OM2n...is it as awesome as it sounds?

[BetterSense]

I don't really need another 35mm camera, but I always have to have one next in line. My favorite 35mm camera is my Program Plus because it is simple and very handy. I really like its small size, compared to say a Canon AT1, but the manual mode is annoying because it doesn't use a dial, but rather buttons.

I'm just looking at the features of the OM2n, and I mean, what compares? It seems like you could do no better in a manual focus, pre-matrix metering camera. Is there some catch? There is one at the local camera shop, but I haven't looked at it closely yet.

 

[MattKing]

Yes.

Matt

P.S. Have you ever used any of the OM cameras? The ergonomics are very good (IMHO) but they are relatively unique. If you like them, the ON2n will really appeal to you.

Some might argue for an OM4/OM4T or even an OM3/OM3T. I've never owned one, but would like to .

My OM2s is quite special too.

 

[flatulent1]

It's never about need. :rolleyes:

 

[Q.G.]

There is no catch.

From experience, the OM2s (OM2SP) or OM4 are less reliable. Both have a display and extra electronics, that not only do provide more things to go wrong, but will indeed do so.
I never tried the OM3.

 

[mpirie]

IIRC...there is no catch....the Olympus OM cameras and Zuiko lenses were/are superb. They are unorthodox in that they have the shutter speed control surrounding the lens throat, similar to some of the early Nikormat's.

The OM1 was fully manual with centre-weighted metering whereas the OM2 was auto and manual exposure control. I believe it was one of the first cameras to give OTF metering for both normal and flash lighting (using the T20/32 flash units).

I think the "n" moniker indicated that the body was "second generation" internals, though exactly the same as the original on the outside, and the "MD" badge on the front indicated it would take the optional winder.

I had a brace of OM's, but found them a wee bit too small for me to handle, though you could not argue with the lightness of the entire range.

My advice would be to go into the store and feel the camera before you buy it, as well as carry out all the usual checks.

Mike

 

[xtolsniffer]

I invested heavily in the OM system some years ago. Ergonomically they are lovely, very light, fantastic viewfinders, great lenses and can be picked up for a pittance now (some of the more specialist lenses and flashes are still a bit pricey though). In the end I moved to Nikon because of reliability issues, I always had problems with the electronics and the kept letting me down at the cruical moment. Many people attest to their reliability, but I had two OM-1s break mechanically, and OM-2n that had intermittant electronic problems and an OM-4 that had fried electronics. I was sad to see the back of them (well not quite, they're still in my wardrobe), but in the end I got fed up with them going wrong. I think if you get a 'good' one, they're great, meybe I was unlucky. BTW, if you ever look at an OM-1, see if it has been modified to take different batteries. The older ones had to take mercury batteries (now banned and unavailable), you can get alakline batteries that are physically the same size, but the voltage is different, so exposure can be out.

 

[RH Designs]

I've used OM cameras since 1977 and have owned OM-10, OM-1n, OM-2n, OM-2SP, OM-4 and OM-4ti. Of those, the OM-2SP was the only one that gave any trouble - the ISO dial was intermittent. I have one OM-4ti that was faulty when I bought it, otherwise all have been 100% reliable. I loved my OM-2n but drowned it, and the insurance replacement was the 2SP because the 2n had been discontinued by then. I still miss the 2n and keep thinking of getting a replacement. As others have said, try and get some experience with one and see if it suits - some people love the ergonmics, others don't. But if you get a good one you should be very happy with it. The "n" designation indicates the later model with a flash-ready LED in the viewfinder and motor drive compatibility (earlier ones can take a winder but not a motor, if I remember correctly).

 

[John Hermanson]

won't be disappointed

You won't be disappointed by the 2N. It has all the updates that ever went into the plain 2. It is ultra-reliable and there are still plenty of parts available. John, www.zuiko.com

 

[nsurit]

As with any older camera, you will want one that works. zuiko.com (an apug member) keeps mine running. The cameras are well built and even someone with large hand (that would be me) can get use to using them. Olympus offers a wide range of high quality glass that can be had for relatively few dollars today. You may fall in love with the system Bill Barber

 

[PhotoJim]

The OMs are nice cameras.

That having been said, there are some pretty nice, small Pentaxes that meet your description and would work with your existing lenses.

 

[mgb74]

There is a issue with the foam in the prism on some/many OM1 and OM2 models. See http://olympus.dementia.org/Hardware/tutorials/FoamRemoval/.

Another drawback is the relative scarcity of very wide and very long lenses - at least relative to Nikon MF lenses. I don't mean that they don't exist, just that there's fewer of them out in the used marketplace.

That said, I really like the size, build quality, ergonomics (I have small hands), and optical quality of my OM-1n and OM-2. The OM-1 does require a 625 battery while the OM2 uses the more common 357 battery (or equivalent). Be aware that the OM-10 was a very different camera and not up to the quality of the other OM models.

 

[nsurit]

Yes, the 16mm and 18mm Zuikos are not easy to find and do command a good price. There are other options. The Tamron SP adaptall lenses include the 17mm, and a great 300mm f2.8. I use these and several others with my OMs, as well as the Zuikos.

