Oly35mm Review - Olympus OM-1

The Olympus M-1 had its debut at Photokina in 1972 and was renamed the OM-1 for the 1973 production run. It was the very first model in the highly successful OM system. With its 14 year run to 1987, I think you could call it a success.

[@oly35mm]

***PLEASE NOTE*** The Oly35mm 2015/16 project is now closed and I will not be answering any more comments (as from 1st April 2017). Thank you to all who have taken the time to watch these videos, and a special thank you to everyone who commented, or added extra information to them. I wish you all many happy years of using film, or any other photography you enjoy. Cheers Oly

[@MatteoPrezioso]

Fantastic review for a fantastic camera! I am a professional photographer and as of 2015 I still use the OM-1 on a daily basis. So much so that this particular model inspired me into buying more OM system cameras; I now have another OM-1, an OM-2n, a OM-4ti, and an OM-G (formerly OM-20) the only one I truly don't use, but it was given to me as a gift :) At the beginning of this year I decided to revert to analogue full-time. I've never really felt at ease with digital, and love analog so much. The OM-1 might be the culprit. I recently had it CLAd and the technician made the modification to use 1,55v batteries instead of the 1,35v which cannot be found anywhere. Other than that, a bit of oil and there you go, ready for another 50 years. To me, the OM system is all I need (ok I am a bit Rolleiflex fan in the medium format world, but that's another story...) I use the OM-4ti a lot for portrait; the zone metering system is absolutely fantastic. I wish I had an OM-3ti just to blend the two worlds (the mechanical OM-1 and the electronic OM-2n). Maybe one day, who knows :) ...Not to mention you can find the Zuiko OM lenses at very affordable lenses, whereas any Canon/Nikkor will have you bankrupt. ANd, imho, Zuiko are of unparalleled quality. Great review, I'm moving to your next one now. Regards.

[@TonyTulloch]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. I'm really pleased you enjoyed the review. A full time professional Olympus 35mm user probably makes you a rare jewel these days. I couldn't agree more regarding the robustness of the cameras and the quality of the lenses, and I understand your desire to continue using them. I feel that this equipment will give you a different angle to the computer designed digital equipment in the industry today.

[@JenniferM13]

Probably my favourite 35mm camera too! I own several now, and lots of the fabulous Zuiko prime lenses. The 85mm f2 is a particular favourite of mine and is a wonderful portrait lens.

[@oly35mm]

85mm f2: wonderful lens. Great focal length, nice and bright, good weight. It pretty much ticks all the boxes. I have the 90mm f2 macro and it is one of my favourites, but you know where your arm muscles are by the end of the day.

[@oly35mm]

Ta-dah! The first review on the Oly 35mm KZbin site. It seemed appropriate to review the OM-1 first. I have owned three, and it is my favourite camera, period (put on a Zuiko 50mm f1.4 and I'm a happy man). These are the first videos I have published and I have soon found out that, as a videographer, I'm not a bad stills photographer. Please bear with me as I iron out the kinks such as noise and camera wobble. Please feel free to leave any comments on the KZbin channel, or here.

[@IanL1]

Great review mate

[@oly35mm]

Thanks Ian L, I really appreciate the feedback.

[@flaminx0r]

Great review, I've loved this camera for a long time also, with the 50/1.4 too! You may know this already, or since the video was posted; but in terms of the battery voltage problem... there is a battery voltage converter available which modifies a standard 386 1.5v watch battery to output at 1.35v, works perfectly! 'The adaptor' looks like this www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_mr9.JPG Again, great to see someone so passionate about the OM Series!

[@garycallahan9307]

Great video! Way back when the OM-1 was still a new camera I really wanted one, but couldn't afford it. Instead I had a more affordable Minolta SRT-101. But now that the days of 35mm photography are waning, I was recently able to afford to acquire an Olympus OM-1. I now have the camera and a good compliment of lenses, from 35mm wide angle, to 50mm standard, plus a 135mm short telephoto ( I like to use it for portrait photography, since you don't have to be right in your subjects face), and finally a 300mm telephoto. I love my OM-1 and really enjoy taking it out on weekends and making great photos. Film photography makes you stop and think about each photo, and make better photos, since you don't want to waste your film. I also love my new Olympus OM-D E-M5 and the freedom it gives me when out taking beautiful photos; but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for my great OM-1 35mm SLR!

