What are the serial numbers of fixed OM-4 models?

removedacct3 · Feb 27, 2011

Hello,

I am looking out for a Olympus OM-4 or OM-4ti camera to complement my OM-2sp camera. I already know that early versions of the OM-4 have battery draining issues. On several internet boards I also read that Olympus changed the circuit board of the OM-4 to fix this issue. The new OM-4 circuit board is supposed to be the same as the one used in the OM-4ti. The only information that is missing is the serial number range of OM-4 models with the fixed circuit board. Does anybody have some insight in this issue?

Thank you very much for reading.

All the best,
Marcel

MattKing · Feb 27, 2011

I'd suggest contacting John Hermanson at Camtech:

http://zuiko.com/

Allan Swindles · Feb 27, 2011

Play safe, go for the OM4Ti, after all, it's only money.

onepuff · Feb 27, 2011

Some early OM-4 cameras will have been retrofitted with the later circuit and the serial numbering is a bit opaque with OM cameras so it's not a simple matter of tracking down one with an appropriate serial number. The best advice is to ask the vendor which circuit the camera has - if they don't know, ask them to switch the battery check switch on and see when it stops beeping. If it continues for more than a minute, it is the older circuit. The OM-4 with a later circuit is a perfectly good camera with a better winder feel (to my mind) and with paint which stays better attached than the ti model while being only marginally heavier. They are also cheaper to buy. The only real downside is that the camera will be older. I have a ti and am perfectly happy with it but I would be equally happy with a late circuit OM-4. Hope this helps.

Rick A · Feb 28, 2011

I bought mine in 1985, SN:1040303. Never had a problem with the circuitry or battery drain.

John Hermanson · Feb 28, 2011

There were no OM-4s made with the low drain circuit boards. All low drain circuits got there because the cameras were serviced by Olympus at some point and Olympus installed the low drain board. ALL 4t/Ti have the last/latest lowest drain board available. John

Rick A · Feb 28, 2011

If I sent my OM-4 in for service would you be able to update the circuit board to the 4ti type(it needs a CLA anyway)?

removedacct3 · Feb 28, 2011

John Hermanson said:
There were no OM-4s made with the low drain circuit boards.

OK, thank you for the update. The OM-4 is off my list, I am looking out for a OM-4TI.

John Hermanson · Mar 1, 2011

Sorry, when 4T circuits were available,the part would cost you about $300. THEN add labor to do the repair, another $300. If you want lowest drain and 4T features, you should look for a used 4T/Ti. I'd be happy to overhaul your 4, but whatever drain it has will remain. John

What are the serial numbers of fixed OM-4 models?

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