5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

By acbueno

I love shooting with cameras in the 35mm format, and the Olympus OM1 is undoubtedly my favorite. Its compact size and ergonomic design appeal to me immensely, providing a seamless blend of functionality and comfort. The model I have is exactly my age, which makes my connection with this camera even more special. I bought my OM1 on an auction site about seven years ago. I won it in the closing seconds of the auction, and then had to wait anxiously for a few minutes for the confirmation email from the seller. Those moments were filled with anxiety and fear that I might not have won.

In the twelve years since, we have captured countless moments together—travel scenes, landscapes, portraits—all with the sharp precision of Olympus lenses. If the OM1 is my preferred camera, then the 35mm Zuiko lens is undoubtedly my favorite. It perfectly complements the photographic themes I love most, delivering exceptional clarity and depth in every shot.

One of the aspects I cherish in analog photography is the selection of the third element in the equation: the film. With so many possibilities and combinations of color, graininess, and light sensitivity, there are always surprises. Sometimes these surprises are delightful, and sometimes they present challenges. Mistakes can happen, especially when using older cameras like the OM1. The film might not load correctly, the camera could have light leaks, the light meter might be inaccurate, focus issues might arise, or there could be problems with an aging shutter. Everything needs to be done manually, which can lead to unexpected results.

For me, all these factors make the process of shooting film with these vintage cameras fascinating. It showcases the mastery we have over our equipment, photometry, focus, and ultimately, the ability to combine all these elements into a unique photographic language. Each photograph becomes a testament to the meticulous effort and skill involved in capturing that perfect moment.

In the twelve years of using my OM1, almost everything I’ve learned about analog photography and photography itself has been through this camera. It has brought me immense satisfaction and a hobby that brings me joy. The OM1 has been a faithful companion, teaching me the nuances of film photography and deepening my appreciation for this art form.

These five frames exemplify this partnership, each one a fragment of the countless memories we’ve created together. The OM1 isn’t just a camera; it’s a bridge to the past, a tool that connects me to the essence of photography, and a constant reminder of why I fell in love with this craft.

Paulista Avenue, São Paulo, Brasil - Olympus OM-1, Zuiko 28mm f3.5
Paulista Avenue, São Paulo, Brasil – Olympus OM-1, Zuiko 28mm f3.5, Adox Color Implosion 200
Jump - Olympus OM1-n, Kodak Portra 160 NC
Jump – Olympus OM1-n, Kodak Portra 160 NC
Pig's head - Olympus OM-1n , Zuiko 50mm f1.4 - Fuji Superia 200 push film by 2 stops.
Pig’s head – Olympus OM-1n , Zuiko 50mm f1.4 – Fuji Superia 200 push film by 2 stops.
Casillero Diablo Winery, Santiago Chile- Olympus OM-1n, Zuiko 28mm f2.8 - Kodak Proimage 100
Casillero Diablo Winery, Santiago Chile – Olympus OM-1n, Zuiko 28mm f2.8 – Kodak Proimage 100
Beetle - Olmypus Om1-n , Zuiko 35mm f2.8 - Kodak Gold 100 homemade redscale
Beetle – Olmypus Om1-n , Zuiko 35mm f2.8 – Kodak Gold 100 homemade redscale

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About The Author

By acbueno
I am an amateur photographer fascinated by street, architecture, and landscape photography. I am passionate about analog photography equipment.
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Comments

Art Meripol on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

This is so fun for me to see. That camera is a bridge to the past just as you said. I hate to date myself but It's a bridge to my past. I bought my first OM-1 shortly after it was first released to use in my budding career as a newspaper photographer. I soon owned a second body and three lenses. I still have both my chrome and black bodies and the 50 1.8 and the 135mm. And they're all within arms reach and ready to go still. That OM-1 is almost mystical in its simplicity and eagerness to be used.
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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

Thank you

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Gary Smith on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

The shot of that winery is beautiful! It seems that your 12-year relationship has been fruitful.
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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

The location is very beautiful, making it easy to take great photos.

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Marllon Cristian Alves on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

Awesome article my friend, thank you for sharing your journey with this incredible equipment. As a Brazilian, I loved the photo of the beetle!
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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

Thank you.

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Marcus Gunaratnam on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

I owned an Olympus OM1&OM4Ti bodies onlywith a Vivtar f2.8 35-85 varifocal Series 1lens in place of the std lens.The vivitar lens needed refocussing,but it was no problem,and with a split image viewfinder focussing was a snap.(vernier acuity is better).I mostly did wedding photos, with 2x proofs
from color negs,,paired with a metz CT4 Flash it was a cinch.I developed my B&W Photos myself from memory, I usedFP3Ilford rated 200ASA on the Pen FT with an electronic flash mounted on top powered by a lantern battery.I had a 'business card' on 1st frame of the colour neg film.in case they ended up interstate.
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David Hill replied:

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

Beautiful cameras, lovely lenses, and fine images I’ve owned and extensively used OM-1n, OM-2, OM-4Ti and an array of lenses from 21 to 200 .. until the meters failed one by one. I sold most of the kit after that, and now I wonder why — hardly any camera I now own has a meter!! If you can locate any of the f/2 lenses (21, 24, 28, 35, 40, 85, …) these are the cream of the primes. Worthwhile acquiring :).

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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

I'm a fan of prime lenses, but I must admit I've always wanted a Vivitar Series 1. I have a Tamron Adaptall-2 35-70mm f/3.5, which is actually a very competent lens.

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David Hill replied:

Comment posted: 28/06/2024

LOL. When I was a teenager (with a Minolta SRT-101) I had serious gearlust for the Vivitar Series 1, which we might put down to a brilliant ad campaign. The OM-1 came out about the same time, and I was smitten by that, too. 20 years later I finally got an OM. Still like the way they feel in the hand.

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Alasdair J Mackintosh on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 29/06/2024

The OM series are great cameras, and the Zuiko lenses are fantastic.

The skateboarding shot is my favourite, with a perfect combination of blur and sharpness.
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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 29/06/2024

This photo could be better, as I used a very wide aperture with a 50mm lens. Technically, it’s not my favorite, but aesthetically, I find it quite appealing.

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Daniel Castelli on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 30/06/2024

Isn’t the OM-1 the greatest little camera? Nice images. I love the v-dub shot in the warm light. Didn’t almost everyone own one at one time or another?
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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 30/06/2024

I believe that when it comes to compact SLRs, the answer is yes. I also love the Nikon FM2, but it is quite different in terms of size and ergonomics. The Beetle was really very popular.

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Nathan on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 03/07/2024

Lovely work! I adore the Zuiko 50mm 1.4. It’s quickly become my absolute favorite.
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acbueno replied:

Comment posted: 03/07/2024

Thanks. I also like the Zuiko 50mm f1.4, but my favorite is the Zuiko 28mm f2.8

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JC on 5 Frames with an Olympus OM-1N

Comment posted: 09/07/2024

Thanks for these OM1 film pictures !
Great camera. My favourite is the wide angle 28mm pic from the Paulista Avenue/São Paulo.
But the fusca isn't that bad too.
Cheers , Jens
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ANDERSON CARLOS BUENO DOS SANTOS replied:

Comment posted: 09/07/2024

I love the Zuiko 28mm f/2.8 and f/3.5 lenses. This focal length range fits well with the style of photography I like to practice. Thanks.

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