I added an OM-2 to my OM-1 in 1978, for much the reasons you advocate. I found the film advance slightly less silky than the OM-1, and the shutter/mirror noise slightly more intrusive. Unfortunately, it fell out of favour when it developed an intermittent slippage in its film advance, giving unpredictable overlapping frames. Even a costly visit to Olympus' London headquarters couldn't find the cause. Another feature of the OM-2n over the OM-2 which is worth mentioning, is that the later cameras have compatibility with an increased range of electronic flashguns, and can give viewfinder feedback on their operation.
My father bought an OM-2 new in the '70s and after I took up photography as a teen, he bought me an OM-2n with 55mm f/1.2 as a gift. Unfortunately my camera and lens was stolen during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona in 1987 (I was sleeping in the park!) but I still have his OM-2. Beautiful camera and I'm still loyal to Olympus/OM System. Thank you so much for the great video, and for refreshing my memories!
Thanks for sharing your story! Sad that you lost your camera, it proves that theft and pick pockets were an issue already back then, not only today … but it’s nice that you still have got your father‘s OM-2!
That was such a good presentation Tom - Fantastic!! I was gifted a full OM-2 set with 3 lenses yesterday incl. a bellow, Heliopan filters etc. by an extremely kind 79-year old stranger, who is not using it anymore but took it all around the world back in the day. It still works a charm.. I studied photography but never really shot on Olympus to be fair. Yet I'm beginning to understand the greatness of this very system. Dein Video hat mich bestens abgeholt - Danke dafür & Alles Gute
Love the presentation that you have made of the Olympus camera, I bought my first camera an OM-1 at Bitburg AFB Germany in 1975 when deployed later I added the OM2, they are the best film cameras I ever own, still in working condition, I love the weight and easiness of use (can't believe they couldn't figure out the mirror lock) it was in my backpack everywhere I went. Now using my Nikon system there is no way I would climb a mountain today; I still yearn for those film days. Thanks for the remembrance☝.
Thank you for this video, you have described the OM-2 exactly. I have had my OM-2 since 1992, its needed foam and shutter magnet clean up, and performed faultlessly. I particularly like the consitencey of the metering. I nearly always set it to auto and like you I dial in any compensation needed. I think this camera is the best Maitani design. I have an OM-1 which sees little use because the OM-2 is so good and intuative to use.
The OM-2 metering is actually really amazing, yes! Apart from Olympus there was only that one other camera that used autodynamic metering, the Pentax LX, and it is also amazingly consistent and reliable in exposure. It's a pity that no one else ever used that concept again ...
These cameras are real gems. I own an OM-1 from 1978 and an OM-2n from 1982 which I used until 1998 and I wouldn't think of giving either away although I am not using them anymore. But I am still using the Zuiko 50 mm/1.8 "kit" lens after more than 45 years on my OM-E M1 Mk II, mostly for close-ups of flowers, with incomparable bokeh. That lens also I would never sell.
I totally agree! And I used some of my OM Zuiko lenses a lot on digital cameras. They are really nice! And I'm still using the OM Zuiko 50/3.5 Macro lens for all the black&white scans that you see in all my videos. (I have my color photos scanned externally cause I really hate to do that color adjustment stuff myself ...)
04:13, if you want more light, you need to slow down the shutter speed. +1 slows it down a stop, -1 adds a stop. So, if you want more light, it's the other way around. You need to switch it to the exact opposite side. Confusing, I know. :) Great video btw. Thanks.
I have the old "silver nose" ones. They are lovely at f/1.4 but there are definitely more sharp lenses out there. Once you stop down a bit, they get really sharp, yes. I also love the OM Zuiko 50/1.8 by the way. A very good lens that you often get "for free" when you buy an Olympus OM camera!
I've always shot Canon, but a friend of mine back in the '70s shot Olympus and I have to say that I was very impressed with the quality of the cameras he was using.
Yes, there is no such thing as a "bad" brand: Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, Pentax, Chinon ... even vintage Cosina or Praktica ... they all do their job really well!
@@my.own.devices I guess that depends on the size and shape of your hands. I wouldn't have continued with them if I didn't find them comfortable to use.
Hi, Tom, thanks for bringing back so many memories. I was using those cameras in the 70s and 80s, when OM cameras were so special, as they were crafted for artists, and not just technical tools. I used the OM1, OM2n, 30, and 4. The spot metering and the averaging of multiple spot readings in the OM4 was also bleeding edge and unique to Olympus. Another space-age technology we had then was in a film, when Ilford released the XPS-2 film in 1980/81. It had phenomenal exposure lattitude (dynamic range). You could set ASA 50, 100, 200 or 400, even 800, and it just would not let you over-expose, even with a wide aperture on a sunny day! When "over-exposed", the film would just make your image duller, and with no loss of details or resolution. The image would look more flat, greyish with lower contrast, but all the info would still be available, and can be adjusted back when printing, e.g. using filters. It's like compression, and the adjustment in printing de-compression. Imagine getting very fine details, instead of coarse grains, when using high ASA. So, we would use a high ASA for fast actions with no fear. It was superior when compared to film pushing for demanding tasks.
my parents bought me my first SLR back in 1979, which was an OM1. I still have it along with an OM2, OM2N, OM2SP and OM-PC. I love the system, but I have rarely used them since I switched to digital over 20 years ago. Thanks for your video, you gave me some incentive to try shooting film again.
In the early 1980s, I badly wanted an OM camera. I would've been thrilled with an OM-1n or OM-2n. I think the OM-4 was just released, but of course that was way too expensive, as was the 2SP. My birthday came around and...my dad gave me an OM-G 🤦♂️😬😫. Of course I expressed my gratitude, but personally I was devastated and disappointed. I used it a little, and then not at all. I am sure in his mind, my lack of subsequent interest justified his decision to get the non-Maitani cheap OM mount camera. Thirty years later though, I bought several OM cameras, including my favorite OM-3t. When he noticed my much more sincere interest in film photography, he gifted me his camera setup, Nikon FTn. I took it to a shop in Tokyo specializing in Nikons and had them fully restore and service the camera. Fortunately, he lived to see all that along with my more enduring interest in film.
Danke für dieses Video! Du hast mich dran erinnert das ich eine OM2 im Schrank hatte und die passenden Batterien bestellt hatte, aber vor zwei Jahren komplett vergessen habe sie endlich mal zu nutzen. Jetzt ist ein Film drin und die kommenden Tage wird der erste Film durchlaufen. Einfach danke! Herrlich ist das Ding. 🙏
Thanks for a great video. I bought my OM2n in 1981 to replace a Praktica PLC2 that came off worse than me in a bike accident. I loved it and used it regularly with the kit lens, a Zuiko f/1.8, and two Zuiko zooms until they were all stolen in 2006. Twenty five years of use! I seem to remember that my OM2n had a single mechanical shutter setting of 1/125 sec that could be used if the battery died. I used it occasionally and it was in addition to the Bulb setting that I never used.
