John Pittman wrote:
>Stuart Goggin wrote:
>>"Actually I would be happy, in fact really, really happy, if they simply
made
>>the 2000 compatible with a motor drive and OM focussing screens."
>I second that!
Although I have indeed put in my wish for the OM2000 improved model which is
compatible with a motor drive/winder 2 and the OM focussing screens (1-x as
well as 2-x screens), I thought to myself that in order for Olympus to sell
such a model, they would have to bring back the OM-1 which obviously has a
mythical significance.
Having used the OM2000 for the past several months on and off, I have to say
that the OM2000 is a pretty good camera. In order to make a budget model
which sells millions of bodies, Olympus needs to invoke the name of the
OM-1.
My ideal OM-1 will be built like the OM2000, and will be much lighter than
the original. As such, it should not cost as much. Unlike the Cosina-built
OM2000, the OM-1 reissue is a true OM camera in that it has its shutter dial
at the OM mount and would accept the MD 2/Winder 2 if needed. The original
OM-1 had a MLU, which is retained in the OM-1 reissue.
There will be no auto exposure capabilities on this camera. However, unlike
the original OM-1, metering includes spot metering and is displayed in LED
as on the 2000. This LED display does have an advantage over the LCD
display on the OM-4T which I have in that it is still possible to meter your
subject while you yourself are in the dark. I was recently shooting stage
performance with both the OM-4T and the OM2000. I used the OM2000 as a
backup, and mainly used the OM-4T. I used the OM-4T in the auto mode only,
hoping that setting the lens wide open most of the time, the shutter speed
was fast enough although I could not see a thing in the display. With the
OM2000, however, I could see its LED display under the same lighting
condition around me.
At the moment, I don't know for sure I want the OM-1 reissue to have a cloth
shutter curtain or a metal one like in the 2000. The multiple exposure
capability as in the 2000 would be good to have in the reissue. The range
of shutter speeds as available on the 2000 would be fine on the reissue.
This is not a do-everything camera. This is a basic and mechanical OM body
which can appeal to the following market:
1) Photography students of all ages need to have an all mechanical camera
with a spot meter to learn the basics of photography.
2) A reliable backup body for the current OM users (amateurs and pro).
Therefore the OM-1 reissue can be used with an MD/Winder 2. Interchangeable
focusing screens would be handy for specialized situations,
astrophotography, architecture photography, etc.
3) Those who want to try Zuiko lenses at a minimal cost and with little time
to hunt for a good used body. The 24mm shift, the 35-80mm Zoom, the 90mm
macro, etc. will become available to a larger segment of photography
professionals.
Olympus could also issue a commemorative version of the OM-1 with a chrome
body at a reasonably high price for snob appeal.
Any comments?
Tomoko Yamamoto
Photographer, Composer, Soprano
mailto:tomokoy@xxxxxxxxx
Home Page: http://www.charm.net/~tomokoy/
Olympus Classifieds: http://ep.com/ep/csp.html?csp=1130
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