Olympus OM1n Reviews
Latest Reviews
“I bought my OM-1N in 1977 and it has been in constant...”
Written on: 09/02/2011
I bought my OM-1N in 1977 and it has been in constant use since then. Most of my photography is done outdoors, and it has been exposed to all manner of weather, been dropped, kicked, and sat upon. It has been completely reliable since 1977. I have the 28 mm f3.5, 50 mm f1.8, and 200 mm f4 lenses. All three are great lenses; the 200 is exceptional. I've used the mirror lockup a lot doing longish exposures, and was able to get pictures on one trip when I forgot to change a dead battery. ... (read more)
“ ”
Written on: 10/01/2011
I accidentally fell into the Olympus system after a string of trouble with the digital Nikons and Canons. I worked predominantly with the nikon Fm2 and I cannot claim that Olympuses OM1N is better or worse when in fact they are about the same. I do admit mild adoration at its size, and accept the strengths of some of the optics, although I dislike the 100mm 2.8 I love the 24mm 2.8. My gut reaction is that the older Nikons (F F2 Fm2) have and edge but I cannot see that in the darkroom...
(read more)
“Olympus OM-1 is a masterpiece. OM Zuiko lens give...”
Written on: 15/10/2010
Olympus OM-1 is a masterpiece. OM Zuiko lens give results same as Leits. (read more)
“I have had my OM1 for 30 years and despite ownership...”
Written on: 19/05/2010
I have had my OM1 for 30 years and despite ownership of Canon DSLRs and Leica M6's it is still my favourite camera. The machine has not been abused but has been used hard and it has never once failed or let me down. Digital photographers will hate it because there are few controls and you have to think like a photographer to get your pictures - consequently you may end up taking fewer shots but they will be of far better quality. In my opinion the build quality of the OM1 is far better than... (read more)
“I have had my Olympus OM1-n for over twenty years and...”
Written on: 09/12/2009
I have had my Olympus OM1-n for over twenty years and has never ever let me down on picture quality or any mechanical failures. As its not an automatic point and shoot camera it does take a time to get use to all its features, but once mastered,its an absolute joy to use. Its very lightweight structure but sturdy and reliable features make it the most reliable camera ever produced in my veiw, and its overall contours makes it the most balanced and compact design, and the other cameras just... (read more)
“The Olympus OM1n is solid compact slr w/ good glass...”
Written on: 01/06/2009
The Olympus OM1n is solid compact slr w/ good glass available (read more)
“The Olympus OM1n is my all time favorite camera, aside...”
Written on: 30/01/2009 by NPZuiko (1 review written)
The Olympus OM1n is my all time favorite camera, aside from the OM-3 which is prohibitively expensive. Fantastic design, size and function. Never lets one down even in the most extreme circumstances (cold or hot weather). A fantastic and easy to use workhorse that never seems to fail. The simple meter is more than adequate for the most demanding jobs, and the light weight and size make this a joy to carry on a regular basis. It is a real shame that Olympus discontinued these and that the... (read more)
“This old work horse never fails. A true classic....”
Written on: 01/01/2009 by twag (1 review written)
This old work horse never fails. A true classic. Discovered photography using the OM. It was small and compact before anyone knew what a compact was. Long live Olympus, well recommend the OM1n. (read more)
“The Olympus OM1n is one of the finest 35mm camera's...”
Written on: 13/09/2008 by GV889 (1 review written)
The Olympus OM1n is one of the finest 35mm camera's ever made. Small, light, compact design, low noise, bright viewfinder md option. (read more)
“In my opinion its far, far beyond the equivalent...”
Written on: 29/12/2007
In my opinion its far, far beyond the equivalent Nik/Canon offerings. Lovely optics, tough as old boots. A proper traveller's camera. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 22 Reviews
“The Olympus OM1n is my first SLR, except for one that...”
Written on: 05/11/2007 by garfield peardrop plickhead
The Olympus OM1n is my first SLR, except for one that auto focussed, which I didn't like and consequently sold on ebay. I have taken some very good pictures with and would strongly recommend it to someone, like me, who is just setting off and learning. (read more)
“I have owned the Olympus OM1n since 1982 when I...”
Written on: 16/05/2007 by petermcp1999 (1 review written)
I have owned the Olympus OM1n since 1982 when I purchased it while still in high school. Through the years I have photographed, family, friends, weddings etc. and almost all the pictures came out perfectly. Currently working with computers has prompted me to purchase a digital camera and while there are many benefits and ease to digital photography, I have returned to a true classic and good friend the Olympus OM 1n 35mm SLR. (read more)
“I love these Olympus OM cameras. ”
Written on: 20/01/2007 by JPESSIQUE (1 review written)
I love these Olympus OM cameras.
