Confused about options

[SJHester]

Today I saw an add on CL, (yes, i know it's stupid to purchase camera gear on CL), but the price was so low, i just had to bite.

I purchased an Olympus OM-1 body, a 50MM Zuiko 1.4 lens, an off brand 2nd lens (does not fit the OM-1) and about a dozen filters for $50.

My original plan was to scrap everything but the 50MM and purchase and adapter for my E-420. I dont own any primes and this is a pretty fast lens. I know with the crop sensor it would be more like a 100MM but that's ok.

However, after playing with the body this afternoon, I was transported back to 1974 when I got my first OM-1. I loved everything about that camera, the feel, the sound, even the very simple meter.

So, should i purchase the adapter and sell everything else, or should i purchase some film and shoot a roll or two? Or purchase film and the adapter?

Where does one find 35mm film? who does a good job processing it? (i used to do my own, but that was 30+ years ago.

If I shoot film, will I lose intersting in continueing to learn digital? I really do miss the smoothness of film.

Maybe I have already answered my own questions, but would love your input.

Thanks
Steve

[Dobick]

I would get some film -- and then get an adapter for the lens as well.

I am not sure what there is to learn about digital that doesn't also include learning about photography in general, so any interest in analog will be applicable to digital. Personally the OM-1 sounds like a great tool to make images with. I would keep it.

[J Eddington]

Do what Kent says and then take your film to BWC in Richardson. Gosh you can have the best of both worlds!

[Daniel W.]

If you've done your own black and white before, you should definitely get back into it!! Chemistry, tanks, and other equipment usually comes pretty cheap these days due to the decline in film!

[cooltouch]

Shoot that thang! You can get any chