Body group M-1, OM-1, OM-1MD, OM-1n
The differences between these bodies are marginal. The M-1 was
the original body, but to avoid problems with Leitz the name was changed into OM-1 (see: Concepts and overview). One year later motor drive capabilities
were added, and a small label on the front labeled 'MD' was added. This label
may not always be present - to be sure about Motor Drive capability one should look at the bottom of the
body for the presence of additional Motor Drive Coupling.
The OM-1n had some internal redesign, most
important was compatibility with Accessory Shoe 4 and a viewfinder LED that allows
flash
ready / flash ok signals combined with an Olympus T series flash. The setting of the FP/X
synchro switch no longer influences the synchronization of the shoe.
The M-1, OM-1, OM-1MD and OM-1n were available in
chrome and in black. Black M-1's are extremely rare (only 25 made).
There is
also a special GOLD jubilee version of the OM-1n (only 25 made).
Main specifications
| System: OLYMPUS OM System. | Apparent field of view: Vertical 23°30', horizontal 35°. |
| Unit type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex with focal plane shutter. | Indicator in viewfinder: Exposure index; charge/auto check lamp for T series flashes 3. |
| Film format: 24mmx36mm. | Reflex mirror: Oversize, quick return type with lock-up. |
| Lens mount: OLYMPUS OM Mount, bayonet type; rotation angle 70°, flange back 46mm. Zuiko Interchangeable Lens Group mountable. | Film loading: OLYMPUS easy loading. |
| Shutter: Focal plane shutter, B., 1-1/1000 sec., ring mounted control. | Manual film advance: Lever type with 150° angle for one long or several short strokes, pre-advance angle 30°, self cocking, double advance and double exposure prevention. |
| Synchro: FP-X switch type contact at synchro socket, X contact at Accessory Shoe 1 2 / Shoe 4 3. | Motor drive advance: With Motor Drive 1 unit attached, single frame and continuous advance at speed of 5 frames per second (at exposures of 1/500 sec. and above, with fresh batteries and at normal temperature and humidity). |
| Exposure measurement: TTL type. Measuring system: Open aperture center-weighted metering. Measuring range: EV2-17 (ASA 100 with F1.4 50mm lens). Light sensors: 2 CdS sensors. Zero-method with needle visible in viewfinder. ON/OFF meter switch. | Exposure counter: Progressive type with automatic reset. |
| Film speed setting: ASA 25-1600 with lock button. | Film rewind: Crank type, with rewind release lever setting, automatic return. |
| Power source: 1.35V mercury battery (Eveready (or UCAR) EPX625, Mallory PX625 or equivalent). 1 | Self-timer: 4-12 second delay lever type with 180° maximum angle. Can be stopped and reset after actuation. |
| Viewfinder: Pentaprism type wide-vision finder. | Camera back: Removable hinge type. Interchangeable with Recordata Backs (1/2/3/4) and 250 Film Back 1. |
| Focusing screens: Wide selection of interchangeable screens (1-series). Supplied with Focusing Screen 1-13 (microprism/split image-matte type). | Hot shoe socket: Accessory Shoe 1 2 / Accessory Shoe 4 3. |
| Finder view field: 97% of actual picture field. | Dimensions and weights: Body only: 136x83x50mm, 510g. With 50mm/F1.8 lens: 136x83x81mm, 680g. With 50mm/F1.4 lens: 136x83x89mm, 740g. With 55mm/F1.2 lens: 136x83x97mm, 820g. |
| Viewfinder magnification: 0.92x at infinity with 50mm lens. |
1 This battery is abolished in the US, and about to be abolished in Europe,
because of environmental problems (mercury). It is possible to have the OM-1 modified to
accept standard 1.50V (SR44) cells.
2 (O)M-1 (MD) only.
3 OM-1n only.
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Olympus M-1 body |
Olympus M-1 brochure |
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Aaaahhh. Listen to that lovely sound of a mechanical shutter for
one second...
The OM-1N GOLD was a special 20-year
Anniversary Edition of the OM-1N.
It was distributed by Olympus Netherlands in 1992 and only 25 have ever been
made; 24 of them came with a special golden version of the 50mm/F1.8
lens, and they all went to special dealers and relations of Olympus as a relation gift.
The 25th one was even more special than the other ones: it came with a golden
version of the 50mm/F1.4 lens.
This camera was the main price of a contest in the Dutch magazine
"Panorama".
Allthough the OM-1 is a professional System camera,
it is also very suitable for beginning photographers...