Some people told me, why don't you use modern digital camera ?
I have bought one of these, I never use it now I have rediscovered all the possibilities of the OM1n.
My digital cams (one Canon DSLR, one Panasonic bridge) are collecting dust on a shelf.
I cannot even hope to sell them one fifth of the price I paid for them. !!!
Digital stuff takes snaps and is worth nothing the minute after you have bought it because they turned out 3 new versions since you...
(read more)
“Although, they say the Olympus OM1n camera is nice and...”
Written on: 21/10/2005 by cfitzarl
Although, they say the Olympus OM1n camera is nice and light and small, to me it seems too small and compact for comfort. I owned this camera and immediately returned it. (read more)
“When I recently travelled to the Philippines I wanted...”
Written on: 22/07/2005 by andres bonifacio (2 reviews written)
When I recently travelled to the Philippines I wanted to take a camera that would be easy on the shoulders and would not fail me. My Nikons and Contaxes were too heavy, and my Leica needed servicing (otherwise, it fits the bill). That left me with my 20 year old, recently-serviced OM1N. What a great picture-taking tool!
This camera is light, quick, quiet and totally reliable. It's metering is old-fashion (center-weighted Cds only), the shutter speeds only go 1-1/1000s, and there is no...
(read more)
“The Olympus OM1n is an awesome camera, very durable. ...”
Written on: 08/04/2005 by photodrew
The Olympus OM1n is an awesome camera, very durable. Even after the unfortunate incident of the camera falling into the water while on a boating expidition it still worked perfectly after it dryed out. Too bad I can't say the same for the lenses. (read more)
“Olympus OM1n - The OM series led the way to smaller...”
Written on: 13/09/2004 by andrew brown (1 review written)
Olympus OM1n - The OM series led the way to smaller cameras, yet were packed with features and solidly engineered. The 3 I have must all be 25 years old at least, all bought secondhand and all in fine condition and will probably last another 25 years at least! (read more)
“It's great to have a trip down memory lane from time...”
Written on: 13/06/2003 by George Beyer.
It's great to have a trip down memory lane from time to time, which is what most of these reviews involve. And there's no disputing that the OM-1 was a very good camera in its day, although there are cameras with a lot more available nowadays. The real problem is that new buyers have a right to know the facts so they don't make a mistake:
1. This camera is no longer available, and used versions have seen lots and lots of use at this late date. Which means $125 at least for a CLA and...
(read more)
Guest's Response to 107126_George Beyer.'s Review
Written on: 27/04/2012
1. Yes, this camera is no longer made but a good number are available on eBay in good to excellent condition. I know I just got two OM-1n's on eBay.
A good CLA from a good camera repair shop like Camtech($110) which includes the integration of the step-down battery diode for the metering system and you're good for another 25 years.
2. Yes, these lenses are no longer manufactured but I just got a 50mm f/1.4 a 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 and a 75-150mm f/4 all in excellent condition for reasonable prices.
3. True, no parts are being made for these old cameras anymore but there are still parts available.
I paid $80 for an OM-1n on eBay and I paid another $30 for an OM-1n for parts, turned out to be just as good as the $80 OM-1n.
But "an expensive paperweight for lack of parts?" I think that's much more the exception than the rule.
Reply to this comment
“Phil, I mean no disrespect but I beg to differ with...”
Written on: 06/04/2003 by Rob.
Phil, I mean no disrespect but I beg to differ with several of your criticisms. Are you willing to sit on the edge of your couch and let your new camera drop to the floor? Not that I would drop my om1n on purpose but I know it would survive. With the newer cameras you would be left with a several hundred dollar electronics bill. That is what we mean by the old model T build. They were built to last real world use over many years. Also the zuiko optics still rival anything made today and are... (read more)
145110_Randall's Response to 86507_Rob.'s Review
Written on: 25/02/2004
This isn't a camera review, it's more like an argument over old vs. newer cameras. Not very helpful in rating the camera. And who the heck is 'Phil'?
Reply to this comment
“This Olympus OM1n camera was bought by my grandfather...”
Written on: 01/01/2003 by Jeremy.