Hmm. I know for sure is that both the OM-2 and OM-2n definitely don't offer any mechanical backup times except B. But several later Olympus bodies such as the OM-4 or the OM-2 SP (in the US the latter one was called OM-2S) have such a mechanical backup time, but it is 1/60 second. The Pentax ME / ME Super or Nikon EM and a lot of other cameras from the same era with automatic shutters also offer mechanical backup times.
@@tomscameras It must be a false memory but an odd one. I did not replace the OM2n that was stolen - digital was coming in - and I have never used an OM4. I recently purchased an old OM1, which was what I had originally wanted but could not afford when I bought the PLC2 instead back in 1977. I went for the OM1 recently because it has no electronics other than the light meter.
@@keithwilkinson8310 Check the light meter accuracy before running film through it. Mine was badly off when I got it. I had it calibrated and used it successfully for years with no problems. I recently dusted off the old 1 and 2 and see that the 1 is again a bit off (maybe 1 to 1.5 stops) whereas the 2 has always been bang-on.
We have very similar camera taste! Every camera you review I either have or am thinking of getting! 😂🎞️ The OM2 (n) and OM1 (n) are very special. Such beautiful cameras and made better than any camera or most objects I’ve ever held.
Great to hear there's others with a similar taste in cameras. I really love these first-generation Olympus OM cameras. Even though I also love almost all the other brands as well!
Thank you for the video, makes me want to dive into OM-System once more. If I hadn't inherited a lot of Minolta gear from my parents, this would be my analog SLR-System. So beautiful and compact, also the lenses.
Some friend of mine, who also has a lot of great Minolta gear, said exactly the same ... but truth to be told, there are some gorgeous Minolta cameras and lenses as well. I still have to produce a video about Minolta SLR cameras ... :)
Excellent presentation! Many people fail to realise that the exposure meter is so accurate in this camera, that it is pointless using it in manual mode for most situations. The OM-10 also has an excellent exposure meter.
Yes, all these OM "double digit" models share a lot of their internals with the "single digit" models. And it's true, I also don't see any real point in switching to manual mode with the OM-2!
Not sure why Tom didn't emphasize the HUGE and brilliant viewfinder ! - Seriously, it's simply stunning Not to mention that it's one of the MOST COMPACT SLR's ever made (The Pentax MX & ME Super were just a bit smaller). Finally, the OM-1 and OM-2 were truly Pro level cameras (they were designed to use 5 frame per second motor drives)...
You are absolutely right: Maybe I should have talked about these characteristics more clearly. But then, there’s also my Olympus OM-1 video. Maybe I should have positioned this OM-2 video more as a sequel to that first video: th-cam.com/video/jvQtmhFMHWM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ctrFZI1IaX1KKQNS
Hi Tom, thanks for this, I learnt something! Have an OM-1, OM-2 and recently an OM-10. Didn't realise the OM-2 defaulted to 1/30th shutter speed if shot with the meter off. The OM-10 selects the relevant speed for the aperture with the meter off. You've saved me from making a mistake when shooting my OM-2.
Hey! Thanks for your comment! Maybe I explained it wrong: The OM-2 / OM-2n doesn't default to 1/30 sec, but it does a life meter reading and adjusts the shutter speed ... but the LONGEST it will do is a 1/30 sec. So the range is 1/1000 to 1/30 sec if you have it switched off ...
I have a 2n, it's my favorite Film camera ... These days they get much more love than they did back in the day. I never could figure out why, I'd used Nikon and others but the Olympus always seemed better to use.
I also think that, considering their age, the OM-1 and OM-2 cameras are very ergonomic! Surely that's the influence of Yoshihisa Maitani who really loved to think out of the box.
The OM line-up are my favorite cameras. I rarely use my OM-3t - just too valuable, but I use OM-4t's frequently. That is really is my go to, but I have almost all of them, even an M-1. I currently have a roll in my OM-2SP. I really like the features of the Leica R6.2 -- and it has nice glass -- but it is far too heavy and bulky. The Nikon F3/T is also feature rich, lighter than the Leica, but still substantially bigger than the OMs. For SLRs, I keep returning to my OM cameras. Great video. Thanks.
The OM-3 Ti is a fantastic classic, but as you say ... sadly it's a rare collectors item so you won't really use it on a day-to-day base. However the OM-4 Ti is a very nice alternative :) One thing I'm not so sure about: The F3 is less weight than the Leica R6.2? I always thought the R6 is pretty compact (and nice looking) for a mechanical SLR camera. But I admit I never shot a Leica R6 myself and it is ages ago that I had one in my hands. The really huge one is the Leica R8 ...
Fabulous video Tim! It’s a beautiful camera and your photos are fantastic! 😍😍 It makes me sad a dear friend of mine talked me into giving him my lovely OM-2N. Then again I was hardly using it and he is, so it lives in!
Yes, that would be truly awesome. But I'm sure it's not gonna happen. The one company that is doing this is Leica ... they produce the analog Leica M series basically without any changes since the 1960s! But they come at a price ... (Though their digital M cameras get more and more soulless with every incarnation ...)
@@tomscameras Right, I forgot about that one! Guess, selective memory due to the price, but now you prompted me to lust over it again - appreciate your video!
Superb presentation ! Thanks for a German Style Procedure of how to use it. Congrats Tom Kindly asking a suggestion for a zoom. I have the 35mm TS and the 50mm. Thanks !
Thanks! You mean, an Olympus OM Zuiko zoom? I really like the 35-105 that you see in my video. The great thing is that it offers a "macro mode" so you can also take close-up shots! Some of the other nice zooms like the OM Zuiko 35-70/3.6, which is pretty good in terms of optics, lack that close-focus ability. I find that pretty annoying in everyday use! If you find a clean and well-kept example, I'd also suggest the humble OM Zuiko 35-70/3.5-4.5. Because this one is really tiny! Sadly there's no Olympus zoom lenses that go wider than 35mm with the one exeption the OM Zuiko 28-48/4 but this can be tricky to find today. There is the good but wayyyy to expensive OM Zuiko 35-80/2.8, but I'd consider this a collectors item today due to its current market value. There is a lot of vintage third-party options but I'm not a huge expert on these. For example there was a pretty "modern" Sigma 28-70/2.8 for Olympus OM.
My very first proper camera was an OM-2, though I had no idea how to use it nor the thought to look up a manual online. I ended up donating it to my High School Photo Teacher/Class, hoping they would get more use out of it. Im fairly certain they did.
I think it's an awesome camera for a high school photo class! And by the way, I forgot to put a link to the user manual ... there's a website that contains almost every camera manual that you can think of: www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html
The Minolta CLE rangefinder camera with Leica M mount, which I own, also incorporates autodynamic metering where the exposure is read off the film plane and shutter curtain. To my knowledge Olympus, Pentax and Minolta are the only three makers to use this technology.
