The first SLR that I used while I lived in London (~20 years ago) was the Olympus OM-1 that was leant to me by my friend Pete. I returned the OM-1 to Pete once my Canon FT-b N had been fully serviced. I fell in love with the OM-1 as I ran countless rolls of film through this wonderful camera & dreamt of owning one myself. My dream was fulfilled when Pete gifted that very same OM-1 to me recently. Opening the parcel was a very emotional experience, as it was a wonderful gift from a dear friend, the very camera that rekindled my love of manual photography, & the camera model that I strived to own one day. Silly emotions? Possibly... However, simply holding that camera brings back many happy memories. Any other OM-1 would not have that same effect. I believe passion would be the correct term for this emotion.

Sam Abell is my hero, and he used a tiny Olympus for 90% of his national geographic work.

As I am replied before I have been an OM user since the 1970’s and have all the models in the video and also the OM4 Ti and a couple of OM10’s. I prefer the OM2 to the Spot as mine jammed up during a shoot probably a flat battery but I didn’t replace it so it is still sat in my cupboard and has been for nearly 20 years. I got my first OM1 in 1976 when I was 18. I had gone to Bristol with my cousin to collect his car from a garage when it had broken down. It was not ready as it needed a part so to kill time we went shopping and as he had always fancied one he ended up buying the OM1 on his credit card. When the car was ready a couple of days later he went to pick it up but the repair turned out to be more than he could afford. They would not release the car without being paid in full by cash. He was £60 short so offered me the camera that cost him £200 for £60. I could not refuse. Over the next 20 years I ended up with 7 or 8 bodies and 20 odd lenses. Outstanding system that I still have today.

Little bit of trivia - the first OM-1 cameras were actually labeled the M-1 - but I think Leica at the time challenged Olympus on trademark infringement so they had to redesignate the cameras "OM" which supposedly means Olympus Maitani, who was the chief engineer/designer of the OM line during that era. Olympus ads in the photography mags at the time would have Maitani pictured in the ad explaining the design philosophy behind the OM cameras (OM-1/2). Selling points for me - compact size, noise/vibration suppression, OTF exposure with and without flash (big for me as a macro shooter), ruggedness, 5 fps with motor drive - 5 fps back then was blazing with film. Remember they used to have 250 frame backs for shooting with bulk film 250 exposures!

I had always wanted the OM1 and finally got it in 2010 bundled with a three Olympus lenses, extension tubes, screen changer all in mint condition. I had a full service carried out 2 years ago with the voltage change to the meter. It’s an extremely well engineered camera I love it. Now I use the lenses with adapter on my Olympus Mft cameras. Thanks for your great videos

Very concise explanation of these systems. 👍👍👍

Starting to really enjoy your channel. Thanks for your time. I've previously said in another video I already own an EM1 and EM10 III. I've not had a film camera for 20 years and this video has convinced me to go retro!

Thanks for these videos they're fantastic! I love all the old school lens info, please keep them coming👍

Another great inf video! I am a fan of Olympus SLRs. I began with the Evolt E-300 and I have an E-520. I also have the OM-D E-10 Mark II mirrorless. Recently, I've acquired the Olympus OM2SP (Spot Program) and it takes fantastic pictures both black and white and color! UPDATE: I just picked up an OM-1n. Silver on black. Love it!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge!!! I bought a used OM2n with a Zuiko 50mm 1.4 two years ago and I am absolutely happy with that combo.

Oh my, christmas came early this year. The format of your show is excellent; down to earth and loads of info. Thanks for the content, it is much appreciated!

The viewfinder on the OM-1 is incredible, it's so big, bright and easy to find focus with it, so much better than those of any DSLR I've used.

Thanks for this wonderful summary of these excellent cameras. My first 35mm was an OM-1. My dad and I picked it out at a local camera shop in the mid 1970’s. I just nabbed an OM-1 with the 50mm and 75-150mm zoom. I’ll be running some film though it very soon.

