There is one less known feature with OM cameras with and after OM-2 if I remember correctly. Camera measures the light reflected from the curtain, and it was keeping on measuring the light during the exposure from the reflection on the film. If you set it to A mode and take a long exposure of a dark scene, it was taking it into account if the light changes during the exposure and compansates the exposure duration accordingly on the fly. OM cameras were designed by the legendary designer Yoshihisa Maitani, and I always loved the position of exposure setting ring location. These cameras were really small and handy, reliable, and it was a joy to use them. Zuiko lenses were always good. We can see the reminiscences of design consepts of those cameras with today's Olympus M4/3 cameras. Even the On/Off switch of the digital ones are almost the same with OM film cameras'.
I inherited my grandfathers OM2, I love shooting it. It's so simple to use and I've taken some amazing photos with it. The lenses they made for these are incredible. I did have to replace the light seals but that wasn't a big deal.
I have an OM2n I bought new in 1980. I have never had it serviced. It still works fine. The light seals should be replaced, but a few years back I started carrying it in a leather ever ready case and light just does not get in. This is my favorite film SLR. Very simple and small. I long ago sold a Nikon FM to get this camera because I wanted some automation with exposure. Now I wish I had kept the FM and just added the OM. Seems like in the last couple of years I have mostly left a 28mm f2.8 on it for walk around shooting.
@ Maybe accidentally. But intentionally, almost anything can be used to cause injury. A Pentax 6x7 rammed into someone’s head can do a lot of damage. It’s the person that you ought fear.
I recall this being called the Saab of cameras for its unusual location of the shutter speed, but it was my first SLR back in the day and I loved it's compact size and the wonderful lenses.
The ring shutter speed control is also featured on Nikkormat FTn, FT2 and FT3 cameras. The grips on the Olympus OM camera's shutter control is better, as they have 2 ribbed grips instead of a single small projection on the lower half of the shutter control for the Nikkormat.
I've had two OM-1s. It was the camera I'd lusted after for ages and when I finally got one I shot it for a year or two in Edinburgh and took some really good streeat shots with the standard 1.8 lens. Had to sell that and buy a bike. Later on, I bought another one in the south of England and made that one work for its living. A standard 1.8 , with a cheap Sirius 28mm and a 35-70mm Zuiko made it shine in recording the stuff I was doing and being involved in. I still have it, and even though the rise of digital had second-placed it, I don't forget that it was a wonderful system and well worth going back to from time to time, just to keep my hand in. Great product and great company, with a tremendous attitude to their customers. Pity it all went down the chute recently.
Picked a 2 up last year and I have to say it's a beauty. Mine came with the 50mm f1.4 which, I agree, is a stunner. In my youth my first "real" camera after a Zenit slr was the Nikon FM2 which was sadly stolen after a couple of years of ownership. The FM2 was a beast and does come in as a more solidly built camera to the OM-2n I have. However, the latter is a better looker than the former and has a better feel in the hand IMO I too liked black back in the day but now much prefer silver. My Nikon was black, and my OM-2 is silver....and I love it Regards Ian, Birmingham UK
Hi there, thanks for looking in. I too had an FM2 a while back - the word beast is appropriate! Large and heavy, but incredible quality of engineering, something I particularly appreciate. There are stories, when used by photographers in war zones, of them actually having stopped bullets and having handled one I can well believe it. I doubt even a Nikon would still work after that, though you never know...
@@zenography7923 I think you mean the F2 that was in wars. The FM2 came after 1980 although it may had been used in afghan war since the afghan girl was shot on it - I don’t think it is as sturdy as the F2, heck even F3 isn’t that sturdy 😀
At 16 minutes you commented that the OM-1 was sometimes called the Leica SLR, just remember the original iteration of the OM-1 was simply called the M-1, in reverence to Yoshihisa Maitani, the Japanese Genius who designed the OM range, As you can imagine Leica were not very happy with that so they were recalled and renamed OM (Olympus Maitani), I am fortunate enough to have an original M-1 which is in superb condition.
I saw an Olympus M system 50mm lens on Ebay. I didn't realise they had held the M system for a while until it became contentious but I prefer the OM designation anyway.
You can also use black wool yarn in the light seal channels, works great. You’ll need foam for the light seals in the mirror box. People often mistakenly call them “mirror bumpers”.
Couldn't agree more, the Zorki is a lovely little machine. It doesn't quite have the quality feel of the OM1 but, importantly, it has stood the test of time. Both are delightful to use. Glad you're enjoying yours, and thanks for watching.
The OM-2n, was the first and only camera to take the lightmeter lecture on the film surface in real time, it could close the shuter During exposition, I got the cámara in late 1977, it was a powerhouse at the time. Very Nice video.
Thanks for this excellent review. I am a long-time fan of all things Olympus-especially the OM series slrs. I have been using my OM1 everyday this week. Your assessment, it seems to me, is spot on. I might only add the usual precaution about the OM2 being battery dependent-only one shutter speed when the battery fails but, of course, this is a problem any modern camera user knows well. On the OM1 (also the OM2?), the pentaprism view-finder offers an incredibly large view for an slr-in the upper ninety percent of the actual view. Not too many slrs of that vintage had such generous views, even cameras with much larger bodies.
Hi there, glad you liked the video, thanks for the comment. I'm quite new to OM1s and 2s so the video is pretty much my first impressions. I found the quality of engineering very impressive - and my goodness that viewfinder is something! Thanks for looking in.
I agree, the viewfinder on these is fantastic, if only modern manufacturers could produce something as good! Glad to see your Olympus is getting some use, and thanks for watching!
My Dad bought an OM1n new in 1980. He gave me his Zenit EM and taught me about exposure etc.. I currently own a Zenit B, several Pentax Spotmatics, a Pentax MX, a Pentax ME Super and a couple of Canon A-1s. I tend to use the A-1 more than anything else and I have a number of Canon FD primes I use on it. I also have a genuine Canon FD to M42 adaptor, which I must try out sometime.
Hi Ian, thanks for looking in. That's quite a collection you have there! I too have a couple of Zenits, a B and an E, and although they're a little larger than I would consider ideal, I really like them, and I'm a big fan of the Helios 44 they usually came with. Never had a Pentax or a Canon, though I've heard they are excellent machines.
don't mind me asking, but is there a reason as to why you're keeping multiple copies of the same model? is it for collection's sake? or are there minor variations within each model type?
