Getting to Know the Olympus OM-1 35mm Camera!

[@yviegotit24]

My Dad just gifted me with his Olympus OM-1 for my birthday yesterday and it needs to be cleaned. I can't wait to use it! Thank you for making this video, it was extremely helpful!

[@hanna_watches]

So cool! I'm a teen getting into photography and found this old camera that my dad had. Followed your instructions to get out the film and am going to have it developed tomorrow! Very cool, I am so excited to be able to start taking photos with this!

[@angelisone]

This was built by my Great Grandfather Yoshihisa Maitani. The 1st full frame & lightest was the Olympus M-1 (Maitani is #1). The rarest M-1 was signed by Great Grandfather Maitani & my Uncle ATG. The most expensive Olympus camera in the used market is OM-3 series. And one signed by both come in with a price. ATG built many cameras & flashes: Rolleiflex 3003 (improved over 3000), Contax RTS IV & 645; Vivitar 285HV, Metz 60CT-4 & on. In honor of these great camera makers, Olympus made & named it now the OM-1 (Olympus & Maitani are still number One).

[@HamiltonWard]

That is absolutely incredible! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@angelisone]

@@HamiltonWard If you or anyone has questions, please ask or reply with email address. Many might have problem with their OM series of light leak from the back film cover. Carefully clean & remove those black foam & replace it with new one. My uncle & I say if you don't have black foam, you can apply a thin matte black silicone (seal car valve cover).

[@Gyuudon-enjoyer]

Your great grandfather is a titan of design/engineering and a hero to me. For folks in the US, also look up John Hermanson at Camtech, he is an Olympus expert and well worth sending in to get your OM CLA’d. he also offers battery voltage conversion for modern batteries. I gave my camera another 40 years of life sending it in to him.

[@angelisone]

@@Gyuudon-enjoyer Thank you for that nice comment. Yes, I have heard of John and not many on new internet know my uncle. My uncle was a camera designer/inventor/professor/photographer. As for hobbies, uncle & I do camera & flash/monolight/lsm/medical laser modifications (IR & UV), repairs/services for professionals. I like to play & mod cars with my daughters. Uncle helps when we are lost. I see one of many ATG's coming in for repairs: 1. Rolleiflex 3000, 3003 2. Contax AX, RTS III 3. Contax 645 4. Olympus OM-3, OM-4, OM-D E-M1X (Einstein & Maitani are #1 with scored of a 10), OM-1 Mark II 5. Metz 60CT & 50/70/76MZ 6. Quantum Turbo/QFlash T series 7. Vivitar 285, 285HV; Sunpak 555, 622; Canon 600EX-RT; Jinbei 600EX-RT; Rollei HS Freeze 6S

[@spillsthecutter]

​@@angelisoneI have just bought a new battery for OM1 light meter, got it from Internet ad they don't sell in the shops anymore, however the light meter seems to work, admittedly I tested it in low light, without the battery and it gives identical reading with battery inserted, what is going on here, does the OM1's light meter work perfectly without a battery, I don't remember this when I used it 30 years ago, although I do remember sticking a bit of card in the battery compartment because the light meter failed to operate properly with a newly installed battery, it worked fine with this bit of card pushing extra pressure down onto the little metal solenoid thing that should make contact with the battery. I hope I haven't lost you with all this, but film today is expensive and I want the camera's light meter working properly, not wanting to buy a exterior portable one.

[@finn.p8745]

hey Olympus fan boy here. I shoot the om-2 and have a om10 then also shoot my digital stuff on them too. Just wanted to let you know you can buy additional things like focusing screens to change the viewfinder or different backs so you can imprint the date on your images along with a whole load of other stuff :auto winders, grip addons. the best part is this was made to be modular which means its crazy easy to change them. For the back there's a little leaver on the hinge like a resit watch so you can take it off and replace it. Then for the focusing scream there's a little button on the inside that makes it drop down this helps for cleaning and or replacing. these cameras are like lego and i love them so much they feel so overlooked now days as well and i love that you've made a video to tell people how amazing these are.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for the comment! I had no idea about all those extra add-ons, that's wonderful to hear. It really seems like the camera that just keeps on giving. I'm going to dive into some of those extras and see what I can find, thanks again!

