mark ellis

<p>i think that the last 'new' OM lens was the budget 35-70mm f3.5-4.8 that was bundled with the OM2000 in the mid nineties. just prior to this was the 35-80mm f2.8 which was introduced as a top performing companion to the OM3Ti in 1993/4 --- or maybe it was the other way round.... can't recall.</p>

<p>hi Jonathan,</p>

<p>i know that the 100mm f2.8 owners are very happy with their lot (and so are the 100mm f2 owners which - production numbers aside - must contribute somewhat to the scarcity of this lens) but if this is your dream lens then why settle for anything less? this is a highly regarded and excellent lens... so, go for it! although you may be in for a long wait (it took me about 2 years to find one in the 'right' condition and at the 'right' price - and then a week later i found another one that was slightly cheaper.. typical !!! ) so maybe get a 100mm f2.8 (or late MC version 85mm f2?) as a stop gap solution and take it from there?</p>

<p>cue - photo examples.</p>

<p>lady shot <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2905108597_2b0c9f7513_b.jpg">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2905108597_2b0c9f7513_b.jpg</a><br>

OM4Ti, 100mm f2, Fuji Sensia 100 - reckon this was about f4</p>

<p>flower shot <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2841001632_e24e4740cb_b.jpg">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2841001632_e24e4740cb_b.jpg</a><br>

OM4Ti, 100mm f2, Fuji Sensia 100 - wide open</p>

<p>cute animal shot <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2907537573_342e7963bc_b.jpg">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2907537573_342e7963bc_b.jpg</a> <br>

OM4Ti, 100mm f2, Fuji Sensia 100 - again guessing it was f2.8</p>

both items command fairly hefty prices when sold on a certain auction site. in the UK, i'm aware that Luton Cameras (http://www.lutoncameras.co.uk/) often have OM accessories (more than what is listed on their website) inc. 2-13 screens...

hello from another UK-based OM user.

 

i have found the dealers of second-hand OM gear to be pretty expensive compared to some private sales (eBay*, photography forums, exchange & mart etc...). that said, i have bought some OM stuff over the years from camera shops and have been pleased with both the service and goods received.

 

http://www.ffordes.com (i would recommend that you phone instead of placing an order over the web as the staff are really helpful and give accurate condition reports)

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Secondhand.asp (in the past they have sent lenses that i'm interested in to one of their shops closer to me so that i can look before i buy)

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk (made my best ever purchase from here but recently they seemed to have cut back on OM stock)

 

i guess it all depends on what you're exactly looking for as there are many many others that have OM goods for sale that is not necessarily advertised on the web. all i would say is to take your time, take a look around and take care when making a purchase. a case point is the common T20 flash unit that is available in a full working condition from ﾣ5 to ﾣ20 dependent upon who's selling...

 

enough from me... good luck and have fun!

 

*eBay also has it's fair share of hyper-inflated OM stuff as well!