The Olympus OM cult

[Ken N]

Every lens manufacturer has their own "look" or "signature" characteristics. These go beyond specifications. If comparing "sharpness", lenses like the S1 are exceptional. The S1 lenses are typically very heavy, but well constructed. You really cannot go wrong with them.

My personal third-party axe of choice has been the Tokina AT-X series. I had owned a 35-70/2.8 which I really, really liked. I mistakenly sold it during a spate of "Zuiko Only" years. These days, I have a full bag of Zuiko optics, but I have a Tokina AT-X 100-300/F4 lurking in there.

I've bought and sold a few Soligars through the years. Every single one suffered from horrible Chromatic Aberration.

These days, other than the Tokina, I'm firmly in the "Zuiko Camp". I particularily love the "look" that Zuikos give me. My pictures just look different than what other people get. But then, I'm also rather particular about the generation of lenses too. Other than a 24/2.8 and a soon to arrive 35-80/2.8, all of my lenses are silvernosed.

 

[Uncle Bill]

I have a "chrome Nose" Zuiko 50 f1.4 and it has a special look I love for shooting people and in the city. I have a later MC 50 f1.8 I prefer using for landscapes and in the country.

 

[mtnbkr]

UB, I had the same lens and I agree it had a nice look, especially for low light portraiture. In a moment of idiocy, I sold it. The 50 1.8 isn't bad, and is probably better overall, but doesn't have that same special look for certain situations.

 

[Uncle Bill]

Funny, with my Nikon Ais kit, I have both a 50 f1.4 and a 50 f1.8 and I use the 1.4 for shooting people and in urban environments. Rural shooting has me reaching for the 1.8, again it depends on the subject matter. Both lenses are highly regarded in Nikon world. The Zuiko 50 f1.8 is a bit of the latchkey kid of the lens line, I have had great results from it and when I am out for a hike, every little bit of weight saved is a good thing.

 

[Ken N]

One lens, which I regard as my "normal" lens is the 35/2.8. I've been particularily fond of the silvernosed variety. The bokeh of this lens is positively 3D. However, the newer black-nosed, multicoated 24/2.8 is definitely superior to the older variety.

 

[Allan Swindles]

Well I've done it. I've just bought an OM-4Ti Black body from an ebay seller. Described as near mint, pics. look good so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Despite what is said of buying off ebay, I have had perfectly fair dealings with all but one seller. At £349 it seems like a very reasonable deal. I sincerely hope that I'm not disappointed. It was a difficult decision, but as I already have a very comprehensive range of OM equipment it just seemed the right way to go.

 

[Ken N]

Oh, you are going to enjoy that 4Ti. Especially since nowadays we have adapted our thinking to the "histogram" of our digital cameras, the OM-4Ti's multi-spot metering becomes even more viable as a "bridge technology".

 

[Dark_Mist]

G'day,
just a hello from a newbie from Australia. I currently have an OM 4Ti that I use with various Tamron SP lenses. Just sold my mint OM1 to a friend who was desperate for a reliable manual 35mm SLR but I'm always on the lookout for a good OM3 though.
Cheers
Col

 

[Ken N]

Col, welcome.

The Tamron SP series is outstanding. I know the 80-200 2.8 ED lens is a world-class optic!

 

[Allan Swindles]

My black OM-4Ti body arrived today. Wow! I thought my 2N was good. Now all I need is the time to get to know her. I think I'm already in love. Got a date this coming weekend.

 

[Ken N]

Allan, congrats. I'd run a $1 roll of film through it from a discount store and have it processed only. (again at the same discount store). No need to be fancy, just shoot it right there in the parking lot. Don't have them cut the roll. Look for light-leaks and general exposure attitude on the roll. This entire process will take about 30 minutes.

One feature I've recently gotten to appreciate is the highlight and shadow buttons.

 

[nsurit]

Hello, my name is Bill . . . and I'm a Zuikoholic. I either own or have owned most of the Zuiko glass and have all the single digit OMs other than the 3 T, however I think Ken N is going to send his to live with me. My first OM was purchased in the late 70's and my "go to" body is the OM 2S.

 

[Ken N]

Bill, I don't think you could even tempt me with the 7-14. You have no idea. Well, maybe you do, since you have the OM-3. Think OM-3 crossed with an M7.

Now, for those who don't know, Bill says he has "all the single digit OMs", well, he's not exaggerating. He must have 30+ bodies all in working order. This cat also knows how to shoot, he ain't no poser.

 

[Allan Swindles]

I can't be that far behind, an original OM-1 non MD, two 2's, a 2N and now a 4Ti and lots of lovely Zuiko glass.

