OM-2 (not "N") -- anything to look out for when buying one?

[cooltouch]

I'm seriously thinking about buying an OM-2 and am wondering if there might be anything I should watch out for, other than the obvious of making sure the shutter speeds and the meter work.

I'm leaning toward the original OM-2 because of the chip it has, which was replaced with the OM-2n. The new chip limited the light-gathering ability of the camera at very low light levels. I recall reading an article about this camera back in the early 1980s, which illustrated some things that were possible with it because of its low light reading capabilities. Some of those photos were outstanding.

Currently the only Olympus I own is an XA, but I've owned OM gear in the past -- OM-1s, OM-2ns, OM-10s. But none of the more interesting ones, such as the OM-2S, OM-3, or OM-4. Maybe, financing permitting, I'll be able to add one or more of them to my stable.

 

[beegee675]

Yes, I'm interested in those low light differences, too. As I understand, though the sensitivity and times is just a little bit better and longer than the 2n?

 

[thuggins]

I'm assuming that you are referring to the OTF auto metering time that was an innovation on the 2's and 4's? AFAIR, the 2's have a 2 minute max exposure and the 4's have 4 minute max exposure. I have never seen a difference documented between the N and "non-N" and Oly themselves imply there is no difference. The OM-2 manual actually shows a 2N in the illustrations and refers to them both as the "OM-2".

I have taken a number of long exposure night images with both the 2 and 4's and they invariably come out beautiful. I don't recall going to the full four minutes with either of my 4's. Two minutes with an ASA 100 film is generally long enough for any nighttime situations.

 

[GRHazelton]

If you're interested in low-light metering, you might also consider the Pentax LX. I have an OM-4 and a LX; the LX will meter ... who knows how long? Anecdotal reports speak of 30 minutes or longer. The LX typically does cost more than an OM-4, however.

 

[lindemanlax]

Hi -- New here, but I just won an OM-2 in a local online auction along with an OM 24mm 2.8 lens. I really just wanted the lens b/c the camera looked far too rough. But, I got it home, cleaned it up and it's awesome! I also have an OM-2SP, an OM-4, and an OM-10 FC. Do know that it'll seem locked up until you put a couple of good batteries in it. The film won't advance, shutter won't trip, etc. without good batteris (2 SR44's). The only other thing I've noticed and read about is that Oly used foam strips in the pentaprism much like the foam light seals on the body. And, just like the body seals, the pentaprism foam breaks downa and gets gets nasty as well. When I look in my OM-2's viewfinder, I can see a small piece dangling from above. Problem is, the foam goop can get on and stain the pentaprism, causing permanent damage. So, it's recommended that you carefully remove it all or have a professional do it. It's not needed to replace it; just remove it.

I am sending my OM-2SP off to get the missing collar on the rewind button replaced, but after that's done, I plan to send off my OM-2 to get the pentaprism foam issue fixed. But, it's a tank of a camera, yet small eough in your hands to be comfortable. If you do get one, find one w/ the detachable shoe. They add $15-$25 to the price of the body if you have to buy one separately online. Not terrible. But, you don't pay extra for one when you buy it on the body. So, save yourself the trouble.

Lastly, I've noticed that the glue keeping the body's leatherette coverings isn't the best and tends to lift at the edges. Not a hard fix, but you might find a great camera that looks a little ratty due to this lifting. Don't let it deter you. Re-gluing them is an easy task. If you haven't already bought one, good luck...

 

[M6F6E6]

I never had much luck with OM2 cameras. I have bought three in my life and they all failed totally within 6 mths with little use. N or SP - they all died on me. Better off with OM1 or 4Ti - all or nothing approach works best for me. I have several OM1 s and a couple of 4Ti s. They are superb cameras. The 2s also seem to use batteries quite fast. The OM1 battery consumption is almost zilch, as well documented on this site and others. Go for the OM1.

 

[wblynch]

The OM-2sp is so different from the OM-2(n) that they shouldn't be compared together at all.

It seems the SP, along with its closest sibling, the OM-PC/40, is the most unreliable of all the OM bodies.

They break easily and are practically unrepairable. Certainly not worth the cost if they can be saved.

I have an OM2n that I paid well for as it was essentially new in the box. That camera works flawlessly.

Don't be afraid to pay a little more for a less worn out camera and enjoy your Olympus.