I had a black Om2n. I didnt know any pros that used them. Mostly the wedding photographers that I knew were shooting medium format. Bronica and Hasselblad with perhaps a couple of Nikons as backup with longer lenses for candid shots. Press Sports photogaphers used Canon. I did see Patrick Litchfield using an Olympus with a 600mm lens for a calender shot. He was mainly a Hasselblad shooter though Lording it over everyone. Olympus used a similar shutter speed setting method as my current Nikkormat ft2. Setting it at the back of the lens rather than a wheel on the top plate.

I have owned all three but the OM2 was my favourite. The very early OM2SP's had an electronics problem and the meter accuracy was erratic. Later ones were fine.

Olympus really understood the vision of a system camera’; a massive selection of lenses and modular accessories. Precision engineered, tactile to use and a little quirk with every new model - what’s not to like? I have 18 Om cameras and really enjoy shooting them! Enjoyed the video - fantastic channel!

Thank you for a great video, I got my OM2 sp in 1985 and it is still going.

This was a great video on these fantastic cameras. My first SLR was an OM1 I bought new in '74. I still have an OM1 and an OM2S.

A wonderful video about a wonderful family of cameras!! I am of an age (51) that means my introduction to photography was in the 35mm era and the OM series cameras were truly aspirational. When I got my fist camera (the very under rated Yashica FX-D) as a Christmas gift in the mid-80's two of the default choices as starter SLRs were the OM10 and OM20, the OM1 and OM2 were quite a step up in price, let alone the spectacularly good OM3 and OM4. There is something wonderful about the tactile feel and electro-mechanical precision of these cameras. I wouldn't want to go back to film other than as a Sunday afternoon indulgence as the advantages of digital are so great it'd be crazy to even have the argument. However, I do love those 35mm cameras from the 70's - 90's. I still often think about buying a nice OM series (the one I'd love is a 3, but they're expensive), although I think a Contax RTS ii or S2 (or maybe a Pentax LX, the great forgotten/ignored camera, a truly outstanding camera) would be ahead in the queue.

I'm a proud owner of the OM-1 non-MD and the OM-2SP. Fantastic cameras. Thanks or the video.

I’m loving my OM 2SP. I found it a couple months ago in a thrift shop with a 50mm 1.4 for $50 usd. Since then I’ve been kind of addicted to buying OM system accessories and lenses. Got the 50mm 1.8, 75-150mm f4, the 100-200mm f5, Winder 2 and the T32 flash which works with TTL and trough the lens metering by the film I think they used to call it. Now I’m looking to buy some telephotos. Want the 135mm f2.8 and the 100mm f2.8. Love your videos 🙌🏼

Great channel. You have rekindled my interest. I have an om1 and an om2 spot program. And a Olympus Trip. Film ordered!

Another Sunday comes around and our resident Zenographer tantalises us with a peep at some of his collection of beautiful and functional "man jewellery", which is what these delightful cameras are. The modern DSLR is a clumsy, lumbering beast alongside these toned atheletes. Great channel Nigel, keep them coming.

I've owned a couple of OM-1 cameras over the years. I sold one to a friend to replace his Practica, he was shocked how bright the screen was. So I looked through his practica and realised why he took so long to focus on anything.

For the past 3 years I have been searching for the "perfect" film SLR camera for me. I've bought and sold a bunch throughout my quest. I recently picked up a n OM-1 with a 50mm f1.8 lens at a thrift store for $10 USD. All it needed was a little bit of cleaning and a new focus screen. I went for the 1-13 split screen. My search is over! This camera is an engineering marvel, and yet easy to use. I really enjoy having the focus, fstop, and shutter speed rings in the same area. This camera is definitely a keeper.

Just heading out with my late grandfather's OM-1N. Beautiful camera that still takes great shots despite a dodgy light meter. Fantastic videos.

Another great video. Thanks!

Maitani's little miracle. Never owned one because I was a committed Nikon guy already, but I always loved the design of the OM 1&2 SLRs.

