Olympus OM2n (1979)

I wrote about my Olympus OM1 not too long ago. That prompted me to dig out my Olympus OM2n and run a film through that too! It’s a classic for sure, many film users have one. For the record the original “2” was released in 1975. It’s claim to fame is that is was the first camera to have OTF (Off the film) metering. Notably, later adopted by the Pentax LX, it then became moderately common. The 2n came along in 1979 with up-dates, the only one I knew about, was that the “new” version has a warning in the viewfinder, in case the exposure compensation dial is moved off “0”. The other up-dates are mostly regarding metering. So what does the camera offer? shutter speeds (selected around the lens mount) 1000th down to 1 sec and B (Bulb). There is a self timer, compensation dial that allows for 2 stops in either direction, and of course the OTF Metering.

I enjoy using it whenever I do – the 50mm lens is as good as any and the viewfinder is just big enough that I can use it without my glasses! I have the cradle for it, once known as the “ever ready case”, somehow I lost the top part, probably as it made the camera bulky and slow. The cradle still protects most of the camera and also stops the rubbing of the split rings for the strap on the body.

Sat on top of the prism is a “Shoe 4” – these cameras have detachable hot shoes. On the later OM2SP this becomes built in, but that is based more on later model more than the 1978 OM2. Mine is also an “MD” – easily denoted by a small plaque on the camera. This stands for “Motor Drive” meaning that it easily took a drive as opposed to having to be “adapted”.

With the Olympus cameras, the single numbered models were always considered the professional range, while the double digits (10,20,30 and so on) were considered consumer. The “OM System” was large, and covered every thing a photographer could ever need, extension tubes, flash, macro bellows, various backs and focussing screens, but really it’s the basic design that just makes them so good, one of the Maitani Yoshihisa classic designs (XA, Pen) for sure.