----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Gomez" <scott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2001 9:31 AM
Subject: [OM] Centurion
> I recently picked up one of these little Centurions from a Ritz camera
> auction on *bay. It arrived today and I've got a few initial impressions,
> for those who might consider one.
>
> 1) It's small! About 25arrower than your average OM series body, and only
> slightly deeper than an OM body with a 50mm/1.4 mounted. Almost exactly the
> same height, baseplate to prism top. Any smaller and it would be awkward.
>
> 2) The viewfinder seems *way* tiny (and a bit dimmer) compared to those on
> the OMs.
>
> 3) Controls are nicely laid out and easily reached. Clear and easy to figure
> out, even without a manual.
>
> 4) It cannot handle "partially used" APS cartridges, so you cannot perform
> mid-roll changes. It considers them "exposed" and will refuse to fire.
This is only with the older black original Centurion. The later silver coloured
Centurion S has the
MRC (Mid Roll Change) feature. Apart from the body finish this is the only
difference.
> 5) All 3 APS picture formats are supported, selectable at any time.
I believe this is one of the basic APS features.
> 6) Batteries are expensive. CR123A or DL123A lithiums.
They seem to be dropping slightly in price though, at least here in Sweden.
Also APS developing
prices seem to be dropping here.
> 7) Focus isn't constant through the zoom range, at least not judging by the
> camera's slight refocusing noises at half-shutter after a zoom on an object
> previously "in focus" at a wider angle.
I believe this is normal. AFAIK all iS ZLR and Centurion APS ZLR cameras have
varifocal zoom lenses.
> 8) It makes all sorts of interesting (normal) motor noises in use.
>
> I'll let you know how it works "on film" after I complete a roll. I'm hoping
> results will be good enough to make this a good "take along" camera that can
> go with me when all I'm after are snapshots.
>
> ---
> Scott Gomez
Thanks Scott for the interesting comments on the Centurion APS. I look forward
to hear of any
further experiences. According to one of Hans' earlier posts the main drawbacks
with the Centurion
are the AF assist light with it's irritating preflashes (what is btw the EV
working range of the
Centurion's AF w/o the use of this?), and the weak built-in flash (which I
believe was borrowed from
the old original iS-10 / iS-100). If I ever come across a silver Centurion for
a reasonable price I
won't hesitate to buy it.
Regards,
Per Nordenberg
Kolmården, Sweden
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