You are right: the Minolta CLE uses the exact same technique. AFAIK it is limited to about 2 seconds though, so despite the autodynamic metering it can’t do automatic long-time night exposures like the OM series or the Pentax LX. The Leica M6 also has the metering cell pointed at the first shutter curtain. I’m sure they got inspired by Minolta there … the previous Leica M5 and Leica CL had that more awkward little swinging arm with the metering cell mounted on it. But the M6 is a mechanical camera, so it’s no autodynamic metering anyway.
Apperture priority rocks. I do have a few OM-1s, but these days prefer OM-2 (or OM-10) because the convenient of apperture priority. I know being an electric camera means it won't last forever... who cares. They are not expensive, just buy another one :D
I really appreciate the mechanical cameras and that's maybe the reason why I've got three OM-1's and then just a single OM-2. But as long as it works ... and I do think the OM-2 electronics are really reliable ... it's just super-convenient and nice to use, for sure !!
Really enjoying using my OM-2 however I’ve found that mine has issues with the battery draining every couple of shots. I’m a bit concerned about this so if anyone has any ideas that would be very helpful to me, otherwise I’ll just be sticking with my OM-10. Excellent video, really love hearing about the OM system and its history.
Additionally as I watch this I notice you mention that setting to B ensures that no electronics are being used, I actually had my battery drain faster when using B. Odd.
That's really weird! I do know that the OM-2S (called OM-2SP in some countries) and the OM-4 are known for draining the batteries because the way Olympus designed the electronics in these back then wasn't the most reliable. The OM-2 normally has less issues. But all these cameras are 40-50 years old by now, and electronics do age and it can lead to various "weird" malfunctions ... no matter how well they were designed when new!
Worth pointing out that the hot shoes were not made of brittle plastic. The plastic is brittle because it’s half a century old. That’s a subtle but important difference.
Olympus cameras were great. I had both the OM1 and OM2. However, the problem with lots of electronics in cameras is that they fail faster. I think this is partially pre-planned so that people buy more cameras. My OM2 failed pretty quickly and I had to use it as a manual camera. The meter in the OM1 also failed within 5 years and it had to be used as a manual camera. But both remained useful (unlike modern cameras) and were used for many years after the electronics gave up the ghost. Try that with modern digital cameras that costs thousands of dollars.
Thanks for your comment! The meter in your OM-1 failed within the first 5 years? Wow ... that's kind of bad :) However, one thing I don't get: the OM-2 doesn't offer any mechanical backup speeds except B (the bulb / long-time setting). So if the electronics die, there's no way to use it at all - unless you're only taking night exposures at the B setting!
@@tomscameras Based on your video, I bought an OM-2. It's working great so far. I haven't had my film developed, but it appears to be working flawlessly. It came with a 28mm F/3.5, 50mm F/1.8 and a 135mm F/3.5. I especially like the 28 & 135, the 50mm feels really janky
The metering in the viewfinder in manual mode should have been the same as the automatic mode, it is much easier to use because you can see how many stops you need to correct.
I get what you mean. They went for a very simple meter display in manual mode. If they did what you would like, they'd have needed to use a second needle to display the manual setting ... many other cameras have that, but yes the OM-2 does not. As a long-term OM-1 user, I'm happy with the super-simple manual readout of the OM-2. But I also have to admit that I basically never use my OM-2 in manual mode ...
@@tomscameras The Nikon FE works great in manual mode with the indicator in the viewfinder, so why Olympus made two different in the OM-2 is a bummer. I ONLY use manual mode, I have done it for 45 years, it works all the time.
@@cameraprepper7938 But what's the reason then to get an OM-2 or Nikon FE? For manual mode only, the OM-1 or especially the Nikon FM / FM2 would be the way to go!
@@tomscameras I had the Nikon F3, FM and FE, the Light metering in the FE was the best to use for manual Light metering, so I used the Nikon FE most if I didn´t have my handheld Light meter. The FM Cameras I do not see any advantage in using, electronic shutters are much more reliable !!! But you would not know since you are a automatic user. I did not have the OM-2, I had the OM-1, but I rarely used it, I had Hasselblad 6x6 cm at that time !
Another cool video . I am trying to resist buying an OM-2 at the moment … now your video comes out reminding me that it could be great for low light with that cool auto system 🙄 Problem is I don’t need another lens system I have an extensive range of Pentax K mount , M42, Exakta, Konica and a few Nikon, Minolta and Canon … it will end up happening though
If you've got a lot of Pentax K lenses ... think about the Pentax LX ! It is the one single non-Olympus camera that uses the exact same metering system for unlimited long-time exposures! Did you see my Pentax LX video already? It's here: th-cam.com/video/KD5SPksr9BQ/w-d-xo.html
@@tomscameras yes , it is the “logical “ thing but they have become very expensive and I have my doubts about the reliability of the LX. I owned one briefly years ago and it broke down on me , of my 3 friends who own them now , one has a dead one , another the metering doesn’t work and the 3rd had shutter issues and now the electrics are going haywire. Unlike my MX, KX, KM , ME super, A3000, SFX, SF1, , MZ7 P30, P50, Super A and several K mount Ricohs which are all working well . Although in fairness I think many LX may have led hard lives and been worn out by pro photographers. I love the idea of the LX but I have a bad feeling about them
I started with Pentax (MX, ME) and eventually got an OM2. Go for an OM2 - the shutter is a better sound than the MX although the MX exposure LED's are imo, better than any other system.
@@tuisitala9068 I really love the exposure indicator on the MX I find it super easy to read and adjust accordingly. I also love the speed and smoothness of my MXs operation
Nice video. I've started my photographic journey with a Pratica LTL sledgehammer. When I started to study, I got a free-lance deal and I could afford to by a OM-2 with 3 lenses and a Braun VC410 hammer flash, rechargeable battery with an expensive TTL cable. What a metering system it had. I never missed a shot, and I used every type of film. The light metering system is even better than on my 35 year newer Canon 5D MKii. I bought some crappy OM-2's, but suddenly I got a nice OM-3Ti at a nice price with some rare F2.0 lenses. I have many nice and expensive cameras, but that one has to be my pride. Maybe I should buy an OM-4Ti, but why? I shoot manually and with an even better metering system I think I might have the best 35mm camera, even better than a Leica M6.
I love the old Praktica's! They are a bit crude in operation but they do get the job done. And congrats to your OM-3 Ti and f/2 lenses, that's the stuff every Olympus collector dreams of today! 😍
@@tomscameras Yes, what else do you need than a Practice LTL. Good lenses and an unbreakable camera, a decent light meter. Nothing bling bling on those. They just do the job done. Yes, much of my OM stuff is a collector dream and mine. Only missing the 90mm f/2.0 macro. I choose the 28/2.0 instead of the 24/2.0. Don't need it, because I have the 21/2.0.