@@SilverJt96 Hi there, I don't actually keep all of them, only the ones I really like, the ones that talk to me, if you will. I've got one OM1 and one OM2, both with the 1.4, lovely little machines.
The 238m.m.af 3.5, is usually a 4 ELEMENT ( tessar ) design, and was very easy to buy. The 28m.m. f2.8 was usually a 6 ELEMENT ( planner ) design, and cost much more.
Thanks for the video. They are certainly very handsome, or rather, pretty, cameras. I remember the OM-1 coming out in the UK, circa 1972. One of my friends bought one at the time. It's clear that its small size was very popular indeed, and influenced other camera companies, notably Pentax. I have never used any of the Olympus SLRs and ended up graduating from the Zenith E to various Pentax models. The Pentax ME Supers are of a similar size but lack the full manual capability of the OM cameras. I would like to acquire an OM camera but having acquired various K-mount lenses I am loathe to start another lens family. You mentioned their superiority to Chinon cameras. I have recently acquired (from thrift stores and ebay) three Chinon SLRs: they have the K-mount, and that influenced me. I am very pleased indeed with the build quality of all of them. The Chinon CP-9AFs are very, very solidly constructed, as are the auto-focusing zoom lenses they came with.
In General, I've found that it's pretty rare for the built-in meter to fail in any major brand, SLR. A buddy of mine thought his meter had failed, and I "repaired" it simply by cleaning all the corrosion out of the battery compartment! 😉
Agreed, it is unusual but it does happen. As you say, cleaning things up can help, and on the OM1 and OM2 it's often caused by the soldered connection to the battery terminal going bad - a drop of fresh solder usually sorts it out!
Zenography YES! YOUR EXACTLY RIGHT! And I've done that too. I'm a licensed Amateur Radio Operator. And spent a few years working at the technical Services center of a major defense contractor. Was both fun, and stressful! But I had the opportunity to learn a lot! Skills that have helped me out of many a conundrum! 😉
The shutter-speed location on the lens throat was actually a brilliant move. It improves handling and make the camera less cluttered on top. Olympus should have carry that tradition to their digital bodies.
@@zenography7923 Right hand to hold the body, left hand free to adjust focus, aperture and shutter speed. I find it liberating but I guess not everyone does.
Late replying but it wasn't put there to improve the handling. Maitani was having trouble squeezing all the mechanical bits in the normal top right, what with the body being so small, then realised there was a lot of empty space going to waste under the mirror box.
Just seen this video. Thanks for taking the time to create and post :-) Having all 3 of the cameras mentioned here, I agree with almost all your comments. Just your prefernece for the OM2 over the OM1 is the only difference! I actually prefer the OM1 and I think it is mainly for sentimental reasons. I first started with my photography at college and the OM1 had just come out. Our art department got one and I hogged the use of it! Being at school I couldn't afford to buy one myself but later on after I left school I did purchase my own after a lot of saving. One point I don't think you mentioned is that the OM1 will work entirely without any battery. The shutter is purely mechanical. The OM2 is electronic and does need a battery (two SR44 actually). That may or may not be important to anyone. Of course my Leica iiif is a different beast entirely apart from the size but I love using it. In fact I enjoy being a bit spoiled and having all 3 of them! :-)
I've been buying OM1/2 bodies for a while now, repairing and servicing them accordingly for my own usage. Today, I have an OM1 (my Dad's original 1977 model), OM1n Black, OM1n Chrome, and 4 x OM2(n)s, an OM10, and a OM4. One OM2n needs a new idler gear return spring, which I need to source.
Might be worth looking out for a spares/repair OM2 for parts? I must say, I find these OMs delightful; compact, very high quality, just lovely. It's good to hear you're keeping them alive. I've fixed up several myself - I'm not a camera technician by any means, but I've replaced light seals, prisms, fixed stuck shutters and brought light meters back to life - it's a very nice feeling to bring these old machines back to good working order. I've just bought a Nikon FE which, apparently, is pretty much bomb proof and may outlast the OM cameras in the final analysis - I guess time will tell!
Upvoted! I too have a Nikon FE, FM, and FM2n. The original FM is my favourite, then the FE. Not sure why?, but I think, like the OMs, the FM/FE are also style icons. Some of my work is here on flickr ... www.flickr.com/photos/jamese007uk/ BTW, there is a local camera repair guy not far from where I live - I really must ask to see if he has some idler-gear return springs!?
I, too, own both of them, although with inverted colors, black 1, chrome 2. There is an old camera technician here in Germany who had learned the profession at Olympus in Hamburg in the 70s and had met Mr. Maitani, the man who constructed these cameras, several times. He told me about one meeting between Maitani and a bunch of German Olympus technicians who could ask him some questions. And one of them asked, why the cameras unlike all other SLRs were built with detachable hot shoes. Maitani - so the old Gentleman told me - „took one of the cameras, which of course had no hot shoe attached, placed it on his left open palm and stroked its top with his right hand as softly and gently as you could not stroke your wife‘s t.t. and smiled like he was in heaven. That was his only answer.“ I never had the hot shoe attached before, because I think it makes a really pretty camera considerably less pretty. Now - having heard this story - I could never reattach ist. I keep them in a box in case I want to sell the camera in the future. The man himself, Olympus‘ Oskar Barnack, the godfather of the OM system did not want them with a hot shoe attached unles it was really necessary, so he made them more expensive by giving us the chance to detach it. So that is what I will do. Always 😊!!!
That's a great Maitani San story! And those hot shoes are best left unattached these days - 40 years is not kind to plastic and they crack with the repeated pressure of attachment and mounting of flash guns. Keep them in the drawer!
