[shoplink 28221 ebay]
[/shoplink]
The very first [shoplink 28221 ebay]Olympus M-1[/shoplink], announced back in 1972.
You know what happens in 2012? The Olympus OM system becomes forty years old. From Wikipedia:
“The system was introduced by Olympus in 1972, more than a decade after Nikon, Canon, and other manufacturers had established their own SLR ranges. The range was designed by Yoshihisa Maitani, chief designer for Olympus, and his staff. The nucleus of the system was a series of compact bodies divided into a professional series and a later consumer-orientated series. The first model introduced was the all-mechanical M-1, which after pressure from Leica was renamed OM-1.”
And what do you think is Olympus going to do to remember the OM? 🙂 Maitani would be proud to know that finally the digital OM is coming!
One more thing: The Hong Kong invitation text said that Olympus will release also a “new line of products“. I wouldn’t go to far with your imagination. My guess (no rumor yet) is that there will be OM related “special products”. Let’s see if I am right.
Here is a list of all OM cameras (click on name to see them on eBay)
[shoplink 28221 ebay]M-1[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28222 ebay]OM-1[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28223 ebay]OM-1 MD[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28224 ebay]OM-1N[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28225 ebay]OM-2[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28226 ebay]OM-2N[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28227 ebay]OM-2S/SP[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28228 ebay]OM-3[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28229 ebay]OM-3Ti[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28230 ebay]OM-4[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28231 ebay]OM-4T/Ti black and chrome[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28232 ebay]OM-10[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28233 ebay]OM-20 (OM-G)[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28234 ebay]OM-30(OM-F)[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28235 ebay]OM-40 (OM-PC)[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28236 ebay]OM-77AF (OM-707)[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28237 ebay]OM-88 (OM-101)[/shoplink]
[shoplink 28238 ebay]OM-2000[/shoplink]
I own the [shoplink 28232 ebay]OM-10[/shoplink] and you?
134 Responses
I have an OM-1, OM-10 and an OM-40, all with winders. All are wonderful cameras, with small prime lenses and some pretty nice zooms. But, I don’t use any of them on a regular basis now — gotten lazy with autofocus.
I’ve had my OM-1 for 37 years and still use it occasionally.
I think the M-1 is identical to the OM-1 and that Oly changed the name at Leica’s request.
I switched from Canon to Oly – I was torn between the OM2-SP and OM-40 but got the latter – loved the off-the-film-plane flash metering ! My first digital was a Minolta and I traded in all my Oly gear when I switched. More sorry to see it go than any other system I’ve had.
If they bring out an OM4-styled body with a decent (new !) sensor, I’m not gonna be able to resist.
Lets hope this Digital OM-1 is a new 16-18mp sensor, with excellent vf, m43 mount, comes bundled with a 17/1.8 of the quality of the 12/2 or 45/1.8…
I will certainly buy this over the X-Pro1 as it should focus quickly!!!
if this has at least the same sensor as the G3/GX1, then count me in!
How I miss my OM1’s and Zuiko lenses, they were just so very good. 🙁
Happy B’day OM! I have an OM2 that I use pretty frequently, a broken 🙁 OM4, and my baby, the Zuiko 50mm f1.2. Great fun and the rumoured Digital OM would certainly be a dream come true….
Way more beatiful than the so-called „sexy” Fuji Pro-X1…
+100!
Happy Birthday beautiful OM. I hope Olympus does your memory justice with the new digital OM.
I’ve always wanted an OMG camera 😉
*like*
Right now I have 3 OM-1’s, 28/3.5, 35/2.8, 50/1.8, 50/3.5, and 135/3.5. I floated the entire length of the Grand Canyon recently (280 miles/450km), and used the OM’s exclusively, shooting a mix of Velvia 100, 100 ACROS, and 400Tmax.
Please, Olympus, give me my digital OM, complete with the astounding usability of those bodies! The XZ-1 was a step in the right direction with the ring around the lens. Have seances where you contact the spirit of Maitani if you have to, just give us a great camera!
Cool. Old 35mm gear is just great stuff.
How is the 135mm f3.5?
I just inherited one, but don’t have it yet. I have a M4/3 adaptor ready to use!
Its nice. Needs to be stopped down to get really sharp, but its small and light, and has an integrated hood (a feature that I’ve always liked). It makes a great hiking telephoto, and on µ4/3’s with the effective doubling, 270mm makes for a fine telephoto. If you can find a decent TC you’ll have a reasonable wildlife lens that weighs nothing!