@@tomscameras Nice, will see it. Nearly the same camera I had,, the Practica LTL 3. Bought it with 3 lenses. 50, 35 and 135mm, but the shopkeeper tricked me who was 16 at the time. Just brought the camera and 50mm. He had the other two in another shop which eventually went bankrupt.
I had a OM2, had. Beautiful camera. I said 'had' because I bought a OM40 for 20% of the pricer of the OM2. I used the OM40 and sold the OM2. The OM40 is underestimated. It hase everything the OM2 has, only more and better. Like the spot metering for instance. Only the price is less.
The double-digit OM's are a bit lower-grade in terms of design and finish, but they're definitely built to similar standards internally. So I can't say anything bad about them! However today I see the OM-10/20/40 often offered at pretty high prices ... but the market for vintage SLR cameras is very volatile. Always pays out to spend some time to find a bargain!
On the OM-2 and OM-2n, it does a fully automated meter reading and correct exposure between 1/1000s and 1/30s … if 1/30s is not long enough then the image will be under exposed. Here’s the original OM-2 manual online, it’s described on page 13: www.cameramanuals.org/olympus_pdf/olympus_om-2.pdf
I've just bought one off ebay (nostalgic vibe), however, caught out by the 'spares or repair' tag & having got it, I don't think it's economically doable (shame).
Hehe. I would be happy if the Pentax 17 will lead to a decrease in demand of classic cameras! I think it's a cool little camera. It surely does not replace any SLR but it's also not intended to do so!
Maybe that's why I've got three OM-1's and only this one OM-2 ... in the end it's actually remarkable that these electronics in so many of those old cameras still work after such a long time!
OM-1 batteries are a pain. Cameras designed for use with the now illegal mercury batteries like the OM-1 suck to use all these these years later. OM-2 is much better with the standard SR44s. Besides, just buy another OM-2 if it ever fails - which is not very likely anyway. Yawn. It's so boring to always hear about 'electronics will fail - buy a mechanical camera!" As if mechanical cameras never fail. Hardly. Seems like mechanical Leicas are always getting repaired, for a lot of money. Always. There are many many thousands of cheap SLRs out there, just buy another one!
@@Mamo878 It's true that the OM-1 was made to use the obsolete batteries. You can convert them though pretty easily to take 1.5V batteries. I've sent my OM-1's to a service anyway so they could take care of the damaged prisms (typical fault for OM-1 and OM-2 cameras) and they converted the meter circuit to 1.5V. Having said that, I've got one non-serviced original OM-1 as well and I just put in an SR44 ... it basically meters as well as the converted ones, the difference in the meter readouts is negligible ... The metering of the OM-1 is really a basic circuit and it is absolutely not comparable in precision to the OM-2! If you want precise metering, than the OM-2 is a big step up! And yes in some cases old camera electronics can break. Most time a mechanical camera breaks it's just old grease that makes the mechanics go slow and then some shutter times will be out of order ... it's not "broken", more it needs a "service". Electronics ... if they go, the camera often is bricked, you'll need a donor camera to get the broken electronic parts. Having said that, today we know which cameras are unreliable by design (like the original Pentax Electro Spotmatic) and which have electronics that usually still work 50 years later ... which is quite an achievement by the way!
I am like you, I prefer all-mechanical cameras. But if you choose wisely, you'll find cameras with electronics that are very reliable, even 50 years later ... such as the OM-2 / OM-2n or for example the Pentax ME / ME Super ... and the electronic cameras are definitely more precise (more consistent shutter times, often also more precise as is the case in OM-2 vs. OM-1) ... but apart from all that, there still is some undeniable beauty in those all-mechanical masterpieces!
@@Mamo878 True, but all it takes is a service and voltage adjustment on the meter, something that one would recommend and seek with such vintage gear. I have a Nikkormat FT that took the old mercury 1.3v batteries and has been serviced to run accurately with modern equivalents
I think back in the 70s the biggest problem was that the batteries died and then the camera was bricked until you got a new battery. Especially in cold climate or in winter times ... There were also cameras that really had troublesome electronics, but to my knowledge the OM-2 and OM-2n never belonged to these. The original OM-4 and also the OM-2 SP are more problematic ...
Actually, your comment regarding battery problems/reliability only applies to the OM4, which had a defective circuit board. This was rectified with the last models, and if you had the later (and final😢) proper Olympus , the OM4Ti, this issue does not exist. Also, if the battery is flat on the 2 & 2n, you can shoot manualy using 60. I should know, as i have been an Oly user since the early 70's, and still use my 4Ti. With the exception of the original OM4, the OM system cameras were some of the best cameras ever made. As a footnote, it might interest you to know that the 4Ti also featured at the start of one of the 007 movies. Good enough for James Bond, good enough for me! Cheers
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I added an OM-2 to my OM-1 in 1978, for much the reasons you advocate. I found the film advance slightly less silky than the OM-1, and the shutter/mirror noise slightly more intrusive. Unfortunately, it fell out of favour when it developed an intermittent slippage in its film advance, giving unpredictable overlapping frames. Even a costly visit to Olympus' London headquarters couldn't find the cause.
Another feature of the OM-2n over the OM-2 which is worth mentioning, is that the later cameras have compatibility with an increased range of electronic flashguns, and can give viewfinder feedback on their operation.
My father bought an OM-2 new in the '70s and after I took up photography as a teen, he bought me an OM-2n with 55mm f/1.2 as a gift. Unfortunately my camera and lens was stolen during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona in 1987 (I was sleeping in the park!) but I still have his OM-2. Beautiful camera and I'm still loyal to Olympus/OM System. Thank you so much for the great video, and for refreshing my memories!
Thanks for sharing your story! Sad that you lost your camera, it proves that theft and pick pockets were an issue already back then, not only today … but it’s nice that you still have got your father‘s OM-2!
I've got two OM2n's and always have one in my car 'just in case'. So easy to use and exceptionally well built.
Yes, I totally agree!
Car gets very hot in the summer - not so good for any camera...
That was such a good presentation Tom - Fantastic!! I was gifted a full OM-2 set with 3 lenses yesterday incl. a bellow, Heliopan filters etc. by an extremely kind 79-year old stranger, who is not using it anymore but took it all around the world back in the day. It still works a charm.. I studied photography but never really shot on Olympus to be fair. Yet I'm beginning to understand the greatness of this very system. Dein Video hat mich bestens abgeholt - Danke dafür & Alles Gute
Love the presentation that you have made of the Olympus camera, I bought my first camera an OM-1 at Bitburg AFB Germany in 1975 when deployed later I added the OM2, they are the best film cameras I ever own, still in working condition, I love the weight and easiness of use (can't believe they couldn't figure out the mirror lock) it was in my backpack everywhere I went.
