Camera advice on the Olympus OM series for a film novice

[Orinoco]

Hi
Ive been thinking of trying out film photography, previously Ive been using digital , but looking at some of film photographers work and reading about the film process so thought Id give it a try and see how it goes.

Im currently a student so finances are not so great but a a friend has a an interesting idea of looking at the Olympus OM 35 mm series cameras because I could actually use some of the lenses on my digital system which intrigued me .

I predominately like doing landscape work so like wide lenses, Ive read a few resources such as http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/om1/index.htm

So would appreciate any thoughts on which of the versions on OM system I should be looking at and what kind of price range I would be looking at. If you have any other 35mm camera suggestions from other makes or any general thoughts/tips they would be greatly appreciated

many thanks

Ori

:)

[B&W Neil]

Hello Ori,
I have never used OMs myself but we have quite a few Olympus OM enthusiasts here and I am sure you will get several quality replies to to your question.

Neil.

[Orinoco]

Hi Neil,
I had a look at your gallery, its beautiful exactly the reason why I thought Id try film ! I especially like the Inland series
I was interested in the look you have achieved and read the technical section on your site. I have a question , do you decide before or after you take a photo on what you print process you will use ?

Ori

[Rob Archer]

I use Olympus OMs for much of my 35mm photography. The best (IMO) are the OM1n and OM2n. The OM1 is totally manual, with the battery only working the 'match-needle' meter. Unfortunately the original mercury cells to power it are unavailable and the modern replacements are a slightly different voltage. Although you can get the cameras modified I simply use a hand-held meter. The OM2 has aperture priority as well a manual and need batteries to work. Forunately it takes the SR44/357 silver-oxide type which are readily available. They are superbly made cameras and the lenses excellent. Some people even find them too contrasty for their taste (shouldn't be a problem for B&W, though!) The OM4 and the ludicrously rare and expensive OM3 are supposedly even better, although I haven't had the chance to use them.

The cheaper OM10 (aperture priority and manual with an adapter) and OM20 were aimed at the amateur market and are OK but not the same quality as the 'single figure' OMs.

Once you start with Olympus OMs you won't want to use anything else!

Rob

[Orinoco]

Hi Rob,
Ive used Olympus from the other side as you might say (digital), so Ive been very happy with the cameras Ive used so far . I looked at the http://www.mir.com.my site which was very helpful. The Om1n and OM2n you mention appear to be what Im looking for

One of the reasons I want to try film is to develop my (non-existent !) light metering skills and have a go at film developing so not having a on board camera meter wouldnt be deal breaker.

In your opinion what would be a decent price I would be looking at for a body only OM1n or OM2n in average/good condition ?. Looking at the web the prices I realise now what you meant about the OM4's !. Its a strange feeling coming from digital how cameras getting older appears to me to raise the price of the camera exactly the opposite of what Im used to ! :)

Ori

Ps I came acoss this on ebay, what on EARTH is this ?!?! Ive never seen anything like it ! :)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rare-Olympus-OM-4-w-250-exposure-back-3-lens-OM4-more-/140419930251?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item20b1ae188b#ht_500wt_1154

and i also noticed the price :) as you pointed out earlier !

[Ben H]

That's a 250 shot film back for the om, You've got to be busy to go though one of those! I use om cameras too, you should not discount the double digit cameras as well the om40 is a nice one to use, provided you get a good one or can send it back, some have been known to battery drain issues, one of mine is fine but one is not but then it only cost £5 on ebay so I'm not too fussed.. Mainly I use an om2-sp and om1-n as a second body.The spot meter in the 2-sp comes in very handy for using with the bronica ect.

[Ben H]

Some handy links..
http://olympus.dementia.org/eSIF/om-sif.htm

http://web.archive.org/web/20070311095348/http://members.aol.com/olympusom/lenstests/default.htm

[Xpres]

I Have some OM1 & 2s for sale if your interested - picked up for the lenses attached to them which I use with an OM3.
As already mentioned the OM10 and 40 are very good if you're on a tight budget and can, if you're lucky and patient, be had for just a few pounds.

[B&W Neil]

Hi Neil,
I had a look at your gallery, its beautiful exactly the reason why I thought Id try film ! I especially like the Inland series
I was interested in the look you have achieved and read the technical section on your site. I have a question , do you decide before or after you take a photo on what you print process you will use ?

Ori

Hi Ori,

Many thanks for your kind comments about our web site.

"do you decide before or after you take a photo on what you print process you will use ?"

Yes indeed we always go to a location with a set aim in mind and the equipment with us to do the job. Mostly it works that way but obviously every now and again we change our minds at the printing stage.

Back to topic :)

I see you are getting some quality responses from our Olympus users which I am sure will be of great value to you. You can't beat having this type of advice which has been built up over years of experience in using the cameras.

When you have obtained your OM equipment don't forget to keep us updated and post some images as well.

Neil.

