I've had an Olympus OM-1n since the early 1980's ... Just upgraded to an OM-2n. Got a 'as new' example with as new un-used 50mm f1.4 and Winder 2, boxed for £130 ($155). Happy days, great video!
Film Photography Channel ohh thank you :) there are limited local stores who actually sell Olympus camera systems from where I am based rn but still hoping I could find one at a reasonable price
Loved my Olympus OM2n . I purchased it when I was between cameras, meaning my Nikon cameras were in storage in NY while I was living in Baltimore MD back in the 90's. I saw this camera sitting on the shelf of a thrift store in the Red-light district of Baltimore MD, with a f1.8 Zuiko 50mm lens. This outfit would last me 2.5 semesters(2 years) at the Maryland Institute of Art where I was taking a couple of photography courses. I was so impressed by Olympus that I was even thinking about switching over to Olympus from Nikon ! To me, they seemed a little bit ahead when it came to innovation than the big boys Canon/Nikon. Fast forward to the digital age, I even had my eyes on an Olympus E3, because I wanted a rugged digital camera that could deal with the elements. At the time, Canon refused to weather-seal their consummer and semi-pro digital cameras, so I began looking somewhere else. I was about to pull the trigger on the Olympus E3, when I did a brief comparison between the E3 and the Pentax K-5 II, two cameras that promised ruggedness. To my surprise, Pentax won hands down(as far as features) so I went Pentax. At the time, Pentax was also a much more stable company. I have been with Pentax ever since. I still have my Nikon/Canon gear which I use for professional gigs due to their more expansive repair coverage. What really made me drive the last nail in the Olympus coffin was their decision to use the 4/3 system on all their digital cameras. That really made me scratch my head, although I heard those cameras are pretty good and have a huge fan-base. BTW I eventually traded in my OM2n back in the late 90's for a Minolta Maxxum 7000.
I agree that the film OM Olympus cameras were more advanced than the Nikons for a period of time. Probably around the time that the OM-1 and OM-2’s were released. The Olympus metering and TTL speed lights were ahead of Nikon at the time. The micro 4/3rd digital Olympuses were pretty rugged and well sealed camera with incredible image stabilization. This is a feature that micro 4/3rd does better than any other format. The smaller sensor is great for video because they tend to readout faster than apsc or full frame since there is less sensor to deal with. The rolling shutter is usually well controlled as a result and the micro 4/3rd cameras share a lens platform that offers a great selection of glass. Somehow they can be excellent for photography as well. These sensors are incredibly sharp! Sensor technology has gotten better recently so the inherent advantage of a smaller sensor has been pretty much negated now. I traded my Lumix G9 for the new S5II and haven’t looked back.
OTF metering system was years ahead of its time. I use my film Om2 more than my digital. Exposure is outrageously good. Want to be a serious photographer? Shoot film and learn your camera inside and out. Film lives. Slide film rules.
First of all great review, I like how you slowly get into every detail and you know your facts. TIP: There is not really any battery drainage if you leave the switch in the off position. The camera is alway ready to shoot, regardless of the position of the switch. Shooting while the switch is on off, results in the camera using the auto mode anyway but only difference is that the shutter isn't going any slower then 1/30th of a second. To me this is brilliant, I can just shoot away and know I most likely won't have any shaky images, ever. And the batteries last forever. I want to get more into testing long exposure with the OTF reading. The OM2 (not the OM2N) is capable of an auto reading of up too 19 min !! of the film plane. Just set iso to the lowest setting for that.
Wow, she’s a beauty too! I’m a Minolta XD11/SRT101 and Rokkor Lens guy. But I got a Oly OM2n in the mail w/ Zuiko 50mm f1.4. Can’t wait to shoot Portra 400. I like your casual walkthroughs on vintage cameras Sir!
New subscriber! Just bought my first film camera, the OM-1, I love it, buying a couple accessories to finish her off. But really a joy to use and...simply look at, its beautiful haha. One day I would love to slooowly turn my Street Photography channel to a film one. But one step at a time. Love your passion for film.
I subbed to you as well. You do a great job with your video production and content. I Welcome you to the film photography world! I had an OM-1 as my first real camera when they were being sold new. I have an OM-2n now but in hindsight, I should've gotten the OM-1(n). Both are immensely fun cameras to use with great optics but the OM-1 seems to have less problems.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks so much. Hopefully I can do the film community proud. I've been writing notes on all my settings for most of my exposures. It's much much different than my digital street photography approach. When I can get a decent workflow, I'm going to start implementing film photography into my videos.
