Olympus OM-1 Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video, Jules and I review the Olympus OM-1. This 35mm SLR camera is famous for its large, bright viewfinder, beautiful minimalistic design, and small form factor.
Let's take a closer look at this gem from 1972, its shortcomings and whether we would recommend buying it. The episode was primarily shot at an aircraft museum close to Munich.
We are looking forward to your comments in the comment section below.
Equipment used:
Olympus OM-1 with 28mm f/2 Zuiko lens
Films used:
Kodak T-Max 400
Fuji Provia 100
Dev & scan:
www.meinfilmlab.de
Camera purchased from:
www.om-doktor.de
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: / analog_insights
Max this is an extremely detailed review of this vintage camera. I can only imagine the amount of research it took. It's not easy to talk at length about each part for me without having to do many retakes. The good thing about you doing a thorough review like this is your video will become a benchmark and the source of information for this camera for as long as TH-cam lives. And beyond that it sets your channel apart from others who review cameras sitting indoors and never take it into the field. Perfect job
Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate it! And yes, it took some time researching this episode. Thankfully, recording these (longer) takes works increasingly well. :)
One of the best cameras ever made so simple to use
yep
just purchased an om1 so I appreciate your review - thanks
Hello Sir! Can you recommend where I can buy one
I still own the OM-1n I bought in 1976, I want to be buried with it, it has been so close to my heart for 40+ years. The viewfinder has not been matched in all this time, it is still the greatest. The camera is a jewel, and yes I agree the only shortcoming is the film advance feel - but isn't every jewel flawed in some way? Thank you for your great video, the production quality is awesome!
Thanks so much for your kind comment. Really glad to see that you think the same about the OM-1 and even agree on the little flaw regarding the film advance feel. :) You might be right that every jewel is flawed in some way. :)
Very nicely put ....
The viewfinder was matched. By the Pentax MX. But apart from that, the differences are purely to taste. I'd say the OM1 is prettier, and the front shutter dial is better for many. The Pentax has an aperture window in the finder and an LED light meter display without the battery issue. But both are the best mechanical 35mm cameras ever. The Leicas can't compete because of their exorbitant cost.
The viewfinder is good, but the A-1's is better, I'd say.
Flaws make a diamond sparkle
I bought my first OM1 in 1976. Loved it. It took great, great images. Then it was stolen from my apartment. Now 45 years later I bought my second OM1.... with a 24, 50, 75-150 zoom and a 300mm lens. The whole package!! Just waiting for the conversion to make the meter work with 1.5 v batteries and I'll be out and about enjoying taking FILM pictures again. Digital just doesn't have the soul of a film camera... people are discovering that... just as vinyl records are becoming popular again... who would have figured it 10 years ago!! HA!!!! Thanks for an awesome video!!!!
Your production is at the level of Discovery Channel quality. And the music choice 🙌
Perhaps you need a bigger deadcat for your mic.
Otherwise 10/10
Even better than the Discovery Channel if you ask me. His videos have a simple elegance that you don't see on TV
That was my first SLR camera bought it in 1978 when I was 13 had to go in half with my older brother. Hey that was a lot of money back then for some one just entering the 7th grade. Anyway great camera I still have it to this day though I no longer shoot with it, I am strictly a digital camera guy now. The 50mm f1.8 Olympus lens I still very much use with one of my Sony cameras great lens very nice images through it. Back then we didn't have review videos on TH-cam showing us all the good and bad products we just had magazines lots of photo mags I read to learn everything I could. Not only about the gear but how to shoot photos. Then photography classes I took to really learned, but in class we used the old Pentax K1000 which was a bulky bass ackwards pain in the rear to use compare to my sleek OM 1.
thank you for sharing your thoughts, very informative. After some research, your video convinced me to pick one up. Can't wait to shoot it.
Doc Sportello Thank you for your kind feedback. Glad to hear you purchased one and I hope you enjoy shooting it as much as we did. :)
So pleased to have found your quality videos. You guys are the main reason I have returned to film, after a break of fifteen years I now shoot more film than digital and enjoying every minute of it.
gary maunder Thank you so much for your comment. This really means a lot to me. Glad to hear that we encourage you to shoot film. :)
I have had an OM-1 for years. then not used it in years, when you mentioned the viewfinder I got it out and had a look. I had forgotten it was this good to look through and how good this camera feels. Makes me want to get some film and use it again!