Nice review, As a 10th grader in High school (1978) I saved up enough money for an OM 2n. The best camera I ever own, until it was stolen from my car in NYC. I replaced it with an OM 4 which was very disappointing camera(Eats battery and not as reliable). I should have switched to a Pentax LX, on paper it was better than the OM 2/4. My Cousin purchased one on my recommendation and loved it. I ended up with a used 0M 1n, and loved using it with Zuiko 85mm F2 lens
I own an OM4Ti, OM20, Pen F and XA along with a Leica M4-2. I still think Olympus made the finest film SLRs and some of the best lenses out of all Film SLRs. To my knowledge also, Olympus called the OM seies the M series, but got into sonme trouble with Leica for obvious reasons.
You are correct about the OM-1. It started life as the M-1 and launched at Photokina in 1972 where Leica took notice. I have just acquired an overhauled copy (new seals, CLA"d, etc.) of an original M-1 and I have to say that the way Miatani designed the mirror return system with an air buffer is genius! This has to be the quietest SLR I have ever used, and very smooth too. I have read where they only made about 5000 of these marked as "M-1" and virtually all of these were kept in Japan. I don't know how mine made it to the US, but I am pretty sure mine is genuine in that there is no access on the bottom plate for any motor drive attachment. Later OM-1's were modified to accept this and the factory original ones were marked with an "MD" badge on the front denoting this. Sorry for the ramble but I just learned a lot of this recently and I find it fascinating and love sharing!
When I shot for UPI back in the day, we were supplies with Olympus OM cameras as a special promotion for Olympus. Under professional use the OM1 fell apart and the motor drive jammed; the lenses were slow and the focus rings became loose. As an amateur camera it was probably fine, but it was not a camera for professionals. You really can’t compare it to a Leica M camera.
I compare them to the M because the shutter design is somewhat similar, and because of their small size. Interesting that they didn't stand up to professional use as well as some others in your experience. Did the company comment about the failures you experienced? Many thanks for tuning in.
Great in depth review of both cameras. I found one thing you said quite interesting at around 10:30 normally the wider angle lens , the closer i get to my subject
If you ever feel like having a go at a cheap zoom lens, I can thoroughly recommend the OM Zuiko 35-70 f4. Apparently a simple design which was reviewed by Amateur Photographer some 30+ years ago, and got a very favourable review. I still have that review - photocopied. I bought one a few years ago and before I ran it on the OM1, I 'tested' it on the full-frame Canon 5D MK1 with adapters. What a sharp lens at f5.6, and at the edges too! The only downside is that as a f4 lens, the darker scene can sometimes get a little difficult to focus, but the split screen usually sorts it out.
Hi James, thanks for the suggestion, I think I may have one of these tucked away somewhere, your recommendation makes it worth re-visiting! Thanks for watching.
I have that lens, and perhaps it's just my copy of it, but I prefer the images I get from my 35-105 Zuiko. Although to be honest, I prefer shooting my OM's with prime lenses. My favorite lenses are my set of f/2 lenses. I have the 28, 35, 40 and the 85 all in f/2 and they're absolutely amazing. If you're into portraiture, then the 85 f/2 is one of the best portrait lenses ever made. Forget the Faux-keh of the iPhone, just use one of those lenses, focus on your subject and the lens does it all for you and gives you the most amazing out of focus backgrounds.
@@JamesE707 Yeah James, mine is pretty banged up, but it was only $25 on eBay!! Perhaps it's also that the 35-70 lens is fully retracted to 70mm and you essentially zoom-out, as opposed to zoom in.
@@MsLoribee That sounds like a wonderful set of lenses; I'd especially like to try the 28mm f2 and the 35mm f2. I've heard good things about them and would like to compare them to my Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.4 Flektogon. Maybe one day! Thanks for watching.
I just bought the OM1 light seals done prisam done all works but a few scares on the body £115 Im very pleased with it and Im in the process of putting a few rolls of film through the camera though the meter works I often revert to the sunny 16 method Im using a 50mm 1.8 suiko lens mostly at the moment till I can offord other lenses .......
I think Mr. Maitani of Olympus wanted to design an SLR that was as similar to a range finder camera as possible, with a super quit shutter too, despite the mirror. The pentaprism is tiny but the image magnification was 97%, the biggest viewfinder image out of all comparable SLRs!
I have several OM1s/OM2s, an OM10, and an OM4. I think the OM2 is my favourite - its exposure compensation dial is far superior to the Nikon FE (equiv), which I also have. Regards and thanks for your videos!
I have to agree, I like the OM2 better because it has aperture priority, which makes it that bit easier to shoot. Thanks for tuning in, and for your comments!
I have them reversed my OM-1N is black I just did light seals soldered a corroded wire in the battery compartment fixing the light meter and removed the dreaded foam from under the top cover and cleaned the pentaprism and my OM-2N is silver they are both great fully working cameras.
We seem to have the same camera collection😜 i love using my om2 and my leica iiic, they are my main cameras, but for anyone that cant afford one dont discount the prosumer ones. I bought a beautiful little om30 which is a great little camera, and can usually be had for a tenner or less. Mine came with a 35-105mm and a 28mm macro. Bargain👍
You're absolutely right, prosumer cameras like the OM30 are great little machines and are often lighter than their more expensive counterparts - a definite advantage. Over the years I've used a couple of OM10s and a Nikon EM. I found both to be quality machines and very well made and finished and a joy to use, capable of results every bit as good as more expensive machines. What struck me about the OM1 and 2 though (and I'm quite new to both, so these are really initial impressions) was the feeling of quality they exude, easily comparable to the best of Leica and Nikon. I really appreciate quality engineering, but don't discount so called lesser products - check out my videos on Zorkis, Feds, Kievs and Zenits! Thanks for watching.
I have both but prefer the OM-1, the one thing I don't like is if you forget to turn off the meter, you can end up with a dead camera in the case of the OM-2. However with the OM-1 I just use my phone meter and I'm back in business.
QUESTION I PURCHASED A BEAUTIFUL OLYMPUS OM2 WITH A 28 MM WIDE ANGLE USED VERY LITTLE. ON THE TOP PLATE WEAR THE SETTINGS ARE AT MANUEL /OFF /AUTOMATIC WHEN I SET IT ON MANUEL AND TAKE A PHOTO THE SHUTTER LOCKS UP IN THE UP POSTION. THEN I HAVE TO HIT THE RESET ON THE LENS TO DISINGAGE IT DO YOU KNOW WHY THAT IS? THANKS
Brilliant review, just what I was looking for ,as I want to purchase both these cameras, are you able to recommend a retailer ,where I might be able to purchase ( good condition) cameras like these, thanks.