[@oly35mm]

Gary Callahan you've got a nice kit going there. If you wanted to add to it, then the Zuiko 28mm f3.5 (or f2.8 at the right price) and the Zuiko 200mm f4.0 would round it out nicely (the f5.0 is lighter but tends to 'black out' the split prism in the viewfinder more easily). I have just recently picked up a Zuiko 300mm f4.5 and love the feel of it (I'm waiting for the results to be processed).

[@jamesjennings3726]

I bought one of these for cheap as chips a couple of years ago and it's a dream to use. I also have a Pen F, another great camera.

[@michaelford4460]

Very interesting video, thank you.

[@OldCameras]

I acquired one of these yesterday :) Just finished cleaning it. It's got a bit of dirt in the viewfinder, but the lens looks nice and clear. I can't wait to play with it over the weeks.

[@oly35mm]

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine (I'm getting it ready for World Photography Day on Wednesday).

[@OldCameras]

Wow, I had no idea about Wednesday. I'm so in! I now have to pick which camera to get out for that. Maybe I'll shoot the OM-1 :)

[@oly35mm]

worldphotoday.com

[@sayantanutbe]

Excellent video!

[@oly35mm]

Thanks sayantanutbe​.

[@Martijn93]

Great vid! Just bought my first om-1 md!

[@oly35mm]

Congratulations! You will be rewarded with one of the best cameras you will ever own.

[@Martijn93]

Haha, thank you!

[@Martijn93]

Maybe you can help me, i'm still looking for an motordrive cover for the olympus. they are hard to find :(

[@oly35mm]

+Martijn Springer: they'll cost you a small fortune wjen you find one too. I just put tape over mine.

[@machintelligence]

+Martijn Springer Today may be your lucky day. I just happen to have a spare, so if you will send me an email at [e-mail] I will put it in an envelope and send it to you. I only have one, so since you were the first to ask, it is yours.

[@captaineuro7022]

I loaded my OM1 with a roll of Ektar 100 a few minutes ago. Going hunting tomorrow.

[@oly35mm]

I find it pure photographic bliss, especially if you only take one lens. Have fun.

[@jonvincentmusic]

Great review thanks for sharing. You do realise you can buy WeinCell MBR625 zinc-air batteries that deliver the correct 1.35V? Fair enough if you do, but there seems to be a staggering number of reviews out there from people who don't seem to realise that a replacement for the mercury battery has been available for certainly all this century if not longer.

[@oly35mm]

Thanks majorfubar69 for the information. I touch upon this in the video (03:39) but am hoping to do a piece on alternatives later on in the year.

[@geraldward9765]

Such a pretty camera.

[@oly35mm]

And a joy to use.

[@slyelessar]

Fantastic review. This is the camera my grandfather used to shoot with, and I'm buying one of these as my first SLR into the film world. Just out of interest, what sort of film do you recommend for OM-1? Both black and white and colour? It'd be great if you could do a video on it (I can't seem to find one in your vids).

[@oly35mm]

Thanks slyelessar. You can use whatever film you like, as the OM-1 has a good exposure meter and will even expose transparencies correctly. Film is subjective, and even though I recorded a video on film I decided not to publish it for this reason. Personally I use films that can be processed with C-41 chemicals, and this is purely for the convenience factor. They are mainly colour negative films, but you can get black and white (if you can still get Kodak BW400CN where you are, give it a go before it goes 'way' out of date). Why not mix it up and try some different films until you find your favourites?

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

Super review, Oly. I like your comment about "I just take photographs; I don't really care" (about the serial number). Just picked up a black OM-1 with the 50mm 1.4. What wide angle would you recommend? The 28mm 3.5. Cheers.

[@oly35mm]

Jacob: thanks for the kind comments; I am glad you enjoyed it. The Zuiko 28mm f3.5 is a good choice at a great price. The Zuiko 28mm f2.8 is an excellent choice if you can justify the extra money.

