First:
Thanks to those who commented about this lens and gave some tips about
mounting the Adaptall II.
Got the lens today! Perfect glass and no obvious internal dust (or fungus,
or mites). Compared to the Zuiko 35-105/3.5~4.5 it's about the same length
with slightly larger diameter and a bit heavier (which Moose
mentioned). But it's not really bulky. Heavier than Zuiko's I have of
similar size (because of its speed), it's short enough to still balance
well. Definitely smaller and noticeably lighter than its successor, the
28-105/2.8 a friend of mine has for his MF Nikon system.
The Adaptall II is the newer "OL" that won't decapitate the reset button on
the OM-4's lens mount and it is in LN- condition (was it ever used?? no
mounting rub marks on the flanges). I'm thankful to the person who
mentioned aligning the green dots and setting the aperture wide open when
mounting it on the lens! Mounted to all my OM bodies firmly with positive
latching of the locking tab.
Rear barrel behind the focus/zoom ring is metal and feels/sounds slightly
thinner than a typical Zuiko but still strong; front barrel appears to be a
composite, albeit hefty, thick and solid feeling. Sliding the focus ring
to adjust focal length isn't the velvety smooth action of the Zuiko, but
it's not objectionable either. Turning the ring to focus is very smooth
and feels good.
Overall in build and "feel" I give it good marks. Definitely not a Zuiko,
but it's well ahead of the dirt cheap things Can*n and Nik*n are bundling
their consumer grade cameras with in discount department stores (which feel
like absolute crap).
Compared metering same scene with a 50/1.4 MC and the Tamron with zoom at
about midrange. Same readings across the aperture range they had in
common. Linkages are snappy and work well (tested it with the back off and
lens stopped fully down to f/32).
Loaded up the unexposed back half of a roll of Royal Gold 200 I had
unloaded a couple weeks ago. Planning on shooting it tomorrow on some
local "test targets" . . . things with combinations of high detail, sharp
contrast, smooth gradations, etc. Hopefully, this example lives up to the
reputation touted in Photodo.
More after I get the film developed and thanks to those who shared their
experiences with this lens.
-- John
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