Olympus OM2n Test Roll

[KeithM]

Quite some time ago a new neighbour, seeing me with a 35mm Leica slung over my shoulder said "ah, into old cameras are you - well I was going to throw out a bag of old stuff - perhaps you could use some of it." Inside a tatty old bag was a pristine OM2n & Auto-S 50mm f1.8, which I gladly added to my collection Anyway, it was just a couple of days ago that I finally decided to put them to the test and fired of a roll of Acros 100 on a range of subjects, including close-ups at max aperture. Quite pleased with the results and some can be seen on this album on my Flickr site. Looks like a combination of body & lens that I'll use again.

 

[Chan Tran]

The OM2n is a nice camera. I have the same combination although I rarely use it. I think I only shot 1 roll since I had it about 10 years ago.

 

[Les Sarile]

Yoshihisa Maitani was a genius in designing the OM series which clearly changed the landscape of 35mm SLR. The OM1 was the smallest full frame SLRs with the biggest and brightest viewfinder of quality and the OM2 followed that up with aperture priority autoexposure and TTL flash. Every camera maker scrambled to revise their lineup. In some cases they even stopped production on newly released products.

As exemplified by your results, in good hands and in proper working order, the OM 2 is quite capable of producing great results.

 

[michaelorr]

Heck of a test roll - i am loving the photographs you took.

can't comment on the camera.. but what a reputation it has.

 

[Jerevan]

The only thing I sort of "regret" is that I got to try the Nikon F2 before the OM series, but my OM2n is slowly taking over the camera bag on the outings. A 100/2.8 (to complete the 28/50/100 combo) and maybe perhaps trying a 21/3.5 just to see if I can get along with something that wide.

 

[KeithM]

Thanks for the feedback and comments. The reason I decided to put the OM2n to the test was that, as a Leica RF owner (M7, MP & IIIg) I was considering completing the set, so to speak by getting a Leica SLR - something like an R5 but decided initially to press the OM2n into service to renew my acquaintance with SLR's. Have to say that the results from the OM2n have knocked that idea on the head and I will now look for other Zuiko lenses to accompany the 50mm f1.8. Either a 28mm or 35mm next, methinks!

 

[Chan Tran]

Thanks for the feedback and comments. The reason I decided to put the OM2n to the test was that, as a Leica RF owner (M7, MP & IIIg) I was considering completing the set, so to speak by getting a Leica SLR - something like an R5 but decided initially to press the OM2n into service to renew my acquaintance with SLR's. Have to say that the results from the OM2n have knocked that idea on the head and I will now look for other Zuiko lenses to accompany the 50mm f1.8. Either a 28mm or 35mm next, methinks!

Y Maitani designed the OM cameras to be the Leica M SLR. The first was the M1.

 

[John Koehrer]

And Leica sued & made the change the model number. So OM-1 it was.

 

[Arklatexian]

Thanks for the feedback and comments. The reason I decided to put the OM2n to the test was that, as a Leica RF owner (M7, MP & IIIg) I was considering completing the set, so to speak by getting a Leica SLR - something like an R5 but decided initially to press the OM2n into service to renew my acquaintance with SLR's. Have to say that the results from the OM2n have knocked that idea on the head and I will now look for other Zuiko lenses to accompany the 50mm f1.8. Either a 28mm or 35mm next, methinks!

I am a Leica RF fan (M2/M3) but also own an OM2n with three Zuiko lenses. I see no reason to even consider any other 35mm SLR including Leica SLRs.....Regards!

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Niiice photos! You should be very happy with that.

So, are you going to show your neighbor the photos you made from the camera kit he almost threw away?

 

[Lee Birder]

I was also given this exact setup, in black, by a friend. love it!
Very beautiful pictures.

 

[KeithM]

Thanks one & all.

I am a Leica RF fan (M2/M3) but also own an OM2n with three Zuiko lenses. I see no reason to even consider any other 35mm SLR including Leica SLRs.....Regards!

