Pentax or Olympus

[VaryaV]

I never noticed that before either and now I want to run home and check. hah!

 

[mopar_guy]

Beware. Not for the weak:

OM-3Ti, Zuiko 35-80 F2.8, T45 Flash, OM-4T, 35 Shift lens.

Ken,

Nice setup! It is almost impossible to find the M. Grip Cord 2 for the T-45 Flash or I would probably get one.

Dave

 

[VaryaV]

Very nice set up. I love their macro system.

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

They focus fine as long as you don't mind the focus ring turning opposite the proper way.

At this point I'm curious: Why did different manufacturers adopt different directions?

Why is there a "proper way"?
Apart from the fact that Leica and Zeiss probably both used it...

Seriously, as it seems that Pentax and Nikon (and a few others) went against an apparently existing common use, does anyone know why they did?
Contax (no longer have a Contax or a Kiev to check)?

 

[BetterSense]

Why is there a "proper way"?

If you've ever used a view camera or noticed which way the lens moves when you focus, it's clear that moving the lens closer to the camera (which would correspond to "screwing it in") moves the focus toward infinity, and moving it away from the camera (screwing it out) focuses closer. It's easy for me therefore to grab a lens and screw it a certain way when I want to move the focus a certain direction. Olympus is "normal"; for whatever reason, Nikon et al adopted "left-hand" threads for their focus.

If there is one thing I would hope to be standardized between camera brands, it would be the direction of focus. I would take either way, as long as it was standardized. But precedent (and my preference) is on the Leica/Olympus direction, and the others are abominations.

 

[Bateleur]

Interesting point regarding the “direction of focus” I agree that the Leica/Zeiss and Olympus direction is intuitive. And to fuel the flame, consider the placing of the lens diaphragm control on Zuiko lenses to be perfect too. As well as in its use ie closing down being a clockwise rotation. But this is a personal preference.
Coming back to the original question I would opt for Olympus OM as an all round well balanced system, although the versatility of the Pentax ‘K’ mount has considerable advantages.

 

[Steve Roberts]

I wouldn't regard either focussing direction as being right or wrong, natural or unnatural, just what you're used to. Most of my lenses are made by Pentax and so all focus the same way but when I occasionally use a non-Pentax lens, of which I have a couple, the focussing direction isn't something that remotely bothers me.

Hopefully there's a momentary thought process along the lines of: "Hey - I'm turning this focus ring and instead of the viewfinder image getting sharper, it's getting fuzzier! Wonder what could be up? Hell - this happened once before - what was it, now? I know - I'll bet my pension I'm turning the ring the WRONG WAY! Let's try the other way - ah, getting sharper now - that's more like it."

Steve

 

[waynecrider]

Your not getting a bout of GAS are you? Is it GAS season already?

I wouldn't buy either; In fact I wouldn't buy another camera. The one thing I've learned is that it starts quite innocently enough with a simple $100 metal bodied manual camera and then it becomes an acquisition feast of lenses, specific sized filters, hoods, quick release plates, flashes, CLA's and more. Then after all that, you'll read a post somewhere about xyz camera and lens that is the best ever with super sharp saturated pictures, or a large format camera that is so much better then anything else and you'll find yourself reading the photo ads to spend even more of your money and wasting your time by not doing something else that is more important. Personally I long for the days of just 2 cameras instead of drawer fulls that almost never get used and of which I'll never recover the money I spent. So I would do myself a favor. 1st, get off the internet and quit reading the forums (yea that will happen) and then 2nd, take one of your cameras and go shooting everyday. And then 3rd put all the money you think you would have spent on more old crap that will do nothing but deplete your bank account and instead put it into a travel account, and when you get enough go to a place of your choosing that is photogenic and not the same old crap you see every day.

