Kenneth Wajda Buying a Film SLR: Olympus OM-2n Camera

Discussing the Olympus OM-2n 35mm camera.
SUBSCRIBE for more reviews each week.
Kenneth Wajda, a professional commercial photographer who still shoots film, walks you through the ins and outs of buying vintage film cameras, which ones to buy, which to avoid, how much to pay and other tricks for making sure you get a working camera and a good deal!
Tips on Leica, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, Yashica, Fuji, Mamiya, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, Praktica, Exakta, Zorki and more!

[@geradebowden1463]

I still have my OM2 my dad bought for me in 1975.....still works beautifully

[@kennethwajda]

+gerade bowden They're beautiful to shoot with. So smooth and small.

[@qa1030]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@fwgf1837ad]

That is great. My grand father own it, but he didi not use not frequently. I bught it OM-2n and OM-2 SpotProgram in 2018.

[@MatteoPreziosoPH]

Although recently I've been flirting with Nikon (FE2, F4s), I am an Olympus fan at heart. Sad news recently about Olympus Imaging Division having been sold (that hurts), but I'll keep on cherishing my OM bodies. OM1, OM2, OM4. As for this model, I absolutely love it. The revolutionary OTF meter system is, for me, still something out of this world. Ever so precise, and the shutter's sound still my fave. Wonderful, wonderful camera.

[@kennethwajda]

I love how we can still get excited for new/old tech that works! Yep!!

[@MatteoPreziosoPH]

@@kennethwajda I am obliged to agree with you Sir. Again.

[@desibaytan7821]

Out of all the 1 digit series of OMs, I use this the most because of it's simplicity. Personally, I think it does the job for many of my needs. Great video btw.

[@kennethwajda]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and yes, what a great camera. Fits like a glove! Great optics, too!

[@tonygarrett7214]

The OM2n will faithfully expose film for up to 2 minutes on auto setting. You need to be careful of reciprocity failure. I still have my OM2n black body and it is still an amazing camera.

[@kennethwajda]

Good to know. Thanks for that, Tony.

[@jontrewfrombarry]

I bought an OM2n. The seller said the mirror was stuck in the up position so was only selling it for parts. What he didn't know was that if you try to use the OM2n in auto mode when the battery is dead the mirror flips up and stays there. To get it to work you have to fit a new battery and then push the meter switch up past the auto setting and the mirror flips down. It worked a treat and as a result of this little bit of info I ended up with an OM2n in mint condition instead of a dead camera only fit for spare parts. The OM2 without the n is slightly different. Press the "RESET" button at the lower left corner of the body mount, and rotate the manual shutter speed ring until the reset mark (*) is aligned with the red triangle on the lens mount. A useful bit of info if you come across an old one that has not been used for a while and the battery is dead

[@kennethwajda]

I know those tricks. Same with Nikon F3s with a manual shutter on the front of the camera by the DOF switch, and FG by putting it on M90.

[@lougoetzmann]

thanks for the great video Kenneth, keep up the good work! I just bought a mint condition OM-2n with a 28mm 3.5 and a 50mm 1.4. Really excited.

[@kennethwajda]

***** It's such a joy to shoot with. Bright viewfinder with that 1.4! I shoot with a 100mm f2.8 on it and love the look, love the operation! Good luck. Post some photos for us! Thanks.

[@analogbug16]

Found one with a bunch of lenses for a steal on eBay. I already have an OM-1 and love it and now one more to use.

[@kennethwajda]

Sweet. Good luck with it!

[@scottiesretro1213]

One of my fav camera bodys . Had a OM2n that I traded for a OM2s. Loved both of them. On cold nights when my OM4t would act up I used one of the OM2's. After a wile the OM4 stayed in the bag as the back up.

[@kennethwajda]

+scotties retro Yep, I've had trouble with OM4 bodies also. I like the OM-2n the best. They feel great in hand.

[@Broodjemetbeleg]

I love these cameras, really well made even the double digit models, I've got an om10 (chrome and black) om1, om1n, om2n (chrome and black) om30 with the rare 35-70 auto focus lens, om40 and couple others, the quality of these is amazing, especially the lenses are great, very smooth ring and the dof preview button is a unique feature that surprisingly wasn't copied by other manufacturers.

[@kennethwajda]

Good review! Thanks!

[@danc2014]

FYI OM cameras were affected by foam rot and prism rot. OM used a prism foam which degraded into sticky rubber which will eat the mirror coating. The other camera I have seen this on is a Minolta XG . Removal of all the foam before it attacks the prism is the only fix. Some think a foam change was made thet will prevent it, but like the door seals problem, I see it on all the cameras made. .

[@kennethwajda]

Good to know, thanks!

[@GroundhogOZ]

My favorite film camera ... at the moment I have three working OM-2n (black, chrome, chrome with white leather) to pick from. Sadly I don't have enough time to use them as much as they deserve, but at least one always has a film loaded to be prepared :D

[@kennethwajda]

Sweet!!

[@julilacart3692]

If you decided to let go one of them I’ll be gladly to adopt it :D

[@kennethwajda]

Pull the ring up around the +/- dial on right, and turn it to the correct ISO.

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

Thank you for the review. This is one of the cameras I would like to add to my collection.

[@kennethwajda]

Douglas Barrow It's a good one. One of my favorite.

[@007mrthomas]

Nice vid, just bought one for $35, its in great shape, can't wait to try it out

[@kennethwajda]

+fommes Sweet deal, where'd you find it? Good luck with it. Such a great small and well built camera!

[@007mrthomas]

Found it on a dutch facebook group for buying / selling all kinds of stuff, guess not a lot of photography enthousiasts on there :) filled up my first roll, want to check if I need to redo the light sealing. but so far I really like the camera.