Great video. I am in the UK and a Nikon mirrorless shooter, however, I had an Olympus Om-10 back in the 1980s and early '90s. I have just decided to dip back into film for the fun and challenge of taking photographs without the aid of all the technologies built into my Z9 & Z8 cameras and so, earlier today, ordered a secondhand OM-1(N) from my local trusted reseller. Looking forward to getting my hands on it and seeing how i get on after all these digital years.
Was just reading about Jane Bown who took the Queen’s 80th birthday photo. Jane was working that day at Buckingham palace with two Olympus OM1’s that were already 40 years old. It’s a lovely b&w portrait using just available light.
I've also been amazed with the OM system since i got my OM1 and now own an OM1, OM2N, 35RC and OM2SP. But the OM1 i consider my best. Great video and content as always.
Thanks for your kind words. Really appreciate it! :)
I have just watched this. Eine ausgezeichnete Film!!! I am 56 and first was bought the OM-1 in 1976. I sold it in 1987 but bought another yesterday in August 2022. I watched your film and wanted one. Then I remembered I have it already!!!😂
This is my only camera (for now) it's beautiful - a real gem and it's a workhorse as well.
For a camera designed 45 years ago it still looks modern. The OM1 is a joy to use thanks in the main to that amazing viewfinder. For me, the only quirk is the fact I find the metering seems to be off by a third of a stop, not an issue for print film but worth remembering when shooting slides. Easily compensated for with the film-speed dial.
Oh, and mine are in the chrome finish!!
Thanks so much for your kind comment. This is really interesting as Jules and I also got the impression that the meter was a little bit off despite the adjusted battery. I'll keep a closer look at that and try to compensate for it in the future. :)
ya, this camera is legendary and underrated. I only discovered it well into my 30's and is currently my vintage camera of choice (the OM2n to be specific, although I've owned the OM1 as well).
I'm new to your channel but I'm absolutely loving your videos. Very high class and tasteful, and you have such a fantastic voice. Thank you so much.
Right I’m getting my OM1 out!
Ivar Hakuse Great! Enjoy shooting it. :)
A very good review, and I like the way you include both the story about the camera and your personal story about it.
When I got back into film after many years absence I was only interested in medium format. However, I soon decided to pick up a small 35mm and purchased a OM-1 and later a OM-2. After a while being a old Nikon guy I picked up a FM and FE. I liked the more solid feel of the Nikons however after a year both developed issues. It would cost more to fix them then they are worth. I didn't give up on Nikon just went to a professional grade and picked up a F3. Going back to the Olympus they just keep going strong and the cameras and lenses are still bargains while Nikon equipment has gone way up in price.
I put mine on my telescope decades ago and it is still in the case with the accessories. Grat camera!
I must have seen this video more than 10 times. The production quality, (that piano sound track gives me goose bumps), material and history and of course Max keeps me coming back. Made me buy a mint OM1 coming from Japan. Max keep the videos coming, u really have a great personality and love how u speak from off the top of your head.
This video is so soothing. Your calm, warm energy. Your perfect music choice. The beautiful images. Really taking the time to do and show things. I'm sick today but this is healing me ;-)
Oh, thanks so much for your kind comment. Really appreciate it! Hope you get well soon. :)
Nice video on a classic. Belated Happy Birthday to Jules
I know quite a bit of time has passed since you released this video but I still had to comment. I have had an OM-4T for some time but since watching this video for the first time decided to add to my stable. I bought and sold an OM-2SP but then acquired an OM-2n which I like better. However, every time I would look at this video I would ge the felling that I was missing something. Finally after shooting my Nikon F2 for a couple of rolls I decided to look into getting and OM-1. I took some of your advice and spent a little more on a body that has been CLA'd with seals and damper replaced, etc. The only difference is I went and bought an M-1, which I understand were never intended to be sold outside of Japan. It just arrived today and while I agree that the lack of viewfinder indication of either shutter speed or aperture is a drawback, the rewind on mine is actually quite smooth. Not owning a Leica M body I can't compare to that, however, I do own a Nikon F3 which has the smoothest wind on of any camera I have ever picked up, an I would say it is not the same as that, but not far off. I wonder how well your sample was lubed? Maybe it is just a rough copy since you did say you got it from the Olympus specialist you have nearby in Germany and I have to believe they would have lubricated the film advance hardware as well. Anyway, already several frames into my first roll having only received it a hour and half ago. So far I am enjoying this very much. Thanks for another great video!