 

[Steve Roberts]

I wouldn't buy either; In fact I wouldn't buy another camera. The one thing I've learned is that it starts quite innocently enough with a simple $100 metal bodied manual camera and then it becomes an acquisition feast of lenses, specific sized filters, hoods, quick release plates, flashes, CLA's and more. Then after all that, you'll read a post somewhere about xyz camera and lens that is the best ever with super sharp saturated pictures, or a large format camera that is so much better then anything else and you'll find yourself reading the photo ads to spend even more of your money and wasting your time by not doing something else that is more important. Personally I long for the days of just 2 cameras instead of drawer fulls that almost never get used and of which I'll never recover the money I spent. So I would do myself a favor. 1st, get off the internet and quit reading the forums (yea that will happen) and then 2nd, take one of your cameras and go shooting everyday. And then 3rd put all the money you think you would have spent on more old crap that will do nothing but deplete your bank account and instead put it into a travel account, and when you get enough go to a place of your choosing that is photogenic and not the same old crap you see every day.

Oh - how the truth hurts!

Steve

 

[DLawson]

I'd urge everyone making this decision to go for the Pentax.
Keep the demand for Olympus gear low so I can buy it cheap.

 

[andrewc]

Your not getting a bout of GAS are you? Is it GAS season already?

I wouldn't buy either; In fact I wouldn't buy another camera. The one thing I've learned is that it starts quite innocently enough with a simple $100 metal bodied manual camera and then it becomes an acquisition feast of lenses, specific sized filters, hoods, quick release plates, flashes, CLA's and more. Then after all that, you'll read a post somewhere about xyz camera and lens that is the best ever with super sharp saturated pictures, or a large format camera that is so much better then anything else and you'll find yourself reading the photo ads to spend even more of your money and wasting your time by not doing something else that is more important. Personally I long for the days of just 2 cameras instead of drawer fulls that almost never get used and of which I'll never recover the money I spent. So I would do myself a favor. 1st, get off the internet and quit reading the forums (yea that will happen) and then 2nd, take one of your cameras and go shooting everyday. And then 3rd put all the money you think you would have spent on more old crap that will do nothing but deplete your bank account and instead put it into a travel account, and when you get enough go to a place of your choosing that is photogenic and not the same old crap you see every day.

Man, those are words to live by Wayne...I should print that and read it several times a day. Or at least between my browsing periods on the big auction site (I can't help myself!). Well stated!

Andy

 

[david123]

I ended up with the two OM's. I am still getting use to them, but I really
like them. I would like to get two more lenses besides the 50mm. At least
one a wide angle. Any suggestions?

 

[Rick A]

Oh yes-- 24/2.8, 100/2.8, 35 shift, my favorites. i also have a couple of cheap aftermarket zooms.

Rick

 

[Pumal]

Your not getting a bout of GAS are you? Is it GAS season already?

I wouldn't buy either; In fact I wouldn't buy another camera. The one thing I've learned is that it starts quite innocently enough with a simple $100 metal bodied manual camera and then it becomes an acquisition feast of lenses, specific sized filters, hoods, quick release plates, flashes, CLA's and more. Then after all that, you'll read a post somewhere about xyz camera and lens that is the best ever with super sharp saturated pictures, or a large format camera that is so much better then anything else and you'll find yourself reading the photo ads to spend even more of your money and wasting your time by not doing something else that is more important. Personally I long for the days of just 2 cameras instead of drawer fulls that almost never get used and of which I'll never recover the money I spent. So I would do myself a favor. 1st, get off the internet and quit reading the forums (yea that will happen) and then 2nd, take one of your cameras and go shooting everyday. And then 3rd put all the money you think you would have spent on more old crap that will do nothing but deplete your bank account and instead put it into a travel account, and when you get enough go to a place of your choosing that is photogenic and not the same old crap you see every day.

Best advice I've ever heard!

 

[Steve Smith]

Best advice I've ever heard!

Me too. Ufortunately, I have already taken the other option!


Steve.

 

[frank]

Me too. Ufortunately, I have already taken the other option!
Steve.

Buy both?

 

[wblynch]

I ended up with the two OM's. I am still getting use to them, but I really
like them. I would like to get two more lenses besides the 50mm. At least
one a wide angle. Any suggestions?

Hi,

I think you will fall in love with the OM's.

I would advise the 2.8/28 or even the 3.5/28 since they are really great lenses and very nicely priced.

For a longer lens, you can try the 3.5/135 or 2.8/135. Those can be found for not too much $$$

I have had an OM1 since 1975 and, not being a pro or even super advanced like a lot of guys here, I can say that I used a Zuiko 3.5/28 for years all over the world and really loved it. About 15 years ago I got a 2.8/28 and liked it even better but it seemed to flare if I didn't use the hood.

