympus OM-1 models including the OM-1. OM-1 MD, and OM-1n are designed to use discontinued 1.35v (PX625 or equivalent) mercury batteries and must be modified by installing a diode to give accurate meter readings with currently available 1.5v alkaline or silver-oxide batteries of the same size. Any well-equipped camera repair outfit can do this job for about $50, and if you’re reasonably handy you can do it yourself for about half that amount.
Rare black Olympus M-1 courtesy FilmPhotograph.com
Rare gold finished Olympus OM-1 with custom covering, courtesy CameraQuest
Olympus M-1: According to Olympus 52,000 bodies bearing the M-1 logo on top were produced before the name was changed, making them relatively uncommon, but not super-rare. What is super rare is a factory black M-1—it’s said only 25 of them were made, and you may rest assured they fetch a pretty penny. Bottom line: If you’re a user collector who wants to tote something more distinctive and conversational than a run-of-the-mill OM-1, you can indulge yourself by acquiring an M-1 for $225-400 (chrome body with 50mm f/1.8 or f.1.4 Zuko lens) a premium of about $50-100 over the standard issue OM-1. No, it won’t accept a motor drive without modification, but then you wouldn’t want to modify an original classic M-1 anyway.
Olympus OM-1 with 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens
Olympus OM-1: The oldest OM-1 bodies dating from 1973 would not accept the Olympus OM Motor Drive 1—the bottom cover had to be replaced, an MD switch added to allow the motor to be mounted, and the entire slow speed governor plus some brass speed-governing cams had to be replaced. With newer ‘old-style’ OM-1 bodies you only had to add the MD switch, a new bottom cover, and calibrate the switch. Bottom line: An original OM-1 is fine choice so long as motor drive compatibility is not important to you, but if you ever plan to add one of these beautifully designed ultra-compact accessories in the future, go for an OM-1MD or an OM-1n, either of which will accept the motor without modification. OM-1 cameras in clean functional condition with 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 Zuiko lenses are currently available in the $100-200 price range but you can occasionally snag one for less than 100 bucks. Black OM-1s are less common than chrome models but they’re currently priced similarly or perhaps slightly higher.
Black Olympus OM-1 with 50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko lens
Olympus OM-1MD with 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens, MD logo on rewind side.
Olympus OM-1MD: In 1974 Olympus brought forth the OM-1MD, which, as its name implies, is an OM-1 that accepts an Olympus motor drive directly without requiring any modifications. This version usually has a small “MD” on the front and a small slot with a circular cover on the bottom that covers the motor drive coupling. The MD logo is located on the front of the body, either as a small plastic escutcheon near the bottom on the rewind side of the camera, or a sticker placed higher up on the other side, directly below the shutter release. Sometimes the MD logo is absent entirely, either because it fell off or was never applied at the factory. Bottom line: At prices generally ranging from $100-275 depending on lens and condition, the OM-1MD is a good choice for OM-1 lovers that require motor drive compatibility, but the OM-1n may be even better. But remember, when it comes to buying user-collectible classics, functionality and condition are everything—the specific model is less important so long as it has the features you need.
Olympus OM-1MD body with MD sticker on front below shutter release.
Olympus OM-1 in chrome with 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens.
Black Olympus OM-1n body.
Olympus OM-1n: The final iteration of the OM-1, it’s quite similar to the OM-1MD but it adds a redesigned film advance lever, a flash ready/ exposure confirmation LED in the finder, and automatic X sync regardless of the position of the FP/X switch when it’s used in conjunction with a T-series Olympus flash unit mounted on a Flash Shoe 4. It’s easily identifiable by an OM-1n logo on the top plate. While the original OM-1 isn’t unreliable, some of the early models did experience problems when subjected to hard use by pros and Olympus steadily incorporated mechanical upgrades to enhance their reliability. Some of these are found in the OM-1MD, but all of them wound up in the OM-1n. Bottom line: The OM-1n is probably the best choice for OM-1 fans seeking a manual metering ultracompact analog SLR that’s a reliable everyday shooter. If you’re into spare no expense vintage glitz, there were various Olympus OM-1 and OM-1n cameras finished in gold and with exotic coverings including snakeskin and red leather. While the price of normal chrome or black OM-1n models have escalated in recent years to $100-250 depending on lens and cosmetics, they still represent good value fir the money. The fact that these classics are complemented by an extensive system of high-quality lenses and accessories that are readily available at affordable prices is a substantial part of their enduring appeal.