Have an OM2 (that recently croaked), 50/1.8, Vivitar 28/2.8. Would love a digital OM with a GIANT electronic viewfinder like the optical one they use to have!
You mean.. like that one you have on back of EP-3? Its called LCD..
He said giant not small. The LCD on the back of the EP-3 is no replacement for the OM-2 viewfinder.
the new Olympus will be a mix between E-3 & and the view finder with the latest pana- Sensor & watersealed of course & maybe an IR-Control (would be great).
technologicaly I aspect nothing new. (Panorama-Mode, ….)
Anyway let’s hope for best! Cananon (G1X & mirrorless // Sony (soon with smaller lenses)9 increases their presure.
Look to E-10 and E-20, this is i think by optical view finder in a new digital OM.
I have an OM-2 with 35 and 135mm, but are on the bench for retired cameras. I purchased an OM-1 in 1972/3.
Agree what Keith write above. – With the addition that the sensor, 16-18 Mpix, needs to be a state-of-the-art m4/3 with improved DR. Can do without a 17/1.8.
m4/3 cameras also need to take a step from being just point-and-shoot on steroids to develop the usability on the same level as the IQ!
If the Fuji delivers files with smoothness and richness like Canon 5DMkII I will probably go for that. Will keep the G3 + a few lenses. The Fuji is a mirrorless but not an competitor to m4/3.
Wont happen, NMOS is simply flawed technology or so called dead end. Panasonic proved that a lot of times.
“m4/3 cameras also need to take a step from being just point-and-shoot on steroids to develop the usability on the same level as the IQ!”
I guess you haven’t used a GH2. It’s in a different league from the GFs and Pens in terms of handling and usability.
GH2 is better in many ways, but with my medium sized hands I cannot get a good right hand grip that is comfortable.
+1. They should re-design the GH grip. For instance, Oly E-520 grip was just perfect. I would actually prefer E-520-sized camera, which wasn’t that much bigger than GH2, but quite a bit more comfortable to hold and shoot with. Other than that, the GH2 ergonomy is very nice.
Seems I am the only one who hates the ergonomics of the GH2? The thumb wheel is the worst I have ever used on any camera ever…
I really fail to see how it is in a different league to GFs and Pens in terms of handling and usability.
Very simple. GH2 is much more comfortable to shoot with, especially with bigger lenses (than a 14-42 kit lens) attached, and there are also more direct controls on it (pretty logically distributed). The swiveling display is also very practical. I also prefer the integrated VF to the external one.
As for the thumb wheel, yes, it could be a bit better, but it’s not near the tragedy you seem to imply.
When I had the E-510, I thought it had a perfect grip. Then I bought my (first) E-3, and it seemed like such big and clunky camera. Now I can’t even hold the E-510 properly because I realize how tiny and uncomfortable the grip actually is 🙂
Well, E-3 really has an even more perfect grip, no doubt about that :), but it’s a huge camera compared to E-510, not in line with m43 at all.
For me, E-5×0-sized camera would be an ideal compromise as an ergonomic m43 body.
GH2 being better than Girlfriends or Pens doesn’t mean it’s good.
Even E-400 serie bodies from absolute bottom of the 4/3 line up were comfortable.
Grip is way too small to get real hold from camera and can’t house proper capacity battery and other control wheel.
That oversize travel-TV in rear is nearly inch too big for the body size destroying last chances of getting even tolerable grip from camera and eats space from adequate controls and crams too tiny buttons into too small space.
Full fake SLR design causes nose to hit to body/LCD when trying to look into viewfinder necessitating turning head downwards instead of just lifting camera between eye and what you were looking. Minolta A1/A2 and Olympus E-1 style should have been inspiration source for design.
And controls are deficient starting from that only one control wheel (+not the best like mooboy said) to too tiny buttons in too tight space and part of for example drive mode selection buried into menu hell. Minolta A1/A2 did lot better in smaller size!
And those very tiny knobs/levers aren’t adequate control method in cold weather with stiff fingers and/or gloves. That’s why DSLRs made for serious use have that press simple button of that setting & turn control wheel control method.
Now just if Olympus would like to wake up. Design decent full-frame sensor. Put it into OM body. Add very simple necessary controls for digital part (ISO selection, WB .. not much needed, maybe to specificy JPEG/RAW output.. tho it should shoot RAW only as original OM-1).
Well and than just sell it.
I would buy it in second. OM-1 with digital sensor instead of film and Im happy until I die.