This Olympus OM1n camera was bought by my grandfather and given to me a 9 years ago, since his vision is no longer good enough for manual focus. Since then, and in my years of photography since then, I have realized what a gem this camera is. For outright durability, Nikon and Canon are the winners in this area. They are good cameras to be sure, I have owned all of them. But this is the one I'm left with and I don't regret it. I would compare this camera to a swiss watch: reliable, accurate,... (read more)
All-Om-1N's Response to 62049_Jeremy.'s Review
Written on: 31/07/2012
Regarding the battery issue. This problem is easily solved with a MR-9 battery adapter. It reduces the voltage of a 1.55v silver oxide down to 1.35v.
You can get one of the "new" ones on eBay for $22.50. Just type in the search phrase... MR-9 battery adapter.
I wanted the light meter in my Olympus OM-1n to work like it originally did at 1.35v. The MR-9 battery adapter does just that:)
Reply to this comment
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 22 Reviews
“I have had my Olympus Om1n 35mm SLR camera for many...”
Written on: 22/08/2002 by chris cullen.
I have had my Olympus Om1n 35mm SLR camera for many years now (bought when it was released). It is still in use (does not sit in a glass case!) and has never ever let me down - I am happy in the knowledge that because of its non reliance on electronics and still being able to be operated without a battery if necessary, it is , some thirty years later, dependable and resilient. It is a design classic and I intend using it for many years to come. (read more)
188414_Photodrew's Response to chris cullen.'s Review
Written on: 08/04/2005
I borrowed an OM-1n Camera from my Girlfriend's Dad as that now I am attending College to get a Bachelor Of Fine Arts in Photography. Anyway it broke in my care so I decided to try and fix it as that I am quite handy fixing almost anything. TV's, VCR's, Old pocket watches. But I don't know how to open it up.
<br> Can anyone direct me to a repair manual that will show how it can be opened?
Reply to this comment
“The Olympus OM1n 35mm camera redefined the look,...”
Written on: 08/04/2002 by John Orrell.
The Olympus OM1n 35mm camera redefined the look, handling and size of SLRs in the early 1970s.
Owned by famous photographers such as Patrick Lichfield and Chris Bonnington, its durability was tested to destruction. It passed.
Bolt one of the excellent Zuiko primes to the front of its durable metal body and you'll have a camera with a simplicity and quality that's hard to beat.
The large-as-life viewfinder (with split-image focussing) shows only the image you're taking and a needle within...
(read more)
20093_Phil.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 18/04/2002
I don't want to go as far as to say I venomously disagree (which is why I haven't clicked the disagree button) but I think Mr Orrell is a little high on nostalgia pills. Was it really a design classic? Did it really change the way 35mm cameras evolved? Hmm, I think the jury's out on those claims!
<br>
<br>When the OM1 was launched in the 1970s secretaries the world over were writing letters using clunky mechanical typewriters. Thirty years later, I would not advocate using a typewriter instead of a modern PC any more than I would advocate using an OM1 instead of a modern SLR.
<br>
<br>My feelings are the exact reverse of Mr Orrell's: I would say yes, buy an OM1, but ONLY if your ARE going to display it in a glass case with your early Leicas. It's place in history is debatably secure, but then again not as assured as that of a Model T Ford, and while there may be a certain charm associated with driving 30 miles to work in a Model T Ford I think the majority of us would be rather more suited to a Mondeo!
Reply to this comment
20736_John Orrell.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 22/04/2002
Phil,
<br>
<br>You are of course entitled to your views as much as the next person, and firstly may I take the opportunity to thank you for expressing them. I note that you say you do not wholly disagree with my opinions about the camera, and that of course is good. What I don’t like is the overall inference that anyone who chooses older technology in favour of new is some kind of technophobic simpleton.
<br>
<br>Your analogy using a Model T Ford is inappropriate. It may be a true classic, but you’re perfectly correct in observing that a modern alternative is almost always going to be more practical. I don’t think the same can be said of the OM1, or any other old or modern mechanical camera. There are occasions when a modern auto-everything camera is less practical to have around your neck than an older manual type.
<br>
<br>Your comments homogenize owners of new Nikon FM3s, Leica M7s, Hassleblads, field cameras and their ilk into some kind of quaint family of prehistoric has-beens who need to get their heads out of 20th century sand and smell the fresh air. That opinion is wrong. Owners of such cameras will find your comments shortsighted, as do I.