Olympus OM SLRS, Part 1: The M-1, OM-1, OM-1MD, and OM-1n
By Jason Schneider
Back in 1967 Olympus decided to create a full frame (24 x 36mm format) 35mm SLR to complement its very successful Pen F system of half-frame (18 x 24mm format) SLRs that had debuted in 1963. Many within the company suggested that the easiest and least costly path was offering a rebranded product made by another manufacturer. However, the renowned chief camera designer of Olympus, Maitani Yoshihisa (last name first per Japanese custom), fought hard to convince them that the best strategy was to design and build a truly unique product in house. Finally, after a yearlong struggle, he carried the day. His concept: a revolutionary ultra-compact SLR that was as durable and capable as the bulky, hefty pro SLRs of the day, such as the Nikon FTn Photomic. Over the next 4 years he relentlessly pressed his staff to create a pro-spec camera that was 20% smaller and 50% lighter than the Nikon and incorporated a shutter capable of 100,000 actuations. The result, unveiled at Photokina 1972, was initially named the Olympus M-1 in honor of Maitani, but after a very small production run, it was renamed the OM-1 to assuage complaints by E. Leitz Wetzlar, maker of the famed M-series Leicas.
Original Olympus M-1 unveiled in 1972 soon became the OM-1.
Olympus M-1 in chrome with 50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko lens.
On first impression the Olympus OM-1 seems to be an elegantly scaled down version of a traditional SLR, and it certainly incorporates some time-proven elements. These include a horizontal travel focal plane shutter with rubberized cloth curtains, a manual, center-the-needle metering system employing 2 CdS cells, one on either side of the eyepiece, that read directly off the focusing screen at maximum aperture, and a mechanical meter cross-coupling system that uses an intricate series of coupling cords.
However, when you look closer, it’s clear that the OM-1 is a lot more than a downsized conventional 35mm SLR. The knob on top where the shutter-speed dial is usually found is the film speed dial, and it has a lock to prevent accidental mis-setting. The actual 1-1/000 sec plus B shutter dial is concentric with the lens mount (like a Nikkormat) and it couples to the speed control cam stack (which controls the slit width, the pallet engagement and the retard engagement) that’s located beneath the mirror box to save space and lower the height of the pentaprism. The reflex mirror itself is oversized to prevent image cutoff with lenses up through the Olympus 800mm telephoto, and it incorporates an air-damping piston-type shock absorber to reduce noise and vibration, the first in a 35mm SLR. The shutter itself uses special thin high tensile strength fabric cords to connect the shutter curtains rather than ribbons to save space while enhancing durability. One could go on for many pages detailing all the ingenious space saving stratagems to be found in the OM-1, but you now have some idea why it took over 4 years to design the camera that ignited the ultracompact 35mm SLR revolution of the ‘70s.
Other notable OM-1 features: 11 interchangeable viewing screens removed through the open lens mount; standard screen is matte with split-image rangefinder and microprism collar; pentaprism viewfinder shows 97% of actual picture field plus meter needle; ratchet type wind lever operates in a single 150-degree stroke or several shorter strokes; double exposure prevention with override, self-zeroing additive exposure counter; rewind crank and hinged back; ASA settings 25-1600. The camera measures an incredibly compact 5-3/8 x 3-1/4 x 3-3/16 inches and weighs a mere 24.0 ounces with standard 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens. NOTE: All Olympus OM-1 models including the OM-1. OM-1 MD, and OM-1n are designed to use discontinued 1.35v (PX625 or equivalent) mercury batteries and must be modified by installing a diode to give accurate meter readings with currently available 1.5v alkaline or silver-oxide batteries of the same size. Any well-equipped camera repair outfit can do this job for about $50, and if you’re reasonably handy you can do it yourself for about half that amount.