In reality we dont need anything else than that. Simple camera with sensor instead of film. Tho.. we can still shoot film, just this variant would be bit more convenient. 🙂
Me too, APS-C camera are nice, but are complicated to use, with all those geek modes and menu driven. Why something possible many years ago is impossible today ? I have a OM10 and a praktica BX20, it’s small and light FF cameras with direct control. Ok, there is not dozen fps, no panorama, no face detect, no night, child, landscape, pet, sport and other funny scenes mode, they are simply photographic tool.
I’ll bet “new products” are new reworked, flashes.
Sadly, they can’t duplicate the OM system, though, because aperture isn’t on the lens.
Now, if they releases lenses with an ap ring — well, that would be something!
AFAIK, there is nothing stopping them from putting a control ring on the lens that could be used for aperture control, or anything else for that matter.
@WT21
my Leica 25mm f1.4 has an aperture ring that works on my four thirds and micro four thirds cameras it’s not a big deal because aperture is not something that I change from shot to shot to shot…
I would rather have a white balance or an exposure compensation ring on my lens….
Nothing is to stop them taking the data read out from the focus ring and applying that to appature values… ok it wont be notched and only turn smoothly – but it could still stop down in a predictable and controlable way….
A special edition OM SLR camera with AF??
Fullframe or Half frame sensor?
Digital OM-X?
f/1 or faster OM prime lenses??
Electronic Crystal Mirror?
Shutter speed dial around the lens mount?
Am I the only one with an OM-3 here?
No i have OM-3 and OM-3Ti 😉
If you’ve got an extra OM-3, I’ll take it off your hands! ;-).
Aooo Obs 😀
OMG I want an OM-3! I passed up the last one I saw… was $500. Yikes!
Wow OM3ti are super expensive. But I love fully mechanical shutter.
OM-4 here. I want multispot metering and in-body VF in a new Olympus body!
Matrix metering is, in essence, automated multi-spot. But I agree, it would be cool to get that level of control back, although I suspect that hi-spot and low-spot are all we’re likely to get ;-(.
Don’t forget that before the M1, Olympus offered a standard-sized 35mm SLR, the uninspiring and clunky Olympus FTL, introduced in 1971. It used a version of the M42 (Pentax screw) lens mount, modified to allow full-aperture metering with a limited line of Olympus lenses. You can read more about it here: http://www.biofos.com/cornucop/ftl.html
So you see, not everything Olympus does is a winner (and past owners of OM-1s with slipping film-advance clutches and non-repairable meter failures might say not everything they do is perfect!) Let’s hope the forthcoming M43 camera is a significant advance, not just a me-too rehash like the FTL!
With the benefit of hindsight and internet acronyms, we know that anything called “FTL” was doomed from the very beginning. The Olympus OM-G, on the other hand…
Actually , FTL means Four Thirds Losers ! Ahaahahahah 😉
FTL only produce in 7 month, and maybe not of Olympus also.
FTL was my first SLR. It may not have been inspiring, but it was quality built, and it had the (then new) feature of open aperture metering. This was something of a revelation for my photo mates who had Practikas and the like.
It also had a stepless aperture ring which made the match needle metering very smooth.
Can’t clearly remember the lenses I had with it, I know I had the 50, 35 and a tele, perhaps a 135.
I liked it, and it took some very good photos for me. Traded it on my OM2.
I’ve got an om1 and an om4
I have a OM 1 and two OM 4Ti bodies.
My guess, my dream, an OM shaped mirrorless full frame body with internal viewfinder that can take any lens (OM, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Leica, etc.) with adapters of course. Just that.
Regards
will have a 40 year old sensor.. fits olympus… LOL
Hey, Kodachrome was around 40 years ago. Don’t knock it!
mmmmm kodachrome…
I got 2 om3 best cam ever
OM4 owners might disagree with you, but I’d love to try an OM-3 to find out!
Do that, but the 3 is the best hands down (got a 4 ti too…)
The 3 is an engineering marvel. The 4 is just a marvel. 😛
Currently only an OM-2n, bought the week it was first introduced in my city. I still use it as my film camera, best camera ever IMO for taking slides (its framing is perfect, and has full frame average metering). It is an extremely well built and reliable camera (funny, the knock when I got it was that it was not well built). v Wish I had a OM-3 or OM-4ti; used them but never owned one.