Sure. Check out my videos on developing film. Hopefully they can save you time on your journey. I've made videos on negative and slide film processing and how to load your film reals. Good luck! ruclips.net/video/wVW8hoVbrV4/видео.html ruclips.net/video/IRmu4aMx6rU/видео.html ruclips.net/video/k1j6nInazLU/видео.html
Great video! I justy purchased an OM-2 secondhand; so glad I found your channel. Do you have any resources on how to fix the film advance and getting an old camera working again? Im noticing its stuck and camera needs a battery change. There may be more I need to figure out once the battery and film advance are in working order. Thanks so much
I have a couple of OM-1's and a OM-2SP that I rarely use because every time I pick it up the battery is dead. So I end up grabbing one of my small Nikons and shooting with it. The OM's are great cameras that have fewer issues than my small Nikons even though they don't seem to be built as well. I thought about getting a OM-4T which I'm told solved the battery issue however I picked up a Nikon FA with Matrix metering and never looked back. The 4T can do something similar if you want to spot meter several areas then it averages the exposure nice but the FA does it automatically. The OM's are more pleasant for me to use since I'm a lefty and the film advance of a Nikon wants to jab me in the right eye. It seems odd that the OM's didn't have some sort of auto meter shut off after a few minutes of no use, I would use them over my Nikons.
I agree. Olympus definitely missed a convenience feature in the early OM series. My Om-2 is ok as long as I remember to turn the power switch off. I agree that Nikon did a better job when it comes to this. My F3 an FE have had the same battery in them for years. Olympus film cameras are beautifully designed with great meters, perfect TTL flash and great lenses. Nikons are a little easier to live with and at least as good overall.
I have the OMG/OM20 with 50mm 1.8. I was thinking i wanted to upgrade to one of the Pro bodies. Maybe the OM4ti but honestly why? This little camera is so light and the view finder is so bright it. Also it has Aperture Priority and Manual exposure and lcd meter so it is easy to see for my old eyes and the lens is as sharp as they come. Though I am looking for something a little wider maybe the 35mm F2.8. It is my small street shooter camera.
I agree 100%. As these cameras get older, it matters less about the features. Things like motor drive compatibility and other things that were a big deal back in the day don’t quite matter as much today. I’m all for a camera that gets out of my way and let’s me focus on photography.
That was Provia 100. I really like Provia; it's very sharp and contrasty. I agree the OM-2n is awesome. I had an OM-1n and a 50mm f1.8 for nearly 10 years when I was a kid. I took it everywhere.
I've an OM-2n but it has an issue which I'm not actually sure whether it's an issue or not. The ASA I set restricts the amount of compensation I am able to do. If I set the ISO to something crazy low like 12 I can only move the dial to -2 and beyond, but not one click towards the + values. Is 12 ISO film just an extreme case the camera isn't really built for or is the exposure comp + ASA setting knob faulty?
What’s happening is that when you try to dial in exposure comp at such a low ASA, you’re exceeding the exposure range or capability of the camera which is 12-1600.
The OM-1 has the mirror lockup feature where the OM-2 does not. I had an OM-1 as a youngster and in hindsight I wish I would’ve bought the 1 over the 2 this time. The OM-2 will kill your battery pretty quickly if you leave the power switch turned on. I don’t recall having that issue with the OM-1 but it might have the same issue.
OM1 batteries lasted for years, even if you forgot them in the On position. I have a later version with the motor drive capability. Best pictures I ever took was with the fully manual OM1n. Still have the camera which I inherited from my father. Must be over 40 years old
I received an om2n from a friend of mine and the biggest problem with it is that I put in fresh batteries in it, but the mirror seems to lock up. Every time I take a photo i have to reset the camera each time. I was wondering if you might know what the problem is?
Hmm, that's odd because usually new batteries are the fix for the stuck mirror problem. Try turning the shutter ring to the Bulb setting which should serve as a hard reset. Having said that, I would also try another set of batteries just to be sure.
@@JMichelle014 I picked up my OM-2n today ands it was doing the same thing! I put new batteries in and it stopped immediately. I read that it could be an electronic issue if the new batteries don't fix it. The good folks at zuiko.com can repair it but I don't know if it's worth fixing. In hindsight, I probably should've gotten an OM-1 with a mechanical shutter. If my OM-2n ever dies I probably will do just that.
Hi I am quite new in the OM family. I usually shoot Nikon FM2 or Canon but got the OM40 for free. Is it worth to go to the OM2n or pass it and stay with om40 or maybe in the future the OM4Ti ? are the functions of om40 the same as the single digit OM ? Anyway I heard of this legendary OTF metering. But I also have a Canon EOS3 - is the metering from this 90s beast comparable with the Olympus or still inferior?
Hi the double digit OMs, ie “40” etc are their entry level line of cameras. The single digit are the system cameras with all of the fancy flashes, film backs and motor drives. It doesn’t make a lot of difference in this day and age since they all use Zuiko lenses. Build quality is better on the single digit OMs also.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thanks for the reply. I know the double digit series werent as sturdy nor quality made as the dingle digits series, but all these motor drives and fancy film backs aside - was the metering system and its quality results the same as with the single digit series or was it inferior in terms of precise results when compared to lets say OM2?