I subscribed right away. I am getting a great deal on one of these next week - wasn’t sure if I should buy yet another camera. But after this I think I will!
this camera is OM1 with back of OM2/OM2n by the way :))
"the shortcomings of this camera..." That's easy. Zero :) Beautiful video.
I'm a bit late here, but an OM1 some trains, planes and autombiles and yes....life is good. Excellent video 👍
Great video Max! You gave me the perfect gift idea for a friend. Thanks!
Will Orell Great! Makes me happy to hear that, Will. :)
Sweeeet ! My OM 1dose not have the large viewfinder that yours has. Rather ODD . Great Video. I am heading back to using this camera again from DSLR cameras. My photos will take on a renewed interest in Art Photography.
Great review but.... you didn't talk about depth of feild preview which is built into lenses nor- perhaps most importantly, and the thing that makes this a professional standard camera, the mirror lockup function.
But.... thankyou for a great review and congrats on buying such an awesome present!
I've been using Sunny 16 Rule for a while, and lately on my 'new' but old OM1n.
Regards and thanks for your great professional videos - who needs TV!? :o)
I saw one today at a second hand store. I bought it for €17,50, I wanted to go into analog photography for a while but never found a body. I really hope this one is not damaged. Kinda bought it unprepared, cause out of experience, I've let some second hand cameras slip away because of doubt.
congrats
Love your work! Appreciate a lot for your patient explaination !
I just got it today, as my first film camera and I’m sooooooo excited to learn and shoot with it!!!
Vaughn Felix This sounds amazing. I’m convinced you’ll have a lot of fun with it. Thanks for your comment and enjoy shooting film. :)
It leaves the plastic fantastics in the dust for the shear joy of handling and the quality of workmanship.
The film advance on my copy is pretty good.I also have an OM4Ti which does have a poor film advance.
Thanks, that was a fantastic video. Quite exceptional.
Thanks a lot for your kind comment. :)
I've been convinced for years that there will always be a place for Genuine Film Photography. Please note; I NEVER refer to Photography as "Analog". There is Photography and there is Digital Image Capture. The two are completely different technologies. Though both "capture" an image, I have never really liked "Digital". It has far too many drawbacks. For example; we have glass "negatives" made in the 1850's that still produce beautiful prints. But the physics tells us that all digital media begins to break down, degrade or loose data immediately. And there is almost no chance they will be worth printing in 60 years! Let alone 170 years!
Experiments in Photography began in the 1820's. And it had barely peeked in the early 90's when Digital appeared. The store I worked in offered one day processing right into 2010. And we had hundreds of rolls of film a week untill suddenly ZIP, it stopped almost overnight.
Photography is the only elegant way to preserve images for a century or two. Maybe longer if stored correctly. But Digital? Just a flash in the pan. You can't share your cell phone photos unless EVERYONE has the hardware to receive, store and display them. We of the Advanced countries forget, 3/4 ths of the planet will never have all that we take for granted!
One of the best videos i've watched.
could listen to that voice forever:)
Thanks so much. I really appreciate your kind praise. This means a lot to me.
Awesome camera, just got one from eBay a month ago. The only issues i find with it, are 1) I am not used to the viewfinder focusing thing. Not really sure how to use that, as well as 2) some fungus in the finder. Hoping to take it somewhere to sort that out
Glad to hear that you purchased this beautiful camera. Sorry that you have some fungus in the viewfinder. You'll definitely figure out how to focus with it. :)
I’ve just bought a second-hand one, seeing this has made me even more excited to use it now 😍
Congrats, I finally got around to shooting this again as well.
Yeah I just bought one too and this has also made me very excited and happy with my purchase
Guys I’ve received mine also from Germany. I really love it!
The Olympus OM1 is the only reflex camera that I use. I'm a rangefinder shooter but OM1 has such a beautiful, large and clear viewfinder that helps a lot in taking pictures. The design of the camera, its size and the disposition of commands are just awesome. I love the "creamy" look the lenses give to B&W films. Great video.
1) I guess OM1n is set for the 1,5V battery out of the box.
2) If someone wants addition of auto exposure and compensation dial, there's always OM2.
