Pentax or Olympus

[DramaKing]

I agree that a photographer can have too many cameras. Sometimes the best camera is the one you already own. I can speak as to the K1000. I used one of these basic, dependable cameras for about 9 months until I got an ME Super. I have found that it is an excellent camera and offers several improvements over the K1000. And, of course, you get the K-mount, too. However, if you like your Canon, you should stick with it or get a newer model.

 

[Carl V]

... or look at one of the other Pentax models mentioned in this thread (I've always wanted an LX).

The LX was a nice camera to use, and the main appeal for me was that in the event of battery failure, you could still use all the shutter speeds from 1/2000 sec down to X-sych (which was 1/75 sec if I remember correctly). I can't recall whether you could use the 'B' setting mechanically, but the speeds from 1/60 down to 2 seconds were electronically operated. This was Pentax's pro-spec model, however it could prove expensive to repair if a fault developed.

 

[Pumal]

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/index.htm

 

[GeoffHill]

Set the elan to 'm' mode, and spend the cash on a new lens instead

I've got a k1000, they are massively over priced on ebay. I'd sell mine if it wasnt given to me when i was 14

 

[Alex1994]

I don't think you'd see much of a difference in your pictures with either system, since they are both quality, established brands with great optics. I have the OM-1, so obviously I advise you to go for that. The OM lenses are a very fine bunch of optics and the OM-1 is great in that the aperture, shutter speed and focus can be adjusted with one hand while looking in the viewfinder. The small size is also a result of extensive ergonomic studies by Olympus, and it really is a joy to hold, fits in the hand very snugly (that said, I have relatively small hands).

3 lenses: 28mm f2.8, 50mm standard lens and 85/100/135mm short tele will give you a pretty comprehensive system. I got that setup, together with the OM-1 body in immaculate condition for £200.

 

[flatulent1]

I know I'm being mean here:

And:

These things rock.

Oh, that's just not nice!

 

[Arpeggio]

i have an olympus om10 and i love it

 

[Galah]

i have an olympus om10 and i love it

So do I.

Mine has a winder: a pleasure to use.

setting exposure compensation is a little fiddly, though.

Unfortunately, though, my OM2 has begun to skip and overlap frames ; I have put it in for repairs.

(However, just to make up for it, I have bought another OM2n (body only -I have plenty of lenses for it), over the weekend: in excellent condition! )

 

[VaryaV]

I know I'm being mean here:

And:

These things rock.

Are you trying to start something here?..... Very nice.

 

[mopar_guy]

Hey Ken. I find that when you allow that many Oly cameras to be that close together that they will multiply!

 

[wblynch]

Hey Ken. I find that when you allow that many Oly cameras to be that close together that they will multiply!

No kidding... I looked at the table a month or two ago and found 14 of the little critters gathered there.

I have even taken to giving a few away to relatives who were excited to receive them but (sadly) don't seem to care enough to use them.

With fewer OM's to feed, the population of XA, Stylus and Mju are now increasing.

 

[VaryaV]

Mine.

 

[VaryaV]

Zuiko 80mm f4 macro w/ auto bellows. Doesn't get much sweeter then that.

 

[Pumal]

I thought, with 20 Olympuses; I felt bad. I feel better already.

 

[nsurit]

Ken, is that ugly OM 2S still cranking out beautiful images for you? Yes, I know most of the others are feeling like step-children now that the OM 3Ti has moved into the house. I know there are other Olympus camera living with you, but neither of us are ready to talk about our bastard e-thingies. Don't let anyone give you a bad time about having too many OMs . . . it is somewhere around 35-40. Bill Barber

 

[Ken N]

The other day I stumbled on a scene that is a bit disturbing. Avert your eyes. (BTW, the OM-2S wasn't having any part of this--I think it was out actually making pictures instead of...).

 

[removed account4]

im partial to the k1000 ...
i have had mine and used it since i was 13 or 14
and never had a problem with it.
i have never found the need for a DOF preview button
and i have never had a problem focusing &C.
it doesn't have a self timer, but it is easy to get a cable.

welcome to apug !

john

 

[elekm]

Pentax sold a lot of the Pentax K1000 models. Mostly, because they were easy to operate, mechanically simple and reliable. You don't read too many stories about owners having problems with them.

They are mechanically similar and nearly identical in operation to the Pentax Spotmatic, another well-known, reliable camera.

I've had three Pentax K1000 (down to just one), and it does what you ask of it. No frills.

I've also used a KX (excellent full-size camera) and the MX (my first Japanese camera bought in 1978).

I've also used the Olympus OM cameras. They're also great cameras. Different body shape, and you have to get used to the shutter speed dial being at the base of the lens mount.

You really can't go wrong with either one. Judge the camera by how it feels to you.

 

[Rick A]

The other day I stumbled on a scene that is a bit disturbing. Avert your eyes. (BTW, the OM-2S wasn't having any part of this--I think it was out actually making pictures instead of...).

I caught my OM-1 and OM-4 in that same situation, and nine months later along came the XA twins.

Rick

 

[Pumal]

I agree what has bwwn said about the K1000: utterly reliable. Like a Linux System in a computer. It does exactly what you ask it to do. I have 4 for many years without failure. It lacks the beauty of th Olympus though.

 

[haziz]

Definitely an OM1! It feels like a jewel in the hand. I do prefer it to my Leica M6 and M3. The positioning of the shutter speed and aperture dials is ingenious and very easy to get used to. The viewfinder is also gorgeous.

 

[Pioneer]

A Halloween Zombie!

Another old thread from the grave. Must be about time for Halloween!!

 

[Xmas]

all souls?

 

[MitzyG]

This thread is huge!
I just sold all my Pentax stuff (3 bodies and twice as many lenses) and bought an OM 4 (and a trip to the coast next weekend)!
I love the metering on the OM 4. I am also on the lookout for an OM 1, so I guess you can suss out what I would recommend.