Now using my Nikon system there is no way I would climb a mountain today; I still yearn for those film days. Thanks for the remembrance☝.
Thank you for this video, you have described the OM-2 exactly. I have had my OM-2 since 1992, its needed foam and shutter magnet clean up, and performed faultlessly. I particularly like the consitencey of the metering. I nearly always set it to auto and like you I dial in any compensation needed. I think this camera is the best Maitani design. I have an OM-1 which sees little use because the OM-2 is so good and intuative to use.
The OM-2 metering is actually really amazing, yes! Apart from Olympus there was only that one other camera that used autodynamic metering, the Pentax LX, and it is also amazingly consistent and reliable in exposure. It's a pity that no one else ever used that concept again ...
These cameras are real gems. I own an OM-1 from 1978 and an OM-2n from 1982 which I used until 1998 and I wouldn't think of giving either away although I am not using them anymore. But I am still using the Zuiko 50 mm/1.8 "kit" lens after more than 45 years on my OM-E M1 Mk II, mostly for close-ups of flowers, with incomparable bokeh. That lens also I would never sell.
I totally agree! And I used some of my OM Zuiko lenses a lot on digital cameras. They are really nice! And I'm still using the OM Zuiko 50/3.5 Macro lens for all the black&white scans that you see in all my videos. (I have my color photos scanned externally cause I really hate to do that color adjustment stuff myself ...)
04:13, if you want more light, you need to slow down the shutter speed. +1 slows it down a stop, -1 adds a stop. So, if you want more light, it's the other way around. You need to switch it to the exact opposite side. Confusing, I know. :) Great video btw. Thanks.
Thank you Toms, the 50mm lens is incredibly sharp
I have the old "silver nose" ones. They are lovely at f/1.4 but there are definitely more sharp lenses out there. Once you stop down a bit, they get really sharp, yes. I also love the OM Zuiko 50/1.8 by the way. A very good lens that you often get "for free" when you buy an Olympus OM camera!
I've always shot Canon, but a friend of mine back in the '70s shot Olympus and I have to say that I was very impressed with the quality of the cameras he was using.
Yes, there is no such thing as a "bad" brand: Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta, Pentax, Chinon ... even vintage Cosina or Praktica ... they all do their job really well!
Canon are undoubtedly well made but they just don't feel as good in the hand!
@@my.own.devices I guess that depends on the size and shape of your hands. I wouldn't have continued with them if I didn't find them comfortable to use.
Hi, Tom, thanks for bringing back so many memories. I was using those cameras in the 70s and 80s, when OM cameras were so special, as they were crafted for artists, and not just technical tools. I used the OM1, OM2n, 30, and 4. The spot metering and the averaging of multiple spot readings in the OM4 was also bleeding edge and unique to Olympus. Another space-age technology we had then was in a film, when Ilford released the XPS-2 film in 1980/81. It had phenomenal exposure lattitude (dynamic range). You could set ASA 50, 100, 200 or 400, even 800, and it just would not let you over-expose, even with a wide aperture on a sunny day! When "over-exposed", the film would just make your image duller, and with no loss of details or resolution. The image would look more flat, greyish with lower contrast, but all the info would still be available, and can be adjusted back when printing, e.g. using filters. It's like compression, and the adjustment in printing de-compression. Imagine getting very fine details, instead of coarse grains, when using high ASA. So, we would use a high ASA for fast actions with no fear. It was superior when compared to film pushing for demanding tasks.
Thanks for your comment! Ilford XP2 is the one that you can develop in C-41, right? I have to give that one a try, it seems!
@@tomscameras Yes. C-41 colour processing, but for black and white film.
They are beautiful when they brass in the black paint options.
Yes the black version is a beauty as well!
my parents bought me my first SLR back in 1979, which was an OM1. I still have it along with an OM2, OM2N, OM2SP and OM-PC. I love the system, but I have rarely used them since I switched to digital over 20 years ago. Thanks for your video, you gave me some incentive to try shooting film again.
Wow, what a nice first SLR! And a nice collection of OM cameras! So maybe you'll have fun trying it out once again!
In the early 1980s, I badly wanted an OM camera. I would've been thrilled with an OM-1n or OM-2n. I think the OM-4 was just released, but of course that was way too expensive, as was the 2SP. My birthday came around and...my dad gave me an OM-G 🤦♂️😬😫. Of course I expressed my gratitude, but personally I was devastated and disappointed. I used it a little, and then not at all. I am sure in his mind, my lack of subsequent interest justified his decision to get the non-Maitani cheap OM mount camera.
Thirty years later though, I bought several OM cameras, including my favorite OM-3t. When he noticed my much more sincere interest in film photography, he gifted me his camera setup, Nikon FTn. I took it to a shop in Tokyo specializing in Nikons and had them fully restore and service the camera. Fortunately, he lived to see all that along with my more enduring interest in film.
Danke für dieses Video! Du hast mich dran erinnert das ich eine OM2 im Schrank hatte und die passenden Batterien bestellt hatte, aber vor zwei Jahren komplett vergessen habe sie endlich mal zu nutzen. Jetzt ist ein Film drin und die kommenden Tage wird der erste Film durchlaufen. Einfach danke! Herrlich ist das Ding. 🙏
Ja, dann viel Spaß! Und immer dran denken die Batterien wieder rauszunehmen, wenn sie länger im Schrank liegt ... gilt aber für alle alten Kameras!
Thanks for a great video. I bought my OM2n in 1981 to replace a Praktica PLC2 that came off worse than me in a bike accident. I loved it and used it regularly with the kit lens, a Zuiko f/1.8, and two Zuiko zooms until they were all stolen in 2006. Twenty five years of use! I seem to remember that my OM2n had a single mechanical shutter setting of 1/125 sec that could be used if the battery died. I used it occasionally and it was in addition to the Bulb setting that I never used.
Hmm. I know for sure is that both the OM-2 and OM-2n definitely don't offer any mechanical backup times except B. But several later Olympus bodies such as the OM-4 or the OM-2 SP (in the US the latter one was called OM-2S) have such a mechanical backup time, but it is 1/60 second.
The Pentax ME / ME Super or Nikon EM and a lot of other cameras from the same era with automatic shutters also offer mechanical backup times.
@@tomscameras It must be a false memory but an odd one. I did not replace the OM2n that was stolen - digital was coming in - and I have never used an OM4. I recently purchased an old OM1, which was what I had originally wanted but could not afford when I bought the PLC2 instead back in 1977. I went for the OM1 recently because it has no electronics other than the light meter.
@@keithwilkinson8310 Check the light meter accuracy before running film through it. Mine was badly off when I got it. I had it calibrated and used it successfully for years with no problems. I recently dusted off the old 1 and 2 and see that the 1 is again a bit off (maybe 1 to 1.5 stops) whereas the 2 has always been bang-on.
