Pre-loved kit
Used corner A whole 50 years ago, SLR cameras were tank-like affairs with hefty lenses to match – but Olympus changed all that, shaking the world with a pocket-sized machine, equally capable and versatile. The OM-1 remains a revered buy to this day Olympus OM-1
LAUNCHED LAST MONTH was the OM Systems OM-1 (see page 4 for the full story), the first camera from this renewed brand. That carries the name Olympus, in homage to the original OM-1 – an instant hit the moment it was unveiled to the world exactly 50 years ago. In the UK, Olympus used leading photographers of the day (David Bailey, Patrick Lichfield, Terence Donovan and Don McCullin) to promote it, and it’s fair to say that creatives of all levels switched from their heavy outfits to the OM. I was one of them, and loved my OM-1 – and the OM-2 I bought a few years later. The 35%-odd saving in weight and space compared with the typical SLR of the day was a huge benefit, especially because keen photographers in those days often carried two (or more) cameras with them. One body for black & white film, and one for colour – or in my case, infrared. The OM-1 was a fully mechanical, manual exposure mode camera with a viewfinder that gave a large, extra-bright image, and handling
SPECS › Price OM-1 with Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 £180-£380 › Format 35mm › Lens mount OM bayonet › Exposure modes Manual only, centre-weighted average pattern › Shutter speed range 1sec to 1/1000sec plus B
› ISO range 25-1600 › Flash sync 1/60sec › Dimensions 136x83x50mm › Body weight 510g
was generally first rate. The film wind lever was smooth and could be ‘inched’. Later models were motor- drive/motor-wind compatible. Another handling win was the relatively quiet, low vibration action of its reflex mirror and shutter. Its low noise was much less obtrusive compared to other SLR cameras, so you could enjoy street photography without attracting much attention.
Olympus broke the conventions of prevailing camera design by placing shutter speed control around the lens throat, with the aperture ring towards the end of the lens. Swapping OM bayonet-mount glass could be done one-handed because the release lock was on the lens itself, not the body. So, 50 years on, is the OM-1 still worth buying? Yes, absolutely. And with film enjoying a resurgence, it’s a great camera to start (or go back to). With a web search and a look at auction sites, I found plenty of samples. The cheapest OM-1 body was £99, but looked in decent nick. The most expensive was £380, and in excellent condition. Most samples were chrome, and the bodies appeared well-used. Although, that is an attraction in itself, as long as the mechanics are OK.
50mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/3.5. If you want something more exotic, you may have to be patient (and lucky!), paying more when they turn up. I used to have a Zuiko 21mm f/3.5 and 85mm f/2 that I sold – stupid boy! WC
Buying from a used retailer is probably the best way to go, especially if a trial period is available. Compatible Olympus Zuiko lenses seemed relatively thin on the ground. Most common were the 35mm f/2.8,
Summary The Olympus OM-1 is a film classic, for going out and practical use, or simply to have on display at home. Whether the OM System OM-1 will be revered in the same way 50 years from now, only time will tell.
IN CLOSE The OM-1 broke camera design conventions of the day with a large top- plate ISO dial (above left) and shutter speed dial around the lens throat (right)
FINDADEALER You can buy or sell imaging kit privately, but it saves time and effort if you deal through a retailer – and there’s added peace of mind. Only kit that’s to standard will be accepted in the first instance, then it is inspected, cleaned, and even refurbished before being offered on sale – usually with a warranty. Each retailer will have its own process, but you’ll generally get a quote on kit you want to move on (whether in person or online). If you are happy, a courier will collect it from you, often at no extra cost. Upon receipt, the retailer checks over your items and you’ll get a confirmed quote, assuming it’s accepted. Confirm the quote and the cash will be in your bank account a few days later. Or, if you are going for a part-exchange deal, your new kit will be with you soon. Here’s a list of leading UK retailers offering used and part-exchange services. Several of the dealers have multiple outlets, so please check the websites for your nearest one – or for contact details of individual stores.
Cameraworld cameraworld.co.uk 01438 367619
Chiswick Camera Centre chiswickcameras.co.uk 0208 9959114 Clifton Cameras cliftoncameras.co.uk 01453 548128
Harrison Cameras harrisoncameras.co.uk 0114 2859854
Park Cameras parkcameras.com 01444 237070
Campkins Cameras campkinscameras.com 01223 368087 Carmarthen Cameras carmarthencameras.com 01267 222300
Jessops jessops.com
Special Auction Services specialauctionservices.com 01635 580595
London Camera Exchange lcegroup.co.uk Mifsuds mifsuds.com 01803 852400 MPB mpb.com 0330 8180756
UK Optics ukoptics.co.uk 01200 444744
Ffordes Photographic ffordes.com 01463 783850
Wex Photo Video wexphotovideo.com Wilkinson Cameras wilkinson.co.uk 01772 252188
Castle Cameras castlecameras.co.uk 01202 526606
Grays of Westminster graysofwestminster.co.uk 0207 8284925
Issue 97 | Photography News 23
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