OM mirror damage

jgoody · Jul 9, 2016

I have an OM 1n that I treasure - so I want to buy another body. I received an OM2n from KEH but it has what appears to be a small dig in the mirror which appears in the viewfinder as a short thick dark line. If it cannot be cleaned off does anyone know the rough cost of replacing the mirror? I am in the fence about keeping or returning it - I know this doesn't really interfere with the functionality of the camera but it bugs me - especially as the camera was listed as EX.

mehguy · Jul 9, 2016

Return it.

pdeeh · Jul 9, 2016

if you have received something of unsatisfactory quality from a vendor, you're more likely to get satisfaction from talking to them about it th anywhere else

Kirks518 · Jul 9, 2016

KEH is THE BEST for making sure you're satisfied. Call them and tell them what the problem is, and they'll make it right however you want it to be. I agree, a body rated as EX shouldn't have a gouge in the mirror.

GRHazelton · Jul 9, 2016

I begin to fear that KEH has slipped in its rating quality assurance. I've dealt with them for over 20 years, and until only the last year or so was I ever dissatisfied with a purchase. I'd ordered a TTL flash for Pentax; it was rated "Excellent" but came with several cosmetic defects and a defect with potential operational problems. They did exchange it for a properly "Excellent" unit, but at an increase in price. I'd felt the exchange should have been at no cost to me.

In the past I recall buying a Pentax LX listed as "Bargain"; It arrived a little dusty with a few scratches on the baseplate, and a little brassing here and there. No dents, no scratches other than the baseplate. I blew out the dust, etc. Worked perfectly, and the price was right. Today, I don't know....

jgoody · Jul 9, 2016

I am glad I am not the only one to notice that KEH seems flakey recently - the last few experiences were that EX is approximately the same or a touch below the old BGN.

thuggins · Jul 10, 2016

There are a lot of OM's out there, in various states of repair. So finding a parts body would not be a problem. But I agree with the others; if you just bought it and are not satisfied, return it. KEH is a reputable company that will stand behind their product. It's not like you bought it off some underhanded a$$hole on the evil auction site.

Theo Sulphate · Jul 10, 2016

Interesting responses. A month ago I ordered my Nikon S2 in EX condition and, because I'd ordered from KEH many times before, I felt I had an intuitive grasp of what that rating meant.

So, I was surprised when I found what appeared to be two impact dents on the corners of the top plate and a slight misalignment in the plate as well. Reviewing what EX means on their site, I see that it does allow for such defects. Still, I'd become used to seeing much better than expected quality from them before.

I later determined that the dents and misalignment were from an amateur repair - I've decided to keep the camera anyway, since it's a very minor issue.

However, we may be seeing a definite change from KEH from what we've come to expect in terms of their ratings being conservative.

Les Sarile · Jul 10, 2016

Scored many many home runs from KEH and exchanged one that had a defect uneventfully with free shipment. Bought one item from another vendor with similar rating for more money and it arrived looking like something I would throw away. Fortunately they accepted a return with no issues but it gave me a good point of comparison. KEH is always the first place I look at.

darkroommike · Jul 10, 2016

Is the short, thick, dark line exactly horizontal. If so you issue may be with the prism or the screen, it is very unlikely to be the mirror unless you look into the camera through the lensmount and see the line there. OM-2 prisms have issues but can be cheaply replaced by any competent shop. all you need is a donor body like an OM-10. KEH is very good about standing behind their stuff and I suspect that an EX rating on a common SLR might be in much better condition that an EX rating on a rare RF camera from the 50's, also possible that the rating technician was not familiar with the issues that might plague a particular camera. Give 'em a chance to make it right.

GRHazelton · Jul 10, 2016

darkroommike said:
Is the short, thick, dark line exactly horizontal. If so you issue may be with the prism or the screen, it is very unlikely to be the mirror unless you look into the camera through the lensmount and see the line there. OM-2 prisms have issues but can be cheaply replaced by any competent shop. all you need is a donor body like an OM-10. KEH is very good about standing behind their stuff and I suspect that an EX rating on a common SLR might be in much better condition that an EX rating on a rare RF camera from the 50's, also possible that the rating technician was not familiar with the issues that might plague a particular camera. Give 'em a chance to make it right.

Agreed! Don't misinterpret my earlier post. I have no intention of writing KEH off, but I'll be a little more "careful."

jgoody · Jul 12, 2016

Not trying to trash them either - just think they are less careful then they used to be. I can see a line on the mirror that looks like it corresponds with what I am seeing in the finder- so I assume the mirror is scratched or marked in some way.

Les Sarile · Jul 12, 2016

jgoody said:
Not trying to trash them either - just think they are less careful then they used to be. I can see a line on the mirror that looks like it corresponds with what I am seeing in the finder- so I assume the mirror is scratched or marked in some way.

You haven't exchanged or returned for refund yet?

darkroommike · Jul 12, 2016

You cannot see a mirror scratch in the viewfinder, it would not be in focus. It is more likely a prism issue or a scratch on the screen.

jgoody · Jul 28, 2016

Update -- Just received a different body from KEH -- looks much better -- can't wait to shoot some film over the weekend!

OM mirror damage

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