Apart from the prism problem I think it might be appreciated by someone
interested in astrophotography... one of the major reasons for my own
purchase of an OM-1 in 1974. Apart from a moon shot, shutter speed
accuracy doesn't matter since exposures will all be made on "B" with a
locking cable release. Likewise, metering is totally unimportant. The
missing 1-13 screen is also not very important since one would like to
use something designed for very long focal lengths like a 1-8.
Typically, an OM T-mount will adapt it to most anything.
You might be able to sell it here under cameras (film)
<http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/>
Chuck Norcutt
On 2/20/2012 12:40 PM, Ken Norton wrote:
> Last night I was given an old OM-1. It's a non-MD body, so it would
> date to 1973. No focus screen and it has prism rot. Obviously, the
> light seals and mirror foam are long since gummed away and turned to
> powder. Don't know about the meter, since it had no battery. I think
> I'm the fourth or fifth person to get it as it has been passed around
> like a fruit cake. I suspect it's been handed around for more than a
> few years.
>
> Overall condition isn't too bad. No dents, nicks and just standard
> scratches from minimal use. Both speed governers in the shutter are
> working good and everything else, including the timer, appears fine. A
> good cleaning and it should shine up nicely. The leatherette is in
> good condition too.
>
> So, the question is what to do with it. I'm not likely to put it into
> use since I've got a fleet of other cameras that do OTF and
> multi-spot. I am starting a little display shelf of cameras. Maybe it
> could go on that along with a couple other retired or semi-retired
> cameras. If so, do I keep it in current condition or send it off for
> overhaul? Do I do my own overhaul? Do I give it away to another list
> member who wants it? Do I donate it to somebody else who has a museum
> shelf?
>
> I realize that no self-grandising OM geek should be without an OM-1.
> Next year, this beasty will be 40 years old. It's getting to the point
> where it should start becoming a collector item. But so many were
> produced that it may be many decades before it has any worth. Even so,
> it would be more sentimental value than anything.
>
> Really, I think the only thing wrong with it is the prism rot and ALL
> of the foam. The meter is an unknown, but chances are it's fine. Can't
> tell if somebody took the cover off in an attempt to fix the prism,
> but I suspect that a simple attempt was made to figure it out since
> the focus screen is missing.
>
> So questions to the group:
>
> 1. Keep it or give it away?
> 2. If I keep it, do I overhaul, self-overhaul or shelve it as-is?
> 3. If I give it away, anybody interested in it?
>
> AG (yes, it's chrome) Schnozz
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