If the original OM was FF to the Pens half frame, then the new OM should be a FF format camera. I am dreaming here but I and maybe 8 other people would buy it. It still can use regular and M43 lens but they would only use part of the sensor. I would like it the same size as the original, as any smaller is not as stable, and the buttons become to small for effortless use. It would be nice to have the shutter speed on the lens barrow, like the OM. A fantastic viewfinder is a must, even though I am sure it is a mirror-less. Both types of focusing for some of the 43 lens, and m43 lens. And an auto for the OM lens. No need for a conversion lens for the OM lens as it is a FF, if not a FF then maybe a full 43 frame, and if not that an optional conversion lens for the OM lens, and others that were made for 35 mm film. For a sensor the latest or one even newer such as an organic one. There is no need to stay with a 43 sensor size anymore. Didn’t Olympus let some other camera company recently use some of their sensor cleaning patents? Maybe a trade for a sensor was made.
Unfortanetly, I believe that it will just be a collectors camera that looks like an OM 1 and inside is a Pen P3, but with an integrated v3 viewfinder. Olympus please show me wrong.
+1 – I like the idea of having a FF sensor and using either a 4/3 crop or the full frame with my old OM lenses….
Would also wish it to PDAF 4/3 + use normal m4/3…
+1 – It will be an E-P3 in a OM body!
No, it didn’t turn 40… it died a miserable death 10 years ago.
Very true. Not many people were buying into the dying OM system while many new bodies and lenses were coming out from Canon and Nikon.
M4/3 is a stroke of genius from Olympus, hope it will last.
OM-2, OM-2N and OM-10
Ok. Good, nice! Now what?
Om2n plus 50/1.4, 135/2.8,/35/2
I am hoping for an adapter that performs auto stop down on the new camera. Make the lenses even more usable.
Predictions for the new Olympus camera:
1. a m43 faux-DSLR style camera (like the GH series)
2. bundled with 12-50 m43 kit lens (no new lenses)
3. built-in EVF (low res, no new tech, no innovation)
4. no predictive focus (forget using 4/3 lenses)
5. no ‘extra’ manual controls (same as E-P3)
6. no optimization for video (unlike the GH series)
7. no focus peaking, panorama, or HDR mode (not an NEX)
8. new art filters (yeah! -sarcasm-)
9. same ol’ 12 mpx sensor (of course!)
10. too little, too late (see E5)
oooch – i fear you are correct!
only possibile change might be a cool VF (from roumors)?
You could do better.
We already know that the viewfinder will be new technology. There is an interview with Olympus to confirm that.
There also has to be at least one or two more manual controls, otherwise the faux SLR design would make no sense.
Finally, I don’t think they will dare to re-use the 12MP sensor. In the very least I hope for Panasonics new 16MP sensor. That one is quite some improvement, and not even a year old. It cannot compete with Sony, but not because it is older. It is just not as good, and not as expensive.
I don’t claim to “know” anything about the upcoming announcement… these are just my predictions. Actually, I hope that all of my predictions are wrong 🙂
Some of them will be true.
I’d say all NativeFloridian says will be true. But, for fun, my personal wishlist (I’m sure others will have different wants/needs):
1. Centred new tech EVF… but without the big DSLR-like hump of the GH2.
2. Either no in built flash, or flash moved to corner to avoid aforementioned hump.
3. New tech 12 mp multi-aspect square sensor with increased DR and low ISO handling.
4. Two thumb wheels a la NEX-7.
5. New joystick control for setting focus point just under thumb wheels.
6. Dedicated ISO, WB + Mode buttons on top of camera. (So, set these by combination of button and main thumb wheel)
7. Focus mode selector on back (I hate digging into menus when want to pass camera to someone to take a photo for you)
8. Focus peaking.
9. 8+ FPS continuous shooting.
10. Flippy-tilty LCD screen (same as GH2)
11. Dual SD slots.
12. Hacked GH2 quality video.
13. Weather sealed.
If they had all that, I’d consider the $1800 Gabriel predicts for price, though maybe I am the only customer.
Oh, and a 100mm f/2 telephoto and/or a 90 mm f/2.8 macro would be nice too. Ok, time to wake up…
I would also like to see a square multi-apect sensor. From a marketing standpoint, it would help them compete in the megapixel race and truly be a unique differentiating feature. I imagine it would be an advantage to have a square sensor anytime the camera is mounted on a tripod. For this same reason, a square sensor would fit nicely inside a modular-style camera. But again, I expect neither of these things in the new camera (see my list above). To address Gabriel’s point, I will add one more:
11. Good build quality but overpriced (see E5)
you forgot one thing, 1800$ body only 😉
If they release a new camera with OM look… well shut up and take my money Olympus…
Lol
own OM2spot,winder,flash..lots of glass really miss using it after digital came…can’t wait for the new models now..hope we can use 4/3 glass which is much better/brighter than the m4/3..then Oly will be back on top again…
Couldn’t they just use full frame and call it super four thirds? As long as they keep the ratio of 43?