@@my.own.devices Yes I checked it when I got it. The meter was about one stop out. Easily corrected by using a different ISO setting.
bought a new om2n in 1980 ! was a great camera one of the best handling slr,s as well best looking .
I totally agree on both the handling and the looks!
OM-2(n) is just the most perfect camera ever made ☺
I love some other classic cameras just as much, they all have their specific advantages! But yesss ... the OM-2 / OM-2n is absolutely fantastic!
1n, 2, 2n and 10... lovely cameras. You actually feel better holding them.
Yes, I totally agree! :)
We have very similar camera taste! Every camera you review I either have or am thinking of getting! 😂🎞️
The OM2 (n) and OM1 (n) are very special. Such beautiful cameras and made better than any camera or most objects I’ve ever held.
Great to hear there's others with a similar taste in cameras. I really love these first-generation Olympus OM cameras. Even though I also love almost all the other brands as well!
Thank you for the video, makes me want to dive into OM-System once more. If I hadn't inherited a lot of Minolta gear from my parents, this would be my analog SLR-System. So beautiful and compact, also the lenses.
Some friend of mine, who also has a lot of great Minolta gear, said exactly the same ... but truth to be told, there are some gorgeous Minolta cameras and lenses as well. I still have to produce a video about Minolta SLR cameras ... :)
Excellent presentation! Many people fail to realise that the exposure meter is so accurate in this camera, that it is pointless using it in manual mode for most situations. The OM-10 also has an excellent exposure meter.
Yes, all these OM "double digit" models share a lot of their internals with the "single digit" models. And it's true, I also don't see any real point in switching to manual mode with the OM-2!
Not sure why Tom didn't emphasize the HUGE and brilliant viewfinder ! - Seriously, it's simply stunning
Not to mention that it's one of the MOST COMPACT SLR's ever made (The Pentax MX & ME Super were just a bit smaller). Finally, the OM-1 and OM-2 were truly Pro level cameras (they were designed to use 5 frame per second motor drives)...
You are absolutely right: Maybe I should have talked about these characteristics more clearly. But then, there’s also my Olympus OM-1 video. Maybe I should have positioned this OM-2 video more as a sequel to that first video:
th-cam.com/video/jvQtmhFMHWM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ctrFZI1IaX1KKQNS
Beautiful camera, beautiful pictures
Thanks! 🙏
Hi Tom, thanks for this, I learnt something! Have an OM-1, OM-2 and recently an OM-10. Didn't realise the OM-2 defaulted to 1/30th shutter speed if shot with the meter off. The OM-10 selects the relevant speed for the aperture with the meter off. You've saved me from making a mistake when shooting my OM-2.
Hey! Thanks for your comment! Maybe I explained it wrong: The OM-2 / OM-2n doesn't default to 1/30 sec, but it does a life meter reading and adjusts the shutter speed ... but the LONGEST it will do is a 1/30 sec. So the range is 1/1000 to 1/30 sec if you have it switched off ...
@@tomscameras Hi Tom, you are correct, 1/30th is the longest the OM-2 will go. The OM10 will go much longer but I can't see the value in that.
I have a 2n, it's my favorite Film camera ... These days they get much more love than they did back in the day. I never could figure out why, I'd used Nikon and others but the Olympus always seemed better to use.
I also think that, considering their age, the OM-1 and OM-2 cameras are very ergonomic! Surely that's the influence of Yoshihisa Maitani who really loved to think out of the box.
Love my OM2N man 👍📸
I feel you! :)
Great video, I have learnt something from it. I have both OM1 and OM2 and have used the OM2 at -25C with no issues, great camera.
Thanks a lot for your comment and feedback!
The OM line-up are my favorite cameras. I rarely use my OM-3t - just too valuable, but I use OM-4t's frequently. That is really is my go to, but I have almost all of them, even an M-1. I currently have a roll in my OM-2SP. I really like the features of the Leica R6.2 -- and it has nice glass -- but it is far too heavy and bulky. The Nikon F3/T is also feature rich, lighter than the Leica, but still substantially bigger than the OMs. For SLRs, I keep returning to my OM cameras.
Great video. Thanks.
The OM-3 Ti is a fantastic classic, but as you say ... sadly it's a rare collectors item so you won't really use it on a day-to-day base. However the OM-4 Ti is a very nice alternative :)
One thing I'm not so sure about: The F3 is less weight than the Leica R6.2? I always thought the R6 is pretty compact (and nice looking) for a mechanical SLR camera. But I admit I never shot a Leica R6 myself and it is ages ago that I had one in my hands. The really huge one is the Leica R8 ...
Fabulous video Tim! It’s a beautiful camera and your photos are fantastic! 😍😍
It makes me sad a dear friend of mine talked me into giving him my lovely OM-2N. Then again I was hardly using it and he is, so it lives in!
Thanks Kim for your comment, I'm glad you like the photos! And yes, in the end the nice thing here is that your OM-2n is now being used again!
Really enjoyed this video! I really wish they’d just make exact new copies of old cameras like this one!
Yes, that would be truly awesome. But I'm sure it's not gonna happen. The one company that is doing this is Leica ... they produce the analog Leica M series basically without any changes since the 1960s! But they come at a price ...
(Though their digital M cameras get more and more soulless with every incarnation ...)
@@tomscameras Right, I forgot about that one! Guess, selective memory due to the price, but now you prompted me to lust over it again - appreciate your video!
@@number6705 Did you see the video that I made where I shoot my Olympus OM-1 alongside a Leica M6? This one:
th-cam.com/video/jvQtmhFMHWM/w-d-xo.html
@@tomscameras No, but I will check out - TY!
I also have the OM4 however the OM2 is so much nicer to use and feels so much better.
Phew! I think the same actually. I am so happy that I'm not alone! (Even though the OM-4 is a fascinating camera ...)
The viewfinder electronics on my 4 became pretty flaky. I was lucky to trade it in on a 2 on a day when it was behaving itself 😅
Superb presentation ! Thanks for a German Style Procedure of how to use it. Congrats Tom
Kindly asking a suggestion for a zoom. I have the 35mm TS and the 50mm. Thanks !
Thanks! You mean, an Olympus OM Zuiko zoom? I really like the 35-105 that you see in my video. The great thing is that it offers a "macro mode" so you can also take close-up shots!
Some of the other nice zooms like the OM Zuiko 35-70/3.6, which is pretty good in terms of optics, lack that close-focus ability. I find that pretty annoying in everyday use!
If you find a clean and well-kept example, I'd also suggest the humble OM Zuiko 35-70/3.5-4.5. Because this one is really tiny!
Sadly there's no Olympus zoom lenses that go wider than 35mm with the one exeption the OM Zuiko 28-48/4 but this can be tricky to find today.
There is the good but wayyyy to expensive OM Zuiko 35-80/2.8, but I'd consider this a collectors item today due to its current market value.
