2nd-hand OM-4 question

[benji]

Hi,

I'm contemplating buying an OM-4 (not T or TI).
I'm already familiar with the OM-1 and OM-2 series, but kind of fancy a new addition to my collection!

My question is:
What's the battery situation with this particular model? Anything to worry about (I've kind of heard of horror stories with leaking batteries on some models, etc...)

Is there anything else I should look out for before committing?

Any feedback welcome. Many thanks.

Benji

[beejaybee]

What's the battery situation with this particular model?

There are several mods of circuit boards in the OM-4, some are OK but some "eat" batteries (i.e. the batteries have a short life). Hard to tell even from the serial numbers as quite a few seem to have been upgraded to the later (Ti) style circuit board.

Main thing with any of these cameras is to check that the metering and film advance work OK. Reject any OM series body that is missing the motor wind cover, the innards are likely to be full of carp. Be suspicious if same looks as though it's been replaced with a new one - remove & check for grip in the works underneath.

[Manofolympus]

Agreed-they seem to vary tremendously according to peoples experience related on various websites and forums-bad ones will drain a set in a day-the problem was largely sorted in the Ti models (and any retrofitted) but I have even seen complaints about some of these.
The general advice seems to remove the batteries when not in use.

[benji]

Hear, hear...!

Benji

[Mibron]

Hi
I have an OM2sp which came out after the OM4 i believe around the early 80's and is built on the same chassis as the OM4.iI have found no battery problems and batteries are available from the Small Battery Co. Might be worth having a look at this model.This was the last of the single figure OM's.
Mibron.

[benji]

Thanks all,
I really appreciate all the helpful and informed replies.

I bought a recently serviced OM-2 Spot-Program in the end. Awaiting delivery...!

Benji

[Mibron]

Hi bengi.
I hope you enjoy your OM2SP and look forward to some pictures.
If you don't have a manual an A5 version is available from OTC and it is possible they might have an original.
Cheers and enjoy.
Mibron.

[benji]

Cheers Mibron,

I was lucky enough to receive with the camera not 1, but 3 different manuals!!!
Plus quite a few extras + 50mm lens.
Just running a slide film through it a the mo' -lots of bracketing involved!- just to make sure all's ok (and I don't see why not, as it's supposed to have been revised recently).

Those Olympus OM's are all real beauties and always a pleasure to use really.

Benji