Battle to choose...

[baachitraka]

between Olympus om-1n and Olympus om-2n.

I just like everything about OM-1n, but at time I prefer aperture-priority.

My only concern is the electronics in om-2n. I will be happy if you share your experiences including repairs.

 

[Rick A]

Simple solution to your dilema, buy one of each. I have a trio of OM-1's and an OM-4, the OM-4 sits on the shelf. Its disuse has led to the need of a CLA to come back to life should I ever decide to use it again. My personal choice is to be in control of how I shoot and not what the camera decides. If you prefer AP, set the aperture on an OM-1 and switch speeds to obtain correct settings.

 

[baachitraka]

I own OM-1n which is a great camera. I think, I will go with OM-1n again to avoid lens change.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I don't know much about Olympus, but I always go for the manual camera!

Jeff

 

[mgb74]

I own OM-1n which is a great camera. I think, I will go with OM-1n again to avoid lens change.

No difference (as far as I know) in lens compatibility between the 1n and 2n. So that should not be an issue.

2n uses currently available batteries - an advantage in my opinion.

If you have a 1n, and like aperture priority at times, I'd get the 2n as 2nd body. Can't go far wrong either way.

 

[baachitraka]

My only concern is the electronics, I do not mind to repair it if any thing goes wrong but spares and the craftsman are the concern.

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

Nobody can predict a 30 years old cameras electronics. If it fails , it will be an other paperweight. Repairing these cameras is more expensive than to buy other one. You cant be sure about other bodies life expectancy either. Select the cheaper one , bite would be less hurting.

 

[baachitraka]

Yeah, I am biased to mechanical ones now. ;-)

 

[MattKing]

I bought my first OM-1 in the 1970s, when they were new.

I've had as many as six different OM models.

I recently sold my OM-1n, and am left with an OM-2n, an OM2s and two OM-Gs

If I were you, I would buy an OM-2n to accompany your existing OM-1n. Most likely both of them will last for as long as you need them.

John Hermanson (zuiko.com) a great service resource.

 

[baachitraka]

Is om-2n like om-1n on manual mode? Just curious...

 

[MattKing]

Is om-2n like om-1n on manual mode? Just curious...

Yes they are, except if they don't have working batteries installed, where:

1) with the OM-1n the meter doesn't function but otherwise the camera is fully functional; and
2) with the OM-2n the meter doesn't function and one shutter speed is fully functional.

If you haven't seen it, the Unofficial Olympus OM Sales Information File is invaluable:

http://star.ucl.ac.uk/~rwesson/esif/om-sif.htm

There are links to scanned manuals at the bottom of most listings.

 

[baachitraka]

Nice info through the link. Wondering, what will happen if I insert my 430 Ex II speedlite on om-2n shoe.

Right now, I am using the same flash on om-1n with manual settings(flash power).

 

[MattKing]

Nice info through the link. Wondering, what will happen if I insert my 430 Ex II speedlite on om-2n shoe.

Right now, I am using the same flash on om-1n with manual settings(flash power).

Does it give you a flash ready signal in the OM viewfinder?

I think I've tried an Olympus T-32 on an inexpensive Canon EOS film body with no apparent adverse effect. But I'd always be concerned that the different pattern of contacts might short something that ought not be connected.

 

[Pumalite]

Buy an OM-2n and live with both of them. They will outlast you.

 

[baachitraka]

No, it does not. But I trust 4-AA batteries will last at-least for three to four rolls of film.

Nevertheless, 430 EX II speedlite with 4-AA batteries has lasted nearly 400 flashes during a wedding shoot.

Does it give you a flash ready signal in the OM viewfinder?

I think I've tried an Olympus T-32 on an inexpensive Canon EOS film body with no apparent adverse effect. But I'd always be concerned that the different pattern of contacts might short something that ought not be connected.

 

[mr rusty]

If you buy either OM1 or OM2 and want a CLA or other work, I highly recommend Mike Spencer http://www.camerarepairs-r-us.co.uk/ in the UK.

 

[Sosha]

As far as I know Baachitraka the OM1 has a mechanically timed shutter, and the OM2n an electronic one...

OM1n is manual only, with the 2n having aperture priority, automatic or manual exposure

The 1 is manual flash, the 2 having TTL flash, in aperture priority, with T series flash guns

OM1n, no battery test function (Hey, who needs it? The batteries last years!) The OM2n has one (although I'm not sure if it has the dreaded battery drain problem)

OM1n Viewfinder displays only exposure info (under/over or correct)
OM2n Viewfinder displays selected shutter speed in aperture priority or exposure info in manual.

OM1n One mercury battery as standard (or one silver oxide with adaptor)
OM2n two SR44 batteries

Now, I'm not fully sure, but it seems like you can just use one of these batteries instead of the adaptor. I cant post links yet, but if you go to watch battery dot co dot uk and type in bp-px625 its the only page that comes up. I mention this because the voltage is 1.35 so should be fine...

Apart from that they are virtually identical, including the appearance. All the accessories are the same except the OM2n hot shoe will not fit an OM1n.

I myself have the same kit as you And was in the exact situation as you too... not being able to decide between the two. As a personal decision, I have chosen that If I have some spare cash, I'll go for the OM1n. Simply because its a brickhouse, and there's no faffing about with the electronics. If the meter breaks down you can still use the whole camera with all shutter speeds and all (as far as I'm aware)

Like others say though, you cant go wrong with either mate. Whatever happens, enjoy it and have fun

 

[baachitraka]

I went with OM-2sp, seller said it is in good condition. Hope that won't disappoint me.

OM-1n is a gem and looking a nice leather case for it.

 

[baachitraka]

Finally, I have my OM-2sp. Good looking camera indeed.

 

[Rick A]

Hope you enjoy the spot metering capability of the 2sp. That is the only feature that sold me on my OM-4.

 

[baachitraka]

Yeah, SP feature is very nice indeed. Hope one day I own OM-3(ti) too.

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Both are solid and still very sought-after cameras. My third camera was the OM 1N (black), and it fitted my small hands perfectly. The only annoyance is that the screw-on (detachable) hot shoe is prone to cracking. This was the Achilles Heel of the entire Olympus system until the OM 4 came in, dispensing with it entirely. Replacement hot shoes for those that crack might be very hard to find now.

The spot metering on the OM4, along with highlight and shadow control, was a gatecrasher for its time. But the basics of photography are best learnt with basic cameras, and either the 2N or 1N will be adequate. Just cast an eye on the age and overall condition or either as all are now very well used.

 

[wblynch]

What's a little crack between friends?

I used a cracked hot shoe on my first OM1 for 33 years. It was missing an entire side! Still worked great.

Using a Vivitar 283 mounted on top of the camera caused the crack and I later got a little Sunpak and then a T-20.

So, although it was a great flash, just don't put a 283 on there and you should be fine.

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

The hotshoe could be easily cracked by imprudent overtightening of the locking screw, "splaying" the shape out and thus causing the crack and eventual breakage. It need not have a flash of any particular weight on it to break.

 

[wblynch]

The hotshoe could be easily cracked by imprudent overtightening of the locking screw, "splaying" the shape out and thus causing the crack and eventual breakage. It need not have a flash of any particular weight on it to break.

I've never seen that happen on any of my OM1's. It seems the flat spot of the shoe bottoms out before the "wings" get spread. Maybe on an OM2 it's different?