OM-1, best focussing screen? (microprism vs split image)

jtlns

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Hi,

I've got two very nice Olympus OM-1 cameras. Since I'm selling one of them, I'm wondering which one to keep of course. One of the cameras has a split image focussing screen, the other one a microprism focussing screen. Apart from that the cameras are identical.
So is there a focussing screen that is considered better/worse than the other one?

Thanks!
 

pdeeh

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Keep the one you like the best ...
 

wblynch

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Are the two cameras really the same? The first focusing screen (microprism) came on the earliest OM-1's

The early ones (pre-MD) were made without a cap on the bottom for the motordrive. I have found those were the smoothest and best operating. (although they had a more delicate meter).

The second ones had the cap on the bottom and are known as OM-1MD (may be marked or not). They are still very nice and have a better meter,

The last were the OM-1N's They had some features like a feedback circuit for an accessory flash and a contact for a data back. They aren't as lovely and they are rougher in operation.

Of all my OM-1s my favorite are the early pre-MD ones. They are just so nice to use.
 

thuggins

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First, you do know that the focus screens are interchangeable? So it is really not a question of the camera, just the screen.

Which one is easiest for you to use? Personally I find the split prism much easier to focus with, even if your eyesight is less than perfect.

The best solution is to keep both. You can never have too many OM's.
 

MattKing

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I like the screen with the 45 degree split prism that was introduced with later models. IIRC, that may require an adjustment to metering.
 

albada

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MattKing said:
I like the screen with the 45 degree split prism that was introduced with later models. IIRC, that may require an adjustment to metering.
Click to expand...

I know Ricoh or Cosina had a focussing screen with a 45-degree split-image, but Olympus' split-images were always horizontal.

Also, the screens are removable, so the OP can select a keeper-screen and put it in the keeper-body.

My favorite screen is that in the Canon AE-1 Program (not AE-1) or later Canon T-xx models. They are brighter. You must disassemble the upper works in the Canon, and sand down the sides of its screen to make it fit, but the extra brightness is helpful when shooting indoors and/or with slow zooms. For a bright plain matte screen with *no* microprism or split-image, the screen from a Minolta Maxxum 7000 works well. A bit of sanding might be needed (I don't remember).

Mark Overton
 

MattKing

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albada said:
I know Ricoh or Cosina had a focussing screen with a 45-degree split-image, but Olympus' split-images were always horizontal.
Click to expand...
The Olympus 1-14 screen has the 45 degree split image.

I believe it was a later addition to the line.

I have one installed in my OM-2S, and I really like it.

EDIT: here is the information from the unofficial Olympus OM Sales Information site in its current (new to me) home: http://omesif.moosemystic.net/om-sif/findergroup/focusingscreens.htm
 

Ricardo Miranda

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Yeap, 1-14 is the one and also is perfectly compatible with the OM-1 or the -2.
On that note, I liked the Praktica double split screen. It was also at 45 degrees.
 

benjiboy

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There is no "best", it depends on the subject you are shooting , that's why cameras have interchangeable focusing screens, I personally prefer micro-prism ones for portraits and split image for wide angle lenses.
 

albada

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Ricardo Miranda said:
Yeap, 1-14 is the one and also is perfectly compatible with the OM-1 or the -2.
On that note, I liked the Praktica double split screen. It was also at 45 degrees.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected (and better informed). I didn't know about the 45 degree split-image in the 1-14.
I like bright screens to make focusing indoors easier, and I'll also recommend the Beattie Intenscreen.
The screens for Beattie, Maxxum, and AE-1 Program are all equally bright in my estimation, and probably match the scarce "Fine Lumi-Micron" 2-13 screen.

Mark Overton
 

thuggins

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I've tried the Beattie screens and also the 2 series Oly screens in my OM's and haven't seen a significant difference over the 1 series. Not to say there isn't any, but it certainly won't jump out at you with "Wow, that's a lot brighter!" OM finders are pretty bright in their own right.
 

Rick A

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My favorite focus screen is the 1-10 checker-matte. I find it easiest to focus and can be used with all lenses. I first started using it for macro, then realized it worked for everything.
 

nsurit

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As a young man I preferred the 1-4N screen, however these days the split image is my favorite for eyes that have celebrated 70+ birthdays.
 

mgb74

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May depend on what lenses you use. The 45 deg split image on my OM-1 blacks out (on one side or the other) with a 28-90 Series One zoom when at the long end. I can't remember using it with other telephotos so can't say if it's a function of this particular lens.
 

Xmas

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The black out is dependent on focal length and maximum aperture.
 

benjiboy

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Beattie have ceased manufacturing Intenscreens http://www.camerascreens.com/notfound.php
 
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