I called Columbus Camera Saturday and was told flat out to stay away, that it
was probably beyond repair, among other things, it had been mistreated and was
ugly and was being sold strictly "as is". In short, the person I spoke with
tried to dissuade me from buying it, which is unusual for a salesperson.
Moreover, Brian states that it failed the 4T battery test, which to me means
that it does not have the 4T circuitry in it or it's inoperable. Which seems to
imply that it is not a true 4T. The person with whom I spoke was aware of
Brian's post and asked me what it said. In short, I called intending to buy it,
but was told in great detail that it would be a mistake. The fact that a store
in business to sell cameras warned me away from this OM4T speaks volumes, to me.
Of course, one can draw ones own conclusions, but forewarned is forearmed.
Personally, I just wasted money on a very lengthy phone call. For one
experienced in repairing these things it might be worth considering, but when I
mentioned sending it off for repair the reply was that the cost of repair would
likely exceed fmv. Also, the only person who apparently knows about this 4T is
"John" who I was told won't be back until Thursday. That is about all I know,
and hopefully someone may find it helpful. Good Luck!!
"Brian P. Huber" wrote:
> 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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