Review 2 of 26
Price Paid:
$155.00
from eBay Summary: These are the cameras I was longing for when I was in high school in the mid-70s. How often did I press my nose flat on the camera shop windows. But in those days all my money would buy was a Praktica LTL and a year later a Yashica FR II (Still havea Yashica FX-3 2000 today).
After all these years and because of my wife starting a photography class, I picked up a couple of OMs on eBay. An OM-2 and an OM-2n.
The OM-2(n) is often misunderstood as an electronic version of the OM-1, but that is not true. The OM-2 cameras are so much more than an OM-1. TTL/OTF metering is only available on the OM-2 and the famous TTL/OTF flash support of the T series flashes. Still to this day the OM metering system, especially the later even more advanced versions in the OM-3,4,3t(i),4t(i) cameras, were the pacesetters for all modern metering systems. The only camera of its days that may have surpassed the OM-2 metering was the Pentax LX, which copied and furthered the TTL/OTF system.
What 30 years ago and today attracts me to the OM cameras is their absolute beauty, solidity and functionality combined in one of the most compact SLR bodies ever sold. OM-1s and OM-2s are going strong and even after all these years are still serviceable for a reasonable amount by a number of expert shops. parts for these cameras are still plentiful and the camera itself is extremly rugged and will aslt if taken care of. Strengths: Obviously its ruggedness, small size, well laid out and easy to operate controls. The by today's standards still wonderful metering system of the OM-2. Vast amount of OM system lenses and accessories. THE OM-1 and OM-2 are timeless classics and made to be used, though many are now vanishing into collectors hands. Buy one today, you will not lose a penny since they are constantly appreciating in value. A mint, original OM-2n will today sell for twice the money it cost new back in the 70s. Value in ascending order: OM-1 < OM-1n < OM-2 < OM-2n with the OM-2n commanding the highest prices by a distance form the OM-2 (Don't ask about pricing for the OM-3 or 3t(i). They are almost all collectors items and way overpriced for genral use. Even OM4t(i)s are out there. OM-4s can be picked up reasonably) Weaknesses: GENERAL: Olympus abandoned the OM series completely in 2002. No more support here. Good Zuiko lenses are getting more expensive every day, just look at eBay and so are good OM bodies. But with the vent of eBay, all these items are available without having to hunt flea markets.
CAMERA: Worse than the light seal foam is that the prism foam degrades on almost all OMs today (they are 20+ years old!!) and in doing that it will damage the prism silvering. GET YOURS REMOVED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! DAMAGED PRISMS CAN'T BE FIXED! The Hot shoes will crack or break eventually and intact replacements are scarce and very, very expensive to the tune that many sellers now rip the shoe of the camera and sell it individually. Flash sync at 1/60 sec is outdated and too slow for anything, as it was back then. But hey, that's all a vertical cutain shutter camera can do. Today's horizontal metal shutter cameras are much better, even my plastic Yashica FX-3 2000 syncs at 1/125 sec.
Good condition lenses cost a pretty penny. WHEW !! Similar Products Used: Yashica FR II, Praktica LTL, Yashica FX-3 2000, Nikon D70 Customer Service: Olympus abandoned service and support, but there are a number of extremly capable OM repair shops around. Original OM parts from Olympus are getting very expensive.
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