A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to eBay

I’ve been writing quite frequently here about my effort to reduce the number of film cameras in my arsenal down to just those that bring me the most joy. I have to say that I have done a pretty good job and the timing has been right as the price of film cameras is the highest I’ve seen in a decade.

An interesting thing has happened to me during this process…I have found myself really missing a few of the cameras I have parted ways with. So much so, that I’ve gone out and bought replacements for them. One of the cameras I’ve deeply regretted selling was the Olympus OM-1.

The OM-1 was the first in a line of compact and exceptionally well made 35mm single reflex cameras from Olympus. The OM-1 was introduced as the M-1 in 1972. There were several refinements over the next few years with the final version, the OM-1n, hitting the market in 1979. I reviewed this camera in depth here a few years ago, and there are many other reviews, most better than mine, online. Hardly anyone has a bad thing to say about the OM-1n other than it uses a battery that is no longer available. That problem is easily fixed during CLA with a conversion to adapt the camera to modern batteries.

I sold my original OM-1n on eBay and I’ve really missed it. So much so that I reached out to one of my trusted sellers, John Titterington of JT Cameras to get another. John is a fine camera tech and sells Olympus and other vintage cameras on eBay. All of the cameras John sells have been serviced and re-calibrated to accept modern batteries. I ended up buying two OM-1n bodies from John, one black and one chrome. I know…so much for thinning the herd!

Olympus OM-1n with early 50mm f/1.4 Zuiko Auto-S

I took my black OM-1n, 50mm f/1.4 Zuiko and some expired Kodak ColorPlus with me to Sedona, Arizona a few weeks ago. I had intended to do quite a bit of hiking and photography while I was there but unfortunately I turned my ankle and had to stay off of it for a few days. Once rested, I took a short and easy stroll into Boynton Canyon and clicked off a few snaps.

After finishing this roll, I remembered why I loved the little OM-1n so much. It’s a delight to use. Feels so good in the hand. Simple. Jewel-like build quality. A big, bright viewfinder with awesome split-image focus screen and a meter display that never gets in the way of the photographer. One other thing that some reviewers have complained about—the rough feel of the film advance lever—is easily remedied during a CLA. Mine is smooth as silk. I don’t think I will be parting with my OM cameras anytime soon.

There are two other cameras that I regret selling. I’m on the hunt for those now. Hey…what can I say? :-)