Bought an OM2n Today...

[FilmOnly]

I have never compared Leica glass to Olympus glass. I do know that (especially since I shoot prints) a 92% viewifnder is bad enough for composition, let alone having another fairly large "blackout" area on the right side. The design is very amateurish, and I wonder why the vaunted Leica brand went with this?

As far as I can tell, the R4 is based upon the XD-11, and the XD-11 looks to have the same viewfinder (which is why I never opted for an XD-11). I opted for the Leica strictly for the glass, but I wonder exactly how much better the glass actually is. I have taken some beautiful shots with Canon, Nikon, Minolta, and Pentax glass. Certainly, these other brands are at least a better value.

Further, Leica's design and features on the R4 were way behind its Japanese competition. I compared the R4 to a number of Japanese bodies that debuted *prior* to the R4, and found the Japanese bodies to be more advanced.

 

[John Hermanson]

To clarify a function of the 2N: The "OFF" position is a modified AUTO setting. It's purpose was to prevent battery run down in case shutter is fired with the lens cap on. In this case, the shutter should fire around 1/45th of a second. If you are shooting in bright light at an iso/f stop combination that would give you a shutter speed between 1/45th and 1/1000, then your exposure on the OFF setting would be correct. If scene is dark, requiring a shutter speed below 1/45th, then shutter will still fire at 1/45th, resulting in under-exposure. Hope this helps. (Spoke with this user on the phone about 10 minutes ago.) John, www.zuiko.com

 

[Galah]

Great information, everyone!

 

[BetterSense]

I do not know how folks do without this very useful aspect of photography[hyperfocal]. It seems to be non-existent in d------ imaging.

I never understood why autofocus cameras don't have a hyperfocal mode that servo-locks the camera into the hyperfocal distance depending on the selected aperture. It would seem to be an obvious feature, but I've never seen it. The poor markings on many AF lenses don't help matters much.

 

[FilmOnly]

BetterSense: I could not agree more. Both or your points are quite salient.

 

[Ken N]

Lithium batteries have a early voltage dropoff. The silver-oxides hold voltage till the end. With some of the OM bodies, the lithiums will drop below the needed operational voltage rather rapidly. In fact, with the OM-2S and OM-4 (original), this point of insufficient voltage can occur in hours.

The OM-2n is a pure pleasure to use. It handles like a sports car in comparison to other cameras.

The lenses, even if they are the older silvernosed variety, should be outstanding performers. In fact, many of us actually prefer the early-mid formula of the 100 F2.8 to the later versions. The 50 F3.5 is one of the best macro lenses of any make--only superceded by Olympus' even better macro lenses.

 

[Allan Swindles]

FilmOnly, you should check out this websight:-

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/index.htm

Welcome to the wonderful world of Olympus OM.

 

[mopar_guy]

FilmOnly,

Don't be resistant to using the automatic exposure mode of the OM-2N. Remember that ALL OM cameras with auto exposure use aperture preferred auto exposure. The photographer must decide what aperture to set the lens and then the camera will provide the correct shutter speed.

 

[Q.G.]

Remember that ALL OM cameras with auto exposure use aperture preferred auto exposure.

Except the ones that offer program mode, like the OM-2 SP.

 

[mopar_guy]

Program Mode (in the OM-2S Program and the OM PC) works as follows:

1) set the camera to Program
2) set the lens to it's minimum aperture
3) press the shutter release

The camera will set both the aperture and the shutter speed based on meter readings while the exposure is being taken. I used Program mode a few times when my OM-2S was new in the mid 1980's but I haven't used that feature for a long time. It has simply become second nature to use the aperture preferred Auto mode. I can quickly decide which aperture range to use depending on how bright the subject is and what kind of depth of field I want to have.

 

[FilmOnly]

I thank you, John, Ken, Allan, et. al. I very much appreciate your input and your warm regards. I cannot wait for the camera and lenses to arrive. The package is supposed to arrive on Monday, but we are currently buried in two feet of snow (with a few more inches coming). I just got in after shoveling for three hours. Once I receive the camera, I will probably send it out immediately for an overhaul. It should be in nice condition (EX+), but I would rather start things out with all settings and such in squeaky clean shape.

PS: I have a sense that the OM-2N may be the camera I have overlooked over the years--the camera for which I have "been waiting." Well, after about ten years of using nearly every other SLR, it will certainly be interesting the see what happens. I will put this camera and the two lenses through a couple of tests rolls (something I have been wanting to do, but have not). I will document each frame, and then review the results.

 

[wblynch]

My very first film SLR was an OM1 back in 1975. In fact, until now, I've never had a film SLR except for OM1 and OM10.

I fell in love with Olympus then and for many years I thought I was the only one who enjoyed the OM system.

Now it's amazing to me to find people all over the internet that like OM cameras.

I have a feeling once you start using an OM slr you will be very pleased.

-Bill L.

PS: I have a sense that the OM-2N may be the camera I have overlooked over the years--the camera for which I have "been waiting." Well, after about ten years of using nearly every other SLR, it will certainly be interesting the see what happens. I will put this camera and the two lenses through a couple of tests rolls (something I have been wanting to do, but have not). I will document each frame, and then review the results.