[RH Designs]

Hi Ori

I've been an OM user for many years. I started with an OM10 (which I still have but haven't used for years), progressing through OM-2n, OM-2SP, OM-4 and OM-4Ti. I recently bought an OM-2n body as I missed the original one which got damaged beyond repair - the 2SP was the insurance replacement as by then the 2n was discontinued.

Beware battery life issues with the OM-2SP and the OM-4, they will often consume batteries quite quickly. This problem doesn't affect the 4Ti.

If you're starting out and are used to the E-series DSLRs then an OM-4Ti will look reasonably familiar - it has similar spot and centre-weighted metering and the LCD viewfinder readout is horizontal below the frame like an E-620. But they still command a higher price than earlier models. I think the best value is probably the OM-2n, a professional quality job with accurate metering and auto-exposures up to several minutes. I picked mine up from Ffordes a year ago for £85.

Lens-wise you can hardly go wrong with the Zuikos. The 24mm f2.8 is a great landscape lens, and the 35-105 zoom is an excellent all rounder. The faster Zuikos fetch high prices but the slower range are light and compact making it easy to carry a selection on a hike for instance.

Good luck with your search :).

[Miha]

The OM1 is totally manual, with the battery only working the 'match-needle' meter. Unfortunately the original mercury cells to power it are unavailable and the modern replacements are a slightly different voltage. Although you can get the cameras modified I simply use a hand-held meter. Rob

Rob (and others using cameras reqiring mercury cell), I'm using an adapter for my Leicaflex SL camera purchased from Frans de Gruijter. It works great. Please see attached .pdf document.
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/batt_adapt_us.pdf

Miha

[RH Designs]

Just to add a footnote - unlike a DSLR and most other film SLRs the auto-exposure OMs don't even need to be switched on to take a properly-exposed photo so are great for grab shots!

[Martin Aislabie]

Just to add a footnote - unlike a DSLR and most other film SLRs the auto-exposure OMs don't even need to be switched on to take a properly-exposed photo so are great for grab shots!

Hmmm......

Not sure about exactly how true that statement is for all the OMs

I have an OM2n and in the "Off" position it gives a default shutter speed of 1/60th

May be this was changed on later "auto" models

Zuiko (Olympus) lenses are excellent - look out for the slower lenses in the range - they usually made both a fast and a slow lens in most focal lengths eg 35mm/f2 & 35mm/f2.8

The faster lenses mostly used a 55mm filter size and the slower lens a 49mm.

I have a 28mm F3.5 and it is stunningly sharp

[Neil Smith]

Just a quick pointer, if you use your digital camera lenses for a film camera, they need to be able to cover full frame digital, or you will get severe vignetting. I don't know the Olympus digital cameras so I couldn't advise precisely on this.

Neil

[wblynch]

I have used OM1 since 1975. I love the OM series. I have several OM1's and OM10's now and can't let them go. I did give away an OM10 kit to my daughter and another to my sister.

The OM10 is actually a very good camera. It's not all that rugged so treat it a bit gently and it will serve you well. I always get good exposures with that camera.

I think for lenses, starting out, you will do well with a 28/f3.5 or a 35/f3.5, the 50mm (I prefer the lower contrast look of the 1.4 but most recommend the 1.8), and perhaps the 135/f3.5 or f2.8

There are dozens to choose from. I'm not a real fan of zooms, but I do like the 75-150 and the 35-70 f3.5-4.5 both for cost and flexibility.

You can put together a starter system very cheaply nowadays and grow it if you wish.

Keep in mind, most OMs that haven't already had it will need new foam light seals. You can do it in 30-60 minutes.

OM1s suffer from prism desilvering due to rotted foam in the top cover. I have repaired a few using perfect prisms from donor OM10s/20s.

Once serviced you will love the OMs.

[Rob Archer]

Just a quick pointer, if you use your digital camera lenses for a film camera, they need to be able to cover full frame digital, or you will get severe vignetting. I don't know the Olympus digital cameras so I couldn't advise precisely on this.

Neil

You can't use Olympus digital lenses on the OMs as they are made for the 4/3 format, which is a lot smaller than 35mm as Neil says. Youn, however use OM lenses on the E series with an adaptor. You just need to double the effective focal length (e.g. a 50mm works as a 100mm due to the small sensor size)

Better shut up now or I'll be thrown off for talking d*******!

Rob

[RH Designs]

I have an OM2n and in the "Off" position it gives a default shutter speed of 1/60th

My OM-2n User Manual states "if you release the shutter with the selector lever in the 'off' position, the built-in automatic exposure control is activated to take a properly exposed picture" and "exposure stops in 1/30 sec maximum" so that if you accidentally release the shutter with the lens cap on and the camera switched off, it won't flatten the batteries.

The auto-exposure system is switched on by contacts on the mirror, not by the selector switch, and switching "off" merely deactivates the viewfinder indications. The meter needle uses a separate sensor to the auto-exposure system.

It's a brilliant bit of design; Maitani was a genius :).

[Miha]

My Nikon FG and FA had the same brilliant design - just touch their shutter release and they are ready to go.:)

On the other hand, I still think I should go the Olympus way in 1995 when deciding between the Nikon F90 and the OM 4Ti. (my 18th birthday gift...)

