In a continuing series of operational operations of the OM system, I
present to you today's installment:
OM-4T with Motor Drive 2 Control Pack 2, Zuiko 28/2 lens, eyecup 2 and
2-13 screen.
1. Amazing balance. The weight is a little heavy when compared to the
latest/greatest Full-Frame 110 sized camera systems, but lighter than
most other pro Full-Frame 35 camera systems. Granted, the camera is
"convertible" with the ability to shed the accessories to reduce size
and weight, this configuration is unique. The lens is heavier than
many Zuikos, but is ideal on the MD2/CP2 equipped OM body.
2. Hair-trigger shutter-release. The MD2's shutter-release is the
smoothest and most perfect release I've ever used in any camera
system. You don't even need to press all the way to the bottom so slow
shutter speeds aren't adversely affected by inadvertent camera motion
caused by pressing the shutter release.
3. Ultra-smooth shutter and improved vibration control. The extra mass
of the MD2/CP2 helps reduce or eliminate the vibration caused by the
aperture closing down, as well as the movement of curtain-one. Yes,
you can slightly feel it in your hands, but it is just a fraction of
what it is with just the camera by itself.
4. Exceptionally bright viewfinder. The combination of F2 glass with
the 2-13 screen results in a viewfinder that is almost as bright as a
rangefinder camera viewfinder. While wide-angle lenses aren't always
the easiest to focus on the 2-13 screen, this combination is good.
5. Speaking of the lens, the 28/2 is as good as it gets. There are
sharp lenses and then there are SHARP lenses. The 28/2 is in a league
of its own. The 28mm focal length is not "ultra-wide", nor is it quite
long enough to be a "normal" lens, but it does occupy that rare space
where it really is about the ideal wide-angle lens. Any wider and the
images look like they've been taken with a wide-angle lens. While I
normally would prefer a 35mm lens as my "normal" lens, the 28/2 gives
me the chance to move in a little bit more and it just works. I've
always hated the 28mm focal length in the past, but it has really
grown on me and this lens makes it all worthwhile. (side note: the
28/2 does not do well on digital cameras due to the central hot spot).
Distortion? What distortion?
6. Metering system. The OM-4T has such an exceptional metering system
with the multi-spot feature. But it also has that super-cool
hilite/shadow function. Essentially, what that does is give you
one-button ETTR (expose to the right) or ETTL (expose to the left)
metering without pain. But, there is no shame in throwing the camera
in Auto mode and letting the OTF metering do its thing.
7. Handsome. Seriously, this is a great looking kit--a sculpture.
8. The Eyecup2 is great as it allows you to press the camera into your
eyebrow without pain.
9. Single-use linear memory cards. Some think this is a disadvantage,
and for some applications it is, but when you consider what any other
monochrome-sensor camera costs, it's a bargain.
10. It gets attention and gains respect. In this world of "me too"
cameras and total homogenization of imaging, having something that is
"different" is an advantage.
11. What is it good for? General purpose photography, event
photography, street photography, B&W photography, Zuikofests. Not good
for anybody who hates film, wants the latest/greatest, or is
predisposed to taking 2000 pictures to get one usable.
12. What about other lenses? Yes, carry a couple others in the kit to
swap out the 28/2 if necessary, but you'll find that you may be able
to shoot the vast majority of your pictures with just this one lens.
Alternatives worth considering: 35-80/2.8, 100/2, 50/1.4, 35/2. But
this kit description is for the 28/2.
13. Points 7 and 10 refined. You show up with this kit and it gets
attention from other photographers. It's like showing up at a street
racer gathering in a Hemi-equipped 1971 'Cuda. A buzzy Honda Civic
with fart-tube exhaust it isn't.
--
Ken Norton
ken@xxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.zone-10.com
--
_________________________________________________________________
Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
|