I'm planning to get a backup body for my 5D. I know I can get perhaps a 350D or something similar for the same price but as I have many oly lenses am thinking of a film body. Has anybody used it? Any alternatives?
Main advantages are light weight and reliability in the remote areas.
after an atomic bomb, when all electronic fails (except a MIG 29)
i would go for an OM1. totally mech.
i had one, years ago an its a fine camera.
i also had a OM2n which is also fine.
now i have Nikon FT3 which is very fine, but for Nikon only of course.
OM1(N? they made a 1N, right?) or OM2N. No substitutes. The others have smaller or dimmer finders, and more finicky electronics, or are just overpriced.
My OM-2 despite the electronic shutter is tough as nails---even tougher than my 2N's. I like my 4T, which was felt to be tough enough to go on a space shuttle and has fairly good seals. The 3T is a mechanical shutter beauty and will do TTL flash unlike the OM3, but is very very expensive these days. If you require mirror lock up and aperture prefire--you'll need the 4or 4T---would be careful about an older 4 w/o the newer circuit---drains batteries faster and not good for remote places I wouldn't think.
prashant wrote:
I'm planning to get a backup body for my 5D. I know I can get perhaps a 350D or something similar for the same price but as I have many oly lenses am thinking of a film body. Has anybody used it? Any alternatives?
Main advantages are light weight and reliability in the remote areas.
I have an OM-1. I don't think film is a good backup. A used 350D must be inexpensive.
I repaired Olympus SLRs (only) for twenty years. Om1s and 1ns are very reliable- almost the only thing that ever goes wrong is light meter,(95% repairable-usually corroded wires) 5% open circuit light meter coil-now unobtainable except by cannibalising. Will still work without battery and lightmeter, however. OM2s and 2ns are also reliable, but must have batteries. OM2SPs are also reliable, except for gummy levers in base. Early OM4s are to be avoided. Never saw an OM3 for repair. OM4T and Ti are the best if you want an OM4. But lifespan of LCD in view finder is suspect. In all OM1s, light seals will need replacing, and the foam rubber above the prisms in OM1s deteriorates and destroys the silvering on the prism , making the viewfinder bottom clouded. Fortunately, you can pick up a junked OM 10, or 20 for next to nothing, and these prisms fit perfectly. (Quite easy DIY job) OM lenses are legend, and fit my Canon digitals with adaptors. I've not gone the full frame 5D yet, but look forward to using my 21mm f2 on one! I do wonder, however, what range of films will still be available in ten years, let alone twenty or thirty- the paper and chemicals will be gone- you'll have to scan negatives and print digitally.
I have had an OM4 and an OM10 for a few years now. Can't say anything has gone wrong with either one..... Truly love the OM4..... and for around $300 or less, hard to beat. The OM 10 can be had for $50.
A good OM3 should go for around $400-$500 - a bit more expensive but may be worthwhile for someone who is looking for an all manaul SLR
