Olympus OMPC or Yashica FX-D w/extras?

[morekidsthanu]

My husband and I are BRAND NEW to the world of anaolog cameras. We decided to PASS on buying one of the much touted digital cameras and recently bought our first SLR - a used Olympus OMPC for $100 (see specs below). Before we finished our first roll, the camera developed a shutter problem. We took it to a local repair shop -they said it would cost approx $130 to fix. They also gave us the option of trading in the Olympus and spending an extra $90 towards the Yashica set up listed below.

Because we really don’t know if the Yashica is a decent camera, or if the Olympus is worth the extra cost to repair, we’re at a loss as to what is the best option.

Any suggestions from some of you seasoned photographers out there? --Thanks.

Olympus OMPC manual/auto SLR
35-70mm Olympus Zuiko zoom lens
Vivitar Zoom 3500 flash

Yashica FX-D manual SLR
50mm (1:2) Yashica lens
55-135mm (1:2.8) Yashica lens
75-300mm (1:5.6) Access tele-photo lens w/macro
Yashica CS-201 auto flash

 

[Nige]

how many kids? I recently took a pic for a friend who's one of 16 siblings...

As to the question... no idea what an Olympus OMPC is (I've seen OM1/2/3/4 & 10s) but it obviously takes Zuiko lenses which is a good thing. The 1st two lenses mentioned with the Yashica would be ok I'd think, the 3rd might be a bit dodgy (quality wise) You'll be able to buy used lenses for both for reasonable amounts (or lots.. I think you can put some Contax lenses on the Yashica) The Yashica offers more mm but the Oly has wider (more suitable at times) but either case is easily fixed with another cheap lens

Things to contemplate...
- Age/Condition of the Yashica (might not be very old at all)
- How each camera feels in your hands. Do they feel comfortable.
- Warranty of the repair vs Warranty of the Yashica?
- Auto mode available with Oly.. is that needed?


In conclusion.. I dunno! If the Yashica looks like it's had little use, I might be swinging towards that.

 

[Lex Jenkins]

I'd suggest offering the OM-PC in trade to a factory trained OM repairman like John Hermanson (www.zuiko.com), Clint at PhotoSphere (Dallas, dunno the URL), etc., for one of the pro-grade OMs like an OM-1, OM-2 series (OM-2, OM-2N, OM-2S), etc.

Virtually everything Olympus has at least some salvage value.

John and Clint are also well qualified to repair these cameras at the most reasonable possible rates. Check John's site for his current rate on that particular model.

The Zuiko 35-70 is a keeper; they all were/are.

Or shop KEH and buy an OM-2N. You can probably pick up one at their "bargain" grade for around $125 and they'll give you a generous inspection/return period. They might even accept the OM-PC as-is in trade, tho' you shouldn't expect much from them for it.

Just my dos pesos. I'm a confirmed OM fan.

Nothing wrong with the Yashicas. They'll accept the Contax SLR lenses, potentially a big plus.