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Olympus / 1972 / 35mm
Olympus OM-1
Compact and fully mechanical. The one I take when I don't want to think about gear.
Overview
Olympus OM-1
Japan
The OM-1 is the smallest fully mechanical 35mm SLR I own. It's significantly lighter than the Nikon F2 and the Canon F-1. With the Zuiko 50mm f/1.4, the whole package fits in a jacket pocket.
I use this camera when I'm in Florida and don't want to carry much. A day at the beach, a walk through a neighborhood in Tampa, a trip to a state park. The OM-1 is the camera I grab when I want to shoot but don't want to think about equipment.
The meter requires a battery, but the shutter is fully mechanical. If the battery dies, the camera still works. You just lose the meter. In Florida heat, where batteries can behave unpredictably, that's reassuring.
Specifications
Type
SLR
Year introduced
1972
Shutter
Cloth focal plane, 1s -- 1/1000
Meter
Center-weighted TTL (requires battery)
Mount
Olympus OM bayonet
Battery
1.35V mercury (use Wein cell or adapter)
Weight
495g (body only)
Flash sync
1/60s
Production run
1972 -- 1987
History
The OM-1 was designed by Yoshihisa Maitani, the same engineer who designed the Olympus Pen series. Maitani's goal was to make a professional-quality SLR that was significantly smaller and lighter than the Nikon F and Canon F-1. He succeeded.
The OM-1 was originally called the M-1, but Leica objected to the name. Olympus renamed it the OM-1. The OM system grew to include a full range of lenses and accessories, all designed to the same compact standard.
The OM-1 uses a 1.35V mercury battery for the meter. Mercury batteries are no longer available. Wein cells are the best replacement -- they're the same voltage and the meter reads accurately. Silver oxide batteries work but read slightly high.
Worth owning?
The OM-1 is worth owning if you want a compact, fully mechanical 35mm SLR. It's the most portable serious camera in my collection. The Zuiko lenses are excellent and reasonably priced.
The main limitation is the flash sync speed of 1/60s. For fill flash in bright Florida sun, that's not fast enough. The FM2's 1/250s sync is much more useful for outdoor work.
Prices are reasonable. A clean OM-1 body runs $80 to $200. The Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 costs $60 to $150. Good value.
Common faults
Light seals
The foam light seals always need replacement. The OM-1 is notorious for bad light seals. Do this before shooting any film.
Mirror bumper
The foam mirror bumper deteriorates. Causes mirror bounce. Always replace.
Meter battery compatibility
The original 1.35V mercury battery is no longer available. Use a Wein cell or a silver oxide battery with an adapter.
Sticky shutter
Old lubricant on the shutter blades. Needs cleaning. Common on cameras that have been stored for years.
CLA notes
The OM-1 CLA is straightforward. The light seals and mirror bumper are always replaced -- these are the most common issues. The shutter is cleaned if needed.
The meter is checked with a Wein cell installed. The OM-1 meter is accurate when the correct battery voltage is used.
In Florida, I pay particular attention to the light seals. The OM-1 is notorious for seal deterioration, and the Florida humidity makes it worse. I use self-adhesive felt cut to size.
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