Giving up my Nikon f100?

[bed_hugs]

Went to the shop to check out the OM-2n and OM4-T. Decided I will eventually get one of them(probably the om2), but won't sell my nikon gear. Thanks everybody for the input, I appreciate it


Also ended up also holding the leica M6 that I eye every time I walk into the store. Well, let's just say I've never used such a smooth film advance lever before in my life

 

[PhotoJim]

Also ended up also holding the leica M6 that I eye every time I walk into the store. Well, let's just say I've never used such a smooth film advance lever before in my life

The Nikon F3/F3HP has a pretty smooth film advance, too.

 

[wblynch]

Get an OM-2 and a 50mm and a 28mm.

You will love the jewel like look and feel.

Nothing is prettier and they take great photos.

You will want to take it everywhere with you.

 

[Chan Tran]

Y. Maitani said that although the OM system is so great, you can't take it everywhere with you so he designed the XA.

 

[bed_hugs]

This place is selling the OM4T w/50mm 1.8 for $199!!! Which I believe is a steal. I know it's not the 50 1.4, but the lens and body are in great condition. Plus the meter seemed to be working fine while I was handling it.

The prices these things go for on eBay amazed me

 

[bed_hugs]

I reckon it does, although I don't have a good f3 at a reasonable price near me at the moment. Not to say that the price of the leica is reasonable haha

 

[L Gebhardt]

I second the idea of getting an XA. I carry that when I want something small that still shoots film. Excellent quality lens, good meter and easy rangefinder focusing. I have both an OM1 and an F100 (plus way too many other cameras), but all the SLRs have the same issue of not being pocketable. The weight isn't the issue if you only take one or two lenses, but the bulk is. And non of the systems are really that different as far as bulk goes. You still need a dedicated camera bag, they still hang the same way over your neck or shoulder with a lens that sticks out. Something like the XA is pocketable and doesn't get in the way at all. When I carry the XA I have more issues with a couple of extra rolls of film than the camera.

 

[skahde]

Also ended up also holding the leica M6 that I eye every time I walk into the store.

Poor boy, you're doomed...

 

[bed_hugs]

Poor boy, you're doomed...

I was doomed the moment I picked up a camera

 

[bed_hugs]

Well I've since decided on getting an OM, but there was something I noticed when inspecting the cameras that bothered me a bit.

I felt like the film advance lever on the OM4T was rougher than the OM2n. Is this common? I've never had an olympus slr before so I wouldn't know the characteristics of the bodies

 

[wblynch]

It is true. The OM-2sp, OM-4/t and OM-3/t have rougher feeling film advance. I believe this is due to stronger internal gearing intended to stand up to high-speed motor drives.

 

[Chan Tran]

It is true. The OM-2sp, OM-4/t and OM-3/t have rougher feeling film advance. I believe this is due to stronger internal gearing intended to stand up to high-speed motor drives.

The Nikon F3 has a very smooth film advance almost like the Leica and yet many was used with the MD-4 which is a 5fps motor drive without any problem. While Olympus did make 5fps drive for the OM series few of these cameras were used with motor drive.

 

[Chan Tran]

I second the idea of getting an XA. I carry that when I want something small that still shoots film. Excellent quality lens, good meter and easy rangefinder focusing. I have both an OM1 and an F100 (plus way too many other cameras), but all the SLRs have the same issue of not being pocketable. The weight isn't the issue if you only take one or two lenses, but the bulk is. And non of the systems are really that different as far as bulk goes. You still need a dedicated camera bag, they still hang the same way over your neck or shoulder with a lens that sticks out. Something like the XA is pocketable and doesn't get in the way at all. When I carry the XA I have more issues with a couple of extra rolls of film than the camera.

Quoted Y. Maitani
"The OM was conceived as an SLR that could be used to photograph anything from outer space to bacteria, but there are situations in which you can't use an OM. For example, you can't go to a wedding as the guest of honor and carry an OM over the shoulder of your tuxedo.

If you don't have a camera, you can't take photographs. I had realized that even if a camera could shoot everything from outer space to bacteria, users couldn't take any pictures if they didn't have the camera with them. In fact this was something that had been bothering me for many years. "

And so he made the XA.

 

[Les Sarile]

I was in a similar position about 4 years ago except I had the EOS3. As you have seen, the difference in size and weight can be substantial but of course so are the features.

BTW, there are quite a few differences in the choices presented to you and I agree with the recommendation that you keep what you have while you explore the differences until you find the right fit!

I know I did . . . mostly . . .

Larger version -> Cameras by Name

 

[bed_hugs]

I know I did . . . mostly . . .

Larger version -> Cameras by Name

wow what a collection ahah. It's nice to see side by side size differences between the cameras

 

[bed_hugs]

It is true. The OM-2sp, OM-4/t and OM-3/t have rougher feeling film advance. I believe this is due to stronger internal gearing intended to stand up to high-speed motor drives.

So it IS true. oh well, the metering and price for what it is means it's well worth it.

 

[Les Sarile]

If haven't noticed, there is a substantial magnification difference between the OM1&2 and the OM3&4. The latter better for folks who wear glasses like the Nikons.
The OM4's metering is much wider then all other cameras todate except for the Pentax LX. This enables up to 2 minutes aperture priority autoexposure that no other camera - again except the Pentax LX, can do.
The OM4 also has spot metering (multi) not implemented in a manual focus Nikon slr.

 

[crsantin]

I have an F100 as well and I adore it...but it isn't a small camera. It usually doesn't bother me but when I want to travel lighter I use my Nikon FE. It is significantly smaller than the F100 (it fits nicely into a small camera bag where the F100 won't). Nice viewfinder, Aperture priority, meter etc and you can still shoot with it if your battery dies, but the batteries seem to last forever. I also own an Olympus Om-10. It's slightly more compact than the FE, a nice camera but I prefer the metering of the Nikon, which is dead on almost always...the OM-10 metering isn't as reliable, more overexposure I find.

I won't ever sell my F100, nor my FE for that matter. Keep it if you can and add a smaller camera to your collection. I got my FE for less than $100 and the Olympus for something like $40, with the 50mm 1.4, a terrific lens. Just my opinion anyway.

 

[film_man]

I have a F100 and a OM1 with a 50/1.8. They are both wonderful cameras for different uses. If I want to have a camera in the bag "just in case", that's the OM1. For anything else that is even remotely planned (ie I know I'll take photos) the F100 is usually the first choice.