You have an OM-1 (n) .....It s the 2nd OM-1 body. It has the 3 pins flash contact. The orginal OM-1 has just 1 flash contact. The OM-2 body also has SPOT METERING, and T.T. L flash metering. The OM - 1 do s not.
@@brucecggallagher1949 Agreed, there are three versions of OM-2, to my knowledge, the OM-2 (MD), OM-2n & OM-2sp, the sp had some issues with the meter display breaking like crazy paving.
I'd go with the OM2 - it can be shot manually (which I recommend you to become familiar with as a beginner) and an auto exposure mode too, in case you don't get on with manual operation! With either of these though, you won't go far wrong.
Personally, I like shooting in aperture priority - it's one less thing to think about. But a good OM1 is a joy to use, simple, uncluttered, arguably a purer photographic experience, if that makes sense. Thanks for watching.
I use LR 44 batteries for both OM1 and 2. They're not quite right for the OM1, and lead to over exposure, but I find that's easily compensated for by adjusting shutter speed or aperture.
Was watching this video by a Japanese guy who spoke flawless English... he has 2 camera shops there btw.... He is in awe of the OM 4TI....TI is titanium.... And he thinks this camera is the best film camera in the world....it certainly is no slouch....but maybe best for proffesionals...... He thinks Canon/Nikon can't match it....???
I've not tried an OM4 but have heard it's very nice indeed. However I think as far as the OM cameras go, for me the OM2 might be the sweet spot. Later camera (OM2 SP and OM4) had more electronics and tend to use batteries more quickly, and I believe the OM4 is a little more complex to use?
It's one of the farest SLR to be a leica, I've owned 2 with many lenses and both Om1 and OM2 failed due the same problem : shutter mechanism! by the same little stupid gear/lever.... I love the lenses and the viewfinder, but not on a broken cameras... Just try unmount your lens and wind it and shoot a couple of times and..... Good luck.....
You are obviously a good photographer, but may i ask why don't you stop down a little in your videos? In this one, for example, i think it would be more pleasing to get the whole camera in focus, not just the body, with the lens being blurry. Cheers
You have a LEICA 3 C......This camera, cannot use flash. You can have that converted to a 3F, at no charge, in order to use flash. Your LEICA has a NON ROTATING SHUTTER....just like the ZENIT. I have never heard of this ....LEICA M1 S.L.R. ( time frame...16:15.....and i have been selling a million camera s over the last 45 years). The shutter curtains use a ...RUBBERIZED CLOTH MATERIAL............thxs. good shows.
Hi Paul, I can understand where he is coming from with that statement. When Maitani designed and Olympus built the first in the OM line, it was called the M-1 (I have one), after it went on the market Leica complained and rather that get into a dispute Olympus withdrew the M-1 and re-released at as the OM-1 (with a couple of minor differences, the screws retaining the bayonet mount ring, colour of two wires, really minor things). M-1 "Maitani", OM-1 "Olympus Maitani".
There is one less known feature with OM cameras with and after OM-2 if I remember correctly. Camera measures the light reflected from the curtain, and it was keeping on measuring the light during the exposure from the reflection on the film. If you set it to A mode and take a long exposure of a dark scene, it was taking it into account if the light changes during the exposure and compansates the exposure duration accordingly on the fly. OM cameras were designed by the legendary designer Yoshihisa Maitani, and I always loved the position of exposure setting ring location. These cameras were really small and handy, reliable, and it was a joy to use them. Zuiko lenses were always good. We can see the reminiscences of design consepts of those cameras with today's Olympus M4/3 cameras. Even the On/Off switch of the digital ones are almost the same with OM film cameras'.
I inherited my grandfathers OM2, I love shooting it. It's so simple to use and I've taken some amazing photos with it. The lenses they made for these are incredible. I did have to replace the light seals but that wasn't a big deal.
The OM2 is one of the nicest film cameras available, no doubt about it!
I have an OM2n I bought new in 1980. I have never had it serviced. It still works fine. The light seals should be replaced, but a few years back I started carrying it in a leather ever ready case and light just does not get in. This is my favorite film SLR. Very simple and small. I long ago sold a Nikon FM to get this camera because I wanted some automation with exposure. Now I wish I had kept the FM and just added the OM. Seems like in the last couple of years I have mostly left a 28mm f2.8 on it for walk around shooting.
I have the trinity of 28/f2.8, 35/f2.0 and 50/f1.8. I don’t use the 28 much and tend to alternate between the other two
Im such a nerd for cars, rifles, and film cameras. I love these manual focus cameras.
Only one object in this list can't kill or injure someone...
@ Maybe accidentally. But intentionally, almost anything can be used to cause injury. A Pentax 6x7 rammed into someone’s head can do a lot of damage. It’s the person that you ought fear.
I've owned many Olympus film camera's over the years, beautiful pieces of art
I love this camera so much I purchased a OM 2 to go with it, such nice cameras to use and they look fabulous, design classics.
Agreed, they are lovely cameras; actually I prefer the OM2 as it has aperture priority, my shooting mode of choice!
Buntys Dad ahead of their time
I recall this being called the Saab of cameras for its unusual location of the shutter speed, but it was my first SLR back in the day and I loved it's compact size and the wonderful lenses.
Nikkormats also had the shutter selector behind the lens. Actually, that was a great location. BTW, I like the SAAB analogy--i had a SAAB 96 and a 99.
The ring shutter speed control is also featured on Nikkormat FTn, FT2 and FT3 cameras. The grips on the Olympus OM camera's shutter control is better, as they have 2 ribbed grips instead of a single small projection on the lower half of the shutter control for the Nikkormat.
ghw7192, you have my condolences on the Scab.
I've had two OM-1s. It was the camera I'd lusted after for ages and when I finally got one I shot it for a year or two in Edinburgh and took some really good streeat shots with the standard 1.8 lens. Had to sell that and buy a bike.
Later on, I bought another one in the south of England and made that one work for its living. A standard 1.8 , with a cheap Sirius 28mm and a 35-70mm Zuiko made it shine in recording the stuff I was doing and being involved in.