And make an entire lineup of new lenses?
Hardly. 4/3 does not refer to the aspect ratio, but to the sensor size. It is the equivalent of a 4/3 inch video tube.
I can’t imagine them going back from 4/3 and m4/3. It would be a huge engineering effort which would only cause financial losses.
Remember they simply do not have a full frame AF mount, and they will never have it.
Well, there _have_ been rumours of a “Super 4/3” system with a 4:3 25*19 mm sensor. If it were 16 or 18 Mpx, regular (Micro) Four Thirds lenses could be used for 12 Mpx images, similar to how Nikon DX lenses can be used with FX bodies.
I want 8 Feb 2012 to be now!
+1
“I own the OM-10 and you?”
OM4-Ti
OM4 with Ti circuit.
Zuikos:
300mm f4.5
180mm f2
90mm f2 macro
80mm f4 macro
50mm f1.2
35-80mm f2.8
28mm f2
21mm f2
1.4x TC
Happy Birthday OM !
Do you want to sell the 180/2?
Sorry, no.
Besides Panasonic greedy hands what I think has stopped Oly from introducing a new sensor is their own IBIS system. For whatever new sensor they choose they have to redesign the whole IBIS structure and that takes time, so they have to know what sensor they´ll use before redesigning their IBIS and they could only freely choose a new sensor when their binding contract with Pany ended, so that leaves very little time to redesign the IBIS system.
My guess is that we´ll see the same old 12mp sensor and 6 months from now Oly will refresh the pen line with the (by then, old) 16mp sensor. They have no shame in introducing better technology into lower end models instead of top tier ones. Case in point, the e-pl1 was more feature rich than the E-p1/2 when released, had the same sensor as the E5 and all of that for a fraction of the cost.
It’s all in the processor and IBIS system .
The OM3Ti is the only camera I really wish I had owned and didn’t. I wonder if the OM alike camera will be a limited edition, as they have been known to do a few limited editions in the past. If it really is like the OM I won’t one!
I always admire the OM cameras and the genius of its designer. Too poor to get one when I was young.
In 2001, OM4 and OM3 Ti were $1200 and $1500, respectively, more expensive than a Nikon F100 and there were no auto-focus lenses nor cameras from Olympus at that time, the OM system was basically dead, so I went with the Nikon system.
Many years later after the discontinuation of the OM system, and digital SLR cameras were getting better, finally I got a E-volt 520.
And now the F100 is $200 or less used, while the OM-3Ti is $2000 (or more, and increasing in value). I applaud Nikon for keeping the same lens mount, but I’d rather have the OM-3Ti 😉
Happy birthday OM system! I own three om bodies (OM-1n, OM-2 and OM-2 Spot-program) in perfect working conditions. And some great zuiko lenses: 24 mm f2.8, 28 mm f3.5, 35 mm f2, two 50 mm f1.8, two 50 mm f1.4, 100 mm f2.8, 135 mm f3.5, 200 mm f4, 28-48 mm f4 , 65-200 mm f4. T32 and F280 flashes, winders, etc… I hope the new olympus “pro” system will continue this wonderful line.
I have an OM1, an OM1md, an OM1N and an OM2SP. They are all still working and lovely.
http://zone-10.com/cmsm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=458&Itemid=1
E-3Ti
I have have the following OM gear.
OM2n OM4 21 f3.5, 24 f2.8, 28 f3.5, 35 f2.8 50 f1.4, 50 f1.8, 100 f2.8, 135 f3.5, 200 f4, 300 f4.5 and 35-105 plus various winders, focus screens, and broken Flash. Still have 10 rolls of Fujichrome 50.
I hope they don’t make it too retro. The 12-50mm lens gives some design cues perhaps…
The perfect digital m43 OM1 would have:
– OM1 Inspired body design
– GH2 sensor and its multi aspect abilities
– A new tech from olympus: A magical fixed semi transparent mirror coupled to an hybrid huge viewfinder with 2x magnification
– electronic shutter for perfect silent operation.
– an external (optional) phase AF sensor using AP2 for perfect compatibility with 43 lenses.
– weather/dust sealing & bullet proof 😉
This is exciting!