The OM-40 is unique in the two digit OM series in that it has ESP (Electro Sensitive Pattern) matrix metering and the same OTF metering system as the OM single digit. This camera was developed in the nineties which was the age of great camera metering and fancy LEDs. Even my basic 90s-era point and shoots have deadly accurate metering! The OM40 is unique in that it can use the motor drives from the OM system which the other double digits can’t. It also has OTF capability with the Olympus flashes The OM-2n is a great camera. I love using mine. It was manufactured about ten years before the OM40 so the metering system won’t be as advanced. That being said, the OM2n has never missed a shot in my experience. I have to mention also that the build quality of the OM2n is worth the price of admission! It’s very nimble in use and ergonomically near-perfect.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you very much! This was the reason I still want to collect two Olympus bodies : OM2n and OM4Ti - such slick and small bodies and beautiful design. The OM40 doesnt look that bad but for me it feels plastic when comapred to Pentax SP or Nikon FM2.
The best and most beautifull SLR. Withe lowest power consumption of all SLR cameras of the Seventies to do an exposure. AE for more than 120 seconds. With mirror up you hear the sound of silence. The Zuiko 1 : 3,5 - 28 mm beats Leica and Nikon. Super after sale service and OM-magazine in the Seventies.
I have a collection of 1980s and 1990s 35mm SLRs, including a selection of Olympus SLRs like OM10, 20, 40 and OM2n. Only thing I can really fault the OM2n is a lack of a time limiter on the shutter release. The power remains on unless switched off, which is a pain. The OM2n is well made, not plastic like many SLRs of the late 1970s and 1980s. I have a Nikon FG and Pentax Super A, both good SLRs, but plastic. I also have a Praktica BX20, a very good SLR, which has TTL flash system like the OM2n! To be honest, and in my opinion, autofocus SLRs are technically better, I have Minolta 7000, 7xi, 700si and Dynax 5. Most of work is digital though, using my Nikon D800, mainly for landscape work.
I much prefer the metal body cameras (because theyre beautiful) but the “fantastic plastic” nineties-era cameras are still very durable and reliable. The metering got really good in the 90’s as well.
Also, I had a D800E at one point and as nice as it was the D810 is a really awesome camera with notably better dynamic range than my D800E and tons of detail in the photos.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Just about any full frame, high res SLR is fine by me. Though my Fuji bridge camera isn't bad either for the small scale landscape work I do in my spare time. I've had my D800 for 5 years, bought as a virtually unused second hand camera. Used it for my holiday to Tibet 4 years ago, where I wanted the best pics I could get with my 24mm Nikkor AF lens amongst others. Photos on canvas in my home. I've also used for work, taking landscape views in my native Cornwall (SW UK), one is 5m wide on canvas used for a dispaly backdrop! The detail is excellent. I see no reason at the moment to change, unless we end up with 3d cameras?
Very cool. Sounds like you’re living an interesting and adventurous life. The Nikon full frames are great cameras indeed. I’ve since sold my digital Nikons and use exclusively film cameras for my still work. My digital cameras are used for video mostly. I really like Ektar for landscape photos. I think it’s absolutely brilliant.
I don’t know for sure because I haven’t experienced a system failure on my OM-2n but I’m guessing that it won’t work if that happens. The reason I say that is that the OM-2n has an electronic shutter that requires battery power to operate. The only shutter speed that is mechanical is bulb. The mirror will probably stay in the up position in case of a failure. If this happens, rotate the shutter speed dial to bulb and the mirror will come down. The OM-1 is fully manual with the only electronics being for the meter not the shutter.
What cup do you have on the viewfinder? I was just given a OM-2n with the 50mm 1.4 and a sigma 35-70 and a 70-250mm Looking forward to shooting it in a week or two.
Hi, the cup is simply name the "Olympus Eye Cup for OM-1 OM-2 OM-4". It's well built although the rubber is a bit stiff with a shiny finish which is different than most eyecups that have a dull finish and soft rubber which is more comfortable on the eye. Also, it tends to slip off during extreme use (I sometimes take a camera with me when I go cycling) but for most purposes, it stays on just fine. Very cheap too. Ebay has them for $4.99 US brand new!
Hi Niña, I usually buy my lenses on eBay. Just be sure that the seller mentions that the lens is “clear of fungus, has no separation, and the aperture blades are clean, dry, snappy with no oil”. They should mention something similar to this. Also, the seller should have a good rating with eBay and a return policy.
just ordered a nice used copy fm japan- took me awhile to find a decent copy- not as abundant out there - many for sell in ruff looking shape- nice looking lenses- love hatched focus grip on their lenses
This video answer to my questions😃thanks,its so small and handy like it,some model of this series need a socket for manual mode and i don't like this feature ha ha ha
Most cameras will not do what you showed. The Olympus OM-2 has OTF or off the film exposure. It reads the exposure time during the exposure reading the light reflected off the film plane. Most other if not all other cameras locks in the exposure before you press the shutter all the way. Also, there's an on/off button for a reason, it's you can turn the meter off.
