The Olympus OM cult

[budakpg]

Hello everybody. I am new to this group. I have a few OM cameras. The first one is an OM 1 which I bought several years ago, which was a dead unit and I got it fixed. It is working fine now but the prism is all moldy. My second OM camera is also an OM 1, again a dead unit which was been successfully resuscitated to live, but with a moldy prism and without the meter. It appears that the photocell is gone. Could I get the photocells anywhere? Also does anyone here know how to fix the problem with the prism? Apart from those two OM 1s, I have also acquired 2 OM1N, one in chrome and another in black. The latest addition is a black OM 2N. I really hope that someone could help me with my two problems above. Thanks & best regards.

 

[nsurit]

zuiko.com is the fixit place. John has done a CLA on many of my cameras. You will be satisfied with the service provided by this authorized Olympus repair guy. Bill Barber

 

[Ken N]

I've used John Hermanson of Camtech to service my OM bodies for many years now. He does excellent work and within the Olympus user community is our first choice. As you can tell by the stash that Bill has, he alone keeps this guy in business.

John Hermanson of Camtech
www.zuiko.com

 

[budakpg]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately I am not living in the US. I am in Malaysia. Right now the is a reliable chap that could do all the repair works. The problem starts when certain parts need replacement as we could not get any replacement parts out here, e.g. the photocells and/or the prisms. I just wondering whether anyone here could advice where I might be able to source the replacement parts that I had mentioned. Thanks again.

 

[Allan Swindles]

budakpq, you could try ebay ie. broken bodies sold for spares or repair, they appear quite regularly.

 

[budakpg]

Thanks Allan for the tip. I keep my eyes open for one.....

 

[Ken N]

Ok, we're up to 33 members now. I'd like to see others post some gallery images to the group too. I recognize the names of some lurkers-lurkers I know who have some serious OM kit.

On a side-note, I received a 35-80/2.8 lens a couple weeks ago. I knew from past exposure to it that it was a fantastic lens, but there is a gulf between fantastic and outstanding. This lens jumps that gulf. It's a little short-ranged in today's standards of zoom ranges, but the lens is extremely sharp and has wonderful bokeh characteristics. It's a pricey lens, as far as OM lenses are concerned, but reasonable when compared to new digital camera lenses. This is a www.zone-10.com "Highly Recommended" lens.

 

[Sloggy]

Hallo, this is my first step at APUG.
I have an OM-2n & Winder. I take an 24mm f2,8, 35mm f2,8, 50mm 1,8 & 135mm f3,5 Zuikos.

 

[Ken N]

Welcome, Sloggy. The 2n remains the favorite OM of the entire line for many people. It has that "sports car" feel to it which the other ones don't quite have. You have a comfortable selection of lenses which cover the 99% rule. The 35mm f2.8 lens remains a personal favorite for the bokeh and lack of distortion.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Hi there. Just signed up to this group. I owned OM1n, OM2n, OM10 and XA cameras going back to the late 70's and early 80's and loved them but was 'seduced by the dork side' - i.e. Canon when multi-mode T90 came out.

My current rig is a black OM2n with Zuiko 50mm/f1.4 and a Zuiko 24mm/f2.8. I have my eye on a portrait lens as my next acquisition - probably the Zuiko 100mm/f2.8 unless anyone can convince me there's a better option that won't break the bank. Given Ken's glowing reference on the 35mm/f2.8 that might complete the set.

I'm based in Essex (UK) and work in London. I also have a Bronica SQ-B and some lenses as well as a Nikon F100, D200 and D300 with a range of lenses to suit most purposes. I love photography. A darkroom is something I'm missing but I'm thinking of getting back into processing my own negs.

Well, enough about me. Nice to meet you all. Very best wishes for the festive season to everyone.

 

[Allan Swindles]

Happy Christmas everyone. If Santa doesn't leave what you want, don't worry, just meditate on what you already have........OM..OM..OM..OM..OM..OM.

 

[Jim Baker]

Hi. I've just joined the group and would like to ask a question. Gary Reese produced an extremely useful set of Zuiko lens tests and published them on the net, but they do not appear to be accessible anymore -something about AOL closing its service. Does anybody know if the tests can still be accessed?