[@finn.p8745]

@@HamiltonWard i was amazed when i found out as well the om system is a lovley little rabbit hole to fall down cant wait to see those videos if you do end up getting some stuff

[@MrChills1975]

@@finn.p8745 Hi I also have the OM-10 and it is a wonderful camera. As you have both the OM-2 and OM-10, is there much of a difference in the viewfinder size between them? Thanks

[@finn.p8745]

@@MrChills1975 the om-2 is a little bit bigger but nothing to really make a difference i would say if your thinking of upgrading and want to stick with Olympus go for the OM-2n its a bit lighter then the om2 but with all the benefits and more you can also find them more easy

[@MrChills1975]

@@finn.p8745 Hi thanks very much for your reply. It's appreciated 🙂

[@atroche1978]

I thrifted my OM-1 with a clean 50mm 1.8 lens for $10 USD. All it needed was a thorough cleaning. I use 1.4v zinc air cells and the meter is pretty spot on. This camera is built like a tank, but doesn't have too much weight to it. The camera looks much sexier with the hotshoe removed.

[@HamiltonWard]

That is an incredible steal, great find! There is something really special about the weight of the camera. It really feels like it should be heavier than it is.

[@seralegre]

the foam on the pentaprism will create corrosion on the pentaprism with time. Is important you find someone that can clean it. Apart from that, enjoy it for decades.

[@randyleecastillo]

I just bought one. I received it today! Went here on KZbin find out how to use it. Thanks for posting.

[@HamiltonWard]

That's awesome! Hope you like it as much as I do!

[@LobsterMobsterBobster]

I’ve also recently bought one myself. How has your journey been so far? I’m still trying to figure it out.

[@philipvernon_photography]

Thank you for this content 🙏 I own several OM cameras of which this maybe my favourite. I must say the shutter lockup could be a fault which your OM1. The best thing about the OM 35mm model’s is that they become very intuitive with the shutter, focus and aperture all in one place that becomes super fast in operation. On the plus side too is that lots of people are opting for the lenses on the digital format as the optics are just beautiful.

[@Mr.Mines_World]

thank you i just picked one up looking forward to using in before the year ends.

[@mavstevens]

One thing not mentioned here that I recently learned with my om-1 is that the zuiko lense only has one release button (top side) not two. The other button that you mentioned (bottom side) is actually a depth of field preview. Thank you for the excellent video. I found it really helpful, especially the advice on advancing the lever before changing the shutter speed :)

[@HamiltonWard]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for the clarity on the depth of field preview!

[@davewoodhead2452]

Thanks for a great review, really enjoyed your presentation. You didn’t mention mirror lock up control and threaded shutter release for bulb mode long exposures to stop any mirror slap. Owned mine for 30 years and shoot with it often despite having many other cameras. These truly are beautiful machines that will outlive any DSLR or mirrorless that is sold in 2024.

[@jodyleedrafta5673]

Absolutely lovely video. Will be writing with questions about lenses ti get for mine. Have had it since 1988. There is nothing like the beautiful manual focus on this camera.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! I totally agree :)

[@fredrikmalm1295]

Removing lens is with one button, if I remember correctly, the other button is depth of field preview. I have the 1, 2N and 4Ti, great cameras all these❤

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I have the digital version of the em5 mark 3 and the om5 and I think I love them so much because they are so much like this camera.

[@smithschannel89]

I am so happy I found this video. Thank you very much. You're such a life saver. Thank you

[@yzzijones]

I was having the jamming issue you were talking about regarding advancing the film and the shutter speed! I just got my Olympus OM1 recently and have been adjusting the shutter speed to properly expose my light meter when I noticed that every now and then when I took a shot, the viewfinder would go completely black and I had no idea why. Very frustrating; I lost a good amount of shots because of this. Thank you for your explanation, it's good to know to advance the film and THEN adjust the shutter speed instead of the shutter speed first and then advancing the film!

[@stevencoelho2344]

Great video! I absolutely love using mine.