I own;
OM-10, OM-20, OM-30
OM-1, OM-2, OM-4
+
OM Zuiko 24/2.8, 28/2.8, 35/2, 50/1.4, 50/1.8, 85/2, 100/2.8, 135/2.8, 180/2.8
Looking for the 50/1.2 and the 100/2 in particular…
Used to own OM-4. still have a 4Ti
Broke three winders.
24/2.0
50/1.4
50/3.5 macro
135/2.8
Would like to have a 35/2.0 to round out the outfit.
Oh and a 85/2.0 would be sweet too.
Hope the new whatever X will have better battery solution than the OM-4. The current Pens still are no champs in that department. New Nikon D4 last 2600 shots on one batt (granted it’s a lot bigger batt but still)
My guess is its a beefed up E400 and Oly calls it X-7. Uhm can’t call it that, Minolta allready did that. Okay will call it EX-4000
The perfect digital m43 OM1 would have:
– OM1 Inspired body design
– GH2 sensor and its multi aspect abilities
– A new tech from olympus: A magical fixed semi transparent mirror coupled to an hybrid huge viewfinder with 2x magnification
– electronic shutter for perfect silent operation.
– an external (optional) phase AF sensor using AP2 for perfect compatibility with 43 lenses.
– weather/dust sealing & bullet proof 😉
Ommmmmmmmmmmm…
Chanting for a cool looking digital OM. 🙂
People say that the OM sysem died, BUT OM system never died! Have you ever tried to kill an OM-1N md? Let me just say that it’s near impossible. LOL I love the OM camera lineup. I just shot Three rolls of Agfa APX 100 though my OM-1n md and OMZ 35mm F2.0 and developed in 1:100 Adonal(Rodinal) yesterday. And the results are just amazing!!! I sure hope that the make some kind of camera that can live up to Maitani’s design.
P.S. For those who care heres a list of my OM gear.
tho OM-1N md’s
two OM-G’s
one OM-10
OMZ 28mm F3.5
OMZ 35mm F2.0(favorite lens)
two OMZ 50mm F1.8
OMZ 85mm F2.0(second favorite lens)
OMZ 135mm F3.5
OMZ 180mm F2.8
Lenses on my to buy list.
OMZ 55mm F1.2
OMZ 100mm F2.8
OMZ 135mm F2.8
P.S.S. I only 18 years old and only been shooting film for about a year now. I originally stared purchasing the OMZ’s for my E-3 to make up for the lack of primes lenses in the Four Thirds system.
OM-2, 21, 28, 50, 50 Macro, and 75-150 Zuikos
For all you people drooling over these old but beautiful cameras, I’d like to point out two things:
1) The body dimensions of the OM series is almost identical to the new Fuji X-Pro1 that many of you claimed was too big.
2) Olympus has to disappoint you. They either have to make an OM bastard child with an OM sized and styled body with a midget m43 4 year old sensor in it, or they have to further bastardise it by downsizing it to suit that old sensor.
If they are going to resurrect OM, it should be fullframe. Sadly, I don’t think there is anyone with the cajones to do that at Olympus 2012.
RIP OM. Please don’t disturb the grave.
Didn’t Olympus invent the first digial camera?, – I remember I guy I met when I was very young that worked on the mines and he bought himself I digital camera. It was the first one I’d seen at the time that took photographas while being able to delete them.
Olympus are coming close to going bust though so it could be their final hour.
Will the new line of products be something like this? ADMIN?
http://www.43rumors.com/a-bird-told-me-you-should-look-at-those-pictures-olympus-modular-camera/
A few days back there was also a similar patent from Olympus!!
http://www.43rumors.com/olympus-patent-discloses-a-hasselblad-alike-camera/
http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-olympus-patent-discloses-a-modular-camera-concept/
My first SLR was my dad’s OM-1. When I was young and foolish I traded it in for a Minolta Vectis S-1, which seemed like a good idea at the time. Today my primary camera is a Lumix G2, but having worked some significant overtime last year I rewarded myself with a suprisingly heavy OM-4Ti & Zuiko 50mm f1.4. I also have a 35RD and Trip, and used to have an XA and C700UZ. So Olympus dont have to try very hard to sell me a lets call it an OM-5D; they just have to make me a camera with a tilting screen, integral EVF and a very quiet sensor. And if it doesnt have a pop-art filter or cat face detection, I can live with that.
The first SLR I bought myself was an OM 2-SP, since my dad had an OM-10. I had to import the OM2-SP from Jessops in the UK to New Zealand. A few months later I bought an OM-1 second hand, which got damaged when the tripod it was on blew over, so I gave it away. Then I got myself an OM 4Ti black, which I loved, but I haven’t used the OMs since I got my wife a digital compact.
