Olympus OM1 - deeply satisfying
There’s something deeply satisfying about holding a camera that just feels right. For me, that camera is the Olympus OM-1.
I own 3 black OM-1s, and an OM2sp. Although the OM2 is technically superior I always find myself returning to the simplicity and elegance of the original OM-1. It’s manual, mechanical, and utterly dependable. No auto modes, no exposure programs, just you, the light, and the frame. The light meters dont work in my cameras but thats Ok, and exactly how I like it.
Don’t get me wrong the OM-2 SP is a remarkable camera in its own right. It brought advanced metering and automation into a compact body and if speed is key, its metering is reliable enough. But that’s also part of the problem for me. The automation, while clever, adds a layer between the photographer and the process. With the OM-1, I feel more involved. I’m making every decision, turning every dial, adjusting every setting myself. There’s a rhythm to it, a pace that slows you down just enough to really see before you shoot. The exposure triangle is shared between the top plate and the lens, its easy to see and works a treat.
And then there’s the form factor.
The OM-1 was revolutionary when it was released in the early 1970s. Compared to the chunky SLRs of the time, the OM-1 was a revelation, compact, lightweight, and perfectly balanced. Even now, over 50 years later, it still feels ahead of its time. It’s astonishing how small and solid it is, especially with a prime Zuiko lens mounted. It slips into a bag (or even a coat pocket) with ease, and it’s a joy to carry around all day.
It’s actually my go-to choice when I go hiking. I love my Nikon F3 and in many ways, it’s the gold standard of pro film SLRs, but the OM-1 system is noticeably smaller and lighter. When I’m out in the hills or covering distance on foot, every gram matters, and the OM-1 gives me everything I need in a more compact package without sacrificing capability. Its also small enough not to stand out in the crowd, I think the casual onlooker thinks its a toy camera!
The viewfinder is large and bright. Not 100% field of view but very close at 97% - I cant tell you how important this is to me. The shutter is quiet. The controls fall naturally under the fingers. There’s no gimmickry just thoughtful, purposeful design. Olympus got it right the first time, and for my money, they never improved on it by adding complexity.
There’s also something to be said for the connection you feel with a fully mechanical camera. No batteries needed (except for the meter), no LCDs, no distractions. It’s just you, an exposure match needle (if it works) and the film. It forces you to slow down, to be deliberate, and to trust your instincts. In an age of digital everything, that’s more than a technical choice, it’s a way of thinking.
So yes, I’ve got other cameras. Some of them are faster, some more automated, some more “modern.” But none of them give me quite the same sense of joy and control as the Olympus OM-1 when teamed with a prime Zuiko which are second to none in terms of optical quality.
Fifty years on, it’s still an astonishing piece of engineering—and a beautiful reminder of how little you actually need to make something meaningful.
July 2025