Olympus OM-1, SLR 35mm Film

Olympus OM1

Olympus OM-1 Overview

The Olympus OM-1 was introduced in 1972 and came into the shops in 1973. It is a small compact, all manual, film all-mechanical Single Lens Reflex camera.

It has a very large viewfinder with interchangeable screens but a fixed prism. It also has a through-the-lens exposure meter controlling a needle visible in the viewfinder. It has a very compact body, whose form was retained in later OM film camera models.

The OM-1 is a very usable early SLR. It’s all manual systems appeal to many and the built-in (accurate) light meter makes relatively easy to use. There is also a good range of lenses available including a popular 50mm 1.8. The lenses can also be used on modern Olympus Mirrorless cameras with an adaptor

The camera weighs only 700g with the standard Zuiko 50mm lens and sits well in the hand (W136 x H83 x D86mm ). It was a sensation at its very first debut and remains a sought after camera today among many collectors and film enthusiasts. (See eBay.co.uk listings below) Don’t ever let the dimension of the camera misled you to think it is just another ordinary SLR – the OM-1(n) is actually a full-blown system SLR camera. It is not only one of the world’s best-performing 35mm SLR cameras, but also at one stage during the early and mid-seventies put Olympus among the most respectable name with other Japanese 35mm SLR manufacturers.

Olympus OM-1, SLR 35mm Film
The Olympus OM-1

Variants

Original – Olympus M-1 (Discontinued after the name was challenged by Leitz . It is believed that about 5,000 M-1s were made and naturally they are very collectable.

Olympus OM-1MD Addition of a Motor Drive

Olympus OM-1n Redesigned film advance lever, a flash ready/sufficient flash LED in the viewfinder, and automatic flash synchronization (X-sync)

I now own an OM-1

I now own an OM-1. I found one for sale with some lenses for a great price and although I already have an OM-2 I thought I would splash out. The camera was very dirty, but I was delighted when the meter fired up with the insertion of a new battery and adaptor.

Links

Used and new camera providers – RW Jemmett Photography Business Directory.

Four Types of Camera, Which One Works Best for You?

The Sale Room – Olympus OM-1 Online access to auctions across the country

There are always good examples of the Olympus OM-1 available on Etsy including refurbished models

Wiki – Olympus OM-1

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Instagram Feed for #olympusom1

Find an Olympus OM-1

Where to buy:

Find an Olympus OM1 on eBay
Find an Olympus OM1 on Etsy

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