Hi just wanna say it's great review!! Also i wanna ask, what mount can be used for this camera? Does it only Olympus lense or you can change it with other lenses?? Thankyou!!
Hi, this camera takes only Olympus OM Mount manual focus lenses and they are superb in terms of optics and build quality. Olympus made a wide variety of lenses for the OM's and today, most of them are fairly inexpensive. I'm not aware of adapters other than OM to Pen-F mount.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you eric!! I just got my Om2n with Auto - W 28mm f/3,5, what do you think?? Also i want to buy a new lense and do you have any advice for me? Thanks!
I always like a 3 lens kit if the lenses aren’t too expensive. Usually a wide, standard and short telephoto. Olympus’s 50mm f1.8 or f1.4 are both great. The 1.8 is smaller of course but the 1.4 is a really great lens and worth the extra $$. For portraits, Olympus made a 100mm f2.8 which is also sharp and renders beautifully. I personally have a 24mm 2.8 (this lens vignettes pretty strongly when open more than f5.6) , 50mm 1.4 and 100mm 2.8 OM lenses. They’re all tiny for SLR lenses, sharp and really well made. Pretty inexpensive for such high quality too.
Also, you might find that your 28mm F3.5 might make for a dim viewfinder but sometimes smaller aperture lenses are sharper than their larger aperture counterparts and are also smaller in size.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel wow thank you so much!! I've never tried SLR before so this is my first slr and i cant wait to shoot with it!! Also my viewfinder is big and clear but yea lil bit dim(?) I'm gonna try to use this wide lense and see what it can do, and im gonna try to buy the kit lenses too. Once again thank you so much!
Same basic specs. I like the ergonomics of the OM2 because of the shutter speed dial at the base of the lens makes it very quick to use in manual mode but both cameras are very quick in use. The Nikon lenses are a little cheaper and more plentiful. The Olympus glass is just as good as Nikon tho.
I like the 50mm f1.4. It’s really sharp with great color and nice bokeh. I also like the tiny 24mm f2.8 but it vignettes pretty badly unless you close it down to f5.6 or smaller. The 100 f2.8 rounds out my the trio of my favorites. It’s a great portrait lens. I haven’t ever owned but a few other Olympus lenses and these three are the ones I kept because I like the best. My fave of the three is the 50mm 1.4. Honorable mention to the Oly 50mm f1.8.
I think the OM series of cameras (single digit) are some of the best-designed film SLRs ever. The Nikon FE is a fine camera (I have one) which was released six years after the original Olympus OM-1. Nikon, like Pentax and many other manufacturers, followed Olympus' lead by downsizing and refining their cameras while still offering huge viewfinders and pro-level controls and accessories. That's what makes the Olympus cameras so groundbreaking. This little camera was released as a pro camera while the huge Nikon F, F2 and Canon F1's were dominating the market.
I bought my OM-1 in 1982 with money I saved from a summer job. I was almost 16 years old. Still have it.
Hah, my first camera too! I bought it around 19 years old if I remember.
Great talk through Eric. Just watched in 2024.
I've had an Olympus OM-1n since the early 1980's ... Just upgraded to an OM-2n. Got a 'as new' example with as new un-used 50mm f1.4 and Winder 2, boxed for £130 ($155). Happy days, great video!
I just got this camera and this is amazing! I went from a F1 to this and I love it. The light meter is EVERYTHING!!!!
It’s a great camera indeed. Congrats and enjoy!
I just got my dad's OM-2n. I have so many childhood memories with that camera
I just got one for $30! Came with an extra large lens as well! Can't wait to use it😊 keep up the good content!
Hii May I ask where were you able to purchase one with this price?
Thanks
I ran across it at my local camera store in District Camera.
Film Photography Channel ohh thank you :) there are limited local stores who actually sell Olympus camera systems from where I am based rn but still hoping I could find one at a reasonable price
can i have two please!!!
Good video . I have an OM 2n and an OM 4. Happy with both .
Thanks, this was very helpful!
Loved my Olympus OM2n . I purchased it when I was between cameras, meaning my Nikon cameras were in storage in NY while I was living in Baltimore MD back in the 90's. I saw this camera sitting on the shelf of a thrift store in the Red-light district of Baltimore MD, with a f1.8 Zuiko 50mm lens. This outfit would last me 2.5 semesters(2 years) at the Maryland Institute of Art where I was taking a couple of photography courses. I was so impressed by Olympus that I was even thinking about switching over to Olympus from Nikon ! To me, they seemed a little bit ahead when it came to innovation than the big boys Canon/Nikon.
Fast forward to the digital age, I even had my eyes on an Olympus E3, because I wanted a rugged digital camera that could deal with the elements. At the time, Canon refused to weather-seal their consummer and semi-pro digital cameras, so I began looking somewhere else. I was about to pull the trigger on the Olympus E3, when I did a brief comparison between the E3 and the Pentax K-5 II, two cameras that promised ruggedness.
