Camera · SLR
Olympus OM-1
1972-1987
Discontinued35mmIntermediateAdvanced
Street photography (compact)
- Format
- 35mm
- Mount
- OLYMPUS OM
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/1000
- Battery
- PX625 1.35 V mercury (discontinued); needs an adapter or substitute cell
- Weight
- 510g
Battery req.
Max speed
Best for
- Street photography (compact)
- Travel (lightweight system)
- Those who prioritise portability
Features
- Compact SLR body
- Mechanical shutter (works without battery)
- Air-damped mirror with mirror lock-up
- Interchangeable focusing screens
Limitations
- Requires battery adapter or voltage conversion for meter
- OM lenses less common than Canon/Nikon
- Prism can develop spots
- Parts increasingly scarce
Common issues to check
- Battery voltage issue (1.35v vs 1.5v) requires adapter or meter adjustment
- Prism degradation (silvering, black spots)
- Light meter drift
- Shutter bounce at slow speeds
- Foam deterioration throughout body
Buying guide
The original OM-1 (1972) needs a battery adapter or substitute cell to meter correctly with modern batteries. The OM-1 MD added motor-drive readiness and the OM-1n (1979) added a flash-ready signal. Check the prism carefully for dark spots and test the meter against a known meter.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £120 - £250
- Excellent condition
- ~£300
Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 35mm |
| Years produced | 1972-1987 |
| Mount | OLYMPUS OM |
| Shutter type | Focal Plane |
| Shutter speeds | 1s - 1/1000 |
| Flash sync | 1/60 |
| Metering | Center Weighted |
| Battery required | Yes (PX625 1.35 V mercury (discontinued); needs an adapter or substitute cell) |
| Weight | 510g |
| Dimensions | 136 x 83 x 50mm |