Olympus OM-1n 35mm Film Camera Review / Overview

A look at the Olympus OM1-n 35mm film camera, originally released as the M-1 in 1972.

[@ianhand5006]

My Dad bought one of those brand new in 1980 and he gave me his Zenit EM, which got me into photography.

[@photographicalexperiments1186]

this is probably the most beautiful slr design i've seen! it's just pure, simple and beautiful! really considering buying one :) great review and you got yourself a new subscriber, best regards!

[@Samsung9alaxy]

photographicalexperiments Thanks!

[@ghw7192]

I bough an OM-1n a lot of years ago to use with my telescope. I believe that the 1-12 focusing screen was the one that Olympus recommended for astrophotography, but if it's not, that's the screen I have and it's always worked great. With the mirror lock-up, the camera is virtually vibration free--essential for long exposures--and the "shock absorber" dampening system for the mirror makes hand-held exposures at slow shutter speeds much easier. Oh, without the motor drive cover in place, the film will fog on some OM models.Great review! Thanks!

[@Samsung9alaxy]

ghw7192 Thanks for the info and comments.

[@tommorgan3125]

Superb review of a superb camera. I have an OM1 and a OM2n and really enjoy using them.

[@stephenestall9044]

One of my absolutely favourite cameras and a joy to use, along with their high-quality Zuiko lenses. For lovers of photography - not those electronic geeks who wallow in specifications and jargon.

[@kb8729]

Yes i hate using my Nikon D850 and Nikon D4.

[@Anarki2U]

The shutter on the OM1 is a bit slow at 1/500 up to about one-third slow and at 1/1000 up to about half a stop, so beware of that to prevent overexposure !

[@leolammas7940]

The soft action of the wind-on lever is normal & you can advance the film in small increments with this deliberate design feature. also,not usually referred to is a dept.-of-field feature by pressing a 'knob' on bottom-right of the lens. Enjoy.

[@claudiuhirsovoiu804]

Hello everyone. I have a small problem with my camera... the lever is blocked in the position “s”... anyone know how to unlock it? Thank you in advance.

[@fredo1070]

You can tell it's England the ASA is stuck on 400.

[@camiloaarav6367]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.

[@daxzavier2996]

@Camilo Aarav Instablaster ;)

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative. The old Olympus om system is superb

[@hoozleup]

I know this an old video but that is a mint condition OM-1! Good review too - thanks.

[@acidsnow5915]

what a beautiful camera! thanks for sharing this with us really enjoyed watching this! great stuff my friend

[@Samsung9alaxy]

ACID SNOW Glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@rascalhusky8129]

Another dream camera , very popular with climbers and hikers..

[@geradebowden3293]

Richard Stead om1s are out there for sale on eBay and used market I got a nice clean one for under 100

[@MatteoPreziosoPH]

You are so right. Back in the '70s, after much consideration, my dad decided to get an OM-1 instead of a Nikon way bigger and heavier, not an ideal choice for his (hence, ours) mountain excursions. Fast-forward to 2017, I now have use his camera, and like the OM system so much I got another OM-1n, an OM-2n, an OM-4 and an OM-4TI. I still use them daily. Love them.

[@clintonr9804]

Armand -- Why? Lighter, easier to use, especially one-handed, even gloved, fewer wasted functions intended for "professionals". And have you seen Galen Rowell's work? He was an Olympus devotee, as I recall.

[@DanielMelzerPhotography]

very informative video! thank you very much for uploading. i have the om-1 and i love it.

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Glad you like it!

[@jeanmulligan4168]

Big fan you need to know how to deal with a shutter jam.diodes in the fm help work done in low light!!

[@AviMP]

Bought a mint Om-1n just before I saw your vid. I love that black and silver camera strap on your camera, do you l know where I can get one?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Sam Hoyer You can sometimes find them on Ebay.

[@FourIntoOne]

Great video, enjoying them all so far....Any pointers as to where to get the battery adapter? - I have a few old uns myself (nikon F photomic, F2, a couple of Minolta SR7s and SRT 101's etc) and need to sort the batteries out......

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Marc Riches If you're in the UK, Ebay item 122334888256

[@FourIntoOne]

Yep, UK. Many thanks for info - that is the spacer only version rather than the combined spacer/voltage regulator which is what I was after, any experience of that one?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Sorry, sent the wrong link! I have this one and it seems to work OK: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MR-9-PX625-PX13-Battery-Adapter-for-Film-Camera-Exposure-Meter-Mercury-MR9-/131849555545

[@FourIntoOne]

Brilliant, many thanks!

[@KingJvpes]

Great video! I've been looking in to getting an Om1 but I've been stuck between this and the om4 any suggestions? Also I shoot film on my channel would love for you to check it out and leave some feedback on how I can improve my photography! I just realized the om models are pretty small haha. So cool.