I still have it, and even though the rise of digital had second-placed it, I don't forget that it was a wonderful system and well worth going back to from time to time, just to keep my hand in. Great product and great company, with a tremendous attitude to their customers. Pity it all went down the chute recently.
Just got myself an OM2n and I’m on the logout an OM1n. Beautifully made machines!
Picked a 2 up last year and I have to say it's a beauty. Mine came with the 50mm f1.4 which, I agree, is a stunner.
In my youth my first "real" camera after a Zenit slr was the Nikon FM2 which was sadly stolen after a couple of years of ownership. The FM2 was a beast and does come in as a more solidly built camera to the OM-2n I have. However, the latter is a better looker than the former and has a better feel in the hand IMO
I too liked black back in the day but now much prefer silver. My Nikon was black, and my OM-2 is silver....and I love it
Regards Ian, Birmingham UK
Hi there, thanks for looking in. I too had an FM2 a while back - the word beast is appropriate! Large and heavy, but incredible quality of engineering, something I particularly appreciate. There are stories, when used by photographers in war zones, of them actually having stopped bullets and having handled one I can well believe it. I doubt even a Nikon would still work after that, though you never know...
I have both Olympus and the Nikons, both different but both good machines. I agree, I think the Nikon FM/FM2 is a true workhorse.
@@zenography7923 I think you mean the F2 that was in wars. The FM2 came after 1980 although it may had been used in afghan war since the afghan girl was shot on it - I don’t think it is as sturdy as the F2, heck even F3 isn’t that sturdy 😀
At 16 minutes you commented that the OM-1 was sometimes called the Leica SLR, just remember the original iteration of the OM-1 was simply called the M-1, in reverence to Yoshihisa Maitani, the Japanese Genius who designed the OM range, As you can imagine Leica were not very happy with that so they were recalled and renamed OM (Olympus Maitani), I am fortunate enough to have an original M-1 which is in superb condition.
You are a very lucky fellow!
I loved the tooling on the OM1/2 camera, and the viewfinder... whoa! that is sweet.
They're beautiful little machines, no doubt about it!
the first Olympus "OM 1" was named M1 ;-)
I saw an Olympus M system 50mm lens on Ebay. I didn't realise they had held the M system for a while until it became contentious but I prefer the OM designation anyway.
Love your videos mate, hello from Melbourne Australia
Got my first Olympus OM 1 today with the 50 mm 1.4 lens, what a fab solid little camera. Thank you for inspiring me to get one.👍
Glad you've taken the plunge, how are you enjoying the camera?
You can also use black wool yarn in the light seal channels, works great. You’ll need foam for the light seals in the mirror box. People often mistakenly call them “mirror bumpers”.
I guess that would work, thanks for the tip!
The focusing ground glass is (well, was) something that could be replaced with any of a variety of different designs from the stock glass.
I have the OM-1 as well as a Zorki 1C. They are really the only two film cameras i use (I have several). I'm in love with the size and feel of both.
Couldn't agree more, the Zorki is a lovely little machine. It doesn't quite have the quality feel of the OM1 but, importantly, it has stood the test of time. Both are delightful to use. Glad you're enjoying yours, and thanks for watching.
The OM-2n, was the first and only camera to take the lightmeter lecture on the film surface in real time, it could close the shuter During exposition, I got the cámara in late 1977, it was a powerhouse at the time. Very Nice video.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I don't think I'll ever sell my OM2 - a beautiful machine!
Thanks for the upload, it was instructive!
Thanks for this excellent review. I am a long-time fan of all things Olympus-especially the OM series slrs. I have been using my OM1 everyday this week. Your assessment, it seems to me, is spot on. I might only add the usual precaution about the OM2 being battery dependent-only one shutter speed when the battery fails but, of course, this is a problem any modern camera user knows well. On the OM1 (also the OM2?), the pentaprism view-finder offers an incredibly large view for an slr-in the upper ninety percent of the actual view. Not too many slrs of that vintage had such generous views, even cameras with much larger bodies.
Hi there, glad you liked the video, thanks for the comment. I'm quite new to OM1s and 2s so the video is pretty much my first impressions. I found the quality of engineering very impressive - and my goodness that viewfinder is something! Thanks for looking in.
I agree, the viewfinder on these is fantastic, if only modern manufacturers could produce something as good! Glad to see your Olympus is getting some use, and thanks for watching!
My Dad bought an OM1n new in 1980. He gave me his Zenit EM and taught me about exposure etc.. I currently own a Zenit B, several Pentax Spotmatics, a Pentax MX, a Pentax ME Super and a couple of Canon A-1s. I tend to use the A-1 more than anything else and I have a number of Canon FD primes I use on it. I also have a genuine Canon FD to M42 adaptor, which I must try out sometime.
Hi Ian, thanks for looking in. That's quite a collection you have there! I too have a couple of Zenits, a B and an E, and although they're a little larger than I would consider ideal, I really like them, and I'm a big fan of the Helios 44 they usually came with. Never had a Pentax or a Canon, though I've heard they are excellent machines.
don't mind me asking, but is there a reason as to why you're keeping multiple copies of the same model? is it for collection's sake? or are there minor variations within each model type?
@@SilverJt96 Hi there, I don't actually keep all of them, only the ones I really like, the ones that talk to me, if you will. I've got one OM1 and one OM2, both with the 1.4, lovely little machines.
It’s lovely to hear the manual gearbox sound when you select a slow shutter speed on an M1/Om1 or Om1n.
It really is!
The 238m.m.af 3.5, is usually a 4 ELEMENT ( tessar ) design, and was very easy to buy. The 28m.m. f2.8 was usually a 6 ELEMENT ( planner ) design, and cost much more.
I picked up an OM-1 with a 50mm f1.8 at a thrift store in perfect working condition for $10 USD. That camera is built like a tank!
Wow, that was a bargain for sure!
Thanks for the video. They are certainly very handsome, or rather, pretty, cameras.
I remember the OM-1 coming out in the UK, circa 1972. One of my friends bought one at the time. It's clear that its small size was very popular indeed, and influenced other camera companies, notably Pentax. I have never used any of the Olympus SLRs and ended up graduating from the Zenith E to various Pentax models. The Pentax ME Supers are of a similar size but lack the full manual capability of the OM cameras. I would like to acquire an OM camera but having acquired various K-mount lenses I am loathe to start another lens family.
