I really, really like the Olympus OM system. I'm a full-blown
Zuikoholic fanatic - before I knew it, I had 3 bodies (including a
3Ti) and about 12 very cool lenses, including four cool Macro lenses,
and f/2.0 from 21mm to 250mm. As far as 35mm photography is concerned,
the OM system has allowed me to realise my vision. A happy camper, you
could say.
Then I went and did it. Just to experience the difference, I picked up
an absolutely pristine Nikon F "Apollo" with plain, unmetered prism.
It came with two first-generation (knurled metal focusing ring)
lenses, a Nikkor-H.C 50/2.0, and a Nikkor-P 105/2.5. I really did not
expect this camera to be so nice. It's bloody marvellous, in fact. I'm
on my second roll of film now - going to develop both pretty soon.
What do I really like?
- The build quality is unmatched, period. It's a solid block of hand-
made Japanese pride, from a bygone era. Remember, this is the camera
that down-sized Leica.
- The build quality... (oh, I said that already?) Man, this thing is
nice. So are the OMs, but the Nikonf F is... a step above.
- The lenses are more solid, and focus more smoothly, than my Olympus
lenses (except the 250/2.0 which is impressively well-built I must
admit). Seriously - these lenses are 50 years old, but they are in
better operating condition - with no dust or dirt inside - than almost
any of my Zuikos, all of which seem to gather some dust or flecks
inside eventually (not that it matters to the image, but still...).
The knurled metal focus rings are just so... right. I've had to fix up
loose rubber focusing rings on *three* of my Zuikos. I can't focus a
single one of my Zuikos.
- I expected gunshot-like noise and vibration, but it's maybe 10%
worse than my OM-3Ti. It's pretty smooth and quiet for 15-years older
technology than the OMs.
- The shutter just bloody works. My 3Ti is 15 years old, but it needs
a service now, because the shutter speeds are all out. This thing is 4-
+ years old, and it's in *perfect* operating condition, seller claims
it's never been serviced.
- Amazingly bright as the 3Ti focus screen is, I find the F more
accurate for focusing (I have three F screens to play with, trying out
the different ones...). Werid, eh? It's much dimmer, but shows the
real depth of field. Using DOF preview, you can actually *see* a
difference between f/2.0 and f/2.8. The 3Ti screen is equally bright
and crestal clear down to f/4, but perhaps induces focusing errors
more easily? I don't know, further testing required...
- "quiet mode" - just like a modern DSLR, I can shoot the F so that
the mirror raises during exposure (relatively quiet), and lowers later
when I am ready to wind the film (relatively loud). I love this.
What don't I like?
- The ergonomics (setting aperture and shutter speed) is no match for
an OM camera. Like, not even close.
- The darn lenses focus and [un]mount the wrong way round! Argh!
- I am sure when I print my first rolls, the that Zuikos will be
"better" than the 1950s-technology Nikkors
- I hate the fact that all sorts of crazy exotic lenses are available
for this system, as well as modern Zeiss lenses... ($$$)
The thing that impresses me most, is the fact that this camera and the
lenses are decades older than my (mostly 1980s) OM gear, but it works
so much better. Everything is Leica-smooth. No, it's better (I have
had to mess with my Leica M3 a lot, this thing *just works*) Even
Leica lenses from the 1950s are usually filled with crap, and have
their soft front elements scratched. You should see this 50/2.0 - has
that deep, clean sheen of a brand new lens.
Anyway, I'll keep you posted as to the results.
-- "Serious zuikoholic tries older, chunkier system" --
Dawid
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