Shab
Veteran
HI,
in the last rolls I'm developing I've found some lightleaks in the film. Some years ago I had the same problem with my M5, so I have begun to think maybe there is a structural problem. I can send it to fix, but if in 2023 I would need to fix it again it wouldn't be a solution.
At the same time I have found a lot of fungus in my Zuiko OM 50mm 1.4 lenses (one is G. Zuiko and the other is the MC version). I loved to use these in my OM-1n, but...
And I'm wondering if I would think in another SLR. But I would like it to be as durable as possible.
I love using my M5 and 21mm and 35mm. It's softness when I'm using it is a delight.
At the same time I love using my OM-1n with my Zuikos (21/24mm and 35/50mm). But it is harder to focus than with my M5.
So, the first question: should I fix the m5? It's the best film camera I ever had. Or this problem will be there also in the future?
If this problem will be there in the future which film mechanical SLR would recommend me? Nikon? Pentax? Minolta? Canon?... I would think in a good 24mm and a good 50mm, no more. In SLR these are my loved focals.
Thanks in advance,
Xabier.
in the last rolls I'm developing I've found some lightleaks in the film. Some years ago I had the same problem with my M5, so I have begun to think maybe there is a structural problem. I can send it to fix, but if in 2023 I would need to fix it again it wouldn't be a solution.
At the same time I have found a lot of fungus in my Zuiko OM 50mm 1.4 lenses (one is G. Zuiko and the other is the MC version). I loved to use these in my OM-1n, but...
And I'm wondering if I would think in another SLR. But I would like it to be as durable as possible.
I love using my M5 and 21mm and 35mm. It's softness when I'm using it is a delight.
At the same time I love using my OM-1n with my Zuikos (21/24mm and 35/50mm). But it is harder to focus than with my M5.
So, the first question: should I fix the m5? It's the best film camera I ever had. Or this problem will be there also in the future?
If this problem will be there in the future which film mechanical SLR would recommend me? Nikon? Pentax? Minolta? Canon?... I would think in a good 24mm and a good 50mm, no more. In SLR these are my loved focals.
Thanks in advance,
Xabier.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I'm finding Nikon F2 to be the camera which might outlasts most of mechanical cameras.
Where are videos on YouTube for how to service them with simple tools.
Old Nikon lenses aren't bad, either.
Where are videos on YouTube for how to service them with simple tools.
Old Nikon lenses aren't bad, either.
Shab
Veteran
Thanks Ko.Fe.! The F2 is one I'm looking for (and the "F"). You use a Leica also, so I need to ask you: is there a lightleak problem in these cameras? What's your experience?
Dogman
Veteran
Agree with F2. It's hard to kill them. Plus there are a gazillion very good lenses that fit the camera...cheap on the used market.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
If you'll check one of the links in my sig, you'll find long lasting story about intermittent light leak on M4-2. I was told - change curtains, but it could be old main light baffle (or whatever this thing with felt behind of the curtains is).
If you search for Leica M4, 2, 6 light leaks on Google you'll find many light leaking stories from legendary, build like tanks Leica M.
In non-biased reality Leica M film cameras are in between Kiev 4AM and Holga 120 for light leaks. Leaks from curtains, leaks from numerous light baffles, leaks from back door and so on.
Services who would know how to fix it? Just very few around the world. M5? Even less. Plus parts. To give it a try and replace curtains on mine M4-2, I need to spend 500 USD now.
No wonder F2 are getting scavenged for superior to Leica curtains to go to film M "tanks" like cameras.
This is how I initially got F2. Under 50 USD as is, worn to the bar metal camera. With intention to get better curtains for less price instead of overpriced Leica soft tissue curtains. But F2 came fully working, all I have to do is to turn one screw to re-gain accurate focus.
peppard
Established
Xazbier:
I have been using Minolta/Rokkor glass since the 70s. The Rokkor MD 24mm f2.8 is the best lens I have ever had...Also the Rokkor MD 50/1.4 is as sharp as they come. As for Minoltas bodies, X-700/570/370 are pretty much indestructible, Both bodies and lenses are very good and relatively cheap. I also have Olympus OM-2n, Pentax Super, Zeiss Icon ZM, Minolta Cl, with a bunch of lenses, but my mostly used system is the Minolta SRL.
