I agree with Moose that the earliest 4T bodies were champagne, they were
intended for the US market. Champagne bodies marked 4Ti might be early
non-US market models, or might be later models from any market. I can't
comment on the relative wear characteristics of champagne and black
versions, but I can say from experience that it's mighty hard to get paint
to adhere to titanium. I suspect that the 3Ti (I have never seen a
bad-looking 3Ti) did not use paint, but powder coating.
As to serial numbers, you have to take care, as the base plates are so
easily switched between bodies, so the base plate from a late model
champagne 4Ti could find its way onto an early 4T body. Equally, the body
outer panels were available as parts, so a 4T(i) of any vintage could find
itself with a new identity. If the serial number begins with a "2", I would
suspect the base plate is such a replacement part.
The restorative effect of a re-body can be impressive. For example, compare
<www.hemy.me.uk/Miscellany/Before.jpg> with
<www.hemy.me.uk/Miscellany/After.jpg>
A better indicator of the age of a 4T body is the small painted code inside
the cassette chamber, which indicates the assembly plant and month (if
memory serves). Now, where did I put the decoding table....
Piers
-----Original Message-----
From: olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Moose
Sent: 05 September 2008 09:59
To: olympus@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [OM] Re: WTB: OM-4T body
Jan Steinman wrote:
>
> Of the four I have, the Champagne has the highest serial number. I realize
that might not mean anything, but it is a data point to the contrary.
>
Sorry if I am wrong. I was under the impression that the champagne bodies
were the earliest. Also, the eSIF says "Currently the OM-4Ti is only
available in black. Originally it was made in 'champagne' (which was not a
chrome finish or bare titanium, but painted titanium)."
>
>> - The color is a paint that doesn't adhere to the titanium as well as the
black paint on an OM-4. The black on OM-4Ti also isn't as robust as the old
paint on brass, but better than the champagne, which chips and flakes too
easily.
>>
>
> My champagne has had the most use and looks the best of the four I have.
In my opinion, the champagne finish holds up better than the black.
>
Again, based on what I've heard and seen. When I was looking for a 4T(i), it
seemed all the champagne bodies on the 'Bay had serious paint issues. As I
recall, I picked up the same idea from posts here back then. The only one I
have is black, and the paint doesn't seem to be as tough as the black on
brass of the OM-4.
Moose
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