functional unit with no extraneous bits to confuse the photographer who is more interested in composition than technology. I have found the internal light meter easy to use and generally accurate.

After two years of use the camera jammed while shooting on Mt.Shasta; it was cold but this should not have happened.

Affordable! Nice to get away from the tech-weenie world of ever more 'programs'. With the Zuiko lenses you can do quite well with this unit; but don't get it reparied if it jams, like mine did, just buy a new one!

Customer Service

My jammed 2000 was repaired for about 110 dollars; its working fine now

Similar Products Used:

OM-1

Aluminum chassis (but with plastic covers and back).

Simple to use (if you don't need to rely on the camera to make your decisions).

LED can fog film when shutter is used in "bulb" mode.

Incompatible with most of OM system.

This is really just a simple, basic camera, with no outstanding strengths. So why buy this camera?

As an entry into the OM system? Since this is just another incarnation of the basic Cosina SLR (see also Nikon FM10, Vivitar V4000, etc.), it can't use the OM accessories (other than lenses). If you are content with the camera as it is, no problem. If you wish to later add a motor drive, different focusing screen, etc., you will need to buy a different camera. Also, before buying into the OM lens system, consider that Olympus seems to be letting the excellent OM system slowly wither away. The things they still make are getting gradually more expensive and harder to find. Some of the more common (but excellent) used lenses can be had at bargain prices, however (i.e. 50/1.8, 28/2.8, 135/3.5, etc.).

Maybe if you MUST have a new Olympus, and cannot afford the OM4ti, then this is your only choice. I think that there are numerous used cameras (Nikon FM, FM2, Pentax K1000, OM1, Canon FTb, etc.) and some new ones, that offer the same manual camera simplicity, but have better quality and more room to grow along with a beginning photographer.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM10, Pentax K1000

Spot meter, simple, manual, mechanical, X-synch 1/125, top shutter speed 1/2000, multiple exposure capability, great value.

No PC socket, plastic film back, not motor/winder capable, non interchangeable focusing screen, shutter lock.

The only new reasonably priced OM body available. The spot meter alone make this camera a steal. If you have OM lenses, this body is worth buying. Although not as well made as the OM-1n, the spot meter and shutter are superior to the OM-1n. If you are a student photogrpher on a budget, I would recommend buying quality used lenses & the OM-2000. Not recommended for heavy use. This camera's price is so low, that sending it in for repair may not be cost effective.

Customer Service

None needed.

Similar Products Used:

OM-2S, OM-1n, OM-PC, OM-G, Pentax ME-Super, F-3T, FA, FE-2

good construction,spotmeter,look and the feel. That black material is attractive and gives a good grip as well.unlike other om series cameras the shutterspeed ring is placed at the top. The view finder is bright.

The film advance lever locks the shutter and i was upset when i first thought that the camera has got jammed. Other than that there are no interchangeable screens for focusing.
The shutter is noisy.

I was searcing for a good manualcamera and found this. It has solid construction and spot meter. I was surprised to find from the other reviews that cosina has built it in the olympus name. Whereas olympus claims that the top and bottom covers are made of tretiary alloy compound others are saying that it is polycorbonate and plastic. Which is true?. The first two rolls of film that i have taken has given me excellent results. At this price with the spotmeter and metal olympus mount and diecast aluminium construction i think it is good camera for both ametuers and the professionals alike(you may even call it a steal).

Customer Service

So far not required.

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I have used a practica mtl3 for 10years. This is certainly superior to that.

solid build, spot metering, mechanical shutter

the meter lights are difficult to see in bright light, it would be nice if the shutter speed dial was bayonet mounted like the other om's.

its good for what it is, an entry level, bang around camera that you can take everywhere without worry, however, the serious photographer will be hindered by it's shortcomings(you know, it's a beginner model). nice solid camera for a student, but since olympus is out of the game in the slr dept., the serious photographer will derive more satisfaction from a canon or nikon system-

Customer Service

none required

Similar Products Used:

canon elan ii

After using a camera that wanted to tell me what to do, I wanted a manual 35 mm again. It isn't a real Olympus, but it is solid and looks great.

