My original post:
$150 No, this is not a misprint! Let me describe it:
It has the usual paint missing on top and bottom. Some store was using it
as a rental. Description on tag on bottom of camera states that the ASA
dial does not work and that the meter is jammed. THIS IS NOT TRUE!!! I
checked it out. The Compensation dial had been turned to +2 and ASA dial
wouldn't go past 40 ASA!. When I turned compensation dial to center
position, all film speeds could be selected. (I returned the compensation
dial back to the +2 position, Shhhhh!). Battery check worked, as did all
shutter speeds that I could check. Meter worked fine, manual and auto,
including spot.
The bad stuff- Back was a little hard to open. When I got it open, I could
easily see some rust around the edges of the back and some was also showing
on the foam (which was not sticky).
IF, I were interested in buying it, I would pay the $150 and but a
replacement back and have a decent 4T for ~$185.
An alternative would be to wait a few days, call Columbus Camera and ask for
John. He's MUCH easier to deal with than Eric! Usually John will look at
the sticker price and move - 25%. Eric was in such a bad mood that when I
asked him what he really wanted for the 4T, he almost threw me out of the
store. Said he's going to put it on eBay, "some fool will buy it", he said.
THERE IS NO PRICE MARKED ON THIS BODY. A CALL TO COLUMBUS CAMERA AND
TALKING WITH JOHN MAY GET YOU A 4T AT THE PRICE I PAID FOR MINE THERE
$50!!!
Some more food for thought (included in some other correspondence to members
of the list:
Some members of the list have written me stating that the 4T is stated by
the store to be a "beater" and therefor has not 15 day return policy with
it.
The 4T I bought from Columbus Camera was also stated to be a "beater". I'm
convinced that all 4T's that have paint coming off at Columbus Camera are
"beaters".
As I mentioned in my original post, everything that I tried worked. The
meter worked in all aspects that I tried as well as the ASA dial. The
stated problem with the camera is the ASA dial (therefore it won't meter
correctly). I repeat, I changed the Exposure Compensation dial to the
neutral position and all film speeds could be set. Sa far as I can could
determine, everything on this camera works.
When I used the battery check, it made the normal steady beep, but after ~45
seconds the beep changed from steady to "beep-beep-beep". I'm pretty sure I
was running down the battery.
The only reason I didn't buy it is that I already have 2 4T's, a 4 and an
SP. But, the fact remains at Columbus Camera as I hear it - NO RETURN
POLICY ON THIS 4T!
I'd sell someone on this list a 4 if you want a camera in excellent shape
appearance-wise, but I paid $375 for it. I'd give you a 15 day return
privilege on it.
I can't spend time right now, until the 10th on anything but work and my
family. My father is in the hospital and we're heading there tomorrow right
after church and won't come back until evening of the 4th. Then I'm in
Toledo, Dayton and Bowling Green the rest of the week. I'd be able to stop
in Columbus on my way to Cleveland on the 10th, however. In fact, I ALWAYS
stop in Columbus as I head to Cleveland.
The other person I referred to sent an email and offered $150. That's all I
know. Have now received ~6 other requests for info. My guess is that it
will not last long in the store now. As I mentioned, I have no interest,
simply because I already have 2 T's. I'm also in the process of
experiencing a big expense right now (non-OM) and need all available cash,
otherwise I would have bought it while in the store.
As far as the back is concerned, it has rust on the edges of the back where
it has made contact with the foam. It looks rough enough to me that I would
likely buy a replacement back for it for ~$35. But, I also think that it
could be made OK with a little sandpaper and some decent paint.
I've been working hard here at home on some projects due to our trip to
Illinois and haven't had time to even look up the phone # for Columbus
Camera until now.
Here's info from their web site:
Columbus Camera:
55 East Blake Avenue
Columbus, OH 43202
Info: (614) 267-0686
Orders: 800-325-7664
Fax: (614) 267-5526
colscamr@xxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.columbuscamera.com/
A somewhat interesting side note. Eric was complaining that his local
repair shop couldn't repair the meter on an OM-1 the store had sold a
customer. Eric asked if I knew where/how to get one fixed. I mentioned
John Hermanson, and gave them the web-site address. Eric checked out the
site and will likely be using John from now on for OM repairs.
Brian P. Huber
Troy, OH
bphuber@xxxxxxxxxx
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