Lovely video as always! I was going to buy an OM2 SP when I heard good things about it, but the copy I was looking at got sold. Then a bit later I found an OM1 that wasn't cheap per say, but it had just had its seals replaced and came with a flash for about 130 USD which I considered a fair enough price so I bought it. Had a lot of fun shooting a roll with it and am still waiting for results, but it is a beautiful camera I agree (though I think my meter may not be very accurate at all any more).

Wonderful cameras. Back in -78, I chose the OM-2 as my professional workhouse with the best light meter there was. I could use it blindfolded with the 28 mm. Now I have the OM-3Ti, with a good selection of the best Zuiko lenses. What was the biggest advantage of the OM-2 in its time was that the light meter controlled the flash. Remember I had, perhaps the best flash of its time, a Braun VC410 hammer flash. Always the best possible flash, which illuminated exactly what I wanted without the necessary adjustment. The camera showed what I wanted.

Thanks for your informative vids! I enjoy shooting film with my OM 2- N. BW and Color. Great afordable lenses. I have the 24mm, 50mm, 135mm, 200mm primes and 35-105mm zoom. Your channel encorages us to shoot more and more. I suggest the people to pick a project or two and stick to them to enjoy more and more going out with the"heavy collar"

I bought my OM-1 MD and OM-2 MD in 2019 and they are phenomenally good cameras. I have wanted an OM-1 since childhood, the David Bailey adverts left a lasting impression upon me, and I finally got one in my 50's. The only regret I have is the time it took to achieve my childhood dream, but it makes my experience with them that much sweeter. Buy one whilst the market is still favourable to buyers.

On the OM2sp, the on/off switch is on the film advance lever. When it’s pushed all the way into the body, it’s off. It switches on when you move the lever out a little. The other thing to look out for on the OM1 and OM2 is the light seals that will have usually deteriorated. They’re quite cheap to buy and replace yourself but getting the residue of the old seals off is a real faff, and putting the new seals in can be quite fiddly. Or you can pay someone to do it. Definitely check them as soon as you buy one and before you shoot a bunch of films. I’ve been using them since the late 70s and still use them today. The best film SLRs made!

Great; when I’m 1 came out it was voted most quiet and smalllest slr but remember to keep shooting had props with door not opening but great camera O M I

I bought an OM-G last summer for peanuts. Now I have a proper OM body to mount my Zuikos! Keep up the great work Zenographer!

I've had my OM1n MD from new, serviced twice and recently replaced the seals, still works perfectly

Sill own my OM1. Always loved it.

From what I have read. When Olympus designed the the OM-2Spot/Program they upgraded the wiring, the shutter and the weather proofing bringing it closer to the OM-4 than the OM-2. So if you can find one in good condition for between £100-£150 you have a real bargain.

Thanks just reminded me to rescue the AAA batteries from the Nikon f501. I know I've got some OM's knocking about ,they certainly look the part. Anything other than a watch or keyring torch relying on a button cell bothers me. My learning SLR was a 1978 zenit EM , selenium powered! Set me up well for appreciating the magnificent zenit B , people asked where's the light meter looking through the finder, in your face is my answer. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

I managed a camera store where we sold telescopes and the OM 1 ×ith the mirror lockup was our favorite camera. Light and vibration free and it had an astronomy screen..

Three beautiful cameras!!! I would recommend any of the Olympus line of film cameras to anyone that was starting out in film. You couldn't do better for the price you pay for them.

consistently lovely videos. relaxing? informative? hard to replicate.

