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Re: [OM] ergonomics, 2nd round....

Subject: Re: [OM] ergonomics, 2nd round....
From: Frank Ernens <fgernens@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 18:26:21 +1100
Wiese wrote:
> 
> Frank Ernens wrote:

> >At the risk of attracting more flames, a AUD $4000 camera (new
> >price for 4Ti here) should have both speed and aperture in
> >the viewfinder and on the top plate. And yes, someone correctly
> >pointed out it never will because of the OM mount. Perhaps Oly
> >have tumbled to this. (It could be done with a CPU lens.)
> 
> errr.... the 4Ti is expensive, but it sure doesn't cost as much as an F5,
> not even in Australia... last I checked (a few weeks ago) new price was
> around $2500 AUD...

Does that include the 38.4% "sales tax", actually import duty? (Yes, I
know, it's almost worth flying to Singapore and back for the day.
It has been done.)

The UK price is UKP 1200 including VAT. Removing the VAT and converting
to AUD gives $2689 or $3721 with tax. I was quoted "$3500 to $4000,
we can order one in" by a well-known dealer some time ago, when
the AUD was weaker. I believe many sales are to insurance companies
honouring new-for-old.

Even at $2500 it is still more than an F90x including tax ($2245), and
a lot less camera. Sensible people consider resale value, and, as your
post reveals to us, that's not so great for a newish OM-4Ti.

> still out of my range :( ...but there has been one
> advertised on aus.photo As New In Box for $2000 AUD, and I believe European
> Camera Specialists in Sydney have a 2 or 3 year old example in exc.
> condition for $900 AUD.... now *that's* tempting - I'm almost afraid to
> check if it's been sold in the last couple of weeks, for fear of grevious
> bodily harm to my bank balance...

I saw the ECS ad and passed it up - $900 is too much for a second
hand camera. I did not pay anywhere near those prices for the OM-4.

> ...lucky you... I bought a 2n after using a 1 MD for ages, and left the 2n
> switch in "manual" position ("off" on the OM1) more times than I care to
> remember... <sigh>

Fit a cap and at least the meter won't draw as much current. I get more
than a year from the batteries in mine. Yes, they should have
made the switches consistent.

> >(6). TURNING OFF THE BEEPER.
> 
> > [FE] I was just wondering how many people, sans books, never found it
> >at all.
> 
> err... fair enough, but if you don't have the manual to explain the feature,
> is that a reason to criticize its design?  That's kind of what the manual's
> for.... I'd hate to have to try and figure out an F5 or Eos1n without the
> manuals (actually even _with_ the manuals.... but never mind...)

I didn't say I considered those good cameras.

> > [FE] The only alternative
> >was a 2-SP, which was my first choice. In several months of
> >looking, I could not find a single working body for sale.

> You're in Australia, yes? - There's been at least one nationally advertised
> for sale in exc. condition for the last few months that I can think of....
> as well as a couple of others through private sale I've seen.

Not sure where you're looking, but all the ads I saw were for
OM-2's. I found an excellent, *very* cheap OM-2SP in Melbourne this
week and am delighted with it. It came on the market after I'd
bought the OM-4.

Just because the ad says "excellent condition" doesn't make it
true - an OM-2SP I saw so described had a completely dead viewfinder
display. An OM-1 so described had almost no leatherette left,
a worn mount and lots of brassing. A particular problem buying
OM-4Ti's is that most were owned by professionals and have been
thrashed to death.

Agreed the national market is four times the local, but if I bought by
mail order any dispute would have to be solved in an interstate court
or tribunal. That could be very expensive, and the seller would know
that. (Unlike the US, credit cards provide no protection in mail
order, even if *nothing* ever arrives.) For that reason, and so I
can check the gear out, I prefer to buy locally. (For foreigners,
"locally" is Melbourne, a city of 3.5 million.)


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