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Post by nikonbob on Sept 29, 2006 18:25:08 GMT -5
Got a user OM1 today and I would like to know if the new non mercury batteries can be used. I realize that there is a voltage difference and do not want to harm the camera. If the meter is off a little I don't think it will matter with C41 film that much. OTH not having a meter is no biggie there is always the old hand meter as all else seems to work OK.
Bob
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Post by GeneW on Sept 29, 2006 19:01:06 GMT -5
Bob, I'm an ex OM-1 user. Had two of them for some 30 yrs or so. They're very fussy about voltage. camtech does an overhaul of OM-1's that includes a recalibration to modern batteries so I know it can be done, but I don't know the details.
What I did with mine was use Wein air-zinc cells, and later an O ring with hearing aid batteries. They're inexpensive and give accurate readings with the OM-1's.
Gene
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Post by nikonbob on Sept 30, 2006 4:50:26 GMT -5
Gene
Thanks. I think I will try the hearing aid battery route first.
Bob
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Post by backalley on Oct 2, 2006 0:14:07 GMT -5
refresh me old memory, batteries are needed for the meter only?
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 2, 2006 6:16:25 GMT -5
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wclavey
Contributing Member
Posts: 35
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Post by wclavey on Oct 11, 2006 8:25:55 GMT -5
I can attest to the hearing aid battery + O-ring solution. It worked for quite a while. But I sent all my OMs out to Camtech over the past year for their 30-year tune-ups (wheter they need it or not!) and I had the OM-1 recalibrated for a modern battery... it was part of the deal.
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 11, 2006 12:15:06 GMT -5
Wes
I don't know if it is worthwhile to have my OM1 CLA'd and the meter repaired, it might be more than the camera is worth. I think I will try it with a hand meter first.
Bob
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Post by backalley on Oct 11, 2006 13:46:47 GMT -5
i'm still waiting for mine to show up.
sometimes i dislike living canada, just for the slow customs/mail service.
joe
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wclavey
Contributing Member
Posts: 35
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Post by wclavey on Oct 11, 2006 15:10:57 GMT -5
I don't know if it is worthwhile to have my OM1 CLA'd and the meter repaired, it might be more than the camera is worth. I think I will try it with a hand meter first. I went thorugh the same consideration before I started getting things worked on. For me, it finally made sense... my son was in a photography program at school at the time that required 35mm film; I had quite an investment in lenses that, while not worth much in the market anymore, would cost thousands to replace if I changed technology; we had several bodies and the $100 or so per body seemed reasonable to be able to continue to take advantage of that investment and meant that my son and I could share quite a wealth of OM accessories between us. But I would be the first to agree that investing in the OM bodies will not always be the right solution for us, nor is it the right solution for everyone. I heartily advocate giving it serious consideration and making the right decision for you. |
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 11, 2006 15:35:12 GMT -5
I'm still waiting for mine to show up. sometimes i dislike living canada, just for the slow customs/mail service. joe That is why the winters are long here, it makes you forget about minor things like the Customs Service. Hope you get it sooner than later. Bob |
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 11, 2006 15:43:10 GMT -5
Wes
I am in the same situation as you are only with Nikon stuff. What gives me pause is that it is the only Oly body and lens that I own. The trouble is that they seem very nice and have a terrific VF. I hate to see a good camera like that not fully functional even though it is in user condition. If it was near mint or an M1 that would be another story and tip the scales the other way. Still, I can enjoy it with a hand meter.
Bob
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wclavey
Contributing Member
Posts: 35
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Post by wclavey on Oct 11, 2006 17:23:56 GMT -5
For the OM-1, get the 675 hearing aid battery, go to the hardware store and get a back O-ring that fits around the battery and makes it about the same size as the old mercury battery... I bought 3 of them and put them in my camera bag, and used it that way for several years before I decided to get the work done... The variation from the mercury cell meter readings was lass than 1 stop, if I recall correctly.
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 11, 2006 17:56:46 GMT -5
Wes
Tried the 675 plus O ring route and no go. Same result with a PX625 I think it was. Meter DOA I'm afraid.
Bob
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wclavey
Contributing Member
Posts: 35
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Post by wclavey on Oct 11, 2006 22:01:00 GMT -5
Tried the 675 plus O ring route and no go. Same result with a PX625 I think it was. Meter DOA I'm afraid. Oh, geez... sorry! I missed that in your thread further above... Now I feel foolish... I must read more carefully... Well, then everything you said is absolutely right and you are lucky it only works the meter and is mechanical otherwise. Good luck with it. |
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 11, 2006 22:39:56 GMT -5
Wes
It is not foolish to give very helpful suggestions. You are right about being lucky that it is a mechanical camera and can still be used W/O batteries. You have to love mechanical cameras for that reason don't you.
Bob
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