Finally bought an Omega

Kyle M. · Dec 22, 2013

Well after 6 months of debating whether to buy one, I took the plunge and traded my Mamiya 645 1000S for a near mint Koni Rapid Omega 200. I've been wanting to try out a medium format rangefinder and so far I'm really liking it, it's so much easier to haul around than my RB67. I was kind of surprised to find the KE-58 military contract ID plate on it as well, even though it took a bit of googling to figure that one out. Ran a roll of Arista 100 hrough it today which is currently drying, no light leaks, and good frame spacing. This evening when the negs are dry I'll get to see just how sharp that 90mm Omegon is.

Tom1956 · Dec 22, 2013

Great camera. Dollars to doughnuts the rangefinder is out of calibration. So don't judge by first roll. The rangefinder calibration is pretty straightforward, but very tedious and very sensitive to microscopic-size adjustment. If you decide to take it on yourself, go for the close end accuracy, and if the infinity has to fall where it may, then so well. The adjustments are THAT tiny. Very tedious. But in the end you're not likely to ever have a better camera.

Kyle M. · Dec 22, 2013

Just checked that roll out I had shots anywhere from infinity focus down to 5 feet and all look to be perfectly in focus, even the closer ones shot wide open. I bought the camera from a reputable dealer who claimed to have checked everything out and film tested the camera, and it seems they came through.

Tom1956 · Dec 22, 2013

Well, there you go. You lucked out. Now enjoy.

Kyle M. · Dec 22, 2013

Tom1956 said:
Well, there you go. You lucked out. Now enjoy.

Oh I definately will, this one is going in the permanent collection.

mikebarger · Dec 22, 2013

I've got a 100 series and really like it, may sell my hassy stuff

MattKing · Dec 22, 2013

I really appreciated the results that I was able to get with the Koni-Omegas I had - especially the 58mm lens.

I sold them though - they were really not suited to use by someone like me who is extremely left handed.

I used to know a wedding and studio photographer who switched to "small" cameras for his wedding work - Koni-Omegas and a Mamiya RB67.

Prior to the switch, he used a view camera, and a Speed Graphic!

Enjoy your camera.

Konical · Dec 23, 2013

Good Morning, Kyle,

Congratulations on finding a camera that's fun to use and gives high-quality results. Apparently you hit the jackpot by finding a Koni with a back which spaces without problems. In a way, it's a bit of a shame that the Koni's are being sought out; prices now seem to be generally higher than they were several years ago, but they're still a bargain if you find one in good condition.

Konical

Paul Howell · Dec 23, 2013

Kyle M. said:
Well after 6 months of debating whether to buy one, I took the plunge and traded my Mamiya 645 1000S for a near mint Koni Rapid Omega 200. I've been wanting to try out a medium format rangefinder and so far I'm really liking it, it's so much easier to haul around than my RB67. I was kind of surprised to find the KE-58 military contract ID plate on it as well, even though it took a bit of googling to figure that one out. Ran a roll of Arista 100 hrough it today which is currently drying, no light leaks, and good frame spacing. This evening when the negs are dry I'll get to see just how sharp that 90mm Omegon is.

I not sure but think the Air Force was the only branch to use the Koni Omegas. I have used the Koni Omega a few times and really liked the way it handles, I now a Mamiya Univeral, great lens, but the shutter must be cocked, just slower. The Konica Omega backs will also fit the Koni Omega Flex, a twin lens camera, but not a true reflex.

Cikaziva · Dec 31, 2013

i have recently got one too, Rapid M with 90mm and am so amazed by it. i am professional photographer and m shooting MF and LF last 27 years, but because i was born and lived 30 years in Europe i never "meet" Koni-Omegas or Graflex until i moved to Canada. i was amazed how well that camera s made, tight and strong, but simple and easy to maintain and adjust. on top of that optical performance is fantastic. also this is by far faster MF that i ever used. commands are well placed its intuitive and real fun to use. i still dont understand why is it so unpopular? i got mine in really good condition for 70$ in a same place that was selling Yashika for 450$!?
i have Hasselblad with several lenses that am using as my "small" camera and initially I got this KO as a present for my father in law but for sure am planing to get another one and keep it as duty RF
just my 2c

Zathras · Dec 31, 2013

PDH said:
I not sure but think the Air Force was the only branch to use the Koni Omegas. I have used the Koni Omega a few times and really liked the way it handles, I now a Mamiya Univeral, great lens, but the shutter must be cocked, just slower. The Konica Omega backs will also fit the Koni Omega Flex, a twin lens camera, but not a true reflex.

The Navy also used the Rapid Omega. I used them in Photo School at NAS Pensacola and they were also used in the photo lab aboard the USS John F. Kennedy when I was assigned there.

rjbuzzclick · Dec 31, 2013

I have a KO Rapid M and it's a great winter camera, really easy to operate with gloves on.

Regarding the frame spacing issue, I have three backs and they only have frame spacing issues with Fuji films, never with Ilford or Foma/AristaEDU films. I also have a Kiev 6C and again, I only have frame spacing issues with Fuji films, never with other manufacturers. Don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but it's been my experience.

dynachrome · Jan 1, 2014

The Koni-Omegaflex is a true reflex. It's a twin lens reflex, not a sngle lens reflex.

Paul Howell · Jan 2, 2014

dynachrome said:
The Koni-Omegaflex is a true reflex. It's a twin lens reflex, not a sngle lens reflex.

It is a twin lens, but not a true reflex, it is direct view. For some reason I am unable to paste but check out the manual, although there is a angle view with a mirror the standard view finder is a ground glass like a view camera. I had an Omegaflex, liked the 6X7 negative size, but did not like the viewing system and sold it for a Mamiya C 33.

Jim Rice · Jan 3, 2014

My favorite finder for the Omegaflex was the eye level. Sort of a chimney finder on its side. One gets used to the view being upside down as well as reversed left to right pretty quickly, or at least I did.

Paul Howell · Jan 4, 2014

Jim Rice said:
My favorite finder for the Omegaflex was the eye level. Sort of a chimney finder on its side. One gets used to the view being upside down as well as reversed left to right pretty quickly, or at least I did.

I had the standard finder, never got use it although I have no trouble with a ground glass on a view camera.

SindreS · Mar 6, 2014

How much do you use the Omega? I was thinking of replacing my Bronica kit with the Omega. Just bought it and waiting for it to be shipped, although the back needs repair. I'm afraid I'm going to miss waist level finding. I use waist level and prism about 50/50 % each. And how do you find the speed of the lenses? I'm getting the 58 mm, 90 and 180. Think I will be using the 58 and 90 mostly. So Im a bit afraid of the 58 mm not being fast enough for handhelding because there is not alot of light here in Norway...

Finally bought an Omega

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