 

[Ken N]

OK, I'll bite. Maybe this is a means of getting some dialog going in this group. Current stable: OM-2S, OM-4T, OM-3Ti, IS-3, E-1 with 14-54 zoom, Minolta A1, 24/2.8, 35/2.8, 35/shift (loaner), 50/3.5, 100/2.8, 200/4, Tokina AT-X 100-300/4 and a myriad of accessories. In the mail is a 35-80/2.8 and who knows what else. Have owned in the past: OM-1md, OM-2md, OM-4, IS-1, two Yashica GSN cameras, and too many lenses to count.

I actually use everything and if I leave the digital stuff out, it all fits in a single 300EG camera backpack bag, otherwise I'll pick one or two items to stay behind or migrate to a standby bag and I'll carry the E-1 with two OM bodies along with the lenses.

My wife says I have too much stuff.

Right.

 

[jphotos]

I'm a longtime OM user. I just found this group on here and thought I'd proudly put my name among those of you who have already joined this group.

I've been using my OM2S for twenty years now, also have an OM1. Not as much as some of you but I do swear by them and love them. Also have the XA, but that's irrelevant here

Look forward to discussing the OM series here and slowly building my collection.

 

[Ken N]

Any camera gear that has an "Olympus" Logo is NOT irrelevant.

I had an XA for a few years and absolutely loved it.

 

[phc]

I have my old OM-1n still sitting on my shelf. It's the camera I scrimped and saved to buy new when I was a student - about 25 years ago! Haven't used it for years. Hold on - I've just switched the meter on and it still works! I'll try it out. Does this mean I can be a member of your cult? Paul.

 

[Ken N]

Cult? OM... OM... OM... OM...

 

[ksugden]

Hi I shot with the OM system during the 80's following a house burglary in which my equipment was stolen I was seduced by the then new Canon EOS system later migrating to Nikon currently using a F6 based system. As the system got larger I was constantly looking for a almost pocket-able carry every were solution, trying various compacts and finally a Contax G2. None gave me what I was looking for and I inavertly ended up Carrying the F6 and a Mini Trekker full of lenses.

A couple of months ago my eldest daughter asked me to teach her about photography, so I got her a Nikon EM and a short zoom for a few pounds of the big auction site. when it arrived as was surprised haw small it was. This got me thinking and a few weeks later I am now the owner of a Nice late circuit OM4 and 3 prime lenses all of which fit easily into my waistcoat pockets so can I join you group.

Regards to all Keith

 

[Allan Swindles]

Have I just got a bargain or what? OM F280 flash unit for £24/$35 approx. off ebay. Described as exc.++ and looks so from pics. Best price I can find in store in UK is £99!

 

[Ken N]

Well, the "OM Living History Farm" has just received a T45, 35-80/2.8 and 300/4.5. Stay tuned for full-blown testing of this gear with the 4Ti and 3Ti on the www.zone-10.com website. Ken

 

[Ken N]

Shameless Plug Alert - My OM-3Ti camera review is now posted on www.zone-10.com website. Somebody just accused me of being an "Olympus Fanboy". I suppose there are worse things to be called, eh?

 

[nsurit]

Guess I have it bad. Currently own at least one of all the single digit OMs with the exception of the OM 3Ti. Duplicates of the OM 1/1n as they are used in a class I teach 3 or 4 times a year. Duplicates of the OM 2S, because it is one of my favorites and I've had a couple die on me. Figure the 5 or 6 I currently have are a life-time supply. If not, I'll need to find a new favorite. Currently own these Zuikos: 20mm, 35mm, 50mm f3.5, 50mm f2, 80mm, 135mm & 90mm f2 macros. 16mm, 18mm, 21mm f2, 24mm f2.8, both 28mm, both 35mm, 50mm f1.2, f1.4, f1.8, 85mm, 100mm f2.8, 135mm f2.8, 200mm f4, 2X. In addition to these I have a large stable of the Tamron SP lenses, including: 17mm, 24-48mm, 90mm mm macro, 80-200 f2.8, 300mm f2.8, 400mm f4, 70-150mm soft focus and a couple of others that do not come to mind right now. In the past I've had a couple of Zuiko 40mm f2, 28-48mm, the 300 & 400mm Zuikos. I also use an Olympus Chrome Six, XA and Pen F. I generally will have an OM in the car with me along with the e-3. On my current road trip I have the OM 2S, 21mm f2 and 85mm f2, the e-3 kit and a Diana+. I do a bit of buying and selling and can sometimes help folks scratch the itch they have for things OM. These tools are owned to use. Some get used more often than others. Hope this helps Ken feel better about being called an "Olympus Fanboy." Heck, he already knows of my affliction. Bill Barber

 

[Ken N]

Now you can see why my wife doesn't like me hanging out with Bill. He's a bad influence.