Olympus OM-10

I recently bought a (secondhand) OM-10. Everything looked fine and I even got

the impression that the camera was hardly ever used. Loaded it with fresh

batteries after I purchased a user manual via internet. If you turn the camera

on a little led lights up next to the shutter speed scale in the viewfinder that

goes off after 90 seconds. At this point the manual says 'with a light touch on

the activator switch, energy will begin flowing again...''

 

First question: speaking of a 'switch' I ussumed one could switch from one

position to another? mine does not move at all, or is just touching it enough?

 

Second question: When I turn the camera on indeed the light goes on in the

viewfinder but after it goes out it never goes on again despite touching the

activator switch. Another problem is that if I put the selector dial in the

check position the promised beep and battery check light are neither heard or seen.

 

Is anyone familiar with this problem? and is it fixable? Or is this typically

the price I have to pay for being a cheapskate...

 

Thanks in advance, Jan

i have the same problem with my OM10... i figured that the touch activator switch must have corrosion or something. to meter i have to turn the camera off and on... if you get the manual adaptor for the camera you can shoot without the meter running.

To Patrick,

 

Thanks for your quick response.

Has your activator ever actually moved?? or was it never intended to move??

 

Regards, Jan

no i think it works via static discharge when you tap it with your finger.

I have several OM10 cameras. None of them have ever reactivated the meter by light touch. I always curl my left thumb or index finger to the dial and turn it off and back on. You don't need the meter to be on to take photos. This camera will still set the proper shutter speed with the meter indicator turned off. You just won't know ahead of time what that shutter speed will be.

Which means that we have to live with this highly irritating inconveniance?

Allen even got SEVERAL OM-10's with this handicap, that's not very encouraging.

I will take my remarks directly to Olympus and see what they have to say about it and keep you posted

 

Thanks, Jan

About half the OM-10s I repair have defective meter relight switches, others don't work because the customer is expecting meter relight by pushing on the release button, when you are supposed to push the collar around the release button. As noted by others, LED does not have to be "on" for you to shoot. John, www.zuiko.com

In todays market I regularily see OM-10's selling for the same price as OM-1's... So dont bother getting a second OM-10, just go ahead and upgrade to an OM-1 or OM-2... either one of these MIGHT even be cheaper than extensive repairs.... although John would know for sure.

You can buy a used 1 or 2 pretty cheap, but you'll probably end up with a body that needs overhauling. So, you should allow another $100 or so for that (more if body has been abused). All the bodies I sell are overhauled prior to shipping. OM-1/1N $170. OM-2/2N $200. John, www.zuiko.com