[@kennethwajda]

It's definitely one of my favorites. Have fun with it!

[@derrenleepoole]

This camera takes silver oxide SR44 batteries. While it will work with LR44s, these type of batteries have a slow power drain which in time will lead to inaccurate meter readings. SR44s will simply just go dead and you avoid potential exposure issues.

[@kennethwajda]

Thanks for the info!!!

[@rbruce63]

Those Olympus OM series were really advanced, one had TTL flash exposure, however, I'm biased towards the Nikon FM2N or FM3. Some say tomato others say tomaato!

[@kennethwajda]

I like the smallness and build quality of the OMs, but I love the FM2, too! I used it professionally for years, so I'm really connected to it.

[@iclicklike3397]

problem is nikons are way overpriced. could get a medium format for the price of these.

[@sevenantony7376]

thanks for the review

[@kennethwajda]

You're very welcome!! :-)

[@Mrseungwoo]

Is it polished body? Looks great! Please let me know...😃

[@mtlvlog]

Hello! Nicely wrapped video. I personally own an Olympus OM-2N. I thought you might appreciate knowing that I referenced your video in one playlist I created on my channel. Nice work! Let's stay in touch!

[@kennethwajda]

I appreciate it. Thanks!

[@terrywbreedlove]

I have the OMG which is very similar to this one here. I really like it except for the way you adjust the shutter speeds it is hard to see and grip to turn.

[@kennethwajda]

Made back before OMG meant "OMG!" :-)

[@ndnride295]

Cool just got this, thanks for view

[@kennethwajda]

Sure. Enjoy.

[@Sikhislove]

Hello Ken...do you sell any of the film cameras. Your take on film cameras is very good and to the point.

[@kennethwajda]

I sell some, yes. I use many, but I have some I had for teaching film to students--those I sell.

[@vaughnsigal4560]

What lens mount do these old Olympus slr's use? Was thinking of picking up a body separate, want to know what the lens mount is called. Thanks

[@Guntmel]

It's called the Olympus OM system.

[@anasbaeshen4110]

Can i use this lens with all om system?

[@anasbaeshen4110]

is there a deference btwn om 2n and om 10?

[@GeoffreyEduard]

Hi Kenneth. Thx for this great video. I can get a mint om2n for around 200 dollar. New seals and everything. You think it's worth it? I can find a ton of om1's and om2's for around 90 to 120 dollar, but they are never in such great condition as the one that got my attention now. thx for your feedback!

[@kennethwajda]

Well, if you can afford it, and you want that one and it's worth it to you to stop looking, sure it's worth it. A beater will probably have issues. That one will feel special, so I'd say sure, especially if you get a good lens with it.

[@GeoffreyEduard]

Thanks for your answer. It is indeed true that it would make me stop looking and have a piece that has that collectible value that I'm looking for. It is without a lens though. I would buy a 1.4 50mm to go with it. Know a guy that sells one of the latest serials numbers that was serviced two months ago.

[@kennethwajda]

Sounds like a quick route to shooting! Good luck. And use it, don't baby it too much!

[@terrywbreedlove]

I have the OMG. Serious Olympus made a camera they named OMG. Mine has the 50mm 1.8.

[@kennethwajda]

Right? :-)

[@terrywbreedlove]

Kenneth Wajda It is a nice little camera actually. The viewfinder is so bright and easy to focus. It is small and light and I am thinking about buying 35mm lens for it. But also maybe picking up an OM 4 something

[@terrywbreedlove]

Kenneth Wajda This is exactly the same as mine www.fstopcameras.com/slrcameras/olympus-omg-35mm-film-slr-camera

[@kennethwajda]

I love the OM2n, great mechanical camera and aperture priority. Someone gave me an OM3, which is remarkable. But the OM2n would be my pick. @@terrywbreedlove

[@alexcain6803]

What should you do if the film door won’t open when you pull up on the rewinder

[@kennethwajda]

It might be the latch is disconnected. Easy for a service person to quickly open for you and see if worth fixing.

[@onrkru5565]

How Can I change iso ? I cant! just changing exposure :(

[@analogbug16]

Lift up and then turn the dial.

[@soulfleur6167]

Helloo, may i ask can u change with other lenses?? What mount can be used for this camera?

[@kennethwajda]

Olympus lenses are only usable on other Olympus cameras, or mirrorless m43 cameras with an adapter.

[@soulfleur6167]

@@kennethwajda alright thankyou so much for your answer, im planning to buy om2n soon and hopefully the camera is still work properly

[@kennethwajda]

@@soulfleur6167 It's a mechanical camera, so if the battery-powered meter goes, it will still shoot.

[@soulfleur6167]

@@kennethwajda awesome!! Once again thank you so much!!👍

[@noaaaas]

Where could I buy one?

[@kennethwajda]

+Noa Sagiv Craigslist in the US, camera shops, ebay, flea markets, antique shops, junk shops. Good luck.

[@desibaytan7821]

You can see photos from my OM-2 here at instagram.com/desibaytan.

[@ZommBleed]

Desi Baytan Awesome collection of photos. And they're all from your OM2n?

[@akimlaszek]

I just don't get why everybody leaves those ugly QC Passed stickers on their camera. Almost every one I've seen still has it ^^.

[@ZommBleed]

akimlaszek Because no one wants to show off the QC FAILED stickers. I remove all the FAILED stickers as soon as I receive my cameras.

[@ivanpelcic3967]

akimlaszek If you live it and if sticker is in good shape buyer will know that camera is not over used...

[@pioneerregent3049]

I bought this camera for £50 with two lenses and an auto winder.