 

[Ken N]

The entire suite of Gary Reese Lens Tests are now available on the www.zone-10.com website.

 

[pthornto]

Hey everyone. I have a couple of OM-1's I've been using since I took a B/W photo course last winter. I really like how they handle and the fact they have such a big bright viewfinder. Just had one serviced and it's working better than ever. My wife gave me a Zuiko 28mm f2.8 for Christmas and am enjoying the new perspective in my photos. Problem is I'm now lusting after a 100mm f2.8 Zuiko!!! Might be the start of an addiction

 

[Ken N]

There are worse addictions to have. The 100/2.8 is definitely a must-have lens.

 

[MattKing]

Hello everyone.

I just found out about this group.

My OM addiction is more than a 1/3 of a century old.

My first, a non MD OM1 I acquired in 1974. It served me well for quite a while, until I traded it in on a new OM2sp which I still own and use.

Since then, the family has expanded a bit:
OM1
OM1n
OMG (aka OM20) - two of them
OM2n
OM2sp (as mentioned)
As far as lenses are concerned, I started out originally with a 28mm f/3.5, 50mm f/1.8, 135mm f/3.5 kit. Over the years the kit has morphed into (all Zuiko glass):
24mm f/2.8
35mm f/2.0 (two of them - arguably my favorites)
50mm f/1.4 (this one is my newest)
50mm f/1.8 (sticky aperture)
85mm f/2.0 (also arguably my favourite )
75-150mm f/4.0

I also have a Tokina 80 - 200mm macro zoom that I almost never used - it came with a body I wanted.

I have two T20 flashes, one T32 flash, and a Metz 60CT2 with the appropriate adapter that permits OTF flash metering with the OM2s.

Plus lots of nice little other bits.

I guess I might need a support group .

Matt

 

[colrehogan]

Hi, just joined the group.

I came to own an OM-1 in a rather strange way. A co-worker of mine said he was going digital (okay maybe it's not so strange) but brought in his camera/lens/instruction manual and accessories. He asked me if I wanted them, if not, he was going to throw them away in the lab. I took a look at the gear and my first two thoughts were, "Wow, what great shape this stuff is in. Heck, I'll gladly keep it out of the landfill!" So, I wound up with an OM-1, 50 mm lens and German instruction manual (co-worker is originally from Germany and bought it there who knows when) for free.

I have since picked up a 35-70 mm, a 135 mm, and a 300 mm lens. It's a great camera.

My problem is that I have too many 'great cameras'.

 

[brass majestic]

Just won a 100mm f/2.8 Zuiko off eBay for $89. If it's as "good" as described, I think I made an OK deal. Not sure how much this lens is going for in general - I've seen one seller asking $225. Another sold his for $10 but it had some fungus issues. I had a bid in but was out bid and glad for it after reading that advanced stages of fungus could actually leave etch lines on the glass surface in spite of a thorough cleaning.

 

[Ken N]

Welcome everybody. Up to 41 now, I see. That 100/2.8 was priced about right at $89. If anything happened to mine, I wouldn't hesitate to spend whatever it takes to get another one--who cares what the going price is, as it is a far too valuable lens for me to not have.

The OM-3Ti and OM-4T now have a lovely set of MD2 motordrives attached. With the 35-80/2.8, the OM kit dwarfs the E-1 with battery grip and 14-54.

 

[cooltouch]

Hi Folks,

Just joined the group. I've owned a few Olympi over the years: OM-1s and OM-2s. Great little cameras. Currently I own a lowly OM-10 with manual adapter that I found at a yard sale for a few bucks. Came with a 50/1.8 lens and works great. I also own an XA, which is a hoot to use. I wouldn't mind getting another original OM-2. They're great cameras for shooting in ultra low light situations. Looks the the prices for the premium Zuiko glass are still holding in there, while the more common lenses can be had for reasonable. Any decent zoom recommendations, either wide to short tele or short to long tele?

Best,

Michael

 

[Prest_400]

Hey, just new around.
I've got an OM1 MD and the slower (3.5 & 1.8) 28mm, 50m and 135mm trio; since Last October. Very happy with everything, love the compactness of all the pack. And the camera has a special feeling not found in *cough* D. cameras.
Slowly expanding the collection; A T32 should arrive soon.