By the way, you do great work with you camera.
My amble opinion.
Cheers
I have been using Minolta/Rokkor glass since the 70s. The Rokkor MD 24mm f2.8 is the best lens I have ever had...Also the Rokkor MD 50/1.4 is as sharp as they come. As for Minoltas bodies, X-700/570/370 are pretty much indestructible, Both bodies and lenses are very good and relatively cheap. I also have Olympus OM-2n, Pentax Super, Zeiss Icon ZM, Minolta Cl, with a bunch of lenses, but my mostly used system is the Minolta SRL.
By the way, you do great work with you camera.
My amble opinion.
Cheers
BillBingham2
Registered User
Fixing the M5 might be more expensive than purchasing a new-to-you one.
Rumor has it that DAG (here in the states) just got a load of parts from the shutdown of the Canada Midland repair site. I'd hope there is a DAG level person over on your side of the pond.
Another vote for an F2. You can get adopters for the eye piece that may help with focus. Different focusing screens might help, my preference is the P (aka Apollo) screen. Too busy for some, while I hate that much stuff on my digital camera finder, it's worked for years on my film SLRs.
B2 (;->
Rumor has it that DAG (here in the states) just got a load of parts from the shutdown of the Canada Midland repair site. I'd hope there is a DAG level person over on your side of the pond.
Another vote for an F2. You can get adopters for the eye piece that may help with focus. Different focusing screens might help, my preference is the P (aka Apollo) screen. Too busy for some, while I hate that much stuff on my digital camera finder, it's worked for years on my film SLRs.
B2 (;->
Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
I leave your first question to those with more experience than me. With respect to your second question, I have experience with the Nikon FE, the Pentax Spotmatic, SL, and K1000, and the Olympus OM-1MD. Personally my favorite camera is the FE; I have two of them and they have never let me down, but they have electronically controlled shutters. If that is a deal-breaker for you, the FM, FM2, and FM2N are similar cameras with mechanical shutters and have great reputations for reliability. I prefer the match-needle light meter of the FE. I find the split image prism helps me focus easier than the Fresnel screens of my Pentax SLRs.
As to Nikkor lenses in the 24mm and 50mm focal lengths you mentioned, I had a 24mm f/2.0 AI-S which was very good; the f/2.8 version is supposed to be even better. I still have a 50mm f/1.4 AI-S and an AI-converted 50mm f/2 "K." The f/1.4 is nice (mine is LNIB), but I particular like the rendering of the 50mm f/2.
I also like the Pentax cameras and particularly the M42 screw mount Takumar lenses. They cameras lack the smoothness of my Nikons but they have a simplicity and honesty to them that I find appealing. However, if you are having trouble focusing the OM-1, I doubt if the Pentax cameras I have would be any better. If you are interested in Pentax, I'd suggest looking at the MX which is similar in size to the OM-1 and has interchangeable focusing screens.
The screw mount Takumar lenses are flat out amazing for their build quality and optical performance relative to their low prices. I have never tried a Pentax 24mm but my 28mm f/3.5 SMC Takumar and 50mm f/1.4 Super Takumar lenses are great, at least the equal of Nikkors from the same era. The only K-mount lens I have is the 50mm f/2 SMC M, which is super cheap and does not feel as nice as the Takumars, but is no slouch in optical performance.
I think your best bet might be to have your OM-1 serviced and get a new lens for it. If you are having trouble focusing it, I would suggest looking at changing the focusing screen. The OM-1MD I had had a non-standard focusing screen with a very coarse ground glass Fresnel screen that made it much easier to focus than either my Nikons or Pentaxes. (I do not know which focusing screen this was and no longer have this camera.)
The only Olympus lens I tried with my OM-1 was the 50mm f/1.4 silver nose which I quite likeed. Unfortunately, mine had fungus as well and I ended up getting rid of it. I could be wrong, but I think I heard or read somewhere that Olympus lenses were more prone to fungus than other brands due to either lens coatings or lubricants that Olympus used.
