jib@prism.UUCP (08/05/85)
> /* Written 5:55 pm Jul 24, 1985 by kerns@trwrba in prism:net.rec.photo */ > /* ---------- "Is OM-4 Junk?" ---------- */ > > After reading a review of the Olympus OM-4 in > Modern Photography, I thought that the spot metering > system of this camera would be nice for Zone System > photography. When I went to the camera store to test > the camera, the salesman told me that 6 out of 6 OM-4's > sold at his store had been returned because they were > defective. He will no longer carry the OM-4. > > Is the OM-4 a piece of junk? Has anyone had a > happy experience with this camera? > > > John Kerns > {decvax|sdcrdcf}!trwrb!trwrba!kerns > /* End of text from prism:net.rec.photo */ I bought one of the earliest OM-4 cameras available in New York City (I got mine in early October, 1983). I had it repaired (free) by Olympus after about a month when I accidentally cracked the viewfinder glass. This was clearly my fault, but they did repair it free. They substituted a new "insides" into my body. Although I had had no problems with my OM4 previously, the new OM4 had an electrical problem. Again, I went to Olympus and they substituted a new "insides" while I waited. Since that time (December, 1983), I have had no problems with the camera's performance, although it does use up batteries much faster than did my previous OM-2 or OM-1. I go through a set of batteries in about 6 months whether or not I do heavy shooting. I consider the OM-4 reliable, and none of the dealers I have spoken with has indicated differently. I believe my defect was due to early production problems, and *maybe* the fact that the "insides" were substituted by an Olympus repair center. I WOULD recommend, however, paying the few extra dollars for an OM-4 with a USA warranty -- I have found Olympus service here very quick and good (especially if you can "walk-in" to one of their Olympus USA service centers as I have). The spot metering works very well, and combined with the HILITE and SHADOW buttons, does assist Zone system. ---------------------------------- Jim Block {cca, ihnp4!inmet, mit-eddie, wjh12, datacube} !mirror!prism!jib Mirror Systems, Inc. 2067 Massachusetts Ave. (617) 661-0777 Cambridge, MA 02140