You mentioned their superiority to Chinon cameras. I have recently acquired (from thrift stores and ebay) three Chinon SLRs: they have the K-mount, and that influenced me. I am very pleased indeed with the build quality of all of them. The Chinon CP-9AFs are very, very solidly constructed, as are the auto-focusing zoom lenses they came with.
If you're happy with the Pentax, then I'd stick with them. Very nice machines. I am an OM user BTW.
In General, I've found that it's pretty rare for the built-in meter to fail in any major brand, SLR.
A buddy of mine thought his meter had failed, and I "repaired" it simply by cleaning all the corrosion out of the battery compartment! 😉
Agreed, it is unusual but it does happen. As you say, cleaning things up can help, and on the OM1 and OM2 it's often caused by the soldered connection to the battery terminal going bad - a drop of fresh solder usually sorts it out!
Zenography
YES! YOUR EXACTLY RIGHT!
And I've done that too.
I'm a licensed Amateur Radio Operator. And spent a few years working at the technical Services center of a major defense contractor.
Was both fun, and stressful! But I had the opportunity to learn a lot! Skills that have helped me out of many a conundrum! 😉
I hope those skills help keep a few old cameras alive!
The shutter-speed location on the lens throat was actually a brilliant move. It improves handling and make the camera less cluttered on top. Olympus should have carry that tradition to their digital bodies.
Hi Melvin, I must say, I find it a little awkward to use - still, practice makes perfect I guess! Thanks for watching.
@@zenography7923 Right hand to hold the body, left hand free to adjust focus, aperture and shutter speed. I find it liberating but I guess not everyone does.
Late replying but it wasn't put there to improve the handling. Maitani was having trouble squeezing all the mechanical bits in the normal top right, what with the body being so small, then realised there was a lot of empty space going to waste under the mirror box.
Just seen this video. Thanks for taking the time to create and post :-) Having all 3 of the cameras mentioned here, I agree with almost all your comments. Just your prefernece for the OM2 over the OM1 is the only difference! I actually prefer the OM1 and I think it is mainly for sentimental reasons.
I first started with my photography at college and the OM1 had just come out. Our art department got one and I hogged the use of it! Being at school I couldn't afford to buy one myself but later on after I left school I did purchase my own after a lot of saving.
One point I don't think you mentioned is that the OM1 will work entirely without any battery. The shutter is purely mechanical. The OM2 is electronic and does need a battery (two SR44 actually). That may or may not be important to anyone.
Of course my Leica iiif is a different beast entirely apart from the size but I love using it. In fact I enjoy being a bit spoiled and having all 3 of them! :-)
I've been buying OM1/2 bodies for a while now, repairing and servicing them accordingly for my own usage. Today, I have an OM1 (my Dad's original 1977 model), OM1n Black, OM1n Chrome, and 4 x OM2(n)s, an OM10, and a OM4. One OM2n needs a new idler gear return spring, which I need to source.
Might be worth looking out for a spares/repair OM2 for parts? I must say, I find these OMs delightful; compact, very high quality, just lovely. It's good to hear you're keeping them alive. I've fixed up several myself - I'm not a camera technician by any means, but I've replaced light seals, prisms, fixed stuck shutters and brought light meters back to life - it's a very nice feeling to bring these old machines back to good working order. I've just bought a Nikon FE which, apparently, is pretty much bomb proof and may outlast the OM cameras in the final analysis - I guess time will tell!
Upvoted! I too have a Nikon FE, FM, and FM2n. The original FM is my favourite, then the FE. Not sure why?, but I think, like the OMs, the FM/FE are also style icons.
Some of my work is here on flickr ... www.flickr.com/photos/jamese007uk/
BTW, there is a local camera repair guy not far from where I live - I really must ask to see if he has some idler-gear return springs!?
I, too, own both of them, although with inverted colors, black 1, chrome 2.
There is an old camera technician here in Germany who had learned the profession at Olympus in Hamburg in the 70s and had met Mr. Maitani, the man who constructed these cameras, several times. He told me about one meeting between Maitani and a bunch of German Olympus technicians who could ask him some questions. And one of them asked, why the cameras unlike all other SLRs were built with detachable hot shoes. Maitani - so the old Gentleman told me - „took one of the cameras, which of course had no hot shoe attached, placed it on his left open palm and stroked its top with his right hand as softly and gently as you could not stroke your wife‘s t.t. and smiled like he was in heaven. That was his only answer.“
I never had the hot shoe attached before, because I think it makes a really pretty camera considerably less pretty. Now - having heard this story - I could never reattach ist. I keep them in a box in case I want to sell the camera in the future.
The man himself, Olympus‘ Oskar Barnack, the godfather of the OM system did not want them with a hot shoe attached unles it was really necessary, so he made them more expensive by giving us the chance to detach it. So that is what I will do. Always 😊!!!
That's a great Maitani San story! And those hot shoes are best left unattached these days - 40 years is not kind to plastic and they crack with the repeated pressure of attachment and mounting of flash guns. Keep them in the drawer!
Nice review, As a 10th grader in High school (1978) I saved up enough money for an OM 2n. The best camera I ever own, until it was stolen from my car in NYC. I replaced it with an OM 4 which was very disappointing camera(Eats battery and not as reliable). I should have switched to a Pentax LX, on paper it was better than the OM 2/4. My Cousin purchased one on my recommendation and loved it. I ended up with a used 0M 1n, and loved using it with Zuiko 85mm F2 lens
I've heard about the battery issue on the OM4 - I'd still like to get hold of one though!
I own an OM4Ti, OM20, Pen F and XA along with a Leica M4-2. I still think Olympus made the finest film SLRs and some of the best lenses out of all Film SLRs. To my knowledge also, Olympus called the OM seies the M series, but got into sonme trouble with Leica for obvious reasons.
You have some beautiful cameras there, for sure!
@@zenography7923 thanks very much, I’m very lucky to have them all. Great video by the way.