[@AndyCombes]

I was recommended to use the following battery for the light meter on the OM1 - Use the WeinCell MRB625 replacement battery PX625/PX13. This is designed as a drop-in replacement for the OM-1, and even says so on the packaging.

[@etdeaux]

I just ordered mine and this video has me so excited!!! I deliberated between the Canon AE-1 and the Olympus OM-1 and I’m glad I chose the Olympus! Can’t wait to shoot some shots!

[@HamiltonWard]

That's awesome! I hope the shooting has been going well!

[@cwbaldwin61]

Good review of a great camera. I thought I knew it all and you had a few interesting nuggets I hadn't known about. My OM-1, purchased about 5 years ago at a flea market for ~$50, was the gateway drug that got me hooked on film. I have about 30+ film cameras, most 35mm, but about a half-dozen medium formats (I just scored a Yashica Mat 124G the other day). My one digital camera which tends to gather dust. You are right about this beauty. The OM-1 is svelte but solid, has a clean & balanced design and is an absolute joy to hold. It's built like a tank without feeling like one (compared to a Pentax K100 or a Konica Autoreflex T3). The Zuiko glass is amazing; I'm about to add a 28mm f/1.8 to the stock 50mm f/1.8. The meter works (I just had it CLA'd by Vermont Camera) and I love the simplicity of it. It's simply lovely to look at and it always draws attention when I'm out shooting. I have an interest in alternative processing, maybe even wet plate one day. I started following you and look forward reviewing past videos.

[@HamiltonWard]

I can't thank you enough for such a kind message and I greatly appreciate the follow. It's a dream of mine to one day venture into wet plate as well and when I do, I'll be sure to post many videos on the process! What a steal for that camera, I'm glad it was able to get you hooked on film photography. I don't have as many cameras as you do but I still find myself grabbing the OM-1 when I want to shoot 35mm. The Yashica is probably my favorite film camera right now. I'm always amazed by image quality that camera can produce, there really isn't anything quite like it or at least that I've found. Thank you again for the message and happy shooting!

[@DaniBRGS]

11:05 actually the bottom button on the lens is the depth of field, for seeing how much light goes into the lens when setting the aperture. Anyway amazing camera. I have the OM-1n version that I still use till this day for the past 12 years. I never use the light meter, I have a separate light meter for that as well. I don’t even know if the light meter on the camera still works and I’m too lazy to find the right battery😂

[@matthewbrien]

I've got one of these and I couldn't ever out my finger on it, but yes, that viewfinder is is amazing. I'll disagree with you on the light meter though. The way the shutter speed and aperture rings are together on the front make it a fantastic to work with in changing light.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thanks for watching and the comment! I shoot a lot of large format so I'm used to have an external light meter but it's really whatever works best for your workflow. Having the shutter and aperture around the lens has really become my favored method of shooting, I love it.

[@rogergrogan342]

Excellent video, very informative, I’m inspired to take mine out of storage

[@nightscape_art]

I have recently been lucky enough to be gifted an Olympus OM-1 and an Olympus OM-10. Its great because I can switch between different films. And I agree totally - there is something very satisfying and nostalgic about using these cameras that you don't get with digital. Thanks for the helpful video. I wondered if it is possible to use the OM-1 on bulb mode like with the OM-10? Thanks. Brint :)

[@johncollins2452]

This is an interesting video of using a lovely mechanical film camera. My first SLR camera was a chrome OM1n bought new in 1971 along with three Zuiko lenses; 24mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8 and 135mm f2.8. One year later I bought a second OM1n body in black. I still have and use these cameras, in addition to an OM4 and OM4-Ti with an increased range of Zuiko lenses. The two OM1n' bodies were converted to use the smaller diameter and higher voltage SR44 or LR44 cells. The cell voltage was adjusted to match the voltage of the original mercury-containing cells, thereby ensuring that the exposure meter reading is correct. The OM4 and OM4-Ti were designed to use 2 x SR44 cells. The procedure you outlined for changing the shutter speed before advancing the film or otherwise risk locking the camera has not been my experience. Using either of my OM1n bodies, the shutter speed can be changed either before or after advancing the film without causing the camera to lock. You mention that the self-timer mechanism is defective. There is a possibility that this may be causing the malfunction you mention. However, if the procedure you have devised prevents your camera from jamming that is good news - at least it can be used.

