Olympus OM1n (1979)

My old Olympus OM1n is battered. I’ve had it for over 30 years. In that time it’s been used, thrown in the bottom of a film making bag, it’s been bumped around in most types of transport including small planes, helicopters without doors on, trains, and coaches. It’s been up mountains, below sea level, in dark caves, in blazing desert sunshine. It’s been used intensively, it’s also been left in a bag for years and neglected. Never – not once, has it miss- fired or let me down! If there is a “miracle camera” in my collection then this is it!

Olympus made an M1 SLR in 1972, it was designed by the legendary Olympus designer Yoshihisa Maitani. He gave the company the many of it’s famous designs over the years. Because Leica had a line of “M” cameras they complained at it’s name, and so it was changed to the OM1 (1973). It was followed by the OM1MD in 1974 and finally the OM1n in 1979. As you can see from the image above it’s not a fussy design. On top is the film speed dial, shutter release, wind on and on/off lever (for the meter) and the rewind crank- that’s it. The shutter speeds are selected around the base of the lens, not that un-usual in those days, think of the Nikon FT’s. Aperture is around the front of the lens.

There is a connection for a hot shoe, mine broke, and since I almost never used, flash I decided not to bother to replace it. The main attraction of these cameras is that they are small and lightweight. Give or take 510g. Every time I get mine out and use it I finish with the same question – why don’t I use this more? Another more extreme question is why don’t I just use this all the time. It’s standard lens (50mm f1.8) is not expensive and really good.

Of course I put a roll of film in set off for the day…..

While I had been at a wedding recently, I discovered Christchurch Quay, that I managed to miss all these years. I decided then that I would make a return visit (without the suit) and have a wander. A mill on this site (above) was mentioned in the Domesday Book (1085/6), and was still in production until 1908. The mill stream joins the River Stour, yards before it enters the tidal mouth. Right on the corner here is a lovely ice cream shop come restaurant. I’m happy to report that the food is good, and the service great. I enjoyed a panini and a coffee – pretty much watching the lady feed the birds in the first image.

I walked along the river path up-stream until it deviated from the river into a housing estate, this corresponded with the end of the film, so time to turn around and head back. A very enjoyable couple of hours. I developed the film in FX55. If you haven’t tried Ilford Delta 100 then do give it a try. I like it very much. That 50mm lens give such good results – why don’t I use this camera all the time??