There is a lot of vintage third-party options but I'm not a huge expert on these. For example there was a pretty "modern" Sigma 28-70/2.8 for Olympus OM.
@@tomscameras Many, many thanks for the detailed answer, Thomas!
@@vedranr.glavina7667 You're welcome!
My very first proper camera was an OM-2, though I had no idea how to use it nor the thought to look up a manual online. I ended up donating it to my High School Photo Teacher/Class, hoping they would get more use out of it. Im fairly certain they did.
I think it's an awesome camera for a high school photo class! And by the way, I forgot to put a link to the user manual ... there's a website that contains almost every camera manual that you can think of:
www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html
Great review as always Tomas! The OM2 seems like a very cool camera
Thanks a lot, I'm glad you enjoyed the review!
The Minolta CLE rangefinder camera with Leica M mount, which I own, also incorporates autodynamic metering where the exposure is read off the film plane and shutter curtain. To my knowledge Olympus, Pentax and Minolta are the only three makers to use this technology.
You are right: the Minolta CLE uses the exact same technique. AFAIK it is limited to about 2 seconds though, so despite the autodynamic metering it can’t do automatic long-time night exposures like the OM series or the Pentax LX.
The Leica M6 also has the metering cell pointed at the first shutter curtain. I’m sure they got inspired by Minolta there … the previous Leica M5 and Leica CL had that more awkward little swinging arm with the metering cell mounted on it. But the M6 is a mechanical camera, so it’s no autodynamic metering anyway.
Apperture priority rocks. I do have a few OM-1s, but these days prefer OM-2 (or OM-10) because the convenient of apperture priority. I know being an electric camera means it won't last forever... who cares. They are not expensive, just buy another one :D
I really appreciate the mechanical cameras and that's maybe the reason why I've got three OM-1's and then just a single OM-2. But as long as it works ... and I do think the OM-2 electronics are really reliable ... it's just super-convenient and nice to use, for sure !!
Really enjoying using my OM-2 however I’ve found that mine has issues with the battery draining every couple of shots. I’m a bit concerned about this so if anyone has any ideas that would be very helpful to me, otherwise I’ll just be sticking with my OM-10. Excellent video, really love hearing about the OM system and its history.
Additionally as I watch this I notice you mention that setting to B ensures that no electronics are being used, I actually had my battery drain faster when using B. Odd.
That's really weird! I do know that the OM-2S (called OM-2SP in some countries) and the OM-4 are known for draining the batteries because the way Olympus designed the electronics in these back then wasn't the most reliable.
The OM-2 normally has less issues. But all these cameras are 40-50 years old by now, and electronics do age and it can lead to various "weird" malfunctions ... no matter how well they were designed when new!
Please make a video on OM-4
I have a friend with an OM-4 who also thinks I should make a video about it :)
Worth pointing out that the hot shoes were not made of brittle plastic. The plastic is brittle because it’s half a century old. That’s a subtle but important difference.
Olympus cameras were great. I had both the OM1 and OM2. However, the problem with lots of electronics in cameras is that they fail faster. I think this is partially pre-planned so that people buy more cameras. My OM2 failed pretty quickly and I had to use it as a manual camera. The meter in the OM1 also failed within 5 years and it had to be used as a manual camera. But both remained useful (unlike modern cameras) and were used for many years after the electronics gave up the ghost. Try that with modern digital cameras that costs thousands of dollars.
Thanks for your comment! The meter in your OM-1 failed within the first 5 years? Wow ... that's kind of bad :) However, one thing I don't get: the OM-2 doesn't offer any mechanical backup speeds except B (the bulb / long-time setting). So if the electronics die, there's no way to use it at all - unless you're only taking night exposures at the B setting!
This seems like an affordable option to get today and not marked up like crazy
Yes! Actually my impression is that prices for used Olympus OM-1 and OM-2 bodies are coming down a little bit again ...
@@tomscameras Based on your video, I bought an OM-2. It's working great so far. I haven't had my film developed, but it appears to be working flawlessly.
It came with a 28mm F/3.5, 50mm F/1.8 and a 135mm F/3.5. I especially like the 28 & 135, the 50mm feels really janky
The metering in the viewfinder in manual mode should have been the same as the automatic mode, it is much easier to use because you can see how many stops you need to correct.
I get what you mean. They went for a very simple meter display in manual mode. If they did what you would like, they'd have needed to use a second needle to display the manual setting ... many other cameras have that, but yes the OM-2 does not.
As a long-term OM-1 user, I'm happy with the super-simple manual readout of the OM-2. But I also have to admit that I basically never use my OM-2 in manual mode ...
@@tomscameras The Nikon FE works great in manual mode with the indicator in the viewfinder, so why Olympus made two different in the OM-2 is a bummer. I ONLY use manual mode, I have done it for 45 years, it works all the time.
@@cameraprepper7938 But what's the reason then to get an OM-2 or Nikon FE? For manual mode only, the OM-1 or especially the Nikon FM / FM2 would be the way to go!
@@tomscameras I had the Nikon F3, FM and FE, the Light metering in the FE was the best to use for manual Light metering, so I used the Nikon FE most if I didn´t have my handheld Light meter. The FM Cameras I do not see any advantage in using, electronic shutters are much more reliable !!! But you would not know since you are a automatic user. I did not have the OM-2, I had the OM-1, but I rarely used it, I had Hasselblad 6x6 cm at that time !
Another cool video . I am trying to resist buying an OM-2 at the moment … now your video comes out reminding me that it could be great for low light with that cool auto system 🙄
Problem is I don’t need another lens system I have an extensive range of Pentax K mount , M42, Exakta, Konica and a few Nikon, Minolta and Canon … it will end up happening though
If you've got a lot of Pentax K lenses ... think about the Pentax LX ! It is the one single non-Olympus camera that uses the exact same metering system for unlimited long-time exposures! Did you see my Pentax LX video already? It's here:
th-cam.com/video/KD5SPksr9BQ/w-d-xo.html
@@tomscameras yes , it is the “logical “ thing but they have become very expensive and I have my doubts about the reliability of the LX. I owned one briefly years ago and it broke down on me , of my 3 friends who own them now , one has a dead one , another the metering doesn’t work and the 3rd had shutter issues and now the electrics are going haywire. Unlike my MX, KX, KM , ME super, A3000, SFX, SF1, , MZ7 P30, P50, Super A and several K mount Ricohs which are all working well . Although in fairness I think many LX may have led hard lives and been worn out by pro photographers. I love the idea of the LX but I have a bad feeling about them
I started with Pentax (MX, ME) and eventually got an OM2. Go for an OM2 - the shutter is a better sound than the MX although the MX exposure LED's are imo, better than any other system.
