Nikon FE2 vs Olympus OM-4T(i)

[kivis]

Considering 2 of the high points in aperture preferred cameras. Both classics. Which would you choose and why? Don't worry about glass, this camera will hitch it's wagon to a 50mm lens only.

 

[Vincent Brady]

I think that camera design peaked with the arrival of the OM4Ti. The spot metering capable of taking up to 8 readings before you shoot was always a + for me.

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

Now I'd go for the Olympus because of size, weight and viewfinder, despite my liking aspects of the Nikon's ergonomics better.

In the past I would have chosen (actually, did!) the Nikon for its hammer abilities, but I now realize that I rarely need a hammer to take pictures with....

 

[Les Sarile]

The OM4T has spot metering accurate as my Sekonic, OTF flash at all speeds with an Olympus F280 and exposure info display has a light available in dark conditions.

 

[kivis]

The OM4T has spot metering accurate as my Sekonic, OTF flash at all speeds with an Olympus F280 and exposure info display has a light available in dark conditions.

Not sure I follow. The FE2 uses a needle for shutter speed in the viewfinder but it is hard to see in the dark. How does it compare to the OM-4T?

 

[baachitraka]

Even better if you find a good OM-2sp, which is full-time spot under manual mode.

 

[kivis]

Also the Nikon FM/FE series bodies have always impressed for its sturdiness. How does the OM series compare?

 

[Les Sarile]

The OM4T display has a light available.

 

[kivis]

The OM4T display has a light available.

Is it bright enough to read in the dark (unlike the Nikon's)?

 

[kivis]

Any reputable repair shops in USA for OM Bodies?

 

[baachitraka]

The OM4T display has a light available.

Also in OM-2sp, you can illuminate the metered reading.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

I did have the FM2 and FE cameras because they were part of the system I was using. Mostly back-ups for the F4/F5.

I've always thought the OM4T was the greatest camera Olympus ever made and is much more camera than the Nikon's.

If I was picking in this day and age I would go with the OM4T. Great spot metering, great construction, well thought out system.

The only advantage of the Nikon's is the availability of used items and lenses. Some of the exotic Olympus lenses are very hard to find. I remember seeing a 180 f2 at a news photographers trade show years ago, but have never seen one come up on ebay. Not that I'm watching every day.

If it was my money I would go with the OM4t.

-Rob

 

[baachitraka]

Any reputable repair shops in USA for OM Bodies?

http://www.zuiko.com/

 

[Uncle Bill]

The OM-4T is the more sophisticated camera, well built yet light which is a big consideration if you travel a lot with your gear. As long you are not on the hunt for exotic lenses, Zuiko glass can be quite reasonable.

 

[rolleiman]

As availability of spare parts will eventually become an issue, I'd be inclined to favour the FE2. There are far more of them around than OM4Ti's (at least here in the UK) It also wins out on the grounds of "the simpler the electronics, the less likely it is to fail". I've used FE2's, FM2's for years, they handle well, are solidly made to last a photographic lifetime.

Also, do you really need to take eight different spotmeter readings before exposing?...By the time you've done this, the picture opportunity is likely to have disappeared.....the sun's gone behind a cloud etc. etc. .....In my experience, in day to day photography, these complicated metering systems just don't get used.

 

[kivis]

Quote from Camtech: " OLYMPUS NO LONGER OFFERS FACTORY SERVICE FOR THE OM-3Ti or 4T/Ti champagne body. It is likely they will soon discontinue 4T / Ti Black service."

 

[Chan Tran]

The OM4Ti is a much more valuable camera than the FE2. It was made to compete with the F3. For actual use I rather use the FE2.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

For repairs you might check out KEH.

Jeff

 

[fotch]

If your use to your existing Nikons, then the new one will be intuitive and less chance of missing a shot.

 

[Vincent Brady]

As I used my OM4Ti for landscape photography generally I was very happy with it until I took up street photography covering parades and found that I could not focus fast enough to capture what I wanted. By the time I focused the expression on the subjects face had changed or the action was completed. It was then that I invested in an auto focus camera the Nikon F80 ( I now use the F100) but I still use the OM4Ti for my infrared photography which is still landscape based.

 

[Les Sarile]

Also the Nikon FM/FE series bodies have always impressed for its sturdiness. How does the OM series compare?

The OM4T is Olympus flagship and very robust.

Is it bright enough to read in the dark (unlike the Nikon's)?

OM4T exposure display - manual and auto aperture, is the most visible and well thought out arrangement in bright light or pitch black setting.

Since you list an FTN, you are already comfortable with the location of the shutter speed control of the OM4T. But there is one major diff between the OM4Ts (as well as OM1, 2 & 3) and all other brands and that is you will not see the aperture setting in the VF.

 

[skahde]

Having owned both side by side, the OM4 is the more solidly built and sophisticated camera but the FE2 is much more straightforward and simple in use, not much to get in your way on it. The OM-Winder seemed a bit old and arkward even compared to the venerable MD12. The Nikon suited me better and think it is really up to personal preference and I'm glad I tried both.

 

[mopar_guy]

Isn't the direction of focus on a Nikon lens the opposite of Olympus? That would be hard to get used to.

 

[Les Sarile]

Canon, Konica, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax and Yashica all twist-on the same direction and Nikon is opposite. Shouldn't be an issue anyway since the OP stated "Don't worry about glass, this camera will hitch it's wagon to a 50mm lens only."

 

[mopar_guy]

Canon, Konica, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax and Yashica all twist-on the same direction and Nikon is opposite. Shouldn't be an issue anyway since the OP stated "Don't worry about glass, this camera will hitch it's wagon to a 50mm lens only."

Won't the 50mm lens have to be focused?