My first SLR camera was a used OM20 as my older brothers had OM1n’s, the idea being I could borrow their lenses. I later bought a used OM2SP but mine had an issue with the film shutter curtain I think. It started off ok but after a while I started to notice that after I put a roll of film through it, I’d get one or two actual images but the rest of the roll would come out blank. I also noticed that the film advance felt rough and notchy compared to my brothers OM1. I sent it off to be serviced (not Olympus themselves) and after a couple of months, I got it back and it was no different. I ended up trading it in for a used Canon EOS 600 (this was back in the 80’s). I liked it’s small size and the fact that the shutter speed control was around the lens mount, which meant you could adjust the aperture, focus and shutter speed with one hand without having to move your eye from the viewfinder. Still fancy picking up a used black OM2n. Can’t believe the price of the OM3’s nowadays

Love your videos.

Excellent video but nothing about the spot metering of the OM-2 sp? My OM-2 died after an ill-advised canoe trip in 1987 and I replaced it with an OM-4Ti which I still use and is still brilliant. I recently got an OM-3 (at a price I couldn't resist) but I'm getting a hankering for anothe OM-2. They are all such fsbulous cameras.

The om2 off button doesn't turn the camera off, only the metering display. It'll still auto expose in the off position when you half press the shutter release.

Great video Lovely cameras still working very well Getting similar build quality today is in the realm of Leica

On the OM-2S, you can turn off the camera by switching to either the B or 1/60 mark in orange. I do wish it had an off switch but oh well. I also noticed that the shutter sound was different and that the wind-on was kinda rough compared to other cameras. It has an interesting spot metering system on manual as well. Overall I like the camera but I think I preferred my om-2n for the off switch and smooth winding.

After several years of using a Leica M3, I discovered the OM-1. I think the OM-1 designer had the M3 in mind while designing the camera. The body is about the same size and weight as the M3, very compact and big bright viewfinder (0.92x) as well as 97% film coverage and fully manual operation. I like the on/off switch for the light meter, so no distractions while shooting when I turn it off. The OM-2 has the same great viewfinder and the addition of AE when needed.

I really enjoy shoot my OM 1

Great presentation - thanks. I have recently purchased an OM 2SP and really enjoy it. Do you like the spot meter fu functionality.

I'm pretty sure the OM-2n defaults to 1/30 or 1/60 with dead or no batteries installed. everything seems to fire just fine all be it at one speed. But you can also still use bulb mode without batteries.

I have a soft spot for the Canon EOS 300 Rebel 2000 which was my first professional body and breifly the 300v (SLRs). You can get them on eBay for 40 odd pounds with a lens! The 300's still my favourite body overall. The great thing about the EOS 300v is that its auto focus is still very competitive today speed and accuracy wise, and the 300v has technological advantages, it's a little tacker than the 300 though in build quality. The only downside are the 28-90mm kit F/4-4.6 lenses haven't aged well at all compared to the F.Zuikos. I love my OM-20! They're just magnificent pieces of engineering. I only just switched to DSLR a few years ago with a 550D which my hands have grown a better fit to the larger and heavier body, the image quality's a tad poorer but it's for the best. I miss having a top mounted display. I'm glad I spent as long as I did on 35mm, it's taught me so many valuable things. I finally have an adapter in the post too so I can use my F.Zuikos. 😏

Hallo from germany. I'm a fan from Praktica and especially Ricoh XR-20p, XR p multiprogramm , KR 10x and so on.I don't see any important differences , except the click from shutter. However, I can listen to your presentation and it's good to see other cameras. Best regards from Dortmund.

Unmaligning the OM2-SP: the window on the left is not the exposure meter. It lets in light to illuminate the display inside. Exposure metering is through the lens (off the shutter curtain I believe). On the OM2 and OM2-SP you were supposed to use the delay timer when you needed mirror lockup for stability. It's not as nice as the manual lockup because you have to wait for the timer. When you run out of battery the 1/60th manual speed is nice, but you're also without a light meter. So it's Sunny 16 +/- guesswork given the latitude and season in which you find yourself. I see the OM2-SP as a child of the OM4, rather than a successor to the OM2(n). Take an OM4, remove the 4 "manual" metering knobs/buttons from the top plate, tie spot metering to manual mode, add a simple program mode, swap in a slower/cheaper shutter, move that little window which lets in light for the display from the top to the side, and you have something very much like an OM2-SP. I also like the OM-40, which can be really inexpensive. It has a LED display (glowing) inside the viewfinder which is easy to see, and has a manual mode. It has no spot metering. Instead it as an early matrix metering system which tries to identify backlit, centered subjects, and compensate for that. A sort of automatic center-metering just in that one common amateur use case. When it doesn't think there's backlighting it uses regular metering. And it doesn't weight very much (less metal/more plastic).

