Olympus makes a fine line of cameras. I currently use an Olympus OM2 when I need more camera than my point and shoot cameras. I find this is happening less and less often as the quality of point and shoot cameras continues to improve. I also own an Olympus D500L digital camera that is useful for quick and dirty web page photos. I presently own several Zuiko lenses and am in the process of expanding my collection. I have always liked Olympus cameras for their size and weight. I learned early on that Nikons were excelent cameras, and that your neck, arms and back would hurt at the end of a day from hefting them around. Olympus cameras save your lower back from a ton of pain as long as you take a little more care with them than you might with a more rugged camera like a Nikon. Many questions on Olympus cameras are answered by the Olympus OM SLR FAQ.
I have recently started looking into Astrophotography. It seems fitting that Olympus cameras are the camera of choice of amateur astrophotographers. I am currently looking for a good condition OM-1n to add to my collection for its mirror lock-up feature.
This page will discuss my experiences with Olympus OM Zuiko lenses. I will chronocal my experiences purchasing lenses on eBay and other sources. A very good starting place for anyone uses Olympus OM system lenses, or wants to learn more about them is the Unofficial Olympus OM Zuiko Lens Page.
I have learned several important lessons buying lenses on eBay
There is no standard rating system used for lenses on eBay. The Shutterbug rating system that is often enforced on usenet is unheard of there. It is common to read a person rating their lens "mint condition except it has been dropped in a swamp and stepped on by an elephant, fungus so thick no light passes through the lens, cracked front and rear elements, but mint condition none the less". Always ask detailed questions on any point in question before you bid.
Always ask if the lens includes both front and rear caps if the description is not clear. Front caps cost about six dollars and rear caps cost about twelve dollars. Your local government will tack a few bucks sales tax on top of that. You should figure it will cost you an extra twenty dollars over what you pay for the lens if caps are not included.
Budget 10-20 dollars to have the lens professionally cleaned. I am currently collecting information on the various lens cleaning options and their prices. The cleaning process involves using several different cleaners for the right purposes. Using the wrong cleaner can remove the coating on early multi-coated lenses.
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mikes@spann.com.
Last updated 3-February-2005
Copyright © 1999-2005 by Michael Spann.