The OM1 will operate without batteries which some find a plus (real manual camera). No meter, but the camera still functions. Any of the single digit OMs should provide good results. As mentioned else in this thread, some of the OM 4 and 2S bodies may prove to be less than reliable. That being said, my favorite OM is the 2S. Bill Barber

 

[cooltouch]

I have owned both the OM2 and OM2n. Of the two I prefer the original model because of its awesome low-light metering capabilities. Read more about this here:

http://www.zuiko.com/index_031.htm

If you don't need more than 3.5 minutes of low-light metering, then the 2n would probably be the better choice, mostly because it's newer.

Best,

Michael

 

[Ken N]

Olympus Living History Farm

Here is a picture of my current Olympus harem:

http://zone-10.com/cmsm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=389&Itemid=1

To those that claim to have issues with the diminutive size of the OM body, once you put the MD2 and 35-80/2.8 zoom on there, it is anything but small and lightweight. You can see in the picture that it actually dwarfs the E-1.

Note: This is a live kit that is used for professional photography purposes--nothing in there holds down closet shelves.

Personally, I absolutely love using the OM system. There are a few oddities, like every system has, but overall, it is an incredible system and a very complete system. Nobody produced as extensive of a line of Macro products as Olympus, for example.

 

[VaryaV]

Yes....... I have both OM2N and OM2S..... the Olympus System is awesomely cool. But be aware, it's a battery hawg!!!!

 

[John Koehrer]

What compares? Aperture priority automatic with complete manual override is what you have.
There's not a whole lot, You're using Pentax already so get an LX body. If manual control only is important go for an MX.
Want to change systems & get a slightly larger camera? Nikon FE or FE2. They're small for Nikon though. Canon A1 doesn't have a truly convenient manual operation & it's same size as the AT1.. Not a contender

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Life's gone full circle for me. Although it wasn't my first camera, the OM2n was my first 'serious' camera and I regret ever having parted with it. That said, I've recently acquired another and I'm loving it. Lenses are relatively cheap - as well as being excellent - and the metering is wonderful.

If I was recommending another camera that might 'compete', it'd be a Pentax LX or, if you want something a bit chunkier, a Nikon F3.

 

[azza]

I think the Olymus OM series are the best SLR system ever made (Can you tell im biased? haha).
Previous posts have covered most points already, but i thought i'd mention my experiences with OM's anyway.
I have and use the OM1,OM2,OM2n,OM2SP, and receiving an OM3 very shortly. Cant wait.
My hands are on the larger size, but somehow the OM's feels very comfortable to use, actually everyone i've given them to report the same things. They are built extremely well. The light seals will die, but it's a very easy thing to replace. I do it whenever i get another OM and takes me about 15 mins now. To be picky, the only thing that could be better as far as build quality goes is the plastic timer lever on the front. Whilst this has never happened to me, i see others that have been broken off. Either they were forced, or caught on something that snapperd them off.
The VF is simplay amazing, metering brilliant, they're very user friendly, and until recently very cheap. I say "recently" because it looks like their average price has been increasing considerably over the last year or so.
It goes without saying how good Zuiko glass is. But there are some lenses that have become extremely over priced, such as the 40mm, which collectors have seemed to latch onto now.
As far as batteries go, thats a non issue with the OM1 and OM2/2n, but i've heard bad reports about the OM2SP. Personally, i've had the same batteries in it for a year now, so must not be expereinceing the problems others have reported.
My favourite every day camera to use is the OM2n. I like the aperture priority when im feeling lazy, or need a take a quick shot without having time to adjust shutter speeds etc. The OM1 is a masterpiece in its own right though. Perfectly balanced simplicity and reliability. I'll be receiving my OM3 any day now, i hope it compares as favourably as the others!

 

[BetterSense]

That having been said, there are some pretty nice, small Pentaxes that meet your description and would work with your existing lenses.

Like what? I only have one Pentax lens and I'm not much of a lens hoarder.

 

[Edimilson]

Hello there!

I own a OM 2000 which I decided to buy because it offers spot metering. Some say that this OM model wasn't even produced by Olympus (Cosina?). Anyway, I love the camera and I consider it my second best. I am far from being an expert like so many here are, but I love the level of detail I get with the Zuiko lenses I own. I only like my Bessa R3A because this camera is more beautiful to my eyes - and less noisy too.

 

[ajuk]

I lost the hot shoe for mine

I have 2x OM-10's an OM-40 an OM2 ans an OM2n and the OM2n is my fave.

 

[Vonder]

You might look at a Konica FT-1 and Konica's 40mm pancake lens. A bit heavy, due to the built-in motor drive and AAA batteries, but small enough to fit in a coat pocket.

 

[Uncle Bill]

You are speaking to the converted with two OM-1s and an OM2n,

 

[naeroscatu]

Like what? I only have one Pentax lens and I'm not much of a lens hoarder.

ME, ME-Super comes to mind. They are very compact and much fun to use. They have both auto and full manual modes.

 

[John Koehrer]

Like what? I only have one Pentax lens and I'm not much of a lens hoarder.

LX or MX body,
LX has electronically controlled shutter, auto or manual control & is battery dependent like your present camera.
MX is totally manual & the battery is only for the meter. If the battery dies, the camera will still operate just with no light meter.

The nice thing about the LX & MX is they are about the same size as the ME Super.

When I was using the OM-1 it was too small for me and I didn't care for the shutter speed ring around the base of the lens. The OM-1/2 are the same size cameras. The OM-2 is heavier by 5grams(that's a nickel)