To my surprise, Pentax won hands down(as far as features) so I went Pentax. At the time, Pentax was also a much more stable company. I have been with Pentax ever since. I still have my Nikon/Canon gear which I use for professional gigs due to their more expansive repair coverage. What really made me drive the last nail in the Olympus coffin was their decision to use the 4/3 system on all their digital cameras. That really made me scratch my head, although I heard those cameras are pretty good and have a huge fan-base. BTW I eventually traded in my OM2n back in the late 90's for a Minolta Maxxum 7000.
I agree that the film OM Olympus cameras were more advanced than the Nikons for a period of time. Probably around the time that the OM-1 and OM-2’s were released. The Olympus metering and TTL speed lights were ahead of Nikon at the time. The micro 4/3rd digital Olympuses were pretty rugged and well sealed camera with incredible image stabilization. This is a feature that micro 4/3rd does better than any other format. The smaller sensor is great for video because they tend to readout faster than apsc or full frame since there is less sensor to deal with. The rolling shutter is usually well controlled as a result and the micro 4/3rd cameras share a lens platform that offers a great selection of glass. Somehow they can be excellent for photography as well. These sensors are incredibly sharp! Sensor technology has gotten better recently so the inherent advantage of a smaller sensor has been pretty much negated now. I traded my Lumix G9 for the new S5II and haven’t looked back.
I won a OM2 on eBay for £20. Have to collect it but I can’t wait to start using it
OTF metering system was years ahead of its time. I use my film Om2 more than my digital. Exposure is outrageously good. Want to be a serious photographer? Shoot film and learn your camera inside and out. Film lives. Slide film rules.
I couldn't agree more!
Спасибо за обзор! У меня 2 таких камеры и они изумительные ! Обьяктив рисует именно ту картинку что надо, камера одна из моих любимых!
Thanks for watching. The OM-2n is one of my all-time favorite cameras.
First of all great review, I like how you slowly get into every detail and you know your facts.
TIP: There is not really any battery drainage if you leave the switch in the off position. The camera is alway ready to shoot, regardless of the position of the switch. Shooting while the switch is on off, results in the camera using the auto mode anyway but only difference is that the shutter isn't going any slower then 1/30th of a second. To me this is brilliant, I can just shoot away and know I most likely won't have any shaky images, ever. And the batteries last forever. I want to get more into testing long exposure with the OTF reading. The OM2 (not the OM2N) is capable of an auto reading of up too 19 min !! of the film plane. Just set iso to the lowest setting for that.
Good information Thanks for sharing.
Gracias por la reseña de la Olimpus!!
Es una de mis mejores cámaras y la tengo en uso completo desde hace muchos años..
Saludos desde México..
Gracias por ver mi vídeo. Esta es una de mis cámaras favoritas desde que era adolescente. ¡Que tengas un excelente verano!
My Favourite Camera ever.
i love film SLR!
and the Olympus om are amazing
thanks for sharing this great content with us!
really enjoyed watching this
Thanks for watching! More to come....
I loved my OM2n.
I also had an Canon AE1 program and an A1, but the OM2n was better and easier to get the best pictures possible.
I agree completely. The OM-2n is so easy to use. Very good design.
Amazing review, thank you
I’m glad you found it useful!
Excellent review, thanks for posting.
One on the way!
Congrats! Mine too :)
You’ll love it! It’s my first 35mm camera so I have a special place in my heart for the OM series cameras.
It's like holding a fine piece of jewelry or a fine watch, BTW great videos, I come to your channel often :)
Wow, she’s a beauty too! I’m a Minolta XD11/SRT101 and Rokkor Lens guy. But I got a Oly OM2n in the mail w/ Zuiko 50mm f1.4. Can’t wait to shoot Portra 400. I like your casual walkthroughs on vintage cameras Sir!
Thanks so much! I try to keep it casual.
Really good review. Thank you so much.
New subscriber! Just bought my first film camera, the OM-1, I love it, buying a couple accessories to finish her off. But really a joy to use and...simply look at, its beautiful haha. One day I would love to slooowly turn my Street Photography channel to a film one. But one step at a time. Love your passion for film.
I subbed to you as well. You do a great job with your video production and content. I Welcome you to the film photography world! I had an OM-1 as my first real camera when they were being sold new. I have an OM-2n now but in hindsight, I should've gotten the OM-1(n). Both are immensely fun cameras to use with great optics but the OM-1 seems to have less problems.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks so much. Hopefully I can do the film community proud. I've been writing notes on all my settings for most of my exposures. It's much much different than my digital street photography approach. When I can get a decent workflow, I'm going to start implementing film photography into my videos.
Sure. Check out my videos on developing film. Hopefully they can save you time on your journey. I've made videos on negative and slide film processing and how to load your film reals. Good luck! ruclips.net/video/wVW8hoVbrV4/видео.html ruclips.net/video/IRmu4aMx6rU/видео.html ruclips.net/video/k1j6nInazLU/видео.html
Yes, the best 35mm camera, SLR or otherwise, ever.
