The Best Beginner 35mm Film Camera

I feel that as a first time or new film shooter the olympus OM-1 offers the user everything they need to become a competent film shooter, all housed in a very stylish camera design with a great lens selectio

[@kws1453]

My Father passed away earlier this month and he left me this early 70’s film Camera. What an amazing little beauty. Beside I could feel My Father’s presence through this camera. Rip Daddy 1961-2022

[@gigilov3292]

You look like the real-life version of Ralph, from Reck it Ralph

[@slayerplaysgenshin9842]

*Wreck I am sorry for correcting you. I just couldn't help it.

[@Ryanasuarusrex]

Dprsd Afk 😭

[@PHlophe]

its the big ass eyes , lmao |!

[@Saturnsvoice]

wtf yes

[@PBunyanOx]

Omg this got me

[@vournalist]

I’m actually very excited to buy my first film camera. They’re just so timeless and I need it in my life

[@cade9571]

vournalist same here

[@xmodgt1419]

vournalist bro, did you bought the camera? I would like to know more about it!

[@sandromario3472]

Hope you find one with working lightmeter.

[@essjayyell]

Agree 100%. Can’t go wrong with this camera. My Grandfather still has one and I’m hoping he may let me “borrow” it one day.

[@shootswithcoops]

Sam J Lewis man make sure you get it. Great family heirloom

[@magnuschristensson9980]

You go and tell your grandfather NOW one masterpiece like Olympus OM-1 are made to be used and enjoyed in all ages!

[@covert_upsetter]

Grandpa can I borrow this camera for 25 years?

[@rickrowell8465]

The OM -1 was the first SLR film camera I owned. My parents bought it for me as an early high school graduation present in 1975. Yes, I'm old ;-) and I've been a professional photographer for 36 years. Of course I use professional digital cameras now, but still have the OM-1 and it still works flawlessly!

[@machintelligence]

If you are buying a used OM-1 you should be aware of a potential problem with the pentaprism. On the top of the prism, under the top housing is a strip of foam (which wasn't really necessary for protection from vibration) which may deteriorate over time, especially if the camera has been stored for years with film in it. The deterioration removes the silvering on the prism mirrored surface and appears as a band of dark discoloration at the bottom of the finder image. It does not affect the camera function, but you might use it as a bargaining point when negotiating price. If you ever have the camera cleaned , lubricated and adjusted, the technician can perform a prism transplant from an OM-10 (there are lots of these out there that no longer work) usually for little or no cost.

[@Tacticalsurvival1]

machintelligence Thanks heaps!

[@blopin2002]

There were a few OM's that were made without the prism foam. I highly recommend checking the serial number of an OM-1 before purchasing it

[@snowmean1]

This is exactly what I have done myself. Bought OM1 for $30 replaced pentaprism from OM10 I had as donor for my another OM10 and lube it well. Now I have OM1 for $30 plus an evening of work :)

[@aedolahd3810]

The OM1 was my first SLR, still shooting it today and I adore it!! Its my "Sunday" camera, when I want to take a step back and appreciate the process😊 just use a p625 hearing aid battery (with a bit of paper mushed around the edges to make it big enough) and you're gold!

[@brineb58]

That was the first ever 35mm SLR I ever owned, bought it in the late 70s while college, still use it today!!! My meter stopped working, but it is still fun to use!!!

[@njp2k914]

The Zuiko 50mm f1.8 is probably my favourite lens I’ve ever owned brilliant bang for your buck!!

[@MrTrainsaw]

I agree! The Olympus cameras are very underated, people are tripping over themselves to find a k1000 and I just don't get it; the Om-1 makes the k1000 look and feel like a bus!

[@shootswithcoops]

Zach James totally agrees Zach, don’t know how the k1000 became the standard

[@dasmuggla]

i totally agree, i went from k1000 to om-1n and it is great camera

[@MrTrainsaw]

DaSmuggla Yeap! I did the same thing, I'll always keep the K since it's the old family camera, but it's certainly not up to the OM level

[@derryk1]

I bought an OM-1 40 years ago when I was 13 years old, yeah saved up a lot for that one. Along with going in half with my brother who was also interested in photography. Everybody was using the K1000 because it was dirt cheap at the time and you could get full kits (camera body, lens, flash, carry case, cheap tripod, they even threw in a few rolls of film) for the price of the OM-1 body only. So all the schools had the K1000 that's what I used in 7th grade photography class but at home OM-1 all the way. I still have that camera I don't use it I shoot digital now, however I still use the lens.....great vintage lens.