Reply to this comment
Simon Groves.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 11/05/2002
I agree, I originaly purchased a OM10 to use along side my Olympus SP35 Rangefinder camera when I started my photography course but found this unsuitable for what I needed as I soon outgrew its limited features (due mainly to the camera not having the optional manual adapter therefore being stuck with apperture priority mode) and wanted a OM 1n or OM 2sp. In my local camera specalist I kept seeing a OM1n (chrome) in mint condition complete with Olympus "ever-ready" case (probably why it was in mint condition) every time I went there, a few months later I had saved up enough for another camera and It was still for sale so I snapped it up for £150 and havent regretted it (unlike the OM10 which I have since sold)
Reply to this comment
23451_John Orrell.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 13/05/2002
I'm glad you liked my review Simon, but I think it's a little unfair to compare an OM10 to an OM1. The OM10 was an aperture-priority beginners' camera and at the time was the cheapest way to buy into the OM system and use those excellent lenses. It even included off-the-film metering from the OM2. It wasn't built as well as an OM1/2, but then again Olympus didn't imagine that it would be put through the same punishments. The OM1 is an all-manual mechanical workhorse built to last forever. None the less, I'm glad you like your OM1 and wish you many years of pleasure.
Reply to this comment
Darrel Sabin.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 21/06/2002
I was given an Olympus OM2n by my father on my 11th birthday. He tought me the basics of photography and I have now continued by doing a photography degree. The camera means alot to me mainly for centimental reasons. I have heard nothing but praise for this camera ever since I was given it, mainly about the quality of results it produces and its unique design. Your review has concluded what I have always thought about Olympus SLRs. I know people who have purchased OM10's and thought that they were of the same standard as mine but I had a feeling that this was wrong. In light of my OM2n's value to me I have decided to purchase an OM1n for holiday use, mainly because I can't bare those awful compact snaps especially when on many occasion I am surrounded by many potential great memories. Thankyou again for your valid opinion.
<br>
<br>Darrel Sabin
Reply to this comment
32675_Ronnie.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 11/08/2002
At the age of 16 I aspired to an OM2n... alas without the cash to achieve that aspiration I settled for an OM10 instead, which served me well over the next decade and a half. In the mid 90s I saw a second hand OM1n for what I considered to be a reasonable price, after a quick once over in the shop I produced the readies and it was mine, and has become my first choice SLR camera. Built like a tank, it handles more like a sportscar and before long my trusty OM10 was relegated to backup "film back" body. Incredibly, almost 20 years after my OM2n aspirations, a chance look in the shop windows and I saw one just waiting for me to go in and get it... now I have the 'set' as it were and the OM1n and OM2n have become my stalwarts; with the build and durability of these true classics I expect to still be using them when film becomes the exception rather than the rule!!
Reply to this comment
47898_Rob.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 03/11/2002
I have an Olympus OM1 as one of my SLR's. Although it may be old, this is my camera of choice to carry around with me. Takes great pictures, really tough constuction (except the shoe for the flash, though I still have the original one from when I got the camera), plus I have found this to be one of the easiest cameras to service in the field.
Reply to this comment
84293_Andy.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 29/03/2003
I first bought an OM10 when I was 14. I bought some cheap lens and so began my love of photography. As a pro photographer for 8 years, I've had many cameras since including Hassleblads, Canons and Mamiyas, which I still use.
<br>Recentely though I bought a mint Black OM1N with a 55mm f1.2 and a 28mm f2.
<br>You cannot compare this camera to any other Olympus bar om2n. It's small compact and feels great to shoot with. It's with me 24 hours a day and the quality of the lens is unbeatable.
<br>It's been nice to return full circle to olympus after all these years. I wish I'd had the advice to invest in one at the beginning.
<br>Modern 1.35v batterys are really easy to buy so
<br>I'm sure this camera will stay with me for a long time yet!
<br>www.andyfallon.com
Reply to this comment
84377_John.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 29/03/2003
Andy unless you're using zinc/air cells the 'modern 1.35 volt' batteries to which you refer are more than likely to be 1.5 volt alkaline cells and will cause your meter to over-read and hence under expose. Also their voltage-drop - as they get older - is non-linear and unpredictable, so you never know how much to compensate. Instead, use zinc/air hearing-aid batteries from Boots. These offer a similar performance and voltage to the old mercury batteries that the camera was intended for.
Reply to this comment
96437_Skkibunny.'s Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 10/05/2003
Back in the late 70s, when I knew I wanted to become a professional photographer, I couldn’t afford Nikon, and, besides, found them rather large and heavy. I bought into the OM system after seeing some remarkable 16x20s shot with a Zuiko prime and OM1. I have still have five OM bodies, from early 1s through to the later 2Ns and ‘Spots. I soon learned to tape over the marque badges, though, as, often Art Directors would become a little queazy if they thought I wasn’t using Nikon. I’ve had both advertising and editorial work run in all the major UK glossies which was produced using these unassuming little cameras and their wonderful optics, but I kept quiet about their use.