Gruß aus Zagreb
Thank you for the informative video.
qnetx Thank you for your kind comment. :)
A fine, fine camera, but it's no Pentax MX. :D Seriously though, I've always found the OM-1 to be slightly janky feeling in operation and a bit fiddly with all controls located on the lens barrel. I very much like its relatively quiet shutter, but have never cared for the action in the throw of the advance lever for some reason. Just a camera I've never been able to gel with. But I do get the appeal. The MX took the idea of the OM-1 and perfected it, in my humble opinion.
The MX had full information in the viewfinder, something Olympus in that era could never do because they put the aperture ring at the front of the lens. which ruled out having a Judas window.
I have an unusual question about the Olympus M-1 - the original Olympus film SLR.
I always wanted to get an original Olympus M-1, made before Leica forced Olympus to change the name to OM . I am considering one now, however, the serial number on it is 2xx,xxx. I thought that Olympus started the production of M-1 with 100,000 and only made about 52,000 before switching the name to OM-1. I also heard that there are a number of fakes with M-1 top plate fitted on OM-1.
Does anyone know the serial number range for the original Olympus M-1 film SLR?
Thank you
I own an Olympus Om-1 from 1978. My issue was indoor lighting. Have brought it out again and hoping to use it. Thoughts????
Very nice and charming camera. Small, well done and built and big when you look inside the viewfinder. I don t know how they were able to do this and I even less understand why the other brands didn t succeed in copying it. It’s so pleasant to use ! The only thing I don t like is the way of changing the speed around the lens. I permits to change the speed without leaving the viewfinder but it putshes to many actions on the left hand according to me and doesn tfree any space as you can mix on a single knob. The fact it’s a semi automatic doesn t help him too much even if the price of the films nowadays makes as be quiet and not in a hurry when taking pictures, but also true that the om-2 with its amazing ( and first in time) flash ttl and automatic mode can be more attractive. Thanks to share with us this important part of history of film,camera which inspires later all the compact lines including Nikon fm, Pentax Mx, canon AE1…
Another artistic and informative review. The format that you use; videographer showing your at work and then posting a still image of what you had just shot is unique, very pleasing and, IMHO, outshines many other reviewers on YT.
In 1980, I shot my way through Japan using my father's OM1 (I was just 31 years old at that time). The photographs were truly beautiful in rendering and color. I still have those slides in my Carousel trays today. I used Kodak Kodachrome 64. As I had had previous experience w/all manual cameras prior to using the OM1, I found it easy to use: I would set the shutter speed and then adjust the aperture via the viewfinder's meter. Not having anything in the viewfinder except the meter was terrific, as it left me to compose, focus and shoot. It left the artistic side of me to enjoy the experience. Last week I purchased one from ebay, as it was in near mint condition. I also came with a Zuiko 5mm f1.8 lens (the same one I used in Japan). So, it sits on my desk (home) for me to truly admire.
love it!
Thanks so much, JP! :)
Perfect video in every way, well done! Subscribed.
I'm looking to try out film cameras, with lots of experience already with digital. After a bit of reasearch the Om1 and Pentax MX are on the top of my list, closely followed by the Nikon FM. I like the small form factor of the two front runners and would like a smallish 50 and probably a 28. The prices on ebay of all those cameras seem pretty similar overall, maybe the MX is cheaper, but only slightly. Would you steer me in any particular direction? I watched your Pentax video too, which was also great. Will check out more of your videos. Thanks!
The underexposed turbine was actually my favorite photo!
Second that.
What superb film, love all your thoughts and description of this camera, so inspired now to source one of these beauties 👍
I'm late but great vid man. Wish you had the om55 f/1.2 to shoot with, an under-appreciated portrait lens imo, so much character and performance for the meagre price, plus you can shoot at 0.45 m with the huge viewfinder wide open, its like noctilux on steroids! (its sharper than the f/1 noct. too)
Thank you for suggesting this lens. Sounds like a really interesting option for a future video.
You've made me miss my Olympus OM-1. I LOVE analogue photography!
same
The serial number on your 50mm f1.4 MC is very close to mine.
TheAgeOfAnalog That’s funny. Good spot. :)
This is such a great detailed video of the Olympus OM-1. It’s top of my list of favorite film cameras and always go back to this video as motivation. Look forward to more videos!