[@thecaveofthedead]

The K1000 was very cheap in the '80s and '90s. So a lot of people don't think past that and recommend it blindly. It doesn't occur to them that unaffordable pro cameras from that era now often cost _less_ than a K1000. The Pentax MX is better in every way as a mechanical Pentax, and usually cheaper. And I'd definitely recommend the OM1 as a far superior option too.

[@benjaminseibert4212]

Love love love my OMs. What sets them apart also is their bright and big viewfinder. Makes it very easy for beginners to learn focusing properly. Never seen a viewfinder as perfect as the Om's. Not Nikon, not Canon, not Pentax, not any other.

[@fotofigures]

Love it, this was my first 35mm in the 70's. I will now find me another in pristine condition. Love your videos Bad Boy!

[@Ryanasuarusrex]

Peter Rose um 😕

[@masakende8473]

That video was amazing mate; keep it up!

[@jrodori]

This sold me on this camera, so I bought me one. The aperture preview button on the zuiko lens has really helped me learn that focusing on an SLR is done w/ the lens wide open, yielding a difference between the perceived image in the viewfinder and the actual image that gets developed. Not to mention depth of field effects for each aperture. Thank you for this vid!!!

[@shootswithcoops]

Chewbacca Fresh glad I could help. Thanks for watching

[@tonyrobinson8197]

Hi Coops. Great video. I totally agree with it being a great, if not the greatest camera for beginners. I’m lucky enough to have the OM1 and the OM2, both are sensational. (I somehow seem to favour the OM2, as it has an aperture priority mode.) Some other reasons the Olympus OM system is so great are that the focusing screens can be changed to suit your needs. The view finder is the biggest and brightest I’ve come across and, there are just so many lens options.....all of which are super sharp. All these lenses can also be adapted to Mirrorless digital cameras (ie. Full frame, APSC or Micro 4/3rds etc).....which I do quite a bit. There is more tactile interaction with manually focusing your lenses, which I find very satisfying, as well as the quality feel and mechanical sound feedback.........no beeps. Great work. Keep giving us reasons to get these bad boys out of the cupboard and onto the road! Cheers. Tony

[@Glive123]

Excellent review and love the pictures of mosque, thanks for sharing them.

[@shelliecarlson7015]

I picked mine up at a thrift store, with the 50mm lens plus two others for $10 american a couple of months ago. I've run 3 rolls of Ilford thru it and have loved, pretty much every shot. Sweet shooter!

[@magnuschristensson9980]

Couldn't agree more really userfriendly and always ready to shoot with left hand to adjust aperture, shutterspeed and focus very easy.

[@LaGataSolar]

HOW DID YOU FIND IT AT SUCH A CHEAP PRICE??! ALL THE ONES I SEE ARE ALMOST 200$

[@jtaylordoss9633]

I've found just the body for around that price, but with a lens they tend to shoot up quite a bit. I think there has been quite a resurgence supply and demand aswell.

[@retrocollecting4147]

I see ones for 300 quid

[@mellowmari5525]

all the ones i see are 460$ :,(

[@roywales4444]

Last one I saw with 50mm f1.8 lens was $580. There appears to be a rapid rise in popularity at the moment across the film camera sector (especially 35mm) and prices are going up quickly.

[@matchaespressofushion]

@@mellowmari5525 Me too 😖

[@catey62]

I have an OM-10 that was given to me by one of the guys at work and its a wonderful little camera to use. and I'll agree with you 100% on the Zuiko lenses as well, mine came with the 50mm lens also and its tack sharp like you say.

[@jamesbrickert1301]

Just acquired an OM-1 at an Estate Sale, in a box with a motor winder, 50mm 1.8 as well as a 28-48mm f4 Zoom Zuiko! Can hardly wait to head out and shoot!