You are correct about the OM-1. It started life as the M-1 and launched at Photokina in 1972 where Leica took notice. I have just acquired an overhauled copy (new seals, CLA"d, etc.) of an original M-1 and I have to say that the way Miatani designed the mirror return system with an air buffer is genius! This has to be the quietest SLR I have ever used, and very smooth too. I have read where they only made about 5000 of these marked as "M-1" and virtually all of these were kept in Japan. I don't know how mine made it to the US, but I am pretty sure mine is genuine in that there is no access on the bottom plate for any motor drive attachment. Later OM-1's were modified to accept this and the factory original ones were marked with an "MD" badge on the front denoting this. Sorry for the ramble but I just learned a lot of this recently and I find it fascinating and love sharing!
When I shot for UPI back in the day, we were supplies with Olympus OM cameras as a special promotion for Olympus. Under professional use the OM1 fell apart and the motor drive jammed; the lenses were slow and the focus rings became loose. As an amateur camera it was probably fine, but it was not a camera for professionals. You really can’t compare it to a Leica M camera.
I compare them to the M because the shutter design is somewhat similar, and because of their small size. Interesting that they didn't stand up to professional use as well as some others in your experience. Did the company comment about the failures you experienced? Many thanks for tuning in.
You used Leicas with a motor drive?
Great in depth review of both cameras. I found one thing you said quite interesting at around 10:30 normally the wider angle lens , the closer i get to my subject
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
If you ever feel like having a go at a cheap zoom lens, I can thoroughly recommend the OM Zuiko 35-70 f4. Apparently a simple design which was reviewed by Amateur Photographer some 30+ years ago, and got a very favourable review. I still have that review - photocopied. I bought one a few years ago and before I ran it on the OM1, I 'tested' it on the full-frame Canon 5D MK1 with adapters. What a sharp lens at f5.6, and at the edges too! The only downside is that as a f4 lens, the darker scene can sometimes get a little difficult to focus, but the split screen usually sorts it out.
Hi James, thanks for the suggestion, I think I may have one of these tucked away somewhere, your recommendation makes it worth re-visiting! Thanks for watching.
I have that lens, and perhaps it's just my copy of it, but I prefer the images I get from my 35-105 Zuiko. Although to be honest, I prefer shooting my OM's with prime lenses. My favorite lenses are my set of f/2 lenses. I have the 28, 35, 40 and the 85 all in f/2 and they're absolutely amazing. If you're into portraiture, then the 85 f/2 is one of the best portrait lenses ever made. Forget the Faux-keh of the iPhone, just use one of those lenses, focus on your subject and the lens does it all for you and gives you the most amazing out of focus backgrounds.
Thanks Lori! I did have the 35-105mm, but later sold it. I must have a good sample of the 35-70 f4! ;o)
@@JamesE707 Yeah James, mine is pretty banged up, but it was only $25 on eBay!! Perhaps it's also that the 35-70 lens is fully retracted to 70mm and you essentially zoom-out, as opposed to zoom in.
@@MsLoribee That sounds like a wonderful set of lenses; I'd especially like to try the 28mm f2 and the 35mm f2. I've heard good things about them and would like to compare them to my Zeiss Jena 35mm f2.4 Flektogon. Maybe one day! Thanks for watching.
I like the mirror lock-up feature on the OM-1.
A very useful feature!
Excellent video very informative these are fantastic cameras
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful review!!
Same setup that I have, om1 with 28f3.5,om2n with 50f1.4, working in really good condition.
You have two very nice cameras there!
I have a OM-1 no MD and OM-SP. I love those cameras over my Pentax MX and Super Program.
I know what you mean - probably my favourite film SLRs overall!
I just bought the OM1 light seals done prisam done all works but a few scares on the body £115 Im very pleased with it and Im in the process of putting a few rolls of film through the camera though the meter works I often revert to the sunny 16 method Im using a 50mm 1.8 suiko lens mostly at the moment till I can offord other lenses .......
I think Mr. Maitani of Olympus wanted to design an SLR that was as similar to a range finder camera as possible, with a super quit shutter too, despite the mirror. The pentaprism is tiny but the image magnification was 97%, the biggest viewfinder image out of all comparable SLRs!
I think Mr Maitani succeeded! They're beautiful little things!
12:05. Both!!😊 it is strange because the black OMD EM10ii seems smaller than the chrome version of the same.
It's certainly a curious optical trick!
I have several OM1s/OM2s, an OM10, and an OM4. I think the OM2 is my favourite - its exposure compensation dial is far superior to the Nikon FE (equiv), which I also have.
Regards and thanks for your videos!
I have to agree, I like the OM2 better because it has aperture priority, which makes it that bit easier to shoot. Thanks for tuning in, and for your comments!
I have them reversed my OM-1N is black I just did light seals soldered a corroded wire in the battery compartment fixing the light meter and removed the dreaded foam from under the top cover and cleaned the pentaprism and my OM-2N is silver they are both great fully working cameras.
That sounds like a nice collection - I've since added a mint OM2sp to mine - my new favourite OM!
We seem to have the same camera collection😜 i love using my om2 and my leica iiic, they are my main cameras, but for anyone that cant afford one dont discount the prosumer ones. I bought a beautiful little om30 which is a great little camera, and can usually be had for a tenner or less. Mine came with a 35-105mm and a 28mm macro. Bargain👍
You're absolutely right, prosumer cameras like the OM30 are great little machines and are often lighter than their more expensive counterparts - a definite advantage. Over the years I've used a couple of OM10s and a Nikon EM. I found both to be quality machines and very well made and finished and a joy to use, capable of results every bit as good as more expensive machines. What struck me about the OM1 and 2 though (and I'm quite new to both, so these are really initial impressions) was the feeling of quality they exude, easily comparable to the best of Leica and Nikon. I really appreciate quality engineering, but don't discount so called lesser products - check out my videos on Zorkis, Feds, Kievs and Zenits! Thanks for watching.
@@zenography7923 A Nikon EM with the 28mm Series E lens is my streett photography camera.
I think for this two Olympus camera they are very practic and economic.For now I have a Practica MTL3 camera and Nikon dslr D300.
The OM1 and 2 are beautiful little cameras - not the cheapest SLRs out there, but great value for what they are!
