Conrad F. Samuels wrote:
Well, without being controversial, it seems to me that the OM line is
destined for extinction. It appears all the more that systems are no
longer fully supported and the inherent electronic defects of certain
models are hastening their demise . . . (snip) . . . But Nikon appears
to be one of the few manufacturers to-day who still go for manual
equipment. . . (snip)
=====================================================================
Many supporters of 'minority' marques are worried about the long-term
viability of their favourite cameras. Examples include Leica-R and
Contax SLR; they should, by right, also include Contax-G but I don't
whether that's the case or not. Leica, at least, has a history of
providing spare parts and service back-up decades after a product has
become obsolete. The same is not true of Olympus.
It is easy to fall into doom and gloom on this issue. I do it myself
from time to time. However I have friends who have older Canon
cameras that Canon no longer will service. No one says Canon is
going out of business for that reason. I am sure that Minolta and
Nikon do not service every camera they have ever made. Like the
others, Olympus has currently available OM models and they service
them. Considering when the current OM models were released, that is
equivalent to the servicing of the discontinued models of other
manufacturers. Expecting the same legendary service on older models
as the Leica which is purchased as much for its collectibility and
market appreciation as its ability to take pictures just does not
seem realistic to me. Those people are willing to pay a lot of money
to get their cameras serviced which also supports a service
organization.
Olympus has, I think, found a niche market with the OM which may
continue to bring them value. While everyone has reduced inventories
in the new age of capitalism Oly seems to have been able to do the
same thing but is apparently willing to have new manufacturing runs
to replenish supplies. Apparently, they also make unannounced
improvements on lenses when they feel the urge. They have, like other
companies, dropped items from the line up which do not do well with
Olympus buyers, such as zoom lenses and professional level flash
systems, sort of like those little German companies.
So if you get depressed again take out your OM, fondle it for a
while, and go take a picture. Or buy a NEW piece of OM that is
perfect and beautiful. The joy will return to your life. :-)
Winsor
--
Winsor Crosby
Long Beach, California
mailto:wincros@xxxxxxxxxxx
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