[@speshsbusiso1743]

the quality of that lens is beautiful, nice and sharp images!

[@johannesjellum1040]

Great Video. (Loved the behind the scenes of each shot.) Thanks!

[@bryceettwell9537]

Mr Coops, I could not agree with you more. However, I would like to add that there is only one thing better than an Olympus OM1 (or OM1n) and that is TWO of them. I started with an OM1n (which I bought NEW in 1980) and this was my first SLR and was and is a pleasure to use. Since I bought this camera I have managed to collect about 8 lenses, several Flashes and attachments, a Bellows, a Databack and a few other bits. The best accessory I bought for my OM1n was another OM1n (black body variant). The good thing about that is I can use 2 cameras that operate identically with different lenses attached, or loaded with different film, eg, colour prints and B&W prints, or print and Transparency film. Then it is just a case of swapping cameras if you want a different shot (with a different lens or different film). Keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@torikinslovesyou]

I was able to nab mine with dual flap leather case with stand attachment one of the 135 mm len and leather case and a 28mm lens and leather case for 40$ total. I love this camera and it was absolutely worth every cent.

[@TannerKeat]

Learned using olympus systems, my first 35mm cameras was a OM-20, currently using a OM-4... So underrated in regards to price and quality, but that's okay, cheaper lenses and bodies for me I guess!

[@MaritzaGarcia-lw3nd]

Can you put a description in the comments from where you bought it?

[@PiotrRadomski]

OK! I am following this guy! One of the best film photography channels on YT. Congratulations! Wating for more videos!!!!

[@shootswithcoops]

Piotr Radomski aww thanks man, really appreciate that

[@davidcooper6704]

As you say, it is all about lens quality and that is why I kept my OM1n and lenses. I have had excellent results from my 24mm F2.8 lens on my OMD E M5 camera body when used with an adapter on AP. A truly great camera indeed.

[@mosesknows2062]

I haven't shot film for awhile but still have my Pentax MX, still in perfect condition, and has been a great camera, relatively compact with a great VF and good metering... Thx, Moses...

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Oh my God how did I miss this video? I've shoot with Olympus OM2 & OM2sp cameras professionally as a stealthy, inconspicuous and lightweight system which complemented my Canon AF cameras back in the day of film, and agree with you 100%.

[@jakemcclintock8696]

Received as a gift from my dad an OM-1 when they first came out and took some beautiful pictures with it for many years, after starting on an Olympus rangefinder camera, also a gift, but from my girlfriend, who later became my wife. The OM-1 with a zoom attached would lie flat on the table and it fit into the hand easily and naturally, being a small camera for an SLR. A Pentax K1000 is notably bigger and somewhat heavier. It was Canons which most amateur photographers purchased in those days but I've never shot one. I preferred Olympus products. They made a very good binocular microscope, too. My only complaint about the OM-1 is that it didn't last long enough, probably because I used it so much and took it with me on hikes and backpacking, which can be hard on a camera. About exposure, the light meter went out on it and I didn't bother using a light meter after that, other than the one in my head and the instructions on the film. My photography improved noticeably. Once the camera body had worn out, I still had the lenses for it and my wife came across an OM-10 in a thrift store for $3. All it needed was a new battery and shoots some good pictures. It's basically the same camera as the OM-1 once you put a manual adapter on it, which I seldom use anyway. Good pic for the best "beginner camera." I have to disagree with that description. I took professional quality shots, and on color negative film. G'day, mate.

[@ZainRiza]

bought a black one after watching this video. Love using it. It's definitely one of my favourite SLRs, if not my favourite. I got the 85mm f2 as well. Incredible lenses.

[@shootswithcoops]

Zain Ahmad Riza glad I could help

[@mmadmic]

I have a OM2n, and it's probably the best camera in this format, ultra accurate metering, great lenses.

[@swahhh1510]

The picture are so great 😭

[@rebelbiker9956]

Got 2 om10, and I LOVE them

[@markharris5771]

I think my next digital will be the OM10-D II or whatever it is, just to use my Zuiko glass, even though I know I need an adapter. The OM10 was designed for the beginner, and in its raw state is an aperture priority camera. You can then buy a shutter adapter making it fully manual, I bought mine extremely cheap for the six lenses that came with it. I intended to upgrade to the OM1 but I love the OM10 so much it’s my "colour" 35mm camera.