Another sunday highlight / Regards Ulf

I have mine since 1978 still have it not getting rid of it. My brother and I went in half to purchase the OM1 along with the OM 50mm lens. It cost a lot of money for my 13 year old self spent the summer cutting grass and other odd jobs around the old homestead to earn the money for this. I don't use it anymore like I used to take photos but every now and then I'll think of picking it up and give it a go with a film roll. Digital is where it's at for me now but I love the form factor of this little camera. Unfortunately the Hipsters have now discovered film and are buying these old cameras up like crazy thus pushing the price up up up... darn Hipsters it's all their fault.

I paid a buy-it-now $120 for a mint (but not boxed) OM-2 S/P from Japan, maybe used in a lab, since it came with the right angle viewfinder attachment. Totally worth the price for the condition it is in. I really want to run a couple of rolls through it on a trek for a day or two.

They were and still are brilliant cameras. Sadly tbe OM-2SP gained a reputation for unreliability and I owned one which had to go back to Olympus to cure galloping battery consumption (new set of batteries every fortnight !) They replaced the whole PCB assembly and I knew they'd done it because rhe LED flash indicator had changed from green to red after it had been repaired. After the repair there were no further problems. Any chance on a video on tbe OM-4Ti?

I had dream OM-4Ti early.

now I totally want to go for the olympus om-2sp after watching your vid here :) Does it weigh more than OM1 and OM2 BTW? Thanks in advance!

Love these cameras! It's worth taking the step to help battery life by moving shutter speed to B (bulb) when the camera isn't being used. Will you be reviewing the OM3 & 4 to complete the family?

lucky me having the OM system - these bodies will be a great addition to have a more manual body for long term use. i do like where the shutterspeed is located - at least thinking it should be faster and easier than trying to change the shutterspeed in the old traditional location. even at full manual thee must be some metering to let me inow when is over or underexposing one question. Im reminded that Leica like to advertise themselves to be multi generational cameras that last for many generations. A camera to give to your child and they give to their children. Im starting to feel any other well made camera brands do make long lasting cameras as well and this whole thing is a bit of a marketing deal. -

OM3 Ti, Titanium shutter, flashmeter sic all speeds, high speed motors, ET Cetera.

The nikon d3 is incredible

Hello, I'm purchasing vintage lenses for my Fujifilm XT-20, I found a medium format lens option (Bayonet 60 Pentacon 6), there is some restriction on using a lens that was designed for medium format in an aps-c as is the XT -20? does it impact images / functioning? Congratulations on the great content on the channel! Thank you so much.

I had an black Om 10 quartz back in the mid 80s. Then after 20 years of no photography in my life I bought a digital camera, did'nt like it. Then 2 years ago I bought a mirrorless camera, hated using that also, then last year I sold it and bought a new conditioned om 10 silver from a collector in Sweden, photography is great again! But I want to know why the internet keeps telling me I must buy an OM 2, why whats the big deal and difference from om2 to om10 ?

I believe the OM2sp has TTL flashmetering.

Olympus was my favorite system,it was stolen in the mid eighties in Oakland.

Hi! I don't know if this is right place to ask this question. I have an Olympus OM 1 and I need spare shutter curtains. Do you have any idea where I can find one in good shape? Luis . Barcelona , Spain

Great video, i agree and I have them all :), i encountered one issue with the SP though, i think something is wrong with my copy as the advance mechanism is sometimes does not work well; I had to wind twice or three times before i could take another shot; I guess as it's all electronic, the shutter is waiting on certain status, perhaps something is failing, or as I have learned from the OM-1, and OM-2 these machines work only very well/best with silver-oxide batteries, as a precaution i would not use the LR-44 or the one's that go in earphones etc... Will try again i will shoot another roll, to test my theory.