Hope that helps.
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aizan
Veteran
I would send the M5 to DAG for repair. If he got a new stash of parts, this is the best chance you'll have to fix it.
What focusing screens do you have for the OM-1n? That makes a bigger difference than what system you have. If you have the optimal screens and it's still giving you problems, I would say try switching to rangefinders entirely or move to autofocus.
What focusing screens do you have for the OM-1n? That makes a bigger difference than what system you have. If you have the optimal screens and it's still giving you problems, I would say try switching to rangefinders entirely or move to autofocus.
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Xabier, as a fellow M5 shooter, I can empathize. I love shooting my M5, but mine also has an intermittent light leak. You might want to check out this thread here on the forum, as a few other M5 users seem to have a similar light leak and artifact pattern. Another user in that thread reported that a DIY fix with some gaffer tape seem to solve the issue for him, but it might not work for you. I'm still waiting to send mine in for repair:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168388
As far as SLR recommendations, I have been very happy with my Nikon FM2n. It's a decently compact and rugged camera, and its 1/4000 top shutter speed has been useful in very bright light conditions. I've only used 50mm with SLRs, but I know that Nikon has a few very good wide angle lenses, and of course many excellent choices in 50mm.
Yes, except one (former) member, Huss, sent his M5 to DAG for the light leak noted in the above thread, and DAG was not able to sort it out. Nevertheless, Huss still recommends DAG for other repairs. Some light leaks are notoriously hard to diagnose and patch, and this might be one of them.
BillBingham2
Registered User
https://esif.world-traveller.org/om-sif/findergroup/focusingscreens.htm
I think 1-14 would be my choice (very close to the Nikon P)
https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/screens/index2.htm
For the nikon world.....
B2 (;->
I think 1-14 would be my choice (very close to the Nikon P)
https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/screens/index2.htm
For the nikon world.....
B2 (;->
aizan
Veteran
Oof, that's bad news. The exact same light leak!
It's worth asking DAG if he now has parts that would fix this leak. I'm not sure when he got them in relation to your guys' repair attempts.
Greg Maslak
Well-known
Well, I'm surprised no one has sung the praises of the Nikkormats as a low cost alternative Nikon. They have similar ergonomics to Olympus OM bodies, albeit chunkier. The Ft2 takes regular batteries and pre AI lens, making it an absolute steal compared to an F2 these days. (There's a nice looking black one in the Classifieds, right now). If you don't care about metering the older Ftn without batteries masquerades as a poor man's plain prism F for little more than lunch money. I got mine at a thrift shop for next to nothing.
Still, for me, nothing compares to M42 Pentax's as the closest to Leica M like beauty and precision in an SLR. My gem of an SV is not a robust camera, but it is easily and inexpensively serviceable. Later Spotmatics have a solid reputation, no battery issues and a world of great lenses.
Still, for me, nothing compares to M42 Pentax's as the closest to Leica M like beauty and precision in an SLR. My gem of an SV is not a robust camera, but it is easily and inexpensively serviceable. Later Spotmatics have a solid reputation, no battery issues and a world of great lenses.
BillBingham2
Registered User
There's a Nikkormat FT2 in the classified now that would ROCK as a solid but not flashy SLR.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
dourbalistar
Buy more film
Agreed, except OP is in Basque Country, so I think shipping costs (and maybe VAT?) would turn a good deal into not such a good deal...
retinax
Well-known
I'd wrap the M5 in black tape and use it. I don't think any manual focus SLR will focus a wide angle as easily and precisely as a RF.
All makers made good SLRs and lenses. You'll hear all kinds of recommendations, just like in all the other threads of this sort. As you have the OM-1, the first thing I'd do is check if you need a correction eyepiece to make focusing as easy as possible, get the lenses cleaned, and keep them dry in the future.
All makers made good SLRs and lenses. You'll hear all kinds of recommendations, just like in all the other threads of this sort. As you have the OM-1, the first thing I'd do is check if you need a correction eyepiece to make focusing as easy as possible, get the lenses cleaned, and keep them dry in the future.