[@HamiltonWard]

Great information, thank you for the comment!

[@ThunderMaiden]

Ooh I just got me this camera, can’t wait to try it 🤗🤩

[@JoeLopez]

Nice. I’ve always had a M-1 on my radar (early OM-1 before the name change).

[@csb65536]

I have to agree that the OM-1 is an amazing camera. I started out years ago with the Canon AE-1. It’s was a great camera for me at the time. Soon after I started shooting professional with the Canon F1, then the EOS 1N, and on to Canon digital. During the past 6-7 years, i have really gotten back into shooting on the older film cameras. I have a few Nikons, a bunch of Canons a few Pentax, and a few Olympus’s. I am going to do a video to compare the Nikon FM, the Pentax MX, and the Olympus OM-1. All with 50mm 1.4 lenses. But for me, I will say the OM-1 is by far my favorite. I just love the way it feels, the way the shutter sounds, and the amazing viewfinder. All three have their good points, and their bad points, and all three are great cameras…But ya gotta love the OM-1

[@HamiltonWard]

Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the watch and comment! Looking forward to that video too.

Great review Hamilton. I own one. I think this is one of the best SLRs ever made. Plus, it is not bulky at all, which is why they took so many years to design it.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! It's such a beautifully sleek design.

[@netrick02]

I got one with a broken light meter since i read that its often the battery contact that is broken and that is exactly what had happened. Now i also soldered in a diode and can use it with silver cells

[@mikeruzicka5669]

Great review, Hamilton. You highlighted all of the features nicely. I agree with your description about both how the camera feels in your hand, and what it's like looking through the viewfinder. Most of all, I agree that words cannot describe the experience. Even if someone isn't interested in purchasing an Olympus OM film camera, ask someone if you can try theirs. It's an experience you'll remember. My OM-1N was the 1st camera that I bought for myself. The 2 main reasons that I bought it were that it was small & light (great for my small hands), and that I could adjust focus, aperture & shutter speed without moving my eye from the viewfinder (keeps my eye on what I'll capture on film). My index finger goes on the focus ring, my middle finger on the aperture & my ring finger on the shutter speed. An elegant solution.

[@HamiltonWard]

Elegant is a great word to describe this camera. There really is something special that a video can't quite replicate. Total agreement that you really need to get one in your hands and go out and shoot with it to really feel the magic. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words!

[@LaTigerGenesis]

Your videos are so devoid of gimmicks and b.s. that I'm sorta gobsmacked. So used to recycled lofi chill-hop beats and Squarespace logos on most photo channels that I want to send this message of gratitude and respect :-)

[@HamiltonWard]

That is honestly the greatest compliment. Thank you so much for saying that!

[@JustDe0]

Agreed this video was immaculate, perfectly executed information that is only a need to, I was impressed I had not hit the fwd at anytime. Well done 👍🏽

[@nicole46980]

i just had a K1000 jam up like that this week, good to know that changing the shutter speed at the wrong time might have caused it

[@behindeachfilmgrain]

I thought about getting this model but the Olympus 10 was a great deal and bought it. Okay he lenses are really amazing! Nice and bright viewfinder is why I have not sold it. Great review Hamilton. Good seeing you are still active on your channel.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! You have to go for the deal. I’m a big believer in buying these cameras on the lower end (no light meter, broken self timer etc) and then use the extra funds to go towards film. I’m excited about the next few videos coming up!

[@franciscocompleto8187]

Hi Hamilton, great video! I just bought a Olympus OM-1 and Im using a Kodak Ultra Max 400 film. I wanted to ask you what settings (iso and shutter speed) would you recommend for a sunny day. Thanks a lot! 😊

[@AntonyBall-h9g]

I bought the camera a little while ago light seals done and the prism done a few body marks a dint but the camera fully works meter an all a beautiful camera to use I think I got a bargain just over £120 pounds I love using it and agree it feels like a proper piece of kit it takes me back in time when i was learning about photography and the Olympus lenses are excellent to use with the camera also I have a growing collection of them.......

