Classic pro-level camera.
Written: Aug 20 '01
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Pros: Rugged, lightweight, classic design. Most sensitive light meter of any available 35mm SLR.
Cons: No autofocus. No program-mode exposure. No modern Zuiko zoom lenses available.
The Bottom Line: Classic, high quality autoexposure camera, however you'll need to rely on third-party companies for modern zoom lenses.
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| andyfrazer's Full Review: Olympus OM-4TI Film Camera |
I bought my OM-4T in 1989. At that time it was one of the most sophisticated pro-level cameras available. It did have the absolutely most sophisticated multi-spot light metering system. Olympus were always known for having the most compact pro-level cameras, and the OM-4T was no exception.
Twelve years later, I still love it and it's still my main camera. It's solidly built and has never failed me. Without going into the technical specs (you can get that elsewhere), I'll just review the pros and cons.
Pros: It's small, lightweight, very durable and has a very accurate light meter. One of the most overlooked advantages of this camera is that it has the most sensitive light meter of any 35mm SLR available today (re: Popular Photography, Sept 2001). The OM-4T's light meter is sensitive down to -5EV, while the camera with the next most sensitive light meter is only sensitive down to -1EV. This has allowed me to take very good night photographs while simply setting the exposure mode to automatic. Sometimes I've had to bracket +/- 2/3 of an f-stop to get a perfect exposure, but it's amazing how close the automatic light meter is. For examples, see my site at www.gorillasites.com/nightphotos.
Cons: First, the shutter speed ring is located at the base of the lens mount and it's VERY NARROW. I have skinny fingers, and even I have trouble getting a grip on the shutter speed ring while looking through the viewfinder.
Cons: Second, Olympus basically stopped designing new lenses in the late 1980's. So, even if you can live without autofocus lenses, you cannot get any good range Olympus zoom lenses. For example, Olympus has a 35-70mm zoom, but today most lens manufacturers are producing high-quality 28-80 and 28-105 (and even 28-200) zooms. So if you want a modern-design zoom lens with a long range of focal lengths, you need to go to third-party lens manufacturers (I use Tokina lenses).
Andy Frazer
www.gorillasites.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 450.00
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Epinions.com ID:
andyfrazer
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Reviews written: 5
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