The Camera That Would Not Die-Olympus OM4ti
Written: Feb 23 '00 (Updated Jan 15 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Precision engineered professional all manual camera. Loyal cult following
Cons: Quirky controls, no auto focus, no "program" modes
The Bottom Line: Basically unchanged since 1972, the Olympus OM4ti proves the old adage, "If it aint broke, don't fix it"
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| Howard_Creech's Full Review: Olympus OM-4TI Film Camera |
In 1972 Olympus stunned the photographic world by introducing the first "compact" 35mm system SLR, the Olympus OM. The OM was about half the size and weight of the camera behemoths of the early seventies. The camera caught on quickly and developed an avid and loyal following.
The original OM was a precision engineered, all metal camera body that could take the everyday abuse of professional photographers and keep working. The lenses and accessories offered by Olympus (and a number of independent manufacturers) made the Olympus OM the darling of a brand new generation of photographers. The camera was easy to use, despite a few quirks, and the ergonomics influenced camera design for more than a decade.
The latest incarnation of the fabled Olympus OM is the OM4Ti, which is really the latest model offered in a system that has changed very little in thirty years. When people say, "they don't make 'em like they used to", they aren't talking about the OM system. The camera is unapologetically "retro" in every respect. All metal, mechanical cameras are a rare breed these days, but they will continue to be offered as long as the OM's die hard fans insist that they will accept nothing less.
Features include: aperture priority AE, shutter speeds from 1/4000 of a second to four full minutes, centerweighted average or spot metering (up to eight spot meter readings can be held in memory and averaged for absolute precision in exposure decisions), Flash synch is possible at all shutter speeds (up to 1/2000 sec) when the Olympus F280 flash unit is mounted. The OM4Ti uses two button cells to power the shutter, but a mechanical shutter speed of 1/60 sec. is available at all times. Highlight and shadow biasing controls allow the user to bias the exposure for shadow detail or highlight detail.
This is one tough camera, with almost thirty years of R&D, model upgrades, and parts and repair continuity. The top and bottom plates are titanium for added toughness. Lens mount is heavy duty stainless steel. This camera will take a beating and continue to function under extreme conditions.
Controls are difficult for a first time user, for instance the shutter speed selector is a ring around the lens mount (ala Nikkormat FT models from the 60's) and there is no on/off switch. Olympus designed this feature so that picture opportunities would not be missed while fumbling with switches, as soon as you touch the shutter button, the camera is ready to go. The depth of field preview function and lens mount release are activated by controls on the lenses, rather than on the camera body.
The Olympus OM family is not for everyone, but if you like the solid feel of precision engineered cameras, if you want the very best exposure system offered on any camera, and if you enjoy items that have attained cult status, then you may want to consider joining the loyal fans and satisfied users of this exceptional photographic tool.
An Interesting Cultural Note
Tom Corcoran's fictional free lance photographer Alex Rutlege prowls the streets and alleys of Key West with an Olympus OM4ti which he's used in a couple of novels as a defensive weapon.
Tom Corcorans Alex Rutledge Mysteries
"Gumbo Limbo"
"Bone Island Mambo"
"The Mango Opera"
If you would like to read more about 35mm cameras, please see my reviews:
Nikon SLR’s
Manual Focus
Nikon FM2n
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-3CFA-1D553EB-37BC4CFF-bd2
Nikon FM10
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6C07-23519DF-393087EA-prod2
Nikon FM3A
http://www.epinions.com/content_32634801796
Auto Focus
Nikon F5 (35mm) SLR
http:http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-3A32-DBB0138-37FBC7B7-bd3
Nikon F100 (35mm) SLR
http:http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-540D-DBAA8E5-37FBC6D5-bd3
Nikon F4S
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-1BF0-4DCCD57-389DB017-prod2
Nikon N70
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6991-EA50BF1-38EE1854-prod4
Nikon N80
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5CF1-20F9233-3915B0F2-prod6
Nikon N65
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-46B3-76FC62B-3A00116B-prod1
Nikon N90S
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2BE1-1D4C2DF-37BC4B8C-bd2
Contax SLR’s
Contax N1
http://www.epinions.com/content_21301202564
Contax 645 (Medium Format) AF SLR
http:http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-31B5-B8D40D6-38AECFC4-prod2
Olympus SLR’s
Olympus OM4ti
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5ABD-F3D6954-38B42C34-bd3
Rollei 35mm
Rollei QZ35W & QZ35T
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-6991-EA50BF1-38EE1854-prod4
Voightlander 35mm Rangefinder Cameras
Bessa L & Bessa R
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-5D5-BC745AC-38AF6B20-prod6
Choosing a 35mm Camera
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-658D-D159BD0-38EA19CC-prod4
Choosing 35mm Lenses
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-283E-10641A05-393D299A-prod1
Just “cut’n’paste” the URL into your browser’s address window
Recommended:
Yes
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Howard_Creech
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Member: Howard Creech
Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 333
Trusted by: 1243 members
About Me:
Photographer/Writer fascinated by Movies, Music, Books, American Diner Food, History, "Popular Culture", and Travel.
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