[@leolammas7940]

Just a couple more features that put this Olympus ahead of the rest: Interchangeable screans;Flash type selector button;Mirror up button &viewing dept of field button. I was not aware of possibility of locking up . tks for that. I advise being careful to thread the film leader correctly as stated by you,

[@rrainezero19]

Fantastic presentation.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you saying that!

[@fenna_pel]

about film photography in general, there is this whole generation that never had a film camera in their hands and thus need to learn these (to me as an 'old' person) basic photography skills ;-) No hate intended, it just shows my age ;-) as a kid i learned these things from my father and he guided me through my early photography. And about the OM-1: back in the early 90's it was my first SLR camera, sold it to get an OM-4. I should have stayed with the OM-1 as none of my OM-4 images were better then my OM-1 images... At the moment i am custodian to 3 OM-1 bodies that all work fine and are used regularly. thx for the video 🙂

[@chad1337]

thank you for this video! loving this camera so far - do you ever use the depth of field preview button when shooting? i cant figure out how to use it - the viewfinder just gets dark depending on the aperture setting im using.

[@benkohltrane3690]

Thank you! I'm on my first roll with it. I also have an ae 1, but I love not requiring batteries. Do you ever send your film in to develop? I'm researching what will be the best/cost effective way to develop my rolls of film. I'm using negatives but I'm going to get slide rolls next.

[@HamiltonWard]

Apologies for the late reply. There is a camera shop near me that I use but I generally just do it at home. I'm sure there are places that you can mail it too but then you're looking at extra cost. I would try to use a local shop if possible and start to develop a good working relationship with them.

[@anthonydavis4829]

Great film camera. Does the job of those tank like cameras but much lighter and just as durable.

[@HamiltonWard]

Couldn't agree more! Thank you for the comment!

[@ted356]

I just dug my ancient OM-1 out of the closet. It has to be 40 years old, but it’s 100% functional. I need to shoot some film!

[@HamiltonWard]

Yes! Please do, what a great camera.

[@toranforward]

So which battery is the alternative one?❤

Great general review of this wonderful SLR Hamilton. I own one, and to me, this is just one of the best and most beautiful SLR ever made. Simple as that. Just by taking the camera in your hand, you can feel that they took several years to design it. It is just obvious. I agree with Matthew, if you can afford an OM-1 with a functional light meter, you'll enjoy it even more since it is pretty reliable. However, it means that you have to buy expensive batteries, or you can buy cheaper ones, but you'll need to compensate for the 1.5 V instead of 1.35 V that this light meter requires. It is especially true with color negative films.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for watching and the comment! I’m glad to see that I’m not the only om-1 shooter out there. I also appreciate your comment about the batteries for people out there who do still use the internal light meter. It’s good to hear that it’s still accurate. Thank you again!

[@anneslenders6967]

I bought a old Olympus OM-1n and my goal is to learn how to use it. This video helpt a lot. But I have some questions. I got the camera form an old man in town. And the camera came with a big case with a type of accessories and lenses. I don’t exactly know how to use them or what the precise function is. So maybe someone can help me😅. The first lens is a Panagor PMG auto wide-angle lens f=28 mm 1:28. The second one is a sigma high-speed zoom f=80~200mm 1:3,5 multi-coated. And the there are these like lens extenders type of things. With 12mm, 20mm, 36mm. Can someone tel me what these are. I honestly have no idea. And I’m curious to know what these are for and how to use them. I’d like to hear from you😊

[@HamiltonWard]

Sorry for the late reply, I've been traveling. The best thing to do would be to google each piece of equipment in there to see what they do and also what they cost. Generally speaking you can tell from the price of lenses if they're worth using. It's going to take some time so I would just set all of that aside. You should have a 50mm lens in that kit and that's the one that you want to focus on.

[@DillDough42069]

what is the alternate battery? i need one

[@HamiltonWard]

this one should do the trick www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/96457-REG/Wein_W9901201_MRB625_Cell_1_35v_Zinc_Air.html/reviews

[@brilee511]

Could you recommend a good beginner friendly lens for this camera? Thank you!

[@HamiltonWard]

I always like to recommend a 50mm lens. It's a great lens to learn on!