[@oly35mm]

You can find samples of both 28mm lenses at: www.flickr.com/photos/129622644@N04/albums/with/72157651400116764

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

I had one from the 1990's and sold it. I have since purchased a 28mm Zuiko lens

[@oly35mm]

I really regretted giving up my OM-1n and OM-2n; but 20 years later I bought/received them back again. My daughters are now proud owners of them. I have bought an OM -1 and two OM-2ns since.

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

oly 35mm Great cameras

[@oly35mm]

+TONYLOUISVISION & VIDEOGRAPHY PLUS: agreed. From the video you probably worked put how much I like the OM-1. I will be doing a lens review on the Zuiko 28mm f3.5 soon, but will probably not get to the f2.8 (and I am not thinking of purchasing the f2.0).

[@tonylouisvisionvideography3469]

oly 35mm The F2.0 is fast but expensive

[@CSLFiero]

Oly, what lenses adapt to the original pen f that stop down properly when shutter released? And what lenses have depth of field preview on the lens body? Need to know what mount adapters and mount to choose for a pen ft.

[@oly35mm]

I'm not sure if you mean via the original OM > Pen F adapter. If so, there is no automatic diaphragm control. This is also the same for the original Exakta, Canon, Nikon, M42, and M39 adapters. I cannot speak for any third party adapters, but I'd guess they are the same. Of course you can use most Zuiko OM mount lenses and manually press in the DoF preview button, but I'm afraid I have not peesonally tried anything except the original Zuiko Pen F mount lenses on my Pen FT. I don't use non-Zuiko lenses on any of my cameras (with the exception of a cool Russian 50mm on my Sony A7) and cannot speak with any authority on other brands. Maybe the forums can help where I can't. Good luck.

[@RetrixUniverse]

Thank you for such awesome review. I was thinking of making one myself. I absolutely love the OM-1. I actually own the OM-1n. Fantastic camera. Losing live film. P-Message me. Would love to have your contact. FB, etc..

[@oly35mm]

Thanks jdiddy27 I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I'm pleased you like the OM-1n and film so much. Why not give a review a try. I started this project to either fill the gaps in Olympus information on the Internet (and there's not too many) or put anoter perspective out there to help people learn about, or choose these wonderful cameras. You can contact me through oly 35mm on G+ or Oly Thirtyfivemm on Facebook or Flickr.

[@dadsnotfunny]

great stuff oly - cheeseboi here :)

[@oly35mm]

Thanks Daniel.

[@haalozu]

I got my old om1 whith a 50mm f1.4 silver nose but im owning 5 om2 non n but my workhose is the om2sp whith a powergrip 2 and winder 2 and t32 flash the fine camera is the om4 ti in the studio whit 5 t32 flashes and studio lignings

[@ef2500]

om-1 is my favorite film camera. I have a question that is it really different using 1.5v battery and using 1.35v battery?

[@i.alegre9401]

The reading of light will be wrong. With an inexpensive adaptor you can use 1.4V hearing aid battery (extremely inexpensive) and will work almost perfect

[@oiergasdn]

So, don't know if you're still answering question. But, on the part of the batteries and the ASA, you said that if we use something (that's the part i'm having difficulties getting it - english is my second language, so...), I wouldn't have to worry about either of these things. So... what was it exactly? haha thank you!

[@oly35mm]

Joao: I am guessing you mean my comment regarding using 1.5V batteries instead of 1.35V (at about 4:00 in the video). If you use 1.5V batteries, you can compensate by adjusting the ASA dial to suit, but requires some knowledge of exposure; requires some testing; and is the least accurate option. My suggestions are (from most expensive to least expensive): * Have a camera technician install a schottky diode to reduce the PX625A battery voltage down to 1.35V; * Buy MR-9 adapter and use a 1.5V 386 battery (my personal preference, but I didn't own one when I made this video); * Buy 1.35V Zinc Air cells made by Wein Cell (they last about 3-4 months); * Use 1.5V PX625A battery and compensate approximately 1 stop (I suggest using colour negative film); * Buy a 1.4V 675 hearing aid battery and use a suitably sized rubber grommet to keep it in place; * Do not use any battery and use a light meter app on your smartphone (see my video on LightMeter); * Do not use any battery and use the Sunny 16 rule. There is an interesting discussion on the topic here: www.flickr.com/groups/550732@N25/discuss/72157624764023110/ A very comprehensive (but technical) article can be found here: www.butkus.org/chinon/batt-adapt-us.pdf My video on LightMeter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o37YlqqsZdWoY8U