I now have an E-410.
New line of Products. C’mon Oly, give us FF and a line of decent lenses.
Don’t forget the shutter speed dial around the lens mount.
If you are not satisfied with the quality of the 45/1.8 and 12/2.0 then there will be no satisfying you. These are fantastic lenses.
How is the optical performance of the 12 mm f/2.0 compared to that of the 12-60 at 12 mm? One lens is software-corrected, the other one isn’t.
I have both but have never compared them side by side. I don’t like using AF on the 4/3 lenses on m4/3. I should take a look, would be interesting! Could compare with the SHG 7-14mm @12mm as well.
Im proud owner of OM-1 with 50mma nd 28mm lenses.
Great small SLR
Pay Attention Olympus: People loved the OM System! Do something smart and introduce a new OM system with “full frame” sensor and the same design aesthetic as the original. No focus by wire and no cheap plastic. Just good solid value, and excellent performance!
I had an OM-2 and ended up repurchasing some zuiko glass to use with my PENs. I have had the:
50mm f1.8 (the latest version which said “japan” only rather than “made in japan” and supposedly had the best coatings of the series)
50mm f3.5 macro (crazy sharp lens)
80mm f2 (seems to be more rare)
100mm f2.8 (my favorite of them all, truly deserving of the description “gem”)
135mm f3.5 (gets mixed reviews but gave me a lovely ‘painted’ look to photos)
200mm f4 (never gave it much of a shot)
Man, I am ready for Olympus to start cranking out a line of lenses like their old OMs.
my father bought me an om 1md when at high school.
I still have that camera and still mint.
Also i have added
another om 1 md, om 2, om 2sp, winder 2, winder 1 , motor drive 1, 28mmf2.8, 50mmf1.4, 135mmf3.5, 200mmf4, 35-105macro zoom, t10 ring flash, t 32 flash and bounce grip 2, t 310 and bounce grip 1, t20 flash, om leather soft shoulder bag.
would love to add 250 back and 300mm tele and either 21mm 0r 24mm wide.
anyone have these for sale?
i migrated to bronica medium format which i still use and was about to jump on the ep3 but now quite excited about possible new fuji pro and possible om digital….
I have plenty of cameras including pen d/d3 half frames, so no rush for me to go digital.
There has to be a compelling reason and maybe a digital om might be the way..
especially if i could use my legacy om glass !!
OM-2n
28mm F2.8
50mm F1.8 F.Zuiko single coated black nose version. It has a character like old leica glow (not exactly but you get idea) called Zuiko glow.
50mm F1.2
50mm F3.5 Macro
200mm F4
35-105 zoom
I’m still shooting with this along with Nikon system.
I have an OM2 from 1977 (I have had it since then) and Zuiko 135/3.5,RMC Tokina 100-300/5.0 Macro, RMC Tokina 35/2.8. Winder 1, Bounce grip, QA310 flash and an original Olympus, brown leather case for OM cameras.
What do you think will the sensor look like?
Will it be the standard 12MPix sensor used in all other cameras? Will it be the Pana 16MPix or will it be even a completely new sensor? Maybe admin, you some rumours about that?
The canon G1X shows that there is lot of potential for the sensor! I would love a 12MPix high sensitivity, high DR, nice tonal range sensor… but i think that stays a dream…
Maybe the new Canon sensor?
that would be great. the focus numerique review on G1X shows how better it is than the new Pany sensor. it is almost on par with the Sony NEX-5N’s IQ
but I think that stays as a dream…
i hope for something like this!
but i dont think Canon would sell its sensor to Olympus…
Unless Canon buys Olympus… Canon may be interested by olympus and its medical division.
That’s quite strange that Canon wait so long and olympus crisis to introduce a high end ideal travel camera like G1X with a near 43 sized sensor…
Why would Canon make a sensor for one Compact camera? It would not.
Either they will use it this spring in their new Compact System Cameras, or they will sell it to Olympus. Why maybe they feel sorry for them, or it is not a fully Canon sensor to begin with, why let Panasonic (who is their real rival) sell something that they can. The sensor is just about Ideal for the 43 lens optical circle. It will give
With all that said, I suspect that Canon will have a new CSC release in 3 or 4 months.
I wish for a modular OM digital remake with a full frame multi aspect sensor that allows me to use OM manual lenses and ZD/MZD lenses.