A month or so ago I finally got a 2.8/24 and it seems to have great contrast and focuses well but it vignettes with a filter and the Oly hood. So I have to choose only one. I haven't tried it with color film yet.

The 2.8/24 is also a bit spendy, typically demanding $125 usd. I don't enjoy the 24mm field of view as much as the 28.

I prefer primes but for zooms...

I like the 3.5-4.5/35-70 zoom. Don't get the f4 or the 3.5-4.8. The 3.6/35-70 is better but bigger and more $$$.

The 4/75-150 zoom is one I've always liked but gets slammed on the internet. That's good though because you can get those easily and cheap.

Originally OM Zuikos were intended to all use 49mm filters and accessories.

Personally I stay with all 49's for my set.

-Bill L.

 

[MattKing]

I'm very happy with my standard kit - 24mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2 and 85mm f/2.

I too like my 75-150mm f/4.

Matt

 

[DLawson]

I ended up with the two OM's. I am still getting use to them, but I really
like them.

The OM-1 is the main camera that I've ever used. To me, it is the definition of the 35mm SLR.

If they give you any trouble, I can comfortably recommend zuiko.com for service. My current camera is an eBay OM-1 that they rebuilt for me. My original (works fine, but dead meter) is waiting for the budget to send it in for the same treatment.

 

[mr rusty]

I like the 3.5-4.5/35-70 zoom. Don't get the f4

Well, I have the F4 35-70 and use it a lot. Considering they are half the price of the 3.5-4.5 that is supposedly the better lens, I'd give one a shot if it comes up. Mine is sharp and contrasty - I've only posted two pix in the gallery, but both taken with this lens. I know the 3.5-4.5 was the "pro" lens and the F4 was the "prosumer" version, but its still a good-un - or mine is anyway.

 

[wblynch]

Well, I have the F4 35-70 and use it a lot. Considering they are half the price of the 3.5-4.5 that is supposedly the better lens, I'd give one a shot if it comes up.

Fair point, apologies extended

 

[Pumal]

I have the 75-150 f/4. Besides the others.

 

[cfclark]

This may be an odd place for my first post after lurking for a couple of weeks, but this topic interested me because I've had both a K1000 and an OM-1n. The Pentax was my first 35mm camera (as a high school student in the mid-'80s, naturally) and served me well as a beginning student. It wasn't complex or particularly sophisticated, but it got the job done.

Then I saw an OM-1n, used, in a camera store and convinced my dad I had to have it. It's the second and last 35mm SLR I've ever owned, and I've had it for 24 years now. I like the compact, light design and (although some may disagree) the general ergonomics of the OM. I'd agree with the statement below:

The OM-1 is the main camera that I've ever used. To me, it is the definition of the 35mm SLR.

(Now I find myself with a Pentax 6x7, so I've contradicted myself regarding the compact, light design, but that's another story. )

I'm a fan of both Pentax and Olympus, but in the K1000/OM-1 comparison I think I'd give the edge to the OM, or look at one of the other Pentax models mentioned in this thread (I've always wanted an LX).

 

[Ken N]

I know I'm being mean here:

And:

These things rock.

 

[IloveTLRs]

... I would like a manual 35mm camera. I have found a good deal on a Pentax K1000 and another one for two cameras, OM1
and OM2. Would like input from anyone who owns one of the cameras.
thanks for all response

I own a K-1000 and OM-2. Both are very good cameras, and very good systems.

The K-1000 is pretty bare-bones: no self-timer, no depth of field preview, and no exposure compensation. It takes great pictures however, and Pentax K-mount lenses are usually pretty cheap and plentiful. This is a fully mechanical camera, so the one LR-44 battery is used for the light meter only, not the shutter. Some people prefer the minimalist quality of the K-1000; no bells & whistles means less to get in the way of picture taking.

The OM-2 is also a very nice camera, and Olympus Zuiko lenses are top-notch. The OM-2 has aperture priority which I like, and is more compact than other SLRs out there. Like Pentax, there are plenty of good-priced lenses out there. The two LR-44 batteries run the meter and shutter however, so if the batteries die the mirror will lock up until you replace them. LR-44 batteries can be found just about anywhere, and cheap too

I'd say either one is a winner.