Olympus OM1n Reviews

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Olympus OM1n
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Latest Reviews

“Olympus OM1n”

★★★★★

written by kdned on 08/07/2013

In the mid 70's I was a Wedding Photographer and switched from a pair of bulky but excellent Mamiya 330 F TLR's to a pair of Olympus OM's - one OM1n & an OM2n. As most wedding photos of the Bride & Groom are posed, I would use the OM1n with a Western Light Meter to ensure perfect exposures. I tended to use the OM2n as a backup set on Auto for speed particlurly for group shots. For precision photos, my preference was always the OM1n and to this day in 2013, I still have my orginal OM1n and it is still in pristine condition & fully working order Whilst I went 'digital' many years ago, I still shoot Black & White film through the OM1n. This camera is highly recommended - there are several on E-bay and well worth investing in - you won't be disappointed.

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“I bought my OM-1N in 1977 and it has been in constant...”

★★★★★

written by 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. If you need a highly reliable camera without a lot of bells and whistles I strongly recommend the OM-1. There might be better cameras out there, but there can't be many.

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“ ”

★★★★★

written by 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 results. I use the Olympus digital slrs and they have proven more than a match for most situations. So since the OM adapter works really well I probably won't head back to nikon anytime soon. I guess the OM1n is just a lovable little workhorse and I will leave it at that..
;-) Steve

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“Olympus OM-1 is a masterpiece. OM Zuiko lens give...”

★★★★★

written by on 15/10/2010

Olympus OM-1 is a masterpiece. OM Zuiko lens give results same as Leits.

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“I have had my OM1 for 30 years and despite ownership...”

★★★★★

written by 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 the venerable Nikon FM models, especially the FM2n which is positively tinny in comparison. The prime Zuiko lenses are quite superb although some of the zooms (made by a third party manufacturer under licence) leave something to be desired. Good bodies and excellent lenses are still available at sensible prices and there are still a number of service centres and repairers in the UK with an abundance of knowledge and spare parts.

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“I have had my Olympus OM1-n for over twenty years and...”

★★★★★

written by 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 dont compare to this iconic masterpiece.

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“The Olympus OM1n is solid compact slr w/ good glass...”

★★★★★

written by on 01/06/2009

The Olympus OM1n is solid compact slr w/ good glass available

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“The Olympus OM1n is my all time favorite camera, aside...”

★★★★★

written by NPZuiko on 30/01/2009

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 drive to digital will leave so many without the true pleasure of operating a real professional and beautifully designed mechanical camera such as the OM-1n.

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“This old work horse never fails. A true classic....”

★★★★★

written by twag on 01/01/2009

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.

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“The Olympus OM1n is one of the finest 35mm camera's...”

★★★★★

written by GV889 on 13/09/2008

The Olympus OM1n is one of the finest 35mm camera's ever made. Small, light, compact design, low noise, bright viewfinder md option.

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“In my opinion its far, far beyond the equivalent...”

★★★★★

written by 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.

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“The Olympus OM1n is my first SLR, except for one that...”

★★★★☆

written by garfield peardrop plickhead on 05/11/2007

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.

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“I have owned the Olympus OM1n since 1982 when I...”

★★★★★

written by petermcp1999 on 16/05/2007

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.

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“I love these Olympus OM cameras. ”

★★★★★

written by JPESSIQUE on 20/01/2007

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 left the shop !
My OM1s value is increasing with time...
Using an OM1 is like driving a vintage car. You enjoy it, the (engine) shutter noise, the speed (digital is so slowish), the results, especially in portrait.
Taking snaps with a digital cam is like going to work in a diesel van in a congested area. A real pain ...
Use digital stuff for your work, in case of an accident or if your house is on fire (pray for the battery to be OK) but use an OM for fun or serious photography, that is my motto !!
I also love to wait for the results from the lab ! This little pinch in the chest is unique.
Being an elderly man, I want to keep these precious little moments for me and me alone !!!
Seeing the result immediately spoils all the pleasure.

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“Although, they say the Olympus OM1n camera is nice and...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by cfitzarl on 21/10/2005

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.

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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.

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“When I recently travelled to the Philippines I wanted...”

★★★★★

written by andres bonifacio on 23/07/2005

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 exposure information in the viewfinder, save for the meter needle and flash warning light (but who needs flash in available light photography?). The small body has good oversized dials and levers. Great for my smallish hands. The Zuiko lenses have their own mystique, with which I am in total agreement.
Overall build quality is very good (not fantastic like the Nikon Fs or Leica Ms, but it costs much less). The one bad point is the removeable plastic flash hotshoe, which always ends up cracked. Throw it away (or store it, the camera looks better without it.
My recent servicing of the OM1N was routine CLA and changing the battery wiring from the nasty 1.35v mercury button to a 1.5v silver alkaline. Do this and you can pass the camera on to your grandchildren.

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“The Olympus OM1n is an awesome camera, very durable. ...”

★★★★★

written by photodrew on 08/04/2005

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.

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“Olympus OM1n - The OM series led the way to smaller...”

★★★★★

written by andrew brown on 13/09/2004

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!

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“It's great to have a trip down memory lane from time...”

★★☆☆☆

written by George Beyer. on 13/06/2003

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 check by a good camera shop.

2. Lenses are no longer manufactured and those that are still around and are usable (not broken, not full of haze or fungus, not scratched or loose) are expensive as collectors pursue the remaining good examples.

3. No parts are being made for these old cameras anymore. Olympus completely abandoned the 35mm SLR market. So you might buy something on ebay & find you have an expensive paperweight for lack of parts.

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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.

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“Phil, I mean no disrespect but I beg to differ with...”

★★★★★

written by Rob. on 06/04/2003

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 built to last through far more abuse than any of that plastic bodied stuff churned out week after week. I encourage you to go to any second hand camera shop, what you will see is shelf after shelf of plastic bodied slr's with electronic problems. They are essentially throw away cameras after about 7 or 8 years. If your battery dies will your electronic shutter still fire? The answer is no, but the om1n will keep on functioning. I could go on and on about the reliability and piece of mind one recieves by using an om1n (and many other old slr systems) but either you get it or you don't. One day you may come to realize what you have been missing out on but I doubt it. Oh well, all the more vintage precision camera gear for us model T lovers to buy at a fraction of the cost of that plastic junk.

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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'?

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