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Re: [OM] OM-1 vs. OM-2

Subject: Re: [OM] OM-1 vs. OM-2
From: Joel Wilcox <jowilcox@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 08:33:15 -0600
At 10:06 PM 11/14/1998 -0800, Peter you wrote:
>It seems that some people are very partial to the OM-1. Others prefer the
>OM-2.  
>Why?  Is it the mechanical vs. electronic shutter, or something else?
>
Hi Peter,

I have both OM-1's and OM-2's (2n and 2s). I use them pretty much
interchangeably, although I like the OM-2n best as a walkaround camera.
Theoretically, the electronic shutters should be more accurate, but I have
no practical knowledge of deficiencies with the OM-1 shutter. If the
shutter is not accurate, it simply needs to be fixed. Inaccuracy is not a
normal condition, I don't believe.

I'm not an astrophotographer, but I still like the mirror lockup feature of
the OM-1's. You can only simulate this with timer exposures on the OM-2s
and not at all on the OM-2n. I like to lock up the mirror on macro and far
tele shots as a matter of course, so the OM-1's are my serious tripod cameras.

Out on the hiking trails with a small-scale kit, I really enjoy the OM-2's,
especially the OM-2n. This is where it redeems itself for lack of mirror
lockup. Trust the meter and go.  Chase the kids around with a dedicated
flash, no worries. With slide film, the exposure compensation dial gets a
workout doing brackets. I could just use manual, but I like just to select
my f-stop and pull the trigger.

I actually think you will find a larger division between those who hold
with the earlier OM's and those who love the OM-4's.  Buy an OM-4T and you
seem to move to a new level of Zuikoholic addiction.  Hope to experiment
with that buzz one day. As I'm fairly happy with averaging meters, I keep
resisting the fatal temptation, and for that reason I tend to use the OM-2s
more for the way it is like the OM-2n than for the ways it anticipates the
OM-4.  I don't use the manual setting and spot meter much unless I simply
don't trust the averaging (auto) meter in a situation.  We had a survey on
this a couple months ago and it appeared that most people who use the OM-2s
as their main body use the manual, spot meter option most of the time.  I'm
the odd man out.  I don't use it unless I "have to," and when I have to I
find it a little bit annoying to use. Everybody's a little bit different.

Have fun with your OM-2.

Joel

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