When I bought my OM-2n a couple of months ago it came with a Tamron Adaptall lens – a 35-70mm zoom if I remember correctly. The lens was in very nice condition but produced noteably softer results than my Olympus Zuiko lenses, so I sold it on. As I already have an OM-1 I have a small collection of Zuiko glass that I can use with the OM-2n already.
I did notice, however, that my F.Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lens had developed a bit of looseness in the aperture ring. I don’t think it affects the funtionality, but the firm clicks when it rotates has become gentle bumps. So I decided, if I could find one at a decent price, to buy another.
I ended up with a Zuiko (note the lack of F.) Auto-S 50mm f/1.8 in great condition and at a low price. The lens is in the 5,XXX,XXX serial number range with “made in Japan” on the front ring. Apparently these are amongst the sharpest of the numerous variants of this lens that Olympus produced – not that any of them are optical slouches. While I’ve not done any like-for-like tests against my other version (and am unlikely to), this lens is very sharp.
Olympus OM-2n, Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8 & Fuji Superia 100 (expired 2008). Grain2Pixel conversion.
Taken on 17 September 2020
Steel City Snapper photography 
I own both 50/1.8s myself. I ought to do a roll where I shoot each subject with both lenses to see if I can detect any difference.
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It would be interesting to see although, if I’m honest, I’m not sure there would be more than a minor difference. Maybe if the lenses were adapted for a digital camera it would be more apparent though.
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I have the 35mm f2.8 which has done the same thing; it still works but the aperture clicks are not as they should be. I have considered getting a better condition one, but I could get a lot of film for that……
Nice picture; the owner of the bike really needs to get a better lock, though!
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I think that my buying of another 50mm was at least partly driven by G.A.S. if I’m honest.
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this is deceptively cool with the reflection behind the bike.
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Thanks. The reflections in the water came out nicely on a few shots from this roll – the ones where the surface was still mostly.
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I’ve just checked my two OM 50mm lenses, both are without the “F” and one has a serial number in the “preferred” range. Quite pleased as I bought it with OM10 attached for £28 !
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I do get the sense that it’s very sharp, but that might admittedly be as result of my reading that it’s supposed to be. 🙂
I never had any complaints with the F.Zuiko version though if I’m honsest.
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I like that shot. There’s a loneliness about it.
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Thanks Ellen. There are always bicycles chained up around there. I guess that, if you live on a canal boat, it’s a far more practical mode of non-liquid-based transport than a car. Unless you have some sort of canal ferry… 🙂
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