[@oiergasdn]

Uau, thank you so much! I'm going to take a good look at each of these! I just bought the camera yesterday and it already came with a new battery, so I was able to test it today with a expired b/w film (haha), and I'm guessing the battery is going to last a little while longer. But these are perfect suggestions for the future! Thanks again! And congratulations on the channel, it is pretty awesome!

[@oly35mm]

Joao: I'm happy to help. Thanks for the positive comments. The OM-1 is a wonderful camera and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

[@kyrabanks2004]

I have an old Olympus OM-2 & ive been having some problems with the shutter & the winding of the film is there away I can email you or talk. Thanks.

[@oly35mm]

Kyra: I am not a qualified camera technician and I probably could not help without seeing the camera. However, I can tell you that these mechanisms are often the first to go faulty with older cameras. Many times they can be fixed with a good service. I would like to suggest to take this camera to a respected camera technician for a quote on service/repair. Good luck.

[@Eccentric-YURR]

How do you rewind the film?

[@clintonr9804]

At the end of the roll, or any time you wish, turn the rewind release (on the front of the camera, just below the release button and above the self-timer) horizontally. It only turns one way - don't force! If adjusted properly, the rewind release will stay horizontal, but as in this video, you may have to hold it this way. This disengages the sprocket to allow the film to move backwards through the camera. Then lift out the rewind lever nestled in the top of the rewind knob at the other end of the camera and slowly turn the knob CLOCKWISE ONLY. Turned backwards, the knob may unscrew from the rewind shaft. It's rare, but turn too quickly and in some circumstances, static charges may build up in the film, and electric charge may arc along the film, leaving lightning-bolt like marks on the film. As you rewind the film, you will hear and feel when the film leader slips off the take-up spool. Usually you will want to turn the knob a few more rotations to pull the film all the way into the cassette for processing. It is possible to stop rewinding early though, leaving the leader out of the cassette for reloading the same roll later to complete the entire roll if you chose to shoot only a portion of the roll. Write the number of shots taken on the roll on the end of the film leader to remind you where you left off. Then, reload the film into the camera as normal and wind the roll a few frames past where the last image was taken, with a body cap or lens cover in place to keep from harming the original images. But realize that you risk mistaking a partially shot roll of film with a new, unused roll, resulting in double exposures. After the film has been rewound, the rewind release on the front of the camera should automatically spring vertical during the first subsequent wind stroke, but check that it has done so before loading your next roll. The rewind release may be out of adjustment, sticky, or worn, preventing it from springing vertical again and re-engaging the sprocket.

[@GTX860mGames]

I have this camera and someone must help me, the reload handle does not top at the end, it does load the camera but keeps going until the camera takes a shot. I can't press the cupture button and try to get the handle to the right position because it does not click. I can only cupture with the wierd handle. please try to help me :\..

[@clintonr9804]

I think what you describe is that the camera fires by itself at the end of every wind stroke. It that is the case, it needs the help of a good repair technician. There are several problems that will cause this trouble, but none of them will be easy to correct.

[@Sailingbill1]

Chopper Read? Is that you? ;-)

[@oly35mm]

He was prettier than me.

[@Sailingbill1]

LOL! Good video

[@oly35mm]

Cheers Sailingbill1.

[@pardaljovem4164]

eu tenho uma igual essa achei no ferro velho do meu pai

[@oly35mm]

This is an excellent model Pardal. I hope you enjoy using your father's camera.

[@KaidFN]

EVAH! (EVER)

[@stevekim4162]

ozi ozi ozzi oi oi oi lol

[@Conversus]

This guy can't talk...ehm..ehm...ehm...

[@14rudi01]

Very indistinct speaker....not only ehm ehm ehm but also strong "down under accent" makes him difficult to understand

[@oly35mm]

It was the first review richard russell​. I think I've learned a lot and improved a bit since then (although the down under accent remains).