Yes, the shutter is loud. The self-timer switch feels weak. The kit's neck strap is too thin.

My teen-age son used the OM 2000 during a family trip to Colorado and got some photos better than those I took with my Canon Rebel 2000. My 1980something Vivitar 283 flash and the OM 2000 are a great match. I would use the OM 2000 more but my eyes enjoy the auto focus of my Canon. Even with the loud shutter and manual focus the OM 2000 is fun to use. The 35-70 mm lens is sharp and smooth to operate. It's a great camera, and the price can't be beaten.

Customer Service

None.

Similar Products Used:

Argus C-3, Pentax Spotmatic F, Canon Rebel G and Canon Rebel 2000.

I actually own the Nikon version, which is near identical except for the lense mount. Both are made by a 3rd party as OEM products.

None, really. For the price (mine was the kit with a camera case, battery, strap and 35-70mm Nikon lense). I bought it for my daughter so she could take photography classes. Now I am teaching my wife to use it (her, always a point-and-shooter). The loud shutter is useful to teach what shutter speed is. You can hear 1/2 second and 1/30 second clearly. It really does work without batteries so would seem a far better back up camera (cheaper) than a FM2n. I've seen nice OM-1's for less than the Olympus version of this, so for an OM system user it may be a toss up.

These are great cameras to teach people the basics of photography. If you are doing that the Nikon version may make more sense as the lenses are more available (at least out West). For the OM series owner this might make a nice alternative to your $2000 Titanium Wonder on your next raft trip or safari.

Customer Service

no experience

Similar Products Used:

OM-1, OM-2, Nikon N2000, various other SLRs.

spot meter
battery life
takes all my om lenses
1/125 flash sync

rubberised grip a little slippery, especially on cold mornings
no pc socket for flash

bought it when my OM-2 packed in. slightly different style from other OMs but everything falls nicely into place in the hands. shutter lock a little awkward, until you fit a rubber eyepiece, then no hassle whatsoever.

Customer Service

not needed it yet

Similar Products Used:

OM-2SP
OM-1
OM-40

Spot metering, mechanical shutter, wide shutter range, and good flash synch (1/125). Nice solid build. Good grip.

Really none for price and technical capabilities, but it would be nice to add motor drive and x-synch flash terminal. Again, for the price I feel I am getting a steal.

If you want to experience the OM system, then this is about the best way on a budget. What more can you say about a manual camera with spot metering, center weighted metering, high shutter speed, 1/125 flash synch, metalic alloy construction, and best of all - Zuiko lenses; for under $200 bucks.
I guess you could be upset if you had or want to invest in other OM products, since this camera is compatible with the lenses, eyecup, and a flash only.
This camera was given to me by someone not really interested in manual cameras - Boy I lucked out. I added the Zuiko 24mm, 135mm, 50mm, and a surprisingly nice Vivitar OM 85-210mm and I can bump around on travel knowing my shots will come out excellent without worrying about equipment.
Shutter is loud, but you can operate camera without BATTERIES. This is nice in an age with all the cameras using CR-123A, CR-2, and lithiums!
I know this camera isn't a "true" OM, but it has enough to make me happy.
I use several Medium Format cameras and still like to just hold the OM-2000. It also gives my F-801s a rest when I want to spotmeter in 35mm.
You will not be disappointed in the purchase.

Customer Service

Best around even though they have dropped in the SLR buisness. Yes, even better than Nikon.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon system FM and N2000. Minolta X-s(why?), Canon T-50

Aluminium body that is light and sturdy. Very dependable. Great for beginners or middle of the line clickers who like the manual control of the camera. Fits all those great OM lenses that are readily available and inexpensive.

None that I've run across yet.

Great sturdy camera for little money. Aluminum body eliminates the question: Does this plastic crack easily when dropped? Pictures that I've turned out so far are very satisfying to me and this camera leaves a lot of room to grow.

Customer Service

Not applicable yet.

Similar Products Used:

I was using an old Mamiya 1000 TL. The light meter in it didn't work and it was falling apart.
This was my first pick based on the research I did on the Nikon plastic F-10. The aluminum body was really a big selling point for me.