[@Samsung9alaxy]

KingJvpes I also have an OM4. They are very different cameras. I would say stick with what you've got and see how you get on. After a while you may feel you need a certain feature! Watched your first time with film video and I was impressed. Very well done and great editing (something mine lacks!).

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Alice Lane Very good advice and information Alice! The OM4 works in full manual or aperture priority modes. Thanks again!

[@HoLeeChit11]

Alice Lane Be careful with the OM4, because it has no on-off control, which means it's constantly metering, even if you have the lens cap on. You can't switch it off. I know you can keep it on the bulb mode when not in use, but even that will drain the batteries. If you're not careful, this camera can go through a pair of LR44'S in the time you shot one or two rolls. If your not using the camera for a day or two, take the batteries out, otherwise when you pick it up again, be prepared to reload new batteries. There was a fix available for this, where part of the circuitry was replaced, but all the spare parts are now not available.

[@HoLeeChit11]

Alice Lane Be careful with the OM4, because it has no on-off control, which means it's constantly metering, even if you have the lens cap on. You can't switch it off. I know you can keep it on the bulb mode when not in use, but even that will drain the batteries. If you're not careful, this camera can go through a pair of LR44'S in the time you shot one or two rolls. If your not using the camera for a day or two, take the batteries out, otherwise when you pick it up again, be prepared to reload new batteries. There was a fix available for this, where part of the circuitry was replaced, but all the spare parts are now not available.

[@tfylhk]

OM-1 is much better than F2 for street photograph, OM-1 is just like a Leica M

[@geradebowden3293]

The small size of the OM series made people skeptical of their durability when they were released, I believe.

[@clintonr9804]

Rumor had it that, when Olympus sent free OM systems to "professional" agency photographers through their employers, some of them deliberately damaged them just so they wouldn't have to try them. The ones who did try them, however, often switched over. In my years of servicing Olympus and representing Olympus at dealers' shows, I was amazed at how many sales folks at camera stores across the country, often half or more, would come over and quietly admit they owned Olympus equipment for their own use!

[@seamanjive]

Great review, thank you. I have the OM10 and I'm comparing the systems. Are the lenses interchangeable?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

I believe so.

[@camerarover7124]

Nice review of a classic. What do you think of Pentax's offerings around this time?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

I have the Spotmatic F which came out around the same time. It has similar features, but doesn't seem as refined as the Olympus. My Spotmatic video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioOxd6efaNhkbJo

[@petermurray-reynolds9608]

You got such a Mint camera there, that was a good find. I am looking for one myself, any tips on finding one in as good condition as yours? You're not selling that one are you?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Just look closely on eBay and ask specific questions about the condition. Ask for more photos if you are unsure. This one was brought off eBay, but has now been sold.

[@petermurray-reynolds9608]

@@Samsung9alaxy Many Thanks.

[@tonyrigg9182]

Can i ask what battery and adaptor you use and where does the adaptor fit Thank you :-)

[@Samsung9alaxy]

I use this adapter that accepts a LR44 battery which then fits in the camera as normal: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264472221529

[@FO123a]

Hello. If you know is there any possibility to mount Exackta lens on this camera by adapter? Thank you for your time.

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Sorry, I do not know.

[@talitamuniz]

Hello, could you tell me how much is avalueted a camera like this with macro lens included,please. someone gave me as a present, is it still worth to have one of this? or perhaps should I try to sell it? (sorry my english is very bad) .Thank you!

[@Samsung9alaxy]

The OM1 is s very good camera. Price depends on condition. Check your local auction sites. Maybe you should load it with film snd try it! That way you will know if it's fully working and you may even like it. :)

[@talitamuniz]

@@Samsung9alaxy Thank you !!🙂

[@gobeco]

Too much camera movements in front of video camera, I am dizzy. Everything else great!!

[@ks1ngh27]

Does this camera have auto mode?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

No. Manual exposure only.

[@Robinmay41]

Which viewfinder do you prefer, this or the Nikon F2?

[@Samsung9alaxy]

Robin May The F2 is brighter and shows the shutter speed & aperture, so it is better!

[@Robinmay41]

I have an F2 which I really enjoy, however when first using my digital camera I adapted the Olympus lenses due to their availability and relative cheap price. Loved the lenses however I've never actually tried any of the film bodies.

[@clintonr9804]

I recall when my buddy proudly showed me his new Nikon. I looked through the eyepiece -- and it was like looking through a window across the room, the image was so small! I handed him my OM and his jaw dropped --- "Wow! What kind of lens is this??!!" It's a fifty, just like yours. "It looks so damn BIG!!" he said.