"Must Have" Olympus OM lenses?

<p>Jim, funny you should mention the 24-48 lens, I saw a couple of them yesterday. The prices were about 8000 yen each, so they aren`t expensive. I`ll take your advice and pick one up the next time I get out.<br>

As an update on the M1 models, I found many more for sale starting at around $200. I also found a new-in-the-box grip for my OM4, and the 65-116 macro extension collar.<br>

As a side note, I discovered that my Zuiko 35/2 lens wasn`t focusing properly. It would focus sharply in the middle, but was very fuzzy around the edges. Luckily the shop I bought it from was kind enough to refund me what I paid for it, I used the money to buy the items above, and a FD 35/2 concave lens for my F1.</p>

 

<p>Yes... I concur with most of the statements made in this forum regarding OM lenses. I still use them on my E-3 and E-30. The best has to be the 55mm f/1.2. This lens is great for portrait and wedding formal setting shots. It's a keeper. And the same lens is used always in low light conditions. I don't worry to much about the camera searching for the AF point... it's manual focus, and I've used this lens for more than 3 decades... awesome lens!</p>

<p>On "must have lenses" I agree with many of the posters here on lens choices, especially the <strong>OM</strong> <strong>Zuiko 100mm f2 lens and OM Zuiko 18mm f3.5 lens </strong>both are gems! I have been using the OM Zuiko 100mm f2 ED lens (with Canon/EOS adapter) for years with Canon 5D Full Frame digital with fantastic results and it's the finest portrait lens ever made. In fact I would pass on the 100/f2.8 and go for the 100/f2 ED. The OM Zuiko 18mm f3.5 is another awesome exotic ultrawide that I have also used for years. The 18mm f3.5 is so exotic that its glass is bulbous front... in fact you need a 49-72mm step up ring just to add a filter! I also agree with Skip about the Zuiko 90mm f2 macro, although it's not "ED" it is super sharp (same sharpness as 100/f2) and a true macro lens. Of course last but not least there is the Zuiko 55mm f1.2 perhaps the best "normal lens" ever made losts of praise above of this lens as well. Of course all these lenses are ultra-rare but if there is anywhere you may have a good chance of finding these it is maybe in your trip to Japan!</p>

<p>One more rare lens not even mentioned here is the very underated <strong>OM Zuiko 35-80mm f2.8 ED</strong> lens. This lens I have never had the chance to use because it is so rare. In fact very few people even ownit as it's equally as scarce as the 100/f2 or 18/3.5. Maybe you will have better luck in Tokyo finding this gem!</p>

<p>Skip, sorry to quibble, but the 28/2 is also 49mm filter size. <br>

Since my main attraction to the OM line is its small size, I've gone with the 49mm lens lineup, and have the 24/2.8, 28/2, 50/1.8, 50/1.4, 50/3.5, 85/2, 135/3.5 and 200/5. I'm hoping to sell the 24/2.8 and get a 21/3.5 (eventually) having already sold my 28/3.5, 35/2.8, Vivitar Ser 1 90/2.5 macro (nice portrait lens) and 100/2.8. Maybe a 50/1.2 or even 55/1.2 eventually (even though it's the "wrong" filter size). A 40/2 would be cool to have (I'd prefer that over either of the 35mm lenses), but not at current prices.</p>