[@jamesslick4790]

I've had my Pentax MX for decades. Moved up to it from a K-1000, to keep my K-Mount lenses. It's the same concept, smallish,light fully mechanical 35mm SLR. I never really thought about the placement of the shutter speed control, The placement on the OM-1 actually is a dang fine idea! Oh, boy...... now I'll be "trolling" eBay for an "Ollie".

[@Handgun777]

Great content! Straight to point, love it!

[@dilliboirubirosa9638]

Mine was a Nikon F. Still have it from the 1970s. Still works just fine.

[@floobadoo]

Subscribed! I'm a photographing newbie and this helped a lot.

[@ditto1958]

I ended up getting an OM-2n, because batteries that work well in the OM-1 are hard to find. I loved my OM-1, though. It’s beautiful, classic, and takes great pictures.

[@johnrflinn]

I like the fact that it has mirror lockup.

[@arelenas]

Great review. Thanks!

[@amenentuet]

All of The Major Manufacturers Made Excellent Manual Cameras In The late Sixties Early Seventies . I Loved The Nikkormat FT. I Perfer Large Bodied Cameras Due to Hand Size . The Various Systems are a Matter of Choice !

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Just got a free Olympus OM-G and I'm ecstatic. Came with a 180mm from the 70s as well

[@laurastokes4777]

I liked Pentax MX with SMC Takumar lenses

[@topemeister3000]

Great video mate, cheers

[@Jack_huntakilla]

Bought an om 1 as my first analog camera as well and they're absolutely amazing. Got mine with the standard 50mm 1.8 lens and my those are razor sharp. Brilliant camera this. Will never let go of mine.

[@mahealanicoxhead3036]

Hey thanks for putting up this video. Where did you buy your camera? Cheers.

[@aidb7860]

I’m so excited to expand my boundaries with art, I’m only 16 so I don’t got any cameras for myself but my stepmom is letting me borrow her Pentax zx-50 for now but I can’t wait to get my own, next I just need a hi8 camcorder and I’m set😍

[@gregmiller98]

I found an OM 2-N in my area is that good too? thank you for your help!

[@NathanElcoate]

Nice one! I got cheap batteries from the two dollar shop for my Ricoh and it works fine 👍👍

[@petrstranik1770]

I think that point about making adjustment of your shutter speed just below the lens is the best reason to have this one. I'm just starting out and I've bought old Zenit 12SD camera and this is exactly what bothers me the most - that I have to put my camera down when I need to adjust my shutter speed. I'm sorry that I haven't found this info before my purchase :-)

[@akumar7366]

Really enjoyed this post Iam a complete novice this review was excellent.

[@carforumwanker]

Suiko lenses are amazing ! The OM1 is as good as it gets

[@dushyantsachdeva4247]

Well done with this video. Very informative and answers most of the questions. Would be really cool of you if you could tell me from where I can get this (Camera + lens + battery) shipped to India? Thanks!

[@roywales4444]

Love your work, you got a bargain with the OM 1 for sure. Prices going up fast now on most 35mm vintage film cameras. My advice, beg, borrow, steal to get one now. I feel the pain of many trying to add or replace as I dropped my beloved (almost perfect condition) Nikon FM2n black body on its head last week :( :( :(

[@websurfer1585]

That is a nice looking camera!

[@JessicaSeverin]

Love my OM1 and OM2 and I've been shooting them since the 1980s. But I think your om1 has a light leak maybe around the back cover upper right. The old OM are great cameras but they are getting old now and things like the light seal foam deteriorates and needs replacing. Easy to do yourself.

[@brittneymanquero4581]

Hey I have a question? I’m new to this whole thing, do you get the film every time you run out? If so, where do you get the film?