[@_beaverrr]

could you link me the aftermarket battery for this camera?

[@rasheedlewis1]

+1

[@michaelhall859]

Wein cell

[@michaelking5490]

Awesome video. What battery replacement can you use? Or what external light meter do you use? I’m just getting started into photography and have an OM-1 from my dad, but the light meter doesn’t work.

[@ij9438]

Hi there, just bought my very first film camera and it is an Olympus OM-1. Excited! However, I also just found out that these early lenses contain some radioactive Thorium. I guess this is common knowledge among photographers. I wonder what the health risks are but so far I find that they are negligible. Do you happen to have some more information about this? Anyway, nice video! Helps a lot

[@HamiltonWard]

From what I understand the health risks are negligible because it's sealed within the lens itself. This might have changed in the last few years but when I first started out I remember reading about the same thing and basically, as long a the lens is sealed it should be ok. Obviously do what your comfortable with and make sure to do your own research but as far as I know, you should be fine. Happy shooting!

[@youtoldharpotobeatme5023]

I picked up a perfectly good OM-1 last summer at Goodwill for $10 USD with the 50mm f1.8 lens. All it needed was a good cleaning. One thing I did swap out was the focus screen. Mine came with one of those diamond pattern focus screen which was in terrible shape. I swapped it out with a mint condition split circle focus screen. That sure is a fine damn camera! Fully mechanical and pretty small; oh and having both aperture, shutter, and focus rings next to each other....amazing! If I could take two cameras with me to heaven one would be the Canonet QL17 and the other the OM-1.

[@devinjansa9329]

Great video, my grandpa bought 5 of these back in the day. They were my moms for many years and now they have recently become mine. Very excited to use them but they have been sitting in storage for several years now and a few need the pentaprism foam to be cleaned and resealed. That is going to be my task for now. Very excited to get these working and one day pass them along to my kids. Also you mentioned a battery replacement in the opening but I couldn’t find it in the comments. Do you know which batteries are best to use? Thanks.

[@HamiltonWard]

That's so exciting! I hope you enjoy shooting with it. I would google to see what the best battery for the OM-1 is these days. Batteries can change and so there might be one that's easier/safer to use these days. Happy shooting!

[@alexthornton9236]

Hey, thanks for the video. Just got my om-1 in the mail! I’m a little confused about the not leaving the shutter locked part. Do you mean you should always advance the film after you take a picture, and not leave it un-advanced for a long period of time?

[@HamiltonWard]

Glad you liked the video! This is mainly when you already have a roll of film in the camera and don't plan on shooting often. Basically, when you advance the roll the shutter will lock and add pressure to the spring. If you keep it locked like that for a long period of time, it could hurt the spring because it will be under pressure all that time. What I have gotten in the habit of doing is not advancing unless I have the shot ready. So, I will shoot and NOT advance. Then I will advance when I am ready to shoot next. I hope that helps and clears it up, let me know if it doesn't!

[@alexthornton9236]

@@HamiltonWard Oh ok, that makes sense! Will put a piece of tape on the back of the camera to remind me - don't advance until you're ready to shoot the frame! Thanks a bunch

[@marcusmukhtar4944]

Just found this camera in my grand parents house and I’m taking it back home with me now

[@HamiltonWard]

That is incredible! Let me know how the shooting goes!

[@remonmicheal8753]

Thank you for the video sir

[@chrisleach5682]

Great video! You have a really cool voice for this.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thanks man! Really appreciate you saying so ☺

[@chrisleach5682]

@@HamiltonWard I just calls it likes I sees it. Haha

[@onehorizongamin2024]

Could you post that link you mentioned about the battery alternative? Or a possible external light meter for it? Thanks!

[@honeymonsoonsubs9147]

This was so helpful. I just picked up a OM-1N today at a charity store, and I'm so excited to shoot on something a bit more substantial than my Pentax Espio. Thank you for this video, you have a new subscriber!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much! This comment really made my week. Happy shooting!

[@anapaulinarodriguez9404]

Hello :) what’s the name of the battery substitute for the OM-1?