Rare black Olympus M-1 courtesy FilmPhotograph.com
Rare gold finished Olympus OM-1 with custom covering, courtesy CameraQuest
Olympus M-1: According to Olympus 52,000 bodies bearing the M-1 logo on top were produced before the name was changed, making them relatively uncommon, but not super-rare. What is super rare is a factory black M-1—it’s said only 25 of them were made, and you may rest assured they fetch a pretty penny. Bottom line: If you’re a user collector who wants to tote something more distinctive and conversational than a run-of-the-mill OM-1, you can indulge yourself by acquiring an M-1 for $225-400 (chrome body with 50mm f/1.8 or f.1.4 Zuko lens) a premium of about $50-100 over the standard issue OM-1. No, it won’t accept a motor drive without modification, but then you wouldn’t want to modify an original classic M-1 anyway.
Olympus OM-1 with 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens
Olympus OM-1: The oldest OM-1 bodies dating from 1973 would not accept the Olympus OM Motor Drive 1—the bottom cover had to be replaced, an MD switch added to allow the motor to be mounted, and the entire slow speed governor plus some brass speed-governing cams had to be replaced. With newer ‘old-style’ OM-1 bodies you only had to add the MD switch, a new bottom cover, and calibrate the switch. Bottom line: An original OM-1 is fine choice so long as motor drive compatibility is not important to you, but if you ever plan to add one of these beautifully designed ultra-compact accessories in the future, go for an OM-1MD or an OM-1n, either of which will accept the motor without modification. OM-1 cameras in clean functional condition with 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 Zuiko lenses are currently available in the $100-200 price range but you can occasionally snag one for less than 100 bucks. Black OM-1s are less common than chrome models but they’re currently priced similarly or perhaps slightly higher.
Black Olympus OM-1 with 50mm f/1.4 G. Zuiko lens
Olympus OM-1MD with 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens, MD logo on rewind side.
Olympus OM-1MD: In 1974 Olympus brought forth the OM-1MD, which, as its name implies, is an OM-1 that accepts an Olympus motor drive directly without requiring any modifications. This version usually has a small “MD” on the front and a small slot with a circular cover on the bottom that covers the motor drive coupling. The MD logo is located on the front of the body, either as a small plastic escutcheon near the bottom on the rewind side of the camera, or a sticker placed higher up on the other side, directly below the shutter release. Sometimes the MD logo is absent entirely, either because it fell off or was never applied at the factory. Bottom line: At prices generally ranging from $100-275 depending on lens and condition, the OM-1MD is a good choice for OM-1 lovers that require motor drive compatibility, but the OM-1n may be even better. But remember, when it comes to buying user-collectible classics, functionality and condition are everything—the specific model is less important so long as it has the features you need.
Olympus OM-1MD body with MD sticker on front below shutter release.
Olympus OM-1 in chrome with 50mm f/1.8 F. Zuiko lens.
Black Olympus OM-1n body.
Olympus OM-1n: The final iteration of the OM-1, it’s quite similar to the OM-1MD but it adds a redesigned film advance lever, a flash ready/ exposure confirmation LED in the finder, and automatic X sync regardless of the position of the FP/X switch when it’s used in conjunction with a T-series Olympus flash unit mounted on a Flash Shoe 4. It’s easily identifiable by an OM-1n logo on the top plate. While the original OM-1 isn’t unreliable, some of the early models did experience problems when subjected to hard use by pros and Olympus steadily incorporated mechanical upgrades to enhance their reliability. Some of these are found in the OM-1MD, but all of them wound up in the OM-1n. Bottom line: The OM-1n is probably the best choice for OM-1 fans seeking a manual metering ultracompact analog SLR that’s a reliable everyday shooter. If you’re into spare no expense vintage glitz, there were various Olympus OM-1 and OM-1n cameras finished in gold and with exotic coverings including snakeskin and red leather. While the price of normal chrome or black OM-1n models have escalated in recent years to $100-250 depending on lens and cosmetics, they still represent good value fir the money. The fact that these classics are complemented by an extensive system of high-quality lenses and accessories that are readily available at affordable prices is a substantial part of their enduring appeal.
