John Pendley wrote:
====================================================================
This is all very interesting to a spot meter fan like me. But it seems
to me there have been more complaints about problems with the -2sp than
other Olys. Am I wrong? Obviously your experience has been positive.
I'd really like your comments on this camera, both pro and con. I may
be in the market for one, depending on your experience.
====================================================================
John,
I don't know whether you're expecting replies from list members in
general but I can't resist. Since I own both models, here's my two 2
cents worth. This is the ONLY Oly topic on which I have any knowledge
at all (I can hear the groans from the rest of you: 'On no, here he
goes again!').
The main differences of which I am aware are:
- 2S has Program mode: camera selects both shutter and aperture,
useful for P&S and candid shots as the manual says.
Program mode uses TTL OTF metering, as does aperture priority
automatic mode, which the 2S also has; the 2N only has
aperture priority auto mode and manual mode, with no program.
- 2S has Spot metering in manual mode, which works well but doesn't
include the multi-spot facility of the OM-4. There is no centre-
weighted metering alternative in manual mode but, if you think about
it, there doesn't really need to be. 2N has centre-weighted only.
- Silicon blue cells are used in the 2S for all light measurement,
both OTF light measurement during the shot (program and auto modes)
and for the meter indication before the shot (all modes). In the 2N,
light measuement for the meter uses a separate CdS cell that reads
light from the focussing screen. This is a slower device and could,
at least in theory, give less accurate results. Also, changing the
type of focussing screen used can affect light meter calibration
in the 2N but has no such effect in the 2S.
- Mirror locks up in advance when using the electronic self timer in
the 2S. The 2N has no facility for mirror lock-up, which could be
a problem, for instance, in very precise macro work.
- The hot shoe is a fixed, built-in item on the 2S; with the 2N it is
detachable and vulnerable to damage. Also, the 2N has a separate
connector for a remote flash cord.
- Some controls are smoother and more pleasant to operate on the
2N, such as the film advance (which is higher geared on the 2S,
with correspondingly shorter lever throw and stiffer operation,
don't know why) and the shutter speed ring (narrower and stiffer on
the 2S - again, no idea why).
- The self-timer on the 2N is a mechanical clockwork device that
is separately activated from the normal shutter release and allows
more or less delay time to be selected, depending on how far the
lever is rotated. On the 2S, it is a fixed 12 sec. duration
electronic delay that uses the normal shutter release button to
activate it. The worst feature of the 2S's self timer is that
it's so easy to forget to cancel it (I've done this so many times,
it's not funny!)
- The 2N electronics are simpler and less crowded than the 2S, which
makes the 2N easier to overhaul/repair. Circuit boards for the
2S are unavailable now, too, so while the electronics in the
2N are still fixable, those in the the 2S are not.
- The 2N is economical on batteries, while the 2S is definitely NOT.
This is probably the most complained-about feature of the 2S
and is not something that can be overcome, although it can be
helped by a component change that uses the flash's batteries instead
of the camera's batteries for the viewfinder flash ready LED. It
makes it all the more imperative to use silver oxide cells in the
2S, although they should also be used in the 2N, to avoid
deterioration of exposure accuracy as the cells are used up.
- The viewfinder in the 2N is brighter than in the 2S (because of the
2S's semi-silvered mirror). There are brighter OM 2-series or
Beattie screens that improve the 2S without affecting the light
metering calibration.
- The 2N can be used at 5 frames per second with a Motor Drive
but the 2S only manages 3.5 fps. This is a limitation imposed by
the 2S's program mode. With Winder 2 there is no difference.
- The 2N can use linear polarizing filters but the 2S requires
circular polarizers, to prevent inaccurate light meter indications
due to its semi-silvered mirror.
- The 2N could be had in chrome or black; the 2S was black only.
Both are well made, small but sturdy cameras. In my experience they
produce good results but I have actually found the 2S to give more
precise exposures. I never have any doubts about its accuracy whereas I
was occasionally disappointed with results from the 2N. However, that
could have been because the 2N didn't have spot metering and I might
have misjudged a few exposures because of that.
Regards,
Ray
=====
Ray
"The trouble with resisting temptation is
you never know when you'll get another chance!"
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