Tomoko,
Olympus is in a difficult situation with the OM system since I would
think that coming out with a new SLR at this time is not only risky but
extremely expensive. To revive the OM system means not only designing
new cameras but also upgrading and designing new lenses and accessories.
I think, olympus would know what to do at this time because they are the
ones who know what the results of the introduction of the OM2000. Not
only in terms of the sales of the OM2000 but if this also spilled over
to the other system components, most importantly lenses. I for one was
not too excited by the introduction of the OM2000 for the mere fact
that, as others have noted, it is not a true OM system camera. except
for lenses, there seeems to be nothing that this camera is compatible
with. But what i would like to know is what is the effect on the sales
of the true Zuiko lens line and not the the lenses that were designed
with the OM2000. I hope the OM2000 does not go the route of similar
ventures of other camera makers like Nikon with the EM. It still remains
to be seen what Olympus's strategy is with the introduction of the
OM2000 is. I hope it has the revival of the OM system in mind.
i think that for Olympus to revive the OM system, they have to take a
few carefully planned steps and accept two important design policy.
these design policies are (1)With the introductio of new components,
there should be a commitment to their loyal users with the design of
backward compatibility, at least for lenses and flash group. Motor drive
group compatibility would be nice. (2)they should maitain the essense
that attracted many to the OM system, elegance and simplicity of desgn
and functioning and the compactness of the system. these policies will
ensure that what attracted consumers to the system will be continued. It
will Keep people who have invested heavily in the system interested. it
will attract new users because they will realize that there is a large
availability of second hand equipment that can be used with new
components.
In terms of cameras, i think that the OM3/4 are ripe for upgrades. For
me these are minimal but would greatly enhance it's appeal. first of
all, they should try to add an aperture info window in the viewfinder.
add a convenient double exposure switch. manual mirror lock-up. a timer
for the OM3. For the OM4, a program mode with possibilities of improved
flash performance with spot metering with flash. An even more improved
spot metering system with a smaller area spot. Possibly matrix metering
just to attract more people to the system. A set of non-titanium cameras
would be nice since this would make them more affordable. no need for DX
coding and autofocus. just further enhance the cameras. small moves like
this will indicate to me that they are still interested in the essence
of the system. All tis while maintaining the size, weight and that
lovely olympus "feel".
As for reissues, the OM1/2 reissue with a few upgrades like spotmetering
and some of the upgrades that i had mentioned above would be nice.
In terms of a new camera, if they were to implement the above
suggestions, the only thing that they would have to make is a flagship
camera that is in the vein of the Contax RTS or Nikon F5. take your
pick. this will be more a system enhancer than a real seller.
As for lenses, most of the work that they have to do is mostly in the
telephoto and zoom arena. A few APO lenses would greatly enhance the
systems appeal. probobly upgrade the 180mm, 300 4.5 and 400 mm to APO
with bigger opening for the 300 and the 400. But not to price them out
of this Galaxy. Upgrade the 24 and 35 mm shift lenses to have tilt
capability would be great. update and further enhance the optical
performance of their 49mm front thread series. i have heard that
olypmus is erratic in terms of the lens performance. they should dispell
this notion and only produce toprate lenses that nobody can question.
As for new lenses, a rectilinear lens in the 14mm range. a really fast
35mm(F 1.4) and 85 or 100mm lens ( F 1.4 --1.8). A few zoom lenses would
also be nice. One in the 28-35mm to 125-150mm range with a F4 opening.
and a few F2.8 zooms in the 80-200 range (a 2.8 65-200 would be great).
and two wide to normal range zooms would be appreciated.
As for the flash system, an upgrade of the F280 is sorely needed. rear
curtain sync should be a must. update the T32 to something like the metz
40mz is in order.
There are a lot of other things that sold be added, but a careful
implementation is what is essential here. they don't have to do
everything at the same time, just perfectly timed.
francis dayrit
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