100%
Couldn’t agree more with your re view
Great review!
Great review by the way.
Thanks!
Great review, honest and thorough. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Great video! I justy purchased an OM-2 secondhand; so glad I found your channel. Do you have any resources on how to fix the film advance and getting an old camera working again? Im noticing its stuck and camera needs a battery change. There may be more I need to figure out once the battery and film advance are in working order. Thanks so much
Thanks for tuning in. Unfortunately I don’t have any knowledge on how to repair these cameras.
Re-set. Just watched another video and the re-set will fix the shutter, and light meter problem. Sorry, I don't have the link handy.
very nice vid. thank you for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.
Thanks so much for tuning in!
I have a couple of OM-1's and a OM-2SP that I rarely use because every time I pick it up the battery is dead. So I end up grabbing one of my small Nikons and shooting with it. The OM's are great cameras that have fewer issues than my small Nikons even though they don't seem to be built as well. I thought about getting a OM-4T which I'm told solved the battery issue however I picked up a Nikon FA with Matrix metering and never looked back. The 4T can do something similar if you want to spot meter several areas then it averages the exposure nice but the FA does it automatically. The OM's are more pleasant for me to use since I'm a lefty and the film advance of a Nikon wants to jab me in the right eye. It seems odd that the OM's didn't have some sort of auto meter shut off after a few minutes of no use, I would use them over my Nikons.
I agree. Olympus definitely missed a convenience feature in the early OM series. My Om-2 is ok as long as I remember to turn the power switch off. I agree that Nikon did a better job when it comes to this. My F3 an FE have had the same battery in them for years. Olympus film cameras are beautifully designed with great meters, perfect TTL flash and great lenses. Nikons are a little easier to live with and at least as good overall.
Good informative video. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for stopping by!
I have the OMG/OM20 with 50mm 1.8. I was thinking i wanted to upgrade to one of the Pro bodies. Maybe the OM4ti but honestly why? This little camera is so light and the view finder is so bright it. Also it has Aperture Priority and Manual exposure and lcd meter so it is easy to see for my old eyes and the lens is as sharp as they come. Though I am looking for something a little wider maybe the 35mm F2.8. It is my small street shooter camera.
I agree 100%. As these cameras get older, it matters less about the features. Things like motor drive compatibility and other things that were a big deal back in the day don’t quite matter as much today. I’m all for a camera that gets out of my way and let’s me focus on photography.
My personal favorite 35mm camera. Perfect to just grab and go. Small lenses with great performance.
What film did you use for the shots at the end?
That was Provia 100. I really like Provia; it's very sharp and contrasty. I agree the OM-2n is awesome. I had an OM-1n and a 50mm f1.8 for nearly 10 years when I was a kid. I took it everywhere.
I've an OM-2n but it has an issue which I'm not actually sure whether it's an issue or not. The ASA I set restricts the amount of compensation I am able to do. If I set the ISO to something crazy low like 12 I can only move the dial to -2 and beyond, but not one click towards the + values. Is 12 ISO film just an extreme case the camera isn't really built for or is the exposure comp + ASA setting knob faulty?
What’s happening is that when you try to dial in exposure comp at such a low ASA, you’re exceeding the exposure range or capability of the camera which is 12-1600.
Nice video. I am going to get one I think - was thinking about the OM1 but the 2 sounds like a better camera
The OM-1 has the mirror lockup feature where the OM-2 does not. I had an OM-1 as a youngster and in hindsight I wish I would’ve bought the 1 over the 2 this time. The OM-2 will kill your battery pretty quickly if you leave the power switch turned on. I don’t recall having that issue with the OM-1 but it might have the same issue.
OM1 batteries lasted for years, even if you forgot them in the On position. I have a later version with the motor drive capability. Best pictures I ever took was with the fully manual OM1n. Still have the camera which I inherited from my father. Must be over 40 years old
what's about OM4 vs OM2n?
I received an om2n from a friend of mine and the biggest problem with it is that I put in fresh batteries in it, but the mirror seems to lock up. Every time I take a photo i have to reset the camera each time. I was wondering if you might know what the problem is?
Hmm, that's odd because usually new batteries are the fix for the stuck mirror problem. Try turning the shutter ring to the Bulb setting which should serve as a hard reset. Having said that, I would also try another set of batteries just to be sure.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thanks for the reply! unfortunately i've tried that already and it still continues to do that :(
@@JMichelle014 I picked up my OM-2n today ands it was doing the same thing! I put new batteries in and it stopped immediately. I read that it could be an electronic issue if the new batteries don't fix it. The good folks at zuiko.com can repair it but I don't know if it's worth fixing. In hindsight, I probably should've gotten an OM-1 with a mechanical shutter. If my OM-2n ever dies I probably will do just that.
