Olympus OM 40mm f2

Louis King , Feb 24, 2006; 03:26 p.m.

I have 2 OM1n bodies, 2 50mm 1.8, 2 28mm 3.5, 1 40mm f2 & 1 75-150 zoom. I like to mount the 2 bodies side by side on a tripod and shoot stereo pictures by firing both cameras simultaneously. When I went on ebay recently to price another 40mm f2 lens (so I could shoot stereos with 2 lenses, I was shocked at the price! Yes, it is an extremely sharp lens, and it focuses closer than anything else I've got as well as being the smallest lens I've got.

But.

The prices being asked and gotten for this lens seem to be out of line compared with the 28mm f2.8 or 35mm f2.8 which are nearly the same size.

Is this an extremely rare lens? Or is there something else unique about this lens? I suppose I'm lucky to have even one. Why did Olympus stop making this lens?

Responses

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john richard massey , Feb 24, 2006; 03:42 p.m.

It's just plain RARE - came out late and was of limited appeal to the majority of OM owners most of whom had a 50 1.8, a 135 3.5 and perhaps a 35 2.8. Along with the fast lenses, the shifts and most of the macros it will continue to command prices that don't really reflect it's usefulness. NB Compared to the more commonly available!

john richard massey , Feb 24, 2006; 03:50 p.m.

and another thing Louis, did you know about the Voigtlander Ultron 40 f2 that was recently available in OM mount? Not that you'd be able to use it in stereo with your Zuiko, but I toyed with the idea of getting one for a while (that and the 75 f2.5). I'm sure their novelty value would keep prices as buoyant as the rarer zuikos.

D N , Feb 24, 2006; 04:25 p.m.

Seems you have identified the choices: Spend the money for another 40/2 or spend (probably) less and get a pair of 35/2.8 lenses.

Andrew Robertson , Feb 24, 2006; 05:36 p.m.

Japanese people collect those lenses like squirrels collect nuts. If I were you I'd hang on to it - you'll be able to retire on it in about 10 years.

Joe Thornton , Feb 24, 2006; 07:22 p.m.

I just picked up a 40mm f/2 about 2 weeks ago from KEH for aroun $300 US Dollars. I have a 35mm f/2 and the 50mm f/1.4 and the f/1.8, but the 40 is my workhorse for street photography.

Eric Friedemann , Feb 24, 2006; 10:47 p.m.

As has been mentioned, the Oly 40mm f/2.0 pancake has become a cult classic:

(link)

What is unique is that Olympus managed to make the lens a 40mm f/2.0 with a 49mm thread size. Compare this with the current Nikkor P lens, which is longer at 45mm, is a stop slower at f/2.8 and has a 52mm thread size.

Jack Lo ... T-O , Feb 25, 2006; 04:48 p.m.

In the famous interview with Dr. Maitani, he states that he designed this lens and had it built because he wanted one for his own use.

Andy K. , Feb 25, 2006; 08:46 p.m.

A 40mm is just about a perfect length for informal shooting, it is by far my most preferred length. The prices for the OM 40/2 have actually fallen, believe it or not, though $359-$450 is the going rate for the pancakes these days. Though I've read from some that the lens is not a great performer, I disagree, it really is a wonderful piece of glass. Contrary to some reports, it is not hard to moount a filter or a hood on it. I use mine with a hood for the 35/3.5 which is easy to get cheaply. It screws right on and elimnates the flare that you will get from a tiny shallow lens mount.

I've use on for a number of years and thousands of exposures with an OM-4T and it is the only lens I take on the road with me. If you have one, Louis, you know it is good.

Patrick Dempsey , Feb 25, 2006; 11:28 p.m.

Jeez $450! And I bought Zuiko's second smallest lens, the 50mm f1.8 for $50. I think for $400 I'll just keep taking my 2 steps back! ;)

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