A FF digital OM would be a really hot seller, and would certainly be a profitable system for Olympus.
C’mon Oly, WE WANT IT!!!!! (Dream…)
Bet it will be “micro four thirds” anyway but in an OM styled body. Olympus doesnt do full frame.
Why are every bodies posts Bolded?
Buy old OM lenses now, prices is going to increase 🙂
My Dad has an Olympus 35mm SLR. I think it must be an OM camera. I do not know a lot about them, but I remember as a kid sometimes being allowed to take pictures with it late 80s, early 90s. The whole feel of the camera to me was just an amazing experience and arguably got me “into” photography. I must find out which one it is and get it back out the cupboard. I recall he had an external flash and a couple of prime lenses. There was just something special about the whole system. The feel. The look. The shutter slap and noise.
He went digital perhaps 5 years ago but never treats himself to something as easy and SLR like to use, only exploring poor compacts. I keep telling him to get a DSLR. He got it back out one day and put some film in it. The pictures he took (and he is strictly amateur) still look amazing today if a little grainy. The colour and contrast and DOF still looks great. :o)
I now will always have a soft spot for Olympus OM. If they deliver a digital equivalent with similar feel I can see it selling in vast quantities. The only thing holding me back a little from m43rds, is that I still think 2.0x crop factor is a little too much for good DOF control. Standard APS-C is the best middle ground but it still needs to be compact. Interesting times. Can;t wait for the announcement.
OM1 and OM4ti, lenses, drives, flashes (still used). Would just love to see a few things in a digital version. The functionality of direct controls like the 4ti, multiple selectable spot metering as the 4ti, (never failed me) big, big integral hybrid viewfinder clear and bright, ability to use my 4/3rds lenses with fast AF, more DR especially in highlights, better auto grad, screen like E5, not range finder style, a shift lens (if its a pro system it needs one as 4/3rds did). Improved sensor but not at the expense of DR and noise, ISO down to 50.
Oh yeah not all shiny and plastic.
Seeing the old OM-1 sure makes me nostalgic for those beautiful old cameras. My last film body an old OM-2N died a number of years back and I decided to sell my film lenses when I bought my e-300 (I really wish that I had kept those old lenses now). It would be great if the now “pro” m4/3 can achieve the simple joy that I got from that old OM-2N. I did jump to m4/3 and would really like to see the lens line filled in some by Olympus and other vendors.
Congratulations!
40 years only? It seems to feel a lot longer. I still remember as a vague memory my Dad bought the OM-1 home and we made a housing out of the camera box for my pet bird. Such sweet memory. All my childhood pictures were taken by the trusty OM-1. When I started picking up photography as a teen, I got my Dad to buy me the OM-4.
As an adult, I am collecting all the legacy OM lens, sadly not for 43 but for my Canon and NEX. Who knows, with the new OM system coming, I may switch back to Olympus some day. I am glad to say I am the proud owner of the following:
OM-4/winder
28 2.8
50 1.8
50 1.4 x 2
85 2
135 3.5
200 4
75-150
Couple OM flashes.
Adapter to Canon and NEX.
I collect them all locally like scout getting the badges.
The lens are so nice, metal construction with built in hood. Size were small and light when compared to my Canon lenses. Buttery smooth focusing ring. Just love them. Still a joy to use after all these years.
Go Olympus go!
I love the idea of it being called the OM-G. But I have a feeling it’s going to be the E-OM1. Admin do you have an rumored pictures of this new fantastic camera? I’m dying to see how it looks like
I hope it looks like the OM1/2 rather than 3/4.
Thanks for remaining. The anniversary of OM system is a little bit sad anniversary…
I have bought some OM equipment before cca 12 years – OM40, OM1N, OM2N and couple of fixed focal lenses (24, 28, 35, 50, 135, 200 mm) and zooms (35-70mm 1:4, 75-150mm 1:4) and in year 2003 all of this equipment sold out and became a Nikon user… Stupid, I know.
Now, I also use Nikon for digital (D1X and D90) and film photography (F801s, F90X – autofocus is great in some situations). Last year I found some used OM equipmnent for sale and make no mistake -> now I use OM2N, OM4, Zuikos 28mm 1:2,8, 50mm 1:1,8 and 35-105mm 1:3,5-4,5. I also bought OM 10 in cosmetic condition “NEW” (very cheap – approx. for 20€), but OM2N and OM4 are much better and my OM 10 became a collector´s item.
Sorry for my english, I am not a native US/GB citizen! I am from Czech republic.