Oh wow! Thanks a lot. This means a lot to us. :)
Great video! High quality content AND presentation. Would love to hear your thoughts on the Nikon F2. Subscribed.
For anyone who might be wondering about the music pieces here: the piano piece is called "Angel Song" by Martin Landh, and the acoustic guitar piece is "We Were Dancing in the Dark" by Loving Caliber. Cheers.
Great review too. Can't wait to get my hands on the OM-1 very very soon! :)
I thought of buying one as my first SLR but was put off by the shutter speed ring. People say it is easier to adjust when up to the eye, but that's pointless because you can't see the speed in the viewfinder. You have to lower it from from your eye to see the speed. You need to know the speed in case you are getting down to camera shake problems. The rival Pentax KX and later MX had shutter speed in the viewfinder.
What you can do is remember where you started or were. becomes second nature if you use it enough. I mean at eye level
Great review, nicely explained and enjoyable to wath, very complete and enjoyable. Only downside is you are enabling my gear lust, but that's on me :)) congrats on the good work
Haha, sorry about that. :) Thanks for your kind words.
Just picked up an OM-1 at an Estate Sale. It appears to be in excellent condition. 1.35 volt batteries are still available here (they are air activated non mercury types) and can hardly wait to run some film through it! Will have to find an owner's manual on line, however. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work.
Great video and very informative! I picked up one a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. However I do have a question, what are the two small silver dials on both sides of the lens used for? They look very similarly to the rewind dial. Can’t figure it out! Haha. Thank you for the video!
Another great production guys! It is a pleasure to follow your channel.
I also have an OM-1 "converted" to 1.5 volts,
It is totally worth it. And yes, i agree.... The wind lever action has a notchy, grinding feel which is really one of the few shortcomings. All the best. Please keep on going.
matteo
Ps i have little twins and we called the boy Max :-)
Wow. Absolutely stunning video.
I agree with you about the film advance lever. It's the same in many of the follow up OMs. There's that kind of slightly insecure wind action that sometimes makes you unsure if you've advanced an entire frame or not.
Old Cameras Thanks so much for your kind comment. I really enjoyed your OM-1 video in the preparation of this review.
Glad to see you agree with respect to the film advance lever.
Hi Max I liked your videos thank you! I have a small request I just recently acquired my OM-1 zuiko 28 f2.8 / 50 f1.8 could you please add some links for eBay or Amazon what to buy for batteries replacement and batteries brand & number. Thank you
One of my favourite TH-cam Channels and thanks for making this video. I am inspired to get out my OM1 for the weekend.
6 year old video but i bought the OM-1 back in 2012 at second hand store for 250 euros. I still use it, and even more, i use it more often than my expensive Leica m6 that i also bought at second hand store for 2000 euros😂 i will take my OM-1 everywhere with me for 12 years❤ it is my first film camera.
Hi Max! Do you try the Minolta XG-1 with Rokkor 50mm 1.4 lens ?
Thanks for your comment, Eduardo! Yes, my father's old Minolta XD-7 (very similar to the XG-1) actually came with the 50mm f/1.4 lens. I think it's an incredible "standard" lens. :)
In his archived speech in 2007 (or 2009, basically in the 2000s), Yoshihisa Maitani mentioned that the mirror for the OM-1 was oversized for the body and coated in silver so as to accommodate a bright image throughout all focal lengths up to 200mm without vignetting. Also the flange diameter of the lens mount is hilariously large in proportion to the camera's size, making it look as if the camera was built around the lens mount. The shutter mechanism used cords instead of ribbons allegedly using the same material that Japanese fishermen use for their fishing nets. Finally, the mirror return mechanism was air-dampened to return that signature high-frequency noise that SLRs often do.
Owning one after an impulse purchase this year was many best impulse buy so far. Using it alongside a Leica IIIf was seamless, for both ran and were designed with the same usability principles in mind. And at times the OM-1 would be quieter than the IIIf. All in all, the OM-1 is a great camera to own for the advanced user who wants a unique camera built to the highest standards
I forgot to mention the prototype. Maitani and his team built the MDN and MDS prototypes as a testing ground for the OM concept. Both cameras look like the Hasselblad or Mamiya 645, and was intentionally designed as such as Maitani's goal was a fully modular system camera -- meaning that the lens, prism, and film back were replaceable anytime. So like the Hassy, you can load several backs, have one in color negative, one in color slide, and another in black and white negative, and swap them as desired. However Maitani implied in his speech that due to pressures from management and marketing to release an SLR, his team decided to use the MDN as the structural basis for a traditional SLR, which ended up becoming the M-1, then the OM-1.