<br>
<br>In the late 80s, I switched to 6x9, and the Oly’s found little everyday use, but I still have them, and they are as good today as ever. With the advent of digital, I am now locked into the Nikon system, and it has been a surprise (and often an expensive one) to find that there is such a variation of quality across Nikon’s range of optics. Whereas, with the OM system, I never found that I bought a lens only to discover it lacking in crucial performance. I can’t say this of Nikon (viz the 80-400 VR, which we refer to, here, as “The milkbottle”...)
<br>
<br>A plus side of the mass market move to digital is that OM systems are now hitting the secondhand market in large numbers, and it’s an excellent time to snap up some fantastic Zuiko glass at knockdown prices.
<br>
<br>I can’t bring myself to part with my tiny OM’s, winders et al - and I expect to die and have someone in the retirement home find them still tucked-up inside an ancient, moth-eaten Billingham’.
<br>
<br>
Reply to this comment
Robclements's Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 03/12/2003
Having had a break from film cameras for a while, I decided to get myself an OM2 and OM1 again to have a go with film once more after using digital. I now know for a fact that a 35mm SLR can get results better than ANY digicam (my digital by the way is a Canon EOS D60, so is no poor quality item). I had Olympus cameras many years ago and have viewed them with the old rose tinteds, but having got a couple again, I now realise just HOW GOOD they really are. Bulit as almost bomb proof and still in perfect working and cosmetic order after 28 years in the case of the OM1(25 years for the OM2). I wonder if the D60 digicam will be ok in 2030?
<br>The Olympus OM series really was a revelation for SLR users back then, and I believe they are classic cameras that can still EASILY cut it today.
Reply to this comment
Bremner8's Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 21/05/2004
Like many people my first try at decent photography started with an OM10 and manual adaptor. I loved it! Scotland, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales were all lovingly recorded on a surprisingly good camera. At the time many of the camera reviewers seemed to look down on Olympus. This attitude was no doubt instilled by the fact that most big professional photography users had started with Nikon or Canon and simply continued purchasing more of the same. Olympus was a junior and unfairly so.
<br>After a few years with my baby OM10 I took the plunge, with a Dixons Payment Card! and bought an OM2n. So simple, so clear, so understated...Once again love at first snap. It fell to an ex girlfriend to complete my set. She almost gave away her OM1. Luckily I jumped in and rescued it.
<br>Since those days I have ventured into other territories. Second hand Nikons..The FM2n and an F601 Manual were great fun. However, I am nothing if not faithful so whilst the Nikons have been recycled the Olympus trio remained with me until the fateful day they were nicked from a 'safe box' in a friends car. I will have to scour my local shops again but now the days of credit cards are drawing to an end it may be some time.
Reply to this comment
Carl Sanders's Response to 18466_John Orrell.'s Review
Written on: 24/06/2009
This was a beautiful little camera and would still be used to day if it was in production. It should be turned into a digital 'full frame classic' similar to the recent half frame 'Pen', so that we can still use them. The OM1n was a little fragile, dropped on a rock it refused to function. The OM2n which we had as a replacement was just a joy to handle and use. The aesthetic design is still better than any of todays digital or film cameras, small, compact, light, a couple of these were easy to hang around the neck, even with motor drives. Bring them back : )<br/><br/>On another note, these classic looking cameras, including the Leica and 'V' system Hasselblads are still very much in use, film or digitised, (2009) so not sure what one of the commentators is talking about.
Reply to this comment
overview
Top 5 Analogue Cameras
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Zenit 12XP
25 reviews read latest review -
2. Nikon F100
17 reviews read latest review -
3. Canon T90
11 reviews read latest review -
4. Canon EOS 500
13 reviews read latest review -
5. Minolta X-300
12 reviews read latest review
Hot Stuff in
Latest Reviews in Analogue Cameras
-
Yashica Contax 645
"HlhInIQYEqvuK" Read More
-
Mamiya 7 II
"VglnurMCprdP" Read More
-
Pentax ZX-30
"I could be a little happier." Read More
-
Canon F-1
"You could pound 6" nails in wi..." Read More
-
Chinon Ce-4
"World Traveler" Read More
Latest items in Analogue Cameras
See more ▼
Bunnycat's Response to 214517_cfitzarl's Review
Written on: 20/04/2010
I found this review not helpful because this person rated one star based only upon a personal ergonomics issue. This review is therefore not valid as a general review of this camera body.