[@Thunderfrog]

Yes you do and you can get it on Amazon

[@johnrflinn]

You nailed it. The OM-1 is one of the few cameras that has mirror lock up and works without batteries. It is light and compact. Only the light meter needs batteries to function. ( I think you need a Wein MRB 675 or two Wein PRB 625 batteries to replace the discontinued mercury battery. ) Other suggestions are the Nikon FM 2n, Minolta SRT-102, and the Yashica TL Super. An inexpensive way into medium format is the heavy but versatile Mamiya Super 23 Press camera.

[@johnrflinn]

All cameras take much better pictures with lens hoods as they reduce stray light. It also protects your lens.

[@captainmerica2498]

You got yourself a new Sub.

[@i.alegre9401]

Great camera indeed! You do not exagerate a bit. I own the OM-1 & OM-2N Both very enjoyable cameras

[@user-wv5ht1xk8m]

Im sorry this is a bit off the subject. Which accent are you using? It's really nice.

[@lakadapictures9592]

nice content ! hey man i wanna ask you something,did you always put the light meter betwen - and + sign ?i just started shoot film with olympus om 1 too..

[@josephjester4917]

lakada pictures not unless you want pictures with the sun in your background underexposed... ;)

[@louiem32]

Owns 2 om 1 and and om 10 and love them all! the om 10 with the manual adaptor would be more suited to beginners is it sill has aperture mode but the om 1 is still such an awesome camera to learn on. if you love the om cameras you need to try and get your hands on a olympus 35 sp or rc rangefinders.. Love the channel coops. cheers

[@kimse9939]

louiem32 hey I‘m a beginner to cameras and I am a little confused because I want to buy a 35mm camera however the olympus om1 comes with the f.zuiko 50mm lens. So how is it considered a 35mm?

[@SuperFunkulus]

Right on !

[@alanjones8579]

Couldn't agree more.....a wonderful camera, here in the UK people have cottoned on to the fact that they're a great camera so prices have risen somewhat. If you get a chance try the 135mm 2.8 it's one of the best portrait lenses ever. Just doesn't focus too close. The sample pictures look sharp with great colour also. Good video....

[@shootswithcoops]

Alan Jones thanks for watching Alan

[@derryk1]

Once they see this video the prices will go up even more I always blame it on the hipsters. Once one of them discovers something old as the new trend soon they all discover it , limited supply plus higher demand equals much much higher prices.

[@VideosByDeb]

*Couldn't agree with you more. I just wish I get one which is as good quality as yours. Thanks mate!*

[@maxwellwilhelm5195]

Any advantages over the OM-10? They seem to be about the same price. I've had two OM-1's break on me and so I'm thinking about the OM-10 because invested a little bit in Olympus lenses.

[@MrGranovski]

I recall in the day some pros I knew loved the OM1.

[@kevintu6727]

Idc bout the new camera vintage film cameras hit different😍

[@SeanCloherty1]

Great video, just looking to buy my first film camera off eBay and I think I'll go for an Olympus. By the way, where's your t-shirt from?

[@shootswithcoops]

Sean Cloherty can’t go wrong with one. It’s a Patagonia tshirt

[@VincentCola-fb8pn]

Back in 1974 the Olympus OM1 was rated the number 1 camera in it's class according to Photography Magazine, topping most professional SLRs Contax, Nikon and Canon..Based upon compact design, features and Zuiko Optics..I read the reviews and eventually purchased a while later. Great camera indeed.

[@alanread6596]

I have the om1n and the om2n but prefer the om1 completely manual camera. I also use digital with a Fujifilm x100. Alan in the UK.

[@VVSChopps]

What about the flash? Good video btw bro💯

[@asiansnoodle]

How did you get the pictures taken into the video?

[@Calebmikesell]

This is sick! Thanks! You should maybe make skateboarding vids too

[@MK-it7wk]

2 Questions; Does it have any auto settings (aperture priority)? Does the top slide off to reveal a larger viewfinder?

[@josephjester4917]

Mark Kelly the OM-1 is fully manual, no priority modes, and the top does not come off of mine. Freaking huge view through the viewfinder, though.