Thank you so much for sharing these additional pieces of information. Very interesting.
@@AnalogInsights Danke Max! Grüsse von den Philippinen - Sam S. (wir haben uns in MFL Sommerfest 2018 erst kennengelernt) :))
I just saw this presentation now. This is a wonderful review of a camera that I did not own but wished I had. Thank you. RS. Canada
What type of focus screen did you used?
Beautiful review. Awesome camera. I have my dad's Olympus OM-10 which is my favorite camera ever. It just works. Simple. Beautiful. I have the common 50mm f1.8 along with a 35mm f2.8, 135mm f3.5 and the T20 flash. Nothing really expensive here. Lens are super sharp, meter is always dead on and the viewfinder is the best I ever seen. Even better than my Pentax 645. Kudos
Luis Ribeiro Thanks so much for your comment. Glad to see that you enjoy your dad’s OM-10 so much. It’s always nice to have a complete lens set and accessories for a camera.
Hey fam, just dusted off an Olympus-OM1, need to get some film for it. Can you guys advise me on which to get! Thank YOU
Sounds great. Thanks for your comment. Sure, how about you start with some Ilford FP4 for instance.
Your voice is so soothing! Great review
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. ;)
Stunning presentation of a lovely iconic camera. I too own the OM-1, but don’t get out and about with it as much as I should. Seeing your inspirational video has reinvigorated and encouraged me to get using again thank you. David
Thanks for your kind feedback. Glad to hear that we could encourage you to take the OM-1 out more often. It's such a lovely camera. :)
I actually love the shutter speed system, I’ve got it on my nikkormat ftn and it’s saved me from missing fast movement moments lots of times.... love the om1 as well I’ve been sourcing one for my gf birthday
Did you give her an om1 yet?
I bought my first OM-1 new in the mid 70s together with a couple of Zuiko lenses and other Olympus accessories. These were sold when I had a young family.
Last week I bought an OM-2N. This week an OM-2 and I have made an offer on an OM-1. Plus a T32, bounce grip and other accessories. Ebay is too addictive.
OMs worked for me on so many levels in the 70s and, I’m sure, will do so again. They might not be perfect but they’re not far off.
Stunning videos, by the way.
I impulsively picked up my OM-1n back in February after stumbling upon this video. I was shooting digital for awhile with an OM-D E-M10 II but I had an itch to return to film for the longest. The g.a.s. kept saying, go full manual, full mechanical. I was able to assemble a kit off multiple eBay purchases (OM-1n body, 28/3.5, 50/1.8, 135/3.5) all for less than what an FM2 would cost, the camera I initially wanted. A month abroad and 7 rolls in, I have no regrets! Though now I'm eyeing an OM-4T(i) if only to try the spot metering. =)
Long live film and long live the Cult of Zuiko!
you are really good! I really like your videos.
Great review of a beautiful camera. I love my OM4-Ti with its awesome light metering system. I notice that your review camera is the OM-1, do you know if the film advance ‘experience’ was improved with the n version which succeeded it? I believe Olympus made 34 changes between the two models, included in which was a redesigned film advance lever. Not sure though if the transport mechanism itself was redesigned.
OM-1 was also my first SLR! Fond memories and excited to see more of your awesome videos. Just happened upon this channel after watching your review of the Mamiya 645 which I just purchased. Thank you for the best insights on traditional photography!
Thomas Jacobson Thanks so much for your kind comment. It means a lot to us. Glad you like our little channel. :)
If you have the chance, do review the OM-4 with its amazing multi-spot metering.
Feels like you can read our thoughts, Melvin. We're already working on our OM-4 Ti review and will publish it sometime soon. :)
Great video! For anyone watching - the OM-10 is very similar but will auto set a shutter speed for you (so it is basically aperture priority, still with manual focus). I am very happy with both my OM-1 and OM-10 cameras, and I use them both when I want different experiences (OM-1 is slower, more intentional).
I have an OM-10. Wonderful camera with a large viewfinder. Never tried an OM-1. Is there much of a difference between the viewfinder sizes between these two cameras?
A great reivew of a great camera. What song was this? It's breathtaking.
