Olympus OM-30

Progress isn’t always a good thing. The OM-30 (or OM-F as it was known in some localities) was one of the ‘second generation’ OM series, signified by a ‘two digit’ model number. It's a 35mm format Single Lens Reflex camera with automatic exposure - what you see in the viewfinder is pretty much what will reach the film when you press the shutter. The OM-30 was essentially an OM-20 with an auto-focus capability (although special motorised lenses were needed) it still supported complete ‘backwards compatibility’ with ‘first generation’ lenses with a standard OM mount, as well as maintaining the ... more

I bought my Olympus OM-30 back in 1984 and it has lasted well ever since. Although not used frequently, it remains a great single lens reflex camera suitable for use in lots of situations. It is certainly a bit bigger and heavier than modern cameras, but you would expect this of something over fifteen years old, but its facilities and ease of use are permanent. Its novel (at the time) focus "guidance" system is almost invariably ignored, as manual focusing seems superior. It is manual wind and rewind and aperture-priority based. I like the OM30 it is very flexible and reliable and I will ... more