getting an OM-1 ...

[fish4570]

... body from an acquaintance for a song, and an OM 50/1.8 from KEH for a dance. if i like the cam, it'll get a CLA, seals, etc. i figure this kit will be very rangefinder-ish in compactness and use, sort of a go everywhere slr kit. my nikon f2a is not a go everywhere kit with its bulk and weight.

[Nesster]

That should be a great combo, small, very beautiful, and nice to handle. The main downside is I believe it takes 1.35v batteries... I've been looking at OM2/2n's on the bay for a couple of weeks now - I have a OM2s whose electronics have gotten a bit flaky since I bought it back in '84.

[Attila]

As I know OM1 has battery drain issue, perhaps nothing serious , seek Google first. I had OM2n , great camera I did love mine.

[Nesster]

it is the OM2s (and maybe OM3 and 4?) that has the battery drain problem: turning the switch to OFF doesn't stop all current. AFAIK OM1 and 2 don't have this issue

[Attila]

[kansalliskala]

It's a classic, I think I drooled by the ads in the 70's ..

[Excalibur]

[fish4570]

no m42 is not a problem. i'm not a lens collector. a good 50 and a good 24 or 28 are way enough for me.
but it was a nice thought to have a modern-ish m42 slr like the bessaflex at a bargain price.
i've got a good 50 and 35 for the nikon f2a for heavy duty work.
the om-1 i hope will be the lightweight take everywhere when i want an slr rig rather than a rangefinder rig.

[kansalliskala]

[Ymmot]

As far as I know things to look out for are:
Desilvering of te pentaprism due to rotting foam (there is some foam on the pentaprism that suffers from the same problem as the light seals and may damage the silver layer).
Corrosion of the battery bay (rather obvious probably).
Cracked or missing flash shoes (replacing a missing one has to be done with the correct type if you want to use flash).

Light seals will likely be degraded (if not replaced before), My 'new' OM-2n also suffers from this, however there are no light leaks luckily.
It is possible to make your own adapter for silver oxide batteries using a Schottky diode:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/batt-adapt-us.pdf

[Big Dawg]

Great little camera. On a par with the K1000 Pentax when it comes to simplicity and fun use. Would love to get one but right now they are getting pricey.

Have fun with it!!!!

[alex66]

A great choice I love mine, just have to find a well priced wide angle 24 or 35. I use hearing aid batts in mine has got me in the right area metering wise.

[fish4570]

thanks, guys, for your encouragement. the meter works on this one, i am told, and it has a fresh battery. i figure to run a roll through it to see if it is generally OK, then send it off for a CLA.

[F16SUNSHINE]

Wein cells will work for the battery. They last about a year. Maybe a bit less in your warm and slightly humid climate (trade you for some Seattle rain and cold).
The OM1 does not have the battery drain issue but, the prisms do de-silver. It's usually just at one edge but can be a problem if it's the edge that the meter needle is on.
I have an OM2s that has the battery drain "issue". The battery drains completely if you use the battery test. Never use the battery test and it drain normally and is not a problem.
All OM's are really sweet cameras.
I look forward to your results!

[fish4570]

thanks, andy. i figure it will feel more like a barnack than an f2a ...

[F16SUNSHINE]

They are small and lightweight that's for sure.
The shutter speed control on the lens mount may take a bit to get used to.
It's pretty a sweet layout once the differences become intuitive.
Keep a look out for the 50 f3.5 macro. Great lens and often super inexpensive.

[fish4570]

thanks, Andy.