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RE: [OM] OM-2n Viewfinder light leak?

Subject: RE: [OM] OM-2n Viewfinder light leak?
From: Ray Moth <ray_moth@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 19:33:02 -0800 (PST)
Bob Whitmire wrote:

Out at a local beach shooting some snaps today. Bright sun. I noticed
(for the first time) that with sunlight coming in from the side, the
meter will vary as much as two stops depending on whether light to the
viewfinder is blocked. This happens in auto as well as manual mode.
When I turned the camera into the light, the variation dropped to a
stop or less. Does this mean light leak around viewfinder, or is this
something that happens with OMs?
=====================================================================
Bob,

What you noticed is normal for both the OM-1(n) and OM-2(n). It doesn't
occur with later models. It's due to the fact that the CdS cell, used
in the OM-1(n)/2(n) for the visible meter reading in the viewfinder,
meaures light from the focusing screen. Light entering the viewfinder
in bright conditions, such as on a sunny beach, can cause this reading
to be inaccurate. This is true regardless of the mode selected on the
OM-2(n) and is a more common problem for people wearing glasses, since
their eyes are further away from the viewfinder and provide less
shielding. 

However, although you observed the effect in both manual and auto
modes, the fact is that it won't have any effect in auto mode because
different silicon blue cells are used for the actual exposure. These
are located in the floor of the mirror box, where they are shielded
from light entering the viewfinder. Just stick with auto exposure and
there won't be a problem. If you want to use manual mode, however,
you'll have to find a way of shielding the viewfinder to get an
accurate meter reading, such as fitting an eye-cup.

Regards,

=====
Ray

"The trouble with resisting temptation is
 you never know when you'll get another chance!"

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