Hi I am quite new in the OM family. I usually shoot Nikon FM2 or Canon but got the OM40 for free. Is it worth to go to the OM2n or pass it and stay with om40 or maybe in the future the OM4Ti ? are the functions of om40 the same as the single digit OM ?
Anyway I heard of this legendary OTF metering. But I also have a Canon EOS3 - is the metering from this 90s beast comparable with the Olympus or still inferior?
Hi the double digit OMs, ie “40” etc are their entry level line of cameras. The single digit are the system cameras with all of the fancy flashes, film backs and motor drives. It doesn’t make a lot of difference in this day and age since they all use Zuiko lenses. Build quality is better on the single digit OMs also.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thanks for the reply.
I know the double digit series werent as sturdy nor quality made as the dingle digits series, but all these motor drives and fancy film backs aside - was the metering system and its quality results the same as with the single digit series or was it inferior in terms of precise results when compared to lets say OM2?
The OM-40 is unique in the two digit OM series in that it has ESP (Electro Sensitive Pattern) matrix metering and the same OTF metering system as the OM single digit. This camera was developed in the nineties which was the age of great camera metering and fancy LEDs. Even my basic 90s-era point and shoots have deadly accurate metering! The OM40 is unique in that it can use the motor drives from the OM system which the other double digits can’t. It also has OTF capability with the Olympus flashes The OM-2n is a great camera. I love using mine. It was manufactured about ten years before the OM40 so the metering system won’t be as advanced. That being said, the OM2n has never missed a shot in my experience. I have to mention also that the build quality of the OM2n is worth the price of admission! It’s very nimble in use and ergonomically near-perfect.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you very much! This was the reason I still want to collect two Olympus bodies : OM2n and OM4Ti - such slick and small bodies and beautiful design. The OM40 doesnt look that bad but for me it feels plastic when comapred to Pentax SP or Nikon FM2.
The best and most beautifull SLR.
Withe lowest power consumption of all SLR cameras
of the Seventies to do an exposure.
AE for more than 120 seconds.
With mirror up you hear the sound of silence.
The Zuiko 1 : 3,5 - 28 mm beats Leica and Nikon.
Super after sale service and OM-magazine in the Seventies.
I have a collection of 1980s and 1990s 35mm SLRs, including a selection of Olympus SLRs like OM10, 20, 40 and OM2n. Only thing I can really fault the OM2n is a lack of a time limiter on the shutter release. The power remains on unless switched off, which is a pain. The OM2n is well made, not plastic like many SLRs of the late 1970s and 1980s. I have a Nikon FG and Pentax Super A, both good SLRs, but plastic. I also have a Praktica BX20, a very good SLR, which has TTL flash system like the OM2n! To be honest, and in my opinion, autofocus SLRs are technically better, I have Minolta 7000, 7xi, 700si and Dynax 5. Most of work is digital though, using my Nikon D800, mainly for landscape work.
I much prefer the metal body cameras (because theyre beautiful) but the “fantastic plastic” nineties-era cameras are still very durable and reliable. The metering got really good in the 90’s as well.
Also, I had a D800E at one point and as nice as it was the D810 is a really awesome camera with notably better dynamic range than my D800E and tons of detail in the photos.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Just about any full frame, high res SLR is fine by me. Though my Fuji bridge camera isn't bad either for the small scale landscape work I do in my spare time. I've had my D800 for 5 years, bought as a virtually unused second hand camera. Used it for my holiday to Tibet 4 years ago, where I wanted the best pics I could get with my 24mm Nikkor AF lens amongst others. Photos on canvas in my home. I've also used for work, taking landscape views in my native Cornwall (SW UK), one is 5m wide on canvas used for a dispaly backdrop! The detail is excellent. I see no reason at the moment to change, unless we end up with 3d cameras?
Very cool. Sounds like you’re living an interesting and adventurous life. The Nikon full frames are great cameras indeed. I’ve since sold my digital Nikons and use exclusively film cameras for my still work. My digital cameras are used for video mostly. I really like Ektar for landscape photos. I think it’s absolutely brilliant.
Hello great review ... a question, if for some moment the om2 circuits fail, could I still use it in manual mode? Thanks 🙏🏼
I don’t know for sure because I haven’t experienced a system failure on my OM-2n but I’m guessing that it won’t work if that happens. The reason I say that is that the OM-2n has an electronic shutter that requires battery power to operate. The only shutter speed that is mechanical is bulb. The mirror will probably stay in the up position in case of a failure. If this happens, rotate the shutter speed dial to bulb and the mirror will come down. The OM-1 is fully manual with the only electronics being for the meter not the shutter.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you so much
No.
What cup do you have on the viewfinder? I was just given a OM-2n with the 50mm 1.4 and a sigma 35-70 and a 70-250mm Looking forward to shooting it in a week or two.
