From: "imagineero ." <imagineero@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Hey guys, I am new to the list and just thought I might put my few questions
in for fun...
Welcome! Are you sure you meet all the requirements for list
membership? You must either 1) own an SUV, 2) want to ban SUVs, 3)
want to ban those who discuss SUVs, or 4) are outside the US, and
wonder what an SUV is. (If this doesn't make sense, look at the past
couple weeks' of archives. Suffice to say this list is high-volume,
and tends to get off-topic easily. :-)
Does the om4 have Depth of field preview?
For all the OM series cameras, the DOF preview is on the lens,
conveniently located under a fingertip if you cradle the lens in your
left hand. This is often criticized by users of other cameras, but is
a Feature, not a Bug, IMHO!
Does it hace a PC synch socket?
Yes, in addition to a five-pin socket for TTL flash and a seven-pin
hot-shoe (OM-4T only) that connects with the "sync-at-any-speed"
F-280 flash. The Olympus T-series flashes can be ganged for simple,
TTL automatic multi-flash. Unfortunately, you cannot change the
ratios between the flashes, except with distance, ND filters, or type
(using a T-32 with a T-20 hair-light, for example.)
Is there a back available that will imprint shooting data (apperture &
shutter). The recordback4 can't do this, right?
The information, as far as I know, is not available to the back.
Metering on all the OM bodies is "relative," rather than "absolute."
The camera body has no idea what f-stop a lens is set to. The
aperture coupling lever only tells the body, "At exposure time,
you'll be getting n stops less light than you're getting right now."
Of course, the camera body knows its shutter speed, but I do not
think that information is passed to the back.
Remember, this is a 20-year-old design. Microprocessors were exotic
lab experiments then. The lack of electrical complication is an
advantage, IMHO, reflected in greater reliability, at the expense of
somewhat less sophistication.
Among the zuiko lenses, which are considered to be the real 'shiners'?
Which lenses would you not go without?
Oh boy, you're opening a whole discussion thread! (Be sure to inquire
about the differences between single- and multi-coated lenses, a
subject as near and dear to our hearts as SUVs! :-)
There are several web sites devoted to OM lenses. Be sure to check
out Paul Farrar's for basic operational data and recent dealer
prices, and Gary Reese's for lens test data. These and other OM links
can be reached from the list web-site, URL of which should be at the
end of this message.
I think it's generally regarded that the fast teles (350/2.8, 250/2,
180/2) are world-class, with prices to match. These are so good that
they are hard to find at any price, as Leica (et. al.) owners are
buying them and converting them to their mounts.
Also world-class is much of the macro gear (90/2, 50/2, 50/3.5). Most
agree that the OM macro system is unmatched, with over a dozen lenses
available, covering reproduction ratios to 16:1, and some truly
unique items, such as the telescoping auto-extension tube and a
component, muliti-head TTL auto macro flash system.
The fast wides, with a few exceptions (24, 21), are better than the
slower wides, unlike other camera systems, where speed generally
equals compromise.
Finally, a few relative "bargain" lenses really shine, such as the
50/1.8, 24/2.8, and the 21/3.5.
What would I not be without? I'm fickle, and go through phases,
falling in love with a lens for a while, then putting it on the shelf
to explore another for a while.
I generally carry as much as I can stuff into a Lowe-Pro Orion waist
pack (that's a fanny pack to those outside of Australia :-). This
currently has: 90/2, 35/2.8 shift, 24/3.5 shift, 21/2, and the 16/3.5
fisheye. I'd guess the 90/2 is my all-around favorite, although I'm
unhappy with its size and weight.
...Can anyone share experiences
they've had with the om4?
Perhaps the most important thing to know for a prospective OM-4 buyer
is that there are two versions. The plain OM-4 is only available
used, and has one-quarter the battery life of the newer OM-4T, which
also is more reliable and takes the F-280 fast-synch flash.
If you get into the OM system, be sure to bring an open mind. Some of
its best-loved ergonomic features (locations of DOF preview, shutter
speed and lens controls) are despised by those who are used to
"thinking inside the box" of another camera system.
Again, welcome! I'd recommend either subscribing to the digest, or
getting familiar with your email program's kill facility, due to the
list's high traffic and frequent (but generally entertaining)
diversions.
: Jan Steinman <mailto:Jan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
: Bytesmiths <http://www.bytesmiths.com>
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