[@michaelhall859]

Think he forgot to add it to the description, Search "Wein Cell 1.35v mercury replacement battery" I use them in a couple and work fine, just take them out when you finish shooting so they don't drain 👍🏼

[@anapaulinarodriguez9404]

@@michaelhall859 thank you so much, just ordered it :)

[@anjeliadibben6106]

what's a light meter? I'm a beginner will I need that?

[@HamiltonWard]

Hi, thanks for watching and for your comment. So, a light meter tells you what to set your shutter speed and aperture at for a properly exposed image. This camera and most others have one built into it so you wouldn't need an external light meter to set a proper exposure. Hope that helps!

[@bellaevans6057]

Very new to film cameras, I found one of these at a good price on an online thrift store. The seller mentions that the meter doesn’t work reliably, but as you mentioned that could be an asset rather than a fault. However they also said that there is some discoloration at the bottom of the viewfinder due to the age of the prism. Do you think that would be a significant problem, or just an aesthetically annoyance? As I mentioned, total amateur here so not picky. Incredibly informative video, thanks!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you for watching and for your comment! It's really hard to tell if that would be an issue or not. Due to the age of these cameras, there is generally going to be something a little off with them and that's actually one of the joys that I find in film photography. There are "errors" and issues that pop up that add a little character to the images that you're taking. So long as it doesn't detract from the overall image and style that you're going for, it shouldn't be a problem. If it's cheap enough, I would probably give it a go but there are others out there that aren't too expensive and have a generally "clean" viewfinder etc. You basically roll the dice whenever you buy a used camera. Hope that helps!

[@HiHi7530]

Great video!!

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@donnaaikele7634]

My rewind button doesn’t work is there any fixing it? On my Olympus om 1

[@michellebryant4208]

hi! Thanks for this informative video. My dad has just handed this camera down to me. When the red lights are lined up the lens is not locking in, any tips? I am also worried, and if I look through the viewfinder its all black. Any tips welcomed please!

[@alongross4229]

Do you have any idea why the back of the camera isn’t opening? I tried pulling the rewind knob

[@HamiltonWard]

Hmm if that's not working for you, I would take it to a local camera repair place or send it off to one.

[@Shirikatsu]

I can't find the link you mentioned for the alternative battery.

[@HamiltonWard]

a.co/d/1wE3Xs6 this should work

[@Shirikatsu]

​@@HamiltonWard Thanks!

[@goldenhourkodak]

The viewfinder is nice to look at but it's harder to compost your image since it's so big. You cannot see your entire composition at once since you have to look around.

[@mikeruzicka5669]

Interesting. I love the fact that I can look around inside the view finder to see practically everything that'll be in the negative.

[@ayhamm3783]

Thanks for your help🤗 I have one like this...like new...can you help me where i can buy it and how much? And thank you anyway ☺️💜

[@SneakySneaky1010]

7:25 interesting fact- a springs wear is a function of how many times it has been cycled not how long it stays in compression! So worry not!

[@HamiltonWard]

That's great to hear, thank you!

[@michaelns9887]

You can set the shutter speed before or after advancing the film. This is literally written in the manual.

[@grahamramsay4226]

What's the alternative for the batteries

[@sixeightphotos]

Great review. But, the warning on not leaving the spring compressed is incorrect. The only thing that degrades a spring is the act of compressing and decompressing the spring.

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you for the clarification! So the fact that the spring is taut for an extended period of time won't degrade it at all? I had just heard about this from two separate people and want to be sure before I go out and leave it loaded.

[@sixeightphotos]

@@HamiltonWard absolutely certain. Good example is pistol magazines from wwii era that were packaged loaded with bullets (so fully compressed). shipped over seas and then war ended and they were put into surplus (still fully loaded). Then 70 years later, they can be taken out of their packaging from the 40’s and fired and used as if they are new.

[@nmzlee]

Does the lens need uv filter?

[@siguuurddahlstrom]

Hey! Love the video! I wondered if you knew the difference between the om-1 and om-1n?

[@HamiltonWard]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I don't but I found some people smarter than me that do :) www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/comments/qhen8x/need_some_help_olympus_om1_or_om1n/

[@jasonlovi8745]

Just got one, gotta figure out how to remove the prism eating foam though.