@@tuisitala9068 I really love the exposure indicator on the MX I find it super easy to read and adjust accordingly. I also love the speed and smoothness of my MXs operation
Nice video. I've started my photographic journey with a Pratica LTL sledgehammer. When I started to study, I got a free-lance deal and I could afford to by a OM-2 with 3 lenses and a Braun VC410 hammer flash, rechargeable battery with an expensive TTL cable. What a metering system it had. I never missed a shot, and I used every type of film. The light metering system is even better than on my 35 year newer Canon 5D MKii. I bought some crappy OM-2's, but suddenly I got a nice OM-3Ti at a nice price with some rare F2.0 lenses. I have many nice and expensive cameras, but that one has to be my pride. Maybe I should buy an OM-4Ti, but why? I shoot manually and with an even better metering system I think I might have the best 35mm camera, even better than a Leica M6.
I love the old Praktica's! They are a bit crude in operation but they do get the job done. And congrats to your OM-3 Ti and f/2 lenses, that's the stuff every Olympus collector dreams of today! 😍
@@tomscameras Yes, what else do you need than a Practice LTL. Good lenses and an unbreakable camera, a decent light meter. Nothing bling bling on those. They just do the job done. Yes, much of my OM stuff is a collector dream and mine. Only missing the 90mm f/2.0 macro. I choose the 28/2.0 instead of the 24/2.0. Don't need it, because I have the 21/2.0.
@@protestagain I actually have a video on my channel about my Praktica Super TL1000:
th-cam.com/video/__35P-qOfmY/w-d-xo.html
@@tomscameras Nice, will see it. Nearly the same camera I had,, the Practica LTL 3. Bought it with 3 lenses. 50, 35 and 135mm, but the shopkeeper tricked me who was 16 at the time. Just brought the camera and 50mm. He had the other two in another shop which eventually went bankrupt.
I had a OM2, had. Beautiful camera. I said 'had' because I bought a OM40 for 20% of the pricer of the OM2. I used the OM40 and sold the OM2. The OM40 is underestimated. It hase everything the OM2 has, only more and better. Like the spot metering for instance. Only the price is less.
The double-digit OM's are a bit lower-grade in terms of design and finish, but they're definitely built to similar standards internally. So I can't say anything bad about them!
However today I see the OM-10/20/40 often offered at pretty high prices ... but the market for vintage SLR cameras is very volatile. Always pays out to spend some time to find a bargain!
OM1 BEST WORLD'S CAMERA !!!
🖖
This must be the only model in history with two different meter technologies: in manual mode, it uses CDS cells, for AE it uses SBC cells. So strange.
I thought if the camera was switched off and fired it only cycled at 1/60th of a second? Does it truly do auto exposure? Might have to test that
On the OM-2 and OM-2n, it does a fully automated meter reading and correct exposure between 1/1000s and 1/30s … if 1/30s is not long enough then the image will be under exposed.
Here’s the original OM-2 manual online, it’s described on page 13:
www.cameramanuals.org/olympus_pdf/olympus_om-2.pdf
Hello, can you give the name of the German service company? thank you!
I've just bought one off ebay (nostalgic vibe), however, caught out by the 'spares or repair' tag & having got it, I don't think it's economically doable (shame).
That’s a pity! Yes if cameras like these fail, the cost of a service often exceeds its current value on the used market…
And everyone will flock to the new Pentax 17 while these legacy gems are still available for much less put-of-pocket.
Hehe. I would be happy if the Pentax 17 will lead to a decrease in demand of classic cameras! I think it's a cool little camera. It surely does not replace any SLR but it's also not intended to do so!
Think I'd still go for the OM-1, less likely that the 50 year old electronics wil crap out on you!
Maybe that's why I've got three OM-1's and only this one OM-2 ... in the end it's actually remarkable that these electronics in so many of those old cameras still work after such a long time!
OM-1 batteries are a pain. Cameras designed for use with the now illegal mercury batteries like the OM-1 suck to use all these these years later.
OM-2 is much better with the standard SR44s. Besides, just buy another OM-2 if it ever fails - which is not very likely anyway.
Yawn. It's so boring to always hear about 'electronics will fail - buy a mechanical camera!" As if mechanical cameras never fail. Hardly. Seems like mechanical Leicas are always getting repaired, for a lot of money. Always.
There are many many thousands of cheap SLRs out there, just buy another one!
@@Mamo878 It's true that the OM-1 was made to use the obsolete batteries. You can convert them though pretty easily to take 1.5V batteries. I've sent my OM-1's to a service anyway so they could take care of the damaged prisms (typical fault for OM-1 and OM-2 cameras) and they converted the meter circuit to 1.5V.
Having said that, I've got one non-serviced original OM-1 as well and I just put in an SR44 ... it basically meters as well as the converted ones, the difference in the meter readouts is negligible ...
The metering of the OM-1 is really a basic circuit and it is absolutely not comparable in precision to the OM-2! If you want precise metering, than the OM-2 is a big step up!
And yes in some cases old camera electronics can break. Most time a mechanical camera breaks it's just old grease that makes the mechanics go slow and then some shutter times will be out of order ... it's not "broken", more it needs a "service". Electronics ... if they go, the camera often is bricked, you'll need a donor camera to get the broken electronic parts. Having said that, today we know which cameras are unreliable by design (like the original Pentax Electro Spotmatic) and which have electronics that usually still work 50 years later ... which is quite an achievement by the way!
I am like you, I prefer all-mechanical cameras. But if you choose wisely, you'll find cameras with electronics that are very reliable, even 50 years later ... such as the OM-2 / OM-2n or for example the Pentax ME / ME Super ... and the electronic cameras are definitely more precise (more consistent shutter times, often also more precise as is the case in OM-2 vs. OM-1) ... but apart from all that, there still is some undeniable beauty in those all-mechanical masterpieces!
@@Mamo878 True, but all it takes is a service and voltage adjustment on the meter, something that one would recommend and seek with such vintage gear. I have a Nikkormat FT that took the old mercury 1.3v batteries and has been serviced to run accurately with modern equivalents
Becouse people doesn't read manual but broken electronic shuter was common problem back then.
I think back in the 70s the biggest problem was that the batteries died and then the camera was bricked until you got a new battery. Especially in cold climate or in winter times ...
There were also cameras that really had troublesome electronics, but to my knowledge the OM-2 and OM-2n never belonged to these. The original OM-4 and also the OM-2 SP are more problematic ...
Actually, your comment regarding battery problems/reliability only applies to the OM4, which had a defective circuit board. This was rectified with the last models, and if you had the later (and final😢) proper Olympus , the OM4Ti, this issue does not exist. Also, if the battery is flat on the 2 & 2n, you can shoot manualy using 60. I should know, as i have been an Oly user since the early 70's, and still use my 4Ti. With the exception of the original OM4, the OM system cameras were some of the best cameras ever made. As a footnote, it might interest you to know that the 4Ti also featured at the start of one of the 007 movies. Good enough for James Bond, good enough for me! Cheers