Hi, the cup is simply name the "Olympus Eye Cup for OM-1 OM-2 OM-4". It's well built although the rubber is a bit stiff with a shiny finish which is different than most eyecups that have a dull finish and soft rubber which is more comfortable on the eye. Also, it tends to slip off during extreme use (I sometimes take a camera with me when I go cycling) but for most purposes, it stays on just fine. Very cheap too. Ebay has them for $4.99 US brand new!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thank you. for 5 bucks it's worth trying out...just ordered it
Hi! Just got mine. But I'm looking for either a 28 or 35mm lens for mine. Where do you usually buy lens for Om2n? Thank you!
Hi Niña, I usually buy my lenses on eBay. Just be sure that the seller mentions that the lens is “clear of fungus, has no separation, and the aperture blades are clean, dry, snappy with no oil”. They should mention something similar to this. Also, the seller should have a good rating with eBay and a return policy.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you!
just ordered a nice used copy fm japan- took me awhile to find a decent copy- not as abundant out there - many for sell in ruff looking shape- nice looking lenses- love hatched focus grip on their lenses
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's a very nimble and usable camera.
This video answer to my questions😃thanks,its so small and handy like it,some model of this series need a socket for manual mode and i don't like this feature ha ha ha
One of my all time favorites! Thanks for watching. Pls sub!
Most cameras will not do what you showed. The Olympus OM-2 has OTF or off the film exposure. It reads the exposure time during the exposure reading the light reflected off the film plane. Most other if not all other cameras locks in the exposure before you press the shutter all the way. Also, there's an on/off button for a reason, it's you can turn the meter off.
The Minolta XD-7 (11) did OTF too as the X-xxx serie
Great vid...thx
Thank you
Hi just wanna say it's great review!! Also i wanna ask, what mount can be used for this camera? Does it only Olympus lense or you can change it with other lenses?? Thankyou!!
Hi, this camera takes only Olympus OM Mount manual focus lenses and they are superb in terms of optics and build quality. Olympus made a wide variety of lenses for the OM's and today, most of them are fairly inexpensive. I'm not aware of adapters other than OM to Pen-F mount.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thank you eric!! I just got my Om2n with Auto - W 28mm f/3,5, what do you think?? Also i want to buy a new lense and do you have any advice for me? Thanks!
I always like a 3 lens kit if the lenses aren’t too expensive. Usually a wide, standard and short telephoto. Olympus’s 50mm f1.8 or f1.4 are both great. The 1.8 is smaller of course but the 1.4 is a really great lens and worth the extra $$. For portraits, Olympus made a 100mm f2.8 which is also sharp and renders beautifully. I personally have a 24mm 2.8 (this lens vignettes pretty strongly when open more than f5.6) , 50mm 1.4 and 100mm 2.8 OM lenses. They’re all tiny for SLR lenses, sharp and really well made. Pretty inexpensive for such high quality too.
Also, you might find that your 28mm F3.5 might make for a dim viewfinder but sometimes smaller aperture lenses are sharper than their larger aperture counterparts and are also smaller in size.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel wow thank you so much!! I've never tried SLR before so this is my first slr and i cant wait to shoot with it!! Also my viewfinder is big and clear but yea lil bit dim(?) I'm gonna try to use this wide lense and see what it can do, and im gonna try to buy the kit lenses too. Once again thank you so much!
How does it compare to the Nikon FE?
Same basic specs. I like the ergonomics of the OM2 because of the shutter speed dial at the base of the lens makes it very quick to use in manual mode but both cameras are very quick in use. The Nikon lenses are a little cheaper and more plentiful. The Olympus glass is just as good as Nikon tho.
Great low key review. I think video quality could have been better, seemed a bit rough and was distracting.
I’m a work in progress. Thanks for the honest feedback.
What are your favorite OM lenses?
I like the 50mm f1.4. It’s really sharp with great color and nice bokeh. I also like the tiny 24mm f2.8 but it vignettes pretty badly unless you close it down to f5.6 or smaller. The 100 f2.8 rounds out my the trio of my favorites. It’s a great portrait lens. I haven’t ever owned but a few other Olympus lenses and these three are the ones I kept because I like the best. My fave of the three is the 50mm 1.4. Honorable mention to the Oly 50mm f1.8.
I just got a mint M1. I have a 1n and 2n. There is no better camera made.
The OM series are such well made, beautiful and fun to use SLRs. I bought an OM-1 as my first "real" camera when I was a kid.
I think the Nikon FE is better.
I think the OM series of cameras (single digit) are some of the best-designed film SLRs ever. The Nikon FE is a fine camera (I have one) which was released six years after the original Olympus OM-1. Nikon, like Pentax and many other manufacturers, followed Olympus' lead by downsizing and refining their cameras while still offering huge viewfinders and pro-level controls and accessories. That's what makes the Olympus cameras so groundbreaking. This little camera was released as a pro camera while the huge Nikon F, F2 and Canon F1's were dominating the market.
NO - THAT is the Canon F1 New ! If Olympus, go for the OM3 !
Tell me why you think that please.