Topic: What should I get? Olympus OM-1 or OM-2?

[cs1]

I'm currently looking for a small 35mm camera with interchangeable lenses that's sturdy, affordable and which yields good results. It should have a built-in meter. I looked around and I don't think that most rangefinders appeal to me because they're either too expensive or if not, they often aren't of a high enough build quality. Furthermore I'm quite happy with my SLRs so I looked into a small SLR. I want something that I can control manually (it doesn't need any automatic settings).  Since I have a thing for Olympus (though I only own a 35RC and a pocketable camera; however, especially the 35RC is just brilliant), both the OM-1 and the OM-2 caught my eyes. I know that -- despite the similarity in appearances -- those two cameras are very different in terms of what's inside of them. If I read the Internet right, purists would say "get an OM-1, it's all mechanical and sturdy", others would say "yes, the OM-1 is nice but the OM-2 is a much more advanced camera with its wonderful light meter and TTL functions and it's a milestone for camera technology of that time". Interestingly enough, the OM-2 can be bought at a much lower price than the OM-1. I'd also like to factor in, how easy it is to service the camera. I know that there're a number of "Olympians" amongst you, my fellow filmwasters, so I'd really be interested in your (biased) experiences with these cameras. I'd also like to get a nifty fifty with whichever OM-x I'll buy and I'd love to hear which of the 50mms you like (1.8? 1.4? macro?). Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[EarlJam]

The OMs are lovely cameras. I sold both during my stint in retail sales in the mid-70s. The location of the shutter speed selector, around the lens mount, is unique in 35mm SLRs. If you're accustomed to that with medium-format leaf shutter cameras like the 'Blad, operation is pretty natural. The one caveat I'll mention is batteries, as the early OMs were designed around 625-size mercury cells. The screw-on hot shoe can also be problematic, if the camera doesn't already have it installed.

The primary competitor in this size class is the Pentax MX. Advantages are the metering system, battery (2x S76), and a broader choice of lenses since the K-mount is more common. And if it's more familiar, the shutter speed dial is on top of the camera. I've never used one, but the Pentax 50/1.4 is reported to be a gem; I have the 50/1.7 which has served me well for nearly 40 years now. Whether OM or MX, these cameras as the SLR equivalent to the Leica M, size-wise. If you find you need a little bit more surface for grip, adding the winder is a good addition.

[Bryan]

I would go with the OM-1, I say that because I have one I can sell you with a 50mm 1.8 lens.  It has one tiny cosmetic problem, it's missing the little black circle on top of the shutter speed dial but that has no effect on it's use.  I really like the OM-1's but I have a few bodies so selling one is no big deal.  I think the lens in the attached photo is the 1.4, I'm not selling that one but the 1.8 is a nice lens unless you need the speed.  PM me if you're interested.

[AJShepherd]

I've got an OM-1 and I picked up a battery adaptor which takes a modern battery and steps down the voltage so the meter works properly. And of course because it's a manual camera if the battery packs up you can still resort to 'sunny 16' or a phone app or something. Mine did come with the hot shoe adaptor so that's something to look out for.

They're really lovely and small compared to SLRs of the period, mine just needs checking for light seals because last time I used it I got a few minor light leaks, and spotted what looked like perished foam residue in one spot. Those look pretty easy to come by on the 'Bay.

[Bryan]

I just use hearing aid batteries with an O-ring, never had a problem doing it that way.

[John Robison]

Of battery dependent cameras the OM-2 is one of the more reliable. And, when set on manual operates just like a OM-1. So it’s kind of a toss up. I think you would be happy with either.

[cs1]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. They sound very promising. The batteries are a non-issue for me because some of the cameras that I use the most (Canon F-1 and Olympus 35RC) where made to use PX625 batteries and I have no problems at all using 675 hearing aid batteries instead with some aluminium foil fiddled around them to hold them in place.

I'm still pondering about the 50mm. I'm used to my Canon 50mm f/1.4 which I don't shoot wide open regularly because it can be a tad soft, but I still do occasionally when I want the shallow DOF or even the softness + vignetting.

Bryan, I'll PM you regarding our OM-1.

[Kai-san]

The location of the shutter speed selector, around the lens mount, is unique in 35mm SLRs. If you're accustomed to that with medium-format leaf shutter cameras like the 'Blad, operation is pretty natural.

The location of the shutter speed selector around the lens is also found on the Nikkormat FTn, but that is of course a much larger and heavier camera.

[EarlJam]

The location of the shutter speed selector, around the lens mount, is unique in 35mm SLRs. If you're accustomed to that with medium-format leaf shutter cameras like the 'Blad, operation is pretty natural.

The location of the shutter speed selector around the lens is also found on the Nikkormat FTn, but that is of course a much larger and heavier camera.

Thanks! As I was typing the comment about the OM shutter control, a little voice kept saying, "you're probably forgetting something."

[cs1]

I'm currently eyeing a package that contains an OM-2, the Zuiko lenses 50mm f/1.4, 135mm f/3.5, and the 35-70mm f/3.6. It looks like a useful kit if everything is in working order.

[Bryan]

I'm currently eyeing a package that contains an OM-2, the Zuiko lenses 50mm f/1.4, 135mm f/3.5, and the 35-70mm f/3.6. It looks like a useful kit if everything is in working order.

I have the 35-70mm f/4 lens, it's a nice one.  I also have the 50mm f/1.4 but haven't used it much yet.  Good luck!

[cs1]

As you might've read on the "I just picked up..." thread I got an OM-1 and used my lunch break to shoot some film with it. I'm very impressed by this little camera. It's incredibly discrete in terms of noise (both the shutter sound and also the film advancing are pretty silent for an SLR). I love it. I'll try to shoot the rest of the film (Fuji Superia 200) tomorrow. I'm very curious about the results. Though I still prefer the light meter display of the Canon F-1 (ring indicator and needle) the meter still works nicely and does its job. I use a 675 hearing aid battery and the meter seems to be very accurate (I verified it with my Gossen Variosix).

[Blaxton]

Congratulations.  I think that you are going to enjoy your OM-1; light meter display notwithstanding.  There are many YouTube videos about this camera—perhaps you have already been through enough to satisfy—but this one stands out for the high quality of the photos:  https://youtu.be/LH_c4qqk2ns

[cs1]

The camera is a real joy. And the lightmeter doesn't subtract from that joy at all. I'll have a look at the video as soon as I'm back home. Thanks for the link.