Which lenses do you have? I was considering one of the 35-70mm zooms as a general travel/walk about lens but there some negative reports about the performance.

 

[OlyMan]

Thanks one & all.



Which lenses do you have? I was considering one of the 35-70mm zooms as a general travel/walk about lens but there some negative reports about the performance.

Possibly I'm picking up this question too late to be of use to you, but last month I asked a similar question and was pointed mainly in the direction of the 35-70 F/3.6. However I took a risk on a bargain 35-70 F3.5-4.5 which I found going too cheap to ignore on eBay Germany. I'm still in the process of pushing a test roll through it, but through the viewfinder it certainly looks sharp enough particularly stopped down a little. The only one I would avoid is the S Zuiko Zoom 35-70mm/F3.5-4.8 built by Cosina for the OM-2000, also built by them. It was always a cheap budget lens, and while I have no personal experience with it, negative or otherwise, there doesn't seem any point in buying it when 'genuine' Olympus zooms can be had so cheaply.

 

[Dali]

through the viewfinder it certainly looks sharp enough particularly stopped down a little.

It's a good one!

 

[OlyMan]

It's a good one!

Not much of an indicator I know, but until I see the results on film it's the best indication I've got!

 

[pentaxpete]

I have been given a lot of gear by an Old Gent 89 years old who saw me out walking with one of my 'Old Classic Cameras' and said " I have some old cameras you can have if you like" -- I rushed to his house and found a line of Cameras bags and Cardboard Box -- WoW ! Inside a 'Treasure Trove' of filthy Dusty Gear !! I have found a 1960's Minolta Autocord, 1950's Ensign Selfix, Olympus 35RC, PEN-EE Half Frame, XA in presentation box and MINT Olympus E-500 4/3rds Digital with 2 lenses, and 8mm Cine Gear !! Don't know what to do with the Cine gear at the moment -- no Cine Club around -- they all do 'Digital Videos' now ! I may donate it to the Brentwood Museum.

 

[Simon E]

Glad you are enjoying your 2n Keith. Nice to see SVR in your set

Unless you opt for primes, then the Oly 3.5-4.5 two-touch zoom is nice, and great for walkabout snapping, although it does suffer with some barrel distortion at 35mm. The 3.6 was the premium model and I agree with OlyMan that the Cosina-made lens is inferior to all 'proper' OM lenses. OM 35-105 3.5-4.5 is bigger & heavier but an excellent performer. I have one but don't use it.

 

[Arklatexian]

Quite some time ago a new neighbour, seeing me with a 35mm Leica slung over my shoulder said "ah, into old cameras are you - well I was going to throw out a bag of old stuff - perhaps you could use some of it." Inside a tatty old bag was a pristine OM2n & Auto-S 50mm f1.8, which I gladly added to my collection Anyway, it was just a couple of days ago that I finally decided to put them to the test and fired of a roll of Acros 100 on a range of subjects, including close-ups at max aperture. Quite pleased with the results and some can be seen on this album on my Flickr site. Looks like a combination of body & lens that I'll use again.

And again, and again, and again! And I like Leica also but there is certainly nothing wrong with my OM2n nor, evidently, with yours........Regards!

 

[Svenedin]

Possibly I'm picking up this question too late to be of use to you, but last month I asked a similar question and was pointed mainly in the direction of the 35-70 F/3.6. However I took a risk on a bargain 35-70 F3.5-4.5 which I found going too cheap to ignore on eBay Germany. I'm still in the process of pushing a test roll through it, but through the viewfinder it certainly looks sharp enough particularly stopped down a little. The only one I would avoid is the S Zuiko Zoom 35-70mm/F3.5-4.8 built by Cosina for the OM-2000, also built by them. It was always a cheap budget lens, and while I have no personal experience with it, negative or otherwise, there doesn't seem any point in buying it when 'genuine' Olympus zooms can be had so cheaply.

Hope your test roll turns out well. I’ve had good results with that lens.