While we're on the subject of OMs

[laz]

As you build your OM collection you'll find that they each have their niche.

LOL. Now you're dreaming! Anybody wanna trade a 1 for my G? (I'll keep the fast 50mm)

 

[Woolliscroft]

uh oh. Didn't even stop to think it was one of those cameras. That's the problem with youthful fantasies, you grow up and learn the ugly truth. My very first camera was a Yashica TL-Electro-X. When the battery died your shutter speed became fixed at 1/1000. Mine failed at some particulary inoppertune time (I can't remember what, maybe a flying saucer had just landed) and I've had a hate of I'm-a-paper-weight-without-a-battery cameras)

Never even thought to wonder if my youthful dream camera was one!

My 8x10 Korona works perfectly with a dead battery!

-Bob

I think it might still work on 1/60 without the battery. The OM-2 and 4 do.

David.

 

[MattKing]

I think it might still work on 1/60 without the battery. The OM-2 and 4 do.

David.

Nope - that is one of the compromises with the OMG. It has the electronic control on all shutter speeds and OTF metering, but you need to have LR44 (alkaline) or SR44 (silver oxide) batteries (same batteries as the OM2n or OM2s).

I always keep an extra pair with me, and use the battery check before each shooting session.

The silver oxide batteries seem to last for a while.

Matt

 

[laz]

Nope - that is one of the compromises with the OMG. It has the electronic control on all shutter speeds and OTF metering

Well just goes to show ya not to impulse buy! I will find me a OM-1 body for my perfectly fine lens. Guess I won't qualify for the club with only one camera and one lens.

 

[Earl Dunbar]

DON'T use an alkaline battery for any OM. Only use the SR44 (or older 357s), except for the OM-1(n) which takes the discontinued PX625 mercury battery unless modified. I run my OM-1n on a hearing aid zinc-air 1.4v battery with a #9 o-ring to compensate for its smaller diameter.

Alkaline batteries don't work well in OMs. Their discharge curve is such that as it weakens, you will get erroneous metering even though the battery check indicator tells you the battery is "OK". The SR44 discharge curve is flat until it drops completely.

Bob: The OM-1(n) is a great camera, and is the real entry into Zuikoholism. And despite its dependence on batteries for shutter speed selection, the OM-2(n) will satisfy your desire to have an AE OM at some point.

Earl

 

[MattKing]

DON'T use an alkaline battery for any OM.

Alkaline batteries don't work well in OMs. Their discharge curve is such that as it weakens, you will get erroneous metering even though the battery check indicator tells you the battery is "OK". The SR44 discharge curve is flat until it drops completely.
Earl

Earl:

It's been my experience that the Alkaline batteries seem to work acceptably in the OMG, but not in other models that I have used (OM2S, and OM2N). They aren't my first choice, given their relatively small capacity, but their wider availability makes them a reasonable source of emergency backup.

I wonder if the metering circuits in the OMG are fundamentally different, or if the battery check is different, or if I have just been lucky.

By the way, I am not sure whether having an OM-1(n) is the entry into Zuikoholism, or just proof that we are full blown Zuikoholics.

Bob:

Sorry that the battery issue is such a downside for you. I wouldn't give up on the "G" yet though, because it really does complement the OM1 or OM1(n) nicely. If it's any consolation, before helping lure you into the fold, I nearly bought the camera you bought myself, although admittedly, mainly because of the lens (I don't have that lens, but I already have two OMG bodies). You could easily have paid more than you did for the lens alone.

If you are looking for a manual body, the OM1(n) is preferable, because it's newer, but functionally an OM1 MD is very similar. If you use hotshoe flash, be sure to look for one with the appropriate accessory hotshoe. The OM1 MD takes one type (shoe 1), while the OM1(n) takes another (shoe 4) and they are not interchangeable. It is very hard to find new OM hotshoes (particularly shoe 4), because they are not being made any more, and because they are susceptible to cracking (people tended to either put flashes on them that are too big, or to tighten them too tight, or both).

 

[Uncle Bill]

I know where you are at.

Again... glad I am not the only one... I need another 35mm SLR (especially in a system I dont have lenses for!) like I need a hole in the head...
But guess who was surfing eBay...

I have been tire kicking OM-1's recently and I am swearing next year, next year. I already have non AI Nikkor F mount, Leica M mount, Pentax M42 screwmount. and the Contax/Kiev what ever....so like you I am wondering why I want another lens mount? Well....I rationalise this is safer not cheaper than drugs.

Bill

 

[Uncle Bill]

Oh....screw it I am OM-1 shopping next year. I am going to look around the Toronto Camera Show circuit for a decent body and lens. You are all bad influences on me

Bill

 

[MattKing]

Oh....screw it I am OM-1 shopping next year. I am going to look around the Toronto Camera Show circuit for a decent body and lens. You are all bad influences on me

Bill

You're very welcome!

 

[Earl Dunbar]

Oh....screw it I am OM-1 shopping next year. I am going to look around the Toronto Camera Show circuit for a decent body and lens. You are all bad influences on me

Bill

Bill: I will bring my OM-1n to the RFF meet on Saturday (tomorrow) and you can fondle it. It has a minor need for a CLA, but otherwise will be up to the task of seducing you.

Earl

 

[Earl Dunbar]

Matt: That is interesting. It may be, then, that by the time the OM-G rolled around Olympus changed the circuit enough to compensate for the alkaline. Had I an OM-G, however, I would never place an alkaline battery in it.

Earl