Miha

[Martin Aislabie]

My OM-2n User Manual states "if you release the shutter with the selector lever in the 'off' position, the built-in automatic exposure control is activated to take a properly exposed picture" and "exposure stops in 1/30 sec maximum" so that if you accidentally release the shutter with the lens cap on and the camera switched off, it won't flatten the batteries.

The auto-exposure system is switched on by contacts on the mirror, not by the selector switch, and switching "off" merely deactivates the viewfinder indications. The meter needle uses a separate sensor to the auto-exposure system.

It's a brilliant bit of design; Maitani was a genius :).

Richard, I stand corrected :o

Its been a very long time since I read my OM2 Manual.

Its likely to be with the original box, somewhere "safe" - in a cupboard in the garage I think

Martin :)

[Orinoco]

many thanks for the information!,

Ive been reading some of the websites listed by you and I think Im going to get one of the OM's, just got to save up some more money .
Because of my inexperience with film cameras im a bit apprehensive about buying one , I realise it may not be a vast amount im spending but in effect Im using my student grant to fund this (just dont tell my bank manager ! as currently im experiencing my own global recession of student debt).
I thought about buying from a shop, the price might bit more but Im happy to pay a bit more to gain some advice. Since I live in Cambridge I thought about Campkins cameras since they seem to be helpful a few years ago when i last used them, anyone here use them ?
If you know any other second hand Olympus dealers in the Cambridge area that would be helpful,or failing that London !

One question, can OM cameras be used with a cable releases ? and if it does where does it connect ? as I seem to have not found it in the photos Ive viewed

Ori

:)

[Dave]

many thanks for the information!,

Ive been reading some of the websites listed by you and I think Im going to get one of the OM's, just got to save up some more money .
Because of my inexperience with film cameras im a bit apprehensive about buying one , I realise it may not be a vast amount im spending but in effect Im using my student grant to fund this (just dont tell my bank manager ! as currently im experiencing my own global recession of student debt).
I thought about buying from a shop, the price might bit more but Im happy to pay a bit more to gain some advice. Since I live in Cambridge I thought about Campkins cameras since they seem to be helpful a few years ago when i last used them, anyone here use them ?
If you know any other second hand Olympus dealers in the Cambridge area that would be helpful,or failing that London !

One question, can OM cameras be used with a cable releases ? and if it does where does it connect ? as I seem to have not found it in the photos Ive viewed

Ori

:)

I've brought, and sold many cameras (including Olympus OM's) through Ffordes (https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm) by mail order. Whilst I think it's always better to deal with a local shop if you can, where that's not possible then a dealer such as Ffordes can be very helpful.

The cable release screws into the centre of the shutter release button.

[Carl V]

I thought about buying from a shop, the price might bit more but Im happy to pay a bit more to gain some advice. Since I live in Cambridge I thought about Campkins cameras since they seem to be helpful a few years ago when i last used them, anyone here use them ?
If you know any other second hand Olympus dealers in the Cambridge area that would be helpful,or failing that London !


In case you haven't seen this website, it lists photographic dealers (new and used) around the UK. I haven't dealt with Campkins personally so I'm not familiar with them, but like Dave I have used Ffordes and can recommend them. Other than Grays, which is a Nikon dealer, I doubt whether there is one which deals specifically with a single brand alone such as Olympus.

http://www.ukcamera.com/

[Alan Clark]

I would go for the OM1. I bought one in 1980 and it is still going strong - I use it every week, though the light meter no longer works. Zuiko prime lenses are really good, and down to 28mm are dirt cheap. Also the OM1 has a very big and bright viewfinder.

Alan

[Rob Archer]

I've used Campkins in Cambridge quite a lot over the years and they've always given good service. I'm not sure how much 2nd hand stock they hold these days, though. I remember their wonderful old shop opposite Kings College. I used to go in just for the amazing smell of old cameras.

I also second the OM1 as a superb camera - mine's at least 25 years old and still going strong.

Rob

[martinb]

An OM10 was my first camera, bought it for about £90 in 1980 with a 50mm lens. Took many great snaps with it over many years until my son pulled it off my shoulder and the the body suffered severe damage. Great camera and lens and so being so small it was convenient to take anywhere. I also had the manual adaptor.

Martin

[RH Designs]

Ori - if it helps to make up your mind many of the OM series instruction manuals are available here (http://www.butkus.org/chinon/olympus.htm) to download for a small voluntary contribution.

[Paul Jenkin]

The OM1 is a superb piece of kit and is highly recommended. However, if I were going back to an OM system again, I'd go for an OM2n. The metering is just brilliant and it is so simple and understated.

You can pick up 28mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8 and 135mm f3.5 (or f2.8) at very reasonable prices. There's a very clean-looking example of an OM2n in the window of David Lipson photography in Great Dunmow (Essex - a few miles from Stansted airport and where I get my gear from). You could do worse than speak to Mike Perry - the proprietor - and see what he can do for you. The number is 01371 872129 if you're interested.