I have both but prefer the OM-1, the one thing I don't like is if you forget to turn off the meter, you can end up with a dead camera in the case of the OM-2. However with the OM-1 I just use my phone meter and I'm back in business.
More than once I've forgotten to turn that switch off!
If the circuits in the Olympus om2 fail, can I still use it in manual mode? thanks for the reply
QUESTION I PURCHASED A BEAUTIFUL OLYMPUS OM2 WITH A 28 MM WIDE ANGLE
USED VERY LITTLE. ON THE TOP PLATE WEAR THE SETTINGS ARE AT MANUEL /OFF /AUTOMATIC
WHEN I SET IT ON MANUEL AND
TAKE A PHOTO THE SHUTTER LOCKS UP IN THE UP POSTION.
THEN I HAVE TO HIT THE RESET
ON THE LENS TO DISINGAGE IT
DO YOU KNOW WHY THAT IS?
THANKS
It could be low batteries - try replacing them and see how you get on.
Brilliant review, just what I was looking for ,as I want to purchase both these cameras, are you able to recommend a retailer ,where I might be able to purchase ( good condition) cameras like these, thanks.
If you're in the UK, Forbes Cameras, or the Real Camera Company should be able to help.
@@zenography7923 Thank you .
You have an OM-1 (n) .....It s the 2nd OM-1 body. It has the 3 pins flash contact. The orginal OM-1 has just 1 flash contact. The OM-2 body also has SPOT METERING, and T.T.
L flash metering. The OM - 1 do s not.
Om-2s has spot metering not OM-2
@@brucecggallagher1949 Agreed, there are three versions of OM-2, to my knowledge, the OM-2 (MD), OM-2n & OM-2sp, the sp had some issues with the meter display breaking like crazy paving.
I had an OM10 years ago but probably not the knowledge to appreciate it for what it was...
A nice little camera - and they're still out there, if you ever want another!
In auto, the om2 shutter is step-less
Which one do you suggest for a beginner?
I'd go with the OM2 - it can be shot manually (which I recommend you to become familiar with as a beginner) and an auto exposure mode too, in case you don't get on with manual operation! With either of these though, you won't go far wrong.
Interesante comparación.
Seems like he’s filming with an Oly too 👀😅
Good video, as always. Nice cameras.
Do u know anything about the olympus OM 40 and its workings. ?
I've heard it's a nice camera but haven't used one - if you're thinking of buying one, as long as it's a good one you won't go too far wrong!
Love my OM2n... amazing optics. Not as rugged as a Nikon though ...
Indeed, not quite - but such a beautiful SLR!
For your personal preference, which one is more convenient to use?
Personally, I like shooting in aperture priority - it's one less thing to think about. But a good OM1 is a joy to use, simple, uncluttered, arguably a purer photographic experience, if that makes sense. Thanks for watching.
@@zenography7923 thanks for the reply, really appreciate it 👍
Eternal Envy' In the OM 2n, you have two choices,
Pierce Brosnan voice😅😂
The OM-1 has mirror lock-up and can work without batteries. The OM-2 does not have mirror lock-up.
John Flinn om2 doesn’t need mirror lockup, its damped enough not to cause vibration.
What batteries do you use for them?
I use LR 44 batteries for both OM1 and 2. They're not quite right for the OM1, and lead to over exposure, but I find that's easily compensated for by adjusting shutter speed or aperture.
This Om-1 is so clean wtf. Hahaha
There are still lots of good clean ones about, they've stood the test of time well. Thanks for watching.
Zenography want to sell it?
Was watching this video by a Japanese guy who spoke flawless English... he has 2 camera shops there btw....
He is in awe of the OM 4TI....TI is titanium....
And he thinks this camera is the best film camera in the world....it certainly is no slouch....but maybe best for proffesionals......
He thinks Canon/Nikon can't match it....???
I've not tried an OM4 but have heard it's very nice indeed. However I think as far as the OM cameras go, for me the OM2 might be the sweet spot. Later camera (OM2 SP and OM4) had more electronics and tend to use batteries more quickly, and I believe the OM4 is a little more complex to use?
@@zenography7923 it has a multispot metering built in.
It's one of the farest SLR to be a leica, I've owned 2 with many lenses and both Om1 and OM2 failed due the same problem : shutter mechanism! by the same little stupid gear/lever.... I love the lenses and the viewfinder, but not on a broken cameras... Just try unmount your lens and wind it and shoot a couple of times and..... Good luck.....
am i the only one that is getting a sort of sensual vibe from this?
:)
Yes
Be gentle with shuter speed ring,inside is string who transforms it on mechanism,if it brake....if not,you have machine till end of life.
Thanks for the tip!
You are obviously a good photographer, but may i ask why don't you stop down a little in your videos? In this one, for example, i think it would be more pleasing to get the whole camera in focus, not just the body, with the lens being blurry. Cheers
Well, I do like to shoot wide open, but you're probably right, I should stop down a bit for shots like this. Thanks for the feedback!
*1.25x*
Thank me later.
Great video brother! Going to buy my first film camera (OM-2)
The OM2 is a lovely camera, I don't think you'll regret it!
om1
om1
@@omkurmi2004 Om indeed - the word that contains the whole of creation.
NO, go for Olympus OM3 !
Ah the OM3 - the holy grail of OM cameras!
You have a LEICA 3 C......This camera, cannot use flash. You can have that converted to a 3F, at no charge, in order to use flash. Your LEICA has a NON ROTATING SHUTTER....just like the ZENIT. I have never heard of this ....LEICA M1 S.L.R. ( time frame...16:15.....and i have been selling a million camera s over the last 45 years). The shutter curtains use a ...RUBBERIZED CLOTH MATERIAL............thxs. good shows.
Thanks for the info, and glad you're enjoying the videos!
Hi Paul, I can understand where he is coming from with that statement. When Maitani designed and Olympus built the first in the OM line, it was called the M-1 (I have one), after it went on the market Leica complained and rather that get into a dispute Olympus withdrew the M-1 and re-released at as the OM-1 (with a couple of minor differences, the screws retaining the bayonet mount ring, colour of two wires, really minor things). M-1 "Maitani", OM-1 "Olympus Maitani".