The Canon F-1 is severely underrated as far as professional film cameras go.

Shades of Patrick Lichfield!

correction OM1MD 1978 I think when I bought it .I still have it

I Have a Olympus OM1 WITH A Olympus 1.4 lens how much should i ask for it?

Picked up all my olympus cameras from boot fairs for around £10 with lenses

Would the right angle finder work on the Pen F?

Umm bought an ftb with a 50 1.4 for 200 canadian . Then the om1 came out. Yup nikon was still selling nikon f. Then Olympus came out with the om1. First versions were md and non md. Motor drive. Nice SLR.

Just wondering where you usually buy your vintage camera and lens. Looking to buy the om2 sp at ebay but its about usd230 with a zuiko 28mm 2.8 lens which is a bit more than i can afford.

What do you know about the olympius om 40 program camrea?

Hello great review ... a question, if for some moment the om2 circuits fail, could I still use it in manual mode? Thanks 🙏🏼

The one OM1 I chased and bought is not working properly now.. I downloaded the Service Manual... I am debating whether to attempt to strip down and fix.. but when you see the complexity of parts/construction !

Thanks for another great video. But I have a non Olympus question. Do any of the Russian SLR's reach the same professional build quality and performance of the Om's? Cheers.

I've still gat an OM4 Ti and a batch of lenses,

I've had an Om2n MD for many years and I still love it today. It was the first SLR to have 'off the film' metering which was, at the time, more accurate than competitors. Faster lenses (other than the standard 50mm f1.8) can be a expensive though.

Where can I purchase secondhand lens for fujifilm xt3.

Great Cameras but film has become a bit hard to deal with - have you seen the attempts to put digital backs into these cameras?

You didn't said, why it was called Om2 spot? It's metering is different from OM2

All great cameras...shame about that rotting foam on top of the prism finder almost all seems to be affected and will need a clean. But once that is done you are are left with a true beautiful classic SLR.

A great camera - high end or enthusiast. But back in the day I dont remember knowing any pro photogs using OMs The glass is more important anyway...

The sticker....

OM1 yes, I have 3 OM2’s, all inoperative.

You forgot the Nikon fm2

I personnaly put Olympus OM SLRs at the same value of Leicas, which are clearly overestimated. I remove the batteries of my OM-2sp when I don't use it to lenghten their life duration.

Greetings. I have this summer purchased an OM 100mm f.2.0, you spoke of in a dif. video. I don't know if you recall. I already have all of these three cameras and more. I wish to ask you, have you heard of OM-Labor, by Gordon Friedrich in Frankfurt, Germany? Maybe what he does will be of interest to you. I have had one my OM-2 silver-customized by him. I can testify he has been good to correspond with. The website is www.om-labor.de. Unfortunately the website is in only english, though. The pictures shown in this video, are they taken using an old expired film? Personally i would not use those. I have been photographing for over 14 years now, and don't know what I would do without this passion. Greetings from a fellow enthusiast. Klaus Lehrmann Denmark

Later OM1D exists [I own one]

Although the OM1 and OM2 bodies are still relatively cheap, $250 USD or so for a nice one, they all need a CLA at this point, which is another $125, and then if you want any lenses other than 50mm or the really slow ones you’re talking $300 each and up. An OM3 will run you $1200, and even the plentiful OM4ti is now in the $500 range. Nice cameras, and I enjoy my OM-2n, but overall I would say they’re now overpriced for what you’re getting. The vintage manual lens market is now insane. It’s a result of limited supply, increasing demand from mirrorless digital users, and growing interest in film photography.

I'm from India,an avid olympus guy.I intend to get om1/2/10, anyone offerin

Sorry I stopped watching because of advs...