This is slightly off-topic, partly because this group focuses (ar, ar) on
the OM-series cameras, and partly because everyone seems more interested in
digital these days.
I just got a refurbished IS-5 Deluxe for $150, and couldn't be more pleased.
Besides the usual IS features, it has a 15-element 5:1 zoom and full manual
exposure control -- you can set the shutter speed (from 1/2000 to 30s) and
aperture wherever you want, guided (or not) by the viewfinder display.
The IS-5 adds shutter-priority auto exposure to the aperture-priority and
programmed modes of the previous IS-xx models. The spot button also
"freezes" the exposure in either auto or manual mode, which you can then
override, with the finder display showing how much you've changed it.
The display now shows a continuous readout of aperture and shutter speed in
any mode, as well as a bargraph with the amount of compensation applied, or
how far your manual settings differ from what the camera thinks is "correct"
exposure. All the controls (except the spot button and zoom lever) are
grouped on the back and backlit. The time/date clock couldn't be easier to
set.
Some things I don't like. The power switch is too easily bumped "off". The
exposure-compensation dial under the mode control has been removed. Both
exposure-compensation and manual shutter-speed settings require holding down
a button on the back while you flick a tiny lever.
The IS-5 is far and away the best P&S SLR I've seen. The IS-50 that's pretty
much the same, but drops manual exposure control. Very much worth looking
at, even if you own an IS-30.
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