Thanks for your kind comment. I get all my songs from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com) by now since they are optimized for TH-cam channels like ours and offer a wonderful music selection. The piano piece is called "Angel Song" by Martin Landh and the acoustic guitar piece "We Were Dancing in the Dark" by Loving Caliber. Hope this helps.
Fantastic video as usual! I should shoot my OM1 more often, you have inspired me :). My only small criticism of this camera is, I find it a bit difficult to hold while focussing las there is no grip to speak of, but other than this, it really is a beautiful piece of equipment, both functionally as well as cosmetically.
Any suggestions for camera lense that would fit in this camera?
many best is 50mm F1.2 but id go for what can afford.
Could you please reply with the name/email of the German fellow who rebuilds om-1 cameras? I'd like to buy one from him adjusted to use 1.5 v battery . Thank you for great video.
John Guillory www.om-doktor.de is the URL where you can find more.
Yes!!! I love other photographers who specialize in my field of aviation photography!!!
A very systematic review
I have two Olympus OM2n cameras. One I bought new in 1980. It has worked flawlessly since then. I bought a second one about 3 years ago. The OM2n is still my favorite all around film camera. I use it all the time. I have a bunch of lenses for the two bodies and a winder. The winder is big and heavy but it comes with a nice grip I like.
I cringed all the way through your video because you were using it without a strap. Great video. The video production quality is quite high.
Thanks for your interesting comment. And don't worry, we won't drop the camera. ;)
As everyone probley know's amazon sell's the 1.35 volt replacement batteries for around $5
Do you have a link for the replacement?
Great review and many thanks for the recommendation of the OM Doktor. I had been looking for another OM1, as it was my first slr, and I traded it in for an OM 2 many years ago. I still have my Om 2 and my late father's Om 4Ti but wanted another good OM 1. After watching your review I contacted Frank and he has supplied me with a beautiful OM 1 fully serviced and with the battery conversion done. Over the moon and can't wait to get some film in it and get shooting. Thanks again and keep up the good work. J
Great! Makes me really happy to hear that. Enjoy shooting the fully serviced OM 1. :)
i wish that it had a digital version with the same built design.
Spirit Encyclopedia olympus OM-D
Super video and always good to see some classic 35mm featured. Although after each video I feel the need for another visit to Germany.....
My favourite 35mm SLR. Simple and beautiful. I love the Zuiko lenses, too. Beautiful rendering and amazingly compact. I use them on my Fuji XP-1
I bought both my OM-1 and OM-2 from OM-Doktor. Buy them from there, the light meter will not only be adjusted to 1.5 V, Mr. Timmann will actually replace a diode inside the meter, to adjust everything properly.
The OM system is my second system though, I actually have much more Nikon stuff.
And funny: When watching the F5 video, I was about to comment there: Why would I want a camera that can shoot through a roll of film in 0.3 seconds? I would miss the feel of the filmadvance lever too much, which to me is an important part of the joy of using an analog camera. And I was about to write, that I will probably part with my OM system, because I do not like the feel of the film advance lever at all while there are probably no cameras that feel smoother than my F2AS and even more my F3HP. Of course they are much bigger, but the way the buttons and the advance lever feel and the way the shutter especially of the F2 makes this glorious CLONCK makes using them more enjoyable to me.
I‘ll gladly carry a bit more weight for that feeling.
I did not write it there, because I thought: „Hm. complaining about a film advance lever feels, as long as it is working perfectly? I smell a nerd alarm!“
Nice to see, that you feel the same :)
Other than that the OM-1 is a really nice camera, but I constantly leave it on the shelf and grab a Nikon instead, if size and weight is an issue FM2, otherwise usually F2AS (both black). The OM-2 I actually do not like at all, because the automatic mode does not offer an AE lock. I point at something that I want to be 17% grey and now I cannot push a button to hold this exposure while I recompose. So in the end I always use it in manual mode anyhow and that would be better with an OM-1.
Great channel: actually my favourite! Also, I really liked this review, as I am one of the many OM-1 lovers. You are doing great!
Thanks a lot for your kind feedback. Really, really appreciate it. Glad to hear you enjoy the OM-1, too. :)
Brilliant review. Best one by far that I've seen of the OM4Ti. I intend to do I review of my OM4T at some stage but I just know it won't be as good as yours. Very professional.