[@alonzo2k]

Hi Hamilton, what is the nMe of the battery for the OM-1 I can't seem to find it in the description? Thanks

[@michaelhall859]

Search Wein cell

[@Meclesky07]

I cant get my yongnuo 600 ex rt ii flashes to fire when mounted on the cameras hot shoe OR by PC sync cable. Can anyone help? I have the little fp/x switch set to X, Shutter Speed set to 1/60, flash set to manual and wireless mode off.

[@ChuckTeStA97]

Just to clarify, the OM-1 is not Olympus’ first SLR. The Pen-F predates the OM-1 and is an SLR (albeit a half-frame).

[@HamiltonWard]

Thank you for the clarify!

[@misteragb7558]

I've been buying and selling OM-1's for a while now, had over 13 and none of them had the issue with the specific order in which you have to change the shutterspeed and winding

[@HamiltonWard]

I might just be unlucky :)

[@63MacGuy]

Is there a link to where to buy the batteries

[@p.1238]

What’s the difference between OM-1 and OM-1n? I have the OM-1n and I’m unfortunately really not a fan of the camera so far..

[@ywloveskopi-o]

Can anyone be patient and explain the Depth of field button and how to use it? I have a om1 and I don't know how to use it

[@danc2014]

The actual photo will often be taken with a smaller aperture and thus have a larger focus range. The smaller the aperture the larger the infocus range. You will normally see the full open lens to aid in the focusing and framing. Pressing the depth of field button will close the aperture down and show the true range of focus the lens is set too.

[@thedaily1percentclub]

Will the camera(shutter) function without a camera?

[@ahappycoder2925]

the only thing that requires a battery is the light meter. Since its fully manual, that affects nothing else on the camera

[@Coffee_break514]

Hey where is the link for the battery?

[@randyleecastillo]

Hey, bud. Quick question? You may know more about this than I do. My shutter button seems to get stuck, as though I've taken a picture when I haven't used it. Seems like I have to rewind to the next exposure on film but with that I'm losing shots. Any thoughts? thank you.

[@danc2014]

The wind lever is slipping and will not cock the shutter. Thus you need to perform this twice. It can be fixed but you need to remove the top. You should also clean any dissolved rubber on the penta prism as it will delaminate the mirror finish. I would just perform a double exposure but since the 1st photo was not taken it will be a normal picture.

[@danc2014]

Your camera needs a cleaning if you cannot change the shutter speed without a problem. There are gears on the bottom that can be easily cleaned. But there is also a foam rubber de lamination problem. You should clean any dissolved rubber on the penta prism as it will de laminate the mirror finish.

[@MrocznyTechnik]

Thank you for the video. Now I know this camera is not for me. I'll stick to Pentax ME Super. Since my favorite mode is aperture priority.

[@HamiltonWard]

Always good to know what you're looking for in a camera to make sure you find the ones that's right for you and what you shoot.

[@peterwilliamson2488]

The OM1 was not Olympus’ first slr ,that was the Olympus FTL.

[@markdodsworth5439]

Ive had OM1s since the 80s and have never had the issue with winding on before changing shutter speed. Early Russian cameras yes not the OM1. Maybe your camera has a mechanical problem. Also shutter speed is on the body not the lens

[@HamiltonWard]

Thanks Mark! It's possible but I've spoken with other OM1 users that have had the same issue that I've had. It could just be a bad batch but it does seem to happen with this camera. Thanks for the clarity on the shutter speed and thanks for watching!

[@sputumtube]

Recommending people to buy a camera with a broken light meter and a faulty self timer is crazy. Why would anyone spend money on something they know is broken?

[@HamiltonWard]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. With the rising prices of film and cameras I'm always looking for ways to help people save money. You can get a great deal on a camera with a broken light meter and since a lot of photographers (myself included) use an external meter, there's really no need for one. It's not for everyone but for those of us who use an external, we end up saving money.

[@sputumtube]

@@HamiltonWard Fair enough - I see your point.

[@bohabbibab5858]

97% of what will be on the film you will see on the viewfinder. Not the other way around.

[@bmwlover1981]

I couldn't disagree more about the light meter. Get a working light meter!!!!! It's so important for daily use!