[@stacker62]

Great camera, love my OM-1 with 50mm 1.8 (also paid only $75.00 CAD for mine). I had two others but sold them before i really knew what I had. This is my third one (MINT cond.) and I'm keeping it. Light, compact, easy to use and that big ass viewfinder all make it such a great camera to use, and great lenses. The Pentax MX is the only other camera that's very similar but the OM-1 is still my choice, brighter crisper viewfinder.

[@andreamatute1]

stacker62 Canadian here! Where did you buy it?

[@stacker62]

@@andreamatute1 I bought it at a local flea market in Calgary, of all places. Usually you find nothing but junk at those places.

[@mazdaram226]

Superb Review

[@Lilmazzo]

i have a Pentax k1000 with a 1: 4.5 lens (thoughts?)

[@williamberger2178]

OM-1 that was my first 35mm camera! Purchased new in 1978. You didn't mention the very bright viewfinder, brighter than Nikon or Canon. The only downside was the size of the controls could be too small, and the rewind release switch could be difficult to move with large fingers. I do miss that camera especially that viewfinder.

[@lukezacny]

Love the video! Very interested in expanding my photography game! Any way you give give me an exact link to that same product?! Thanks!🤟🏼🎬

[@MykalHall]

I almost bought the OM1 but decided to get the all black Olympus 35 SP rangefinder instead thanks to Ade Torrent @OldCameras. If I didn't already own the Nikon FM2 I probably would own it.

[@deadmidi5684]

What film are you shooting at the end there?

[@JamieByrne1977]

It's a great camera. My only camera now after years of many different ones. I am not sure it's best for beginners though. I would suggest a camera with aperture priority to ease them in more or where the settings are visible in the viewfinder. It's a professional camera too and for a beginner you can get, for example, an OM20 or M40 and they are cheaper and still use the same glass.

[@spid3rgwen415]

I want one for my friends and me for perfect summer vibes. Hopefully I can get one this or next year, I don’t have that much money, but maybe I can save money ^^

[@deservetogrow569]

Thank you❤️💘

[@Ineedahandle75]

It's a fantastic camera no doubt. I do find myself wishing alot of these classic cameras had a handgrip on the front. I do love the OM-1, it's a special camera but I do prefer a camera that has a grip e.g Canon A-1.

[@spanner999]

Get a winder2 for the olympus 0m2 om3 om4 ect

[@MBJanus]

I have a lot of argentic cameras, the om1 is indeed a good one. Small, easy to use, and the Zuiko are good lenses.

[@kimse9939]

MB Janus hey I‘m a beginner to cameras and I am a little confused because I want to buy a 35mm camera however the olympus om1 comes with the f.zuiko 50mm lens. So how is it considered a 35mm?

[@charlottecandlin320]

Where do you recommend picking one of these up for at a cheap price? (In Australia) only place I can find is eBay with a price of over $300… thanks!

[@leapinto]

Mine was the AE-1 program.

[@schilleratevon1164]

Hello, can I identify the camera used from its slides? They took 35mm slides, is there anywhere on the slide it will tell me what camera was used? I know it was my dads from the 60's so will it be likely the Olympus Pen?

[@jaeeon.6631]

I am here because of that vintage camera in Encounter! Hahaha

[@HappyHappyJoyJoyCebu]

Where did you bought it? It look so new!

[@snowmean1]

Nice video mate, but A$70 for that gem is a steal. Regular prices are from A$350 to whooping A$1200 for fully serviced and repaired. Most of the time you will be able to get it for about A$4-5 hundreds anyway, but that's not cheap. Batteries is not a bit problem. Apart from what you're using you can get pretty accurate exposure on battery 675 for hearing aids as they are 1.4V which is closer to original 1.35V. Another option is to solder germanium diode inside which will drop 1.5V of LR44 to 1.35 expected by light meter, or just set ISO 2 stops bellow (ISO 100 instead actual ISO 400 or ISO 25 instead of ISO 100) that will also do the trick. I'm using 675 for hearing aids which I bought for A$6 for 6-pack in JayCar. No issues so far.

[@tommyvercetti4141]

I'm not an expert with cameras but today I bought a 35mm vintage camera and I think it's missing the shutter. Can you tell me how to get it or what's going on?

[@dkorp2]

What kind of film did you use? Does anyone have any suggestions!? :)