How about this for self control...

[Uncle Bill]

I checked out a local camera haunt that has used gear on consignment, today they had a Contax S2b with the 50/1.7 Plannar lens. I was so torn because I have my heart set on an Olympus OM-1. I did the research on the camera online, there is enough out there that really got me interested. The big question is do I really need this camera when I will be getting a classic shortly. The price was really good considering what the S2B went for in the early 1990's. So I am taking a few days to think it over. Thoughts anyone?

Bill

 

[glbeas]

I dunno, We had an OM2 for a while and I wasn't overly impressed with it. Maybe the OM1 was better. I have heard Contax was pretty good but no personal experience with one.

 

[Andy K]

Om-1... OM-2... it's the lenses that matter, and OM Zuiko lenses are superb. Personally I would choose the OM-1 over the OM-2.

 

[Flotsam]

I use an S2 constantly. It is a nice, simple mechanical body that will mount the Carl Zeiss T* lenses. I love the CZ lenses but they are expensive and I already had an investment them and I like manual SLRs so the S2 was my only option except maybe an older Yashica.
If you are starting a system from scratch, it would be hard to overlook the superb quality and economy of the Olympus.
They are both excellent cameras but I think I might lean towards the Olympus. I can't imagine you being disappointed either way.

 

[Dinesh]

I have an OM-1n and think it is truly one of the greats. I couldn't agree with Andy more about the quality of the Zuiko lenses.

 

[Woolliscroft]

Om-1... OM-2... it's the lenses that matter, and OM Zuiko lenses are superb. Personally I would choose the OM-1 over the OM-2.

I solved that problem by getting both, oh and another OM-2, oh and 2 OM-4s, oh and, oops.

David.

 

[Uncle Bill]

I made up my mind, I am getting the OM-1. I am more into the vintage thing anyway.

Bill

 

[laz]

I made up my mind, I am getting the OM-1. I am more into the vintage thing anyway.

Bill

OUCH! I just want you to know how old I feel to see an OM-1 being referred to as a "vintage thing" Please wait till I'm dead before you do that again!
-Bob

 

[Andy K]

That's the strange thing... I have never considered my OM-1 'vintage'. It works like a new camera, pretty much looks like a new camera. (Except to a guy I met while out shooting in the summer with a Nikon D70 round his neck who asked 'Wow, that's small, is it a Leica?')

 

[glbeas]

I notice today on Ebay someone posted a pile of Oly lenses and such in the darkroom supplies & equipment section. I guess it totally escapes some folks what a category is for.