 

[Ken N]

Anybody know what is the difference between a Control Pack 1 and a Control Pack 2?

 

[Allan Swindles]

M.18V Control Grip 1 The Control Grip 1 functions as power unit, pistol grip and control for the Motor Drive 1 or 2 and containing an M. 18V Battery Holder 1 that accepts twelve AA batteries.. It is attached by an instant Snap-On system secured with a foolproof double lock. It can be fitted directly to the Motor Drive 1 or connected by relay cord and used as a remote control unit. The rear selector dial indicates "SINGLE" and "SEQUENCE" modes and "OFF." It has a AUTO stop film advance feature after the last exposure. Spare battery holders are available, facilitating uninterrupted motor drive operation during long shooting sessions or for cold weather shootings. Relay Cord 1.2m and 10m is available for extended remote control.

The Control Grip 1 also contains devices to automatically stop the motor after the last frame is exposed, prevent film advance during shutter operation, etc., and a release lock lever to prevent accidental shutter release. There is not much difference between the newer version 2 and Grip 1 other than cosmetic changes.



• Specifications:

Batteries: 12 x 1.5V Manganese or Alkaline penlight (AA) batteries DC 18V, or 12 1.25V rechargeable Ni-Cd penlight (AA) batteries, DC 15V.


Capacity: Approximately 70 rolls of 36-exposure film with fresh Superpower Manganese batteries.
Size: 32 x 87 x 136mm (1.26 x 3.43 x 5.35 in.)
Weight: Control Grip only/130g (4.6oz.), M18V Battery Holder/30g (1.1 oz., 12 batteries/approx. 240g (8.4oz.)

M. 18V Control Grip 2 Similar function as with the earlier version. It is a pistol grip type power/control unit that's quite popular for action motor drive but looks odd by modern standard. The Grip 2 snaps onto the motor drive unit instantly, and is kept in place with a foolproof double lock system. The trigger release can be locked to prevent accidental exposures. The built-in Mode selector is a rotating dial type with "SINGLE", "SEQUENCE" and "OFF" click stop positions. Solid-state circuit for automatic film wind stop after last exposure. The shutter release is a large trigger-type with lock lever. The shutter release on the motor drive, that can be used alternatively, is not influenced by the position of the Shutter Release Lock Lever. Grip 2 uses 12 "AA" penlight (Alkaline or Manganese, 18V; Ni-Cd batteries: 15V.) batteries for a power source. They are fitted in the M.18V Battery Holder 1, which slides quickly into the body of the Grip.

Type: Non-slip, grip-type power unit for Motor Drive 2/ motor Drive 1.
Batteries: 12 "AA" size batteries.
Voltage: 18V (AA batteries)
Battery loading: Simple loading with M.1 8V Battery Holder 1; provided with a button for attaching or detaching the battery holder.

Motor drive attachment: Simple attachment with special mount; provided with a direct contact and a button for disconnecting the motor drive.


Number of rolls exposed: About 35 36-exposure rolls with Motor Drive 2 and alkaline batteries; about 70 36-exposure rolls with Motor Drive 1 and alkaline batteries.
Selection of film advance modes: SINGLE, SEQUENCE, and OFF by dial switch-over; endless dial with click stops.
Release button: Large-sized trigger button with lock lever.
Dimensions and weight: 32 x 87 x 163mm, 160g. (less batteries) (1.3 X 3.4 X 5.4 in., 5.6 oz.)

Hope this is what you need.

Regards - Allan

 

[Ken N]

Close. That was an excellent description on the Control Grips, but I have the Control Packs. I'm not seeing any visible external difference between the 1 and 2.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I've just taken my OM2n to the camera repair guy to have some new light seals fitted. I'm also having the rubber 'grip' round the focus barrel on my 50mm/f1.4 glued back on.

He's got a 75-150mm/f4 for sale. Bearing in mind that I'd be using it mostly for landscape and travel photography, is it a worthwhile acquisition? I'm really after a 100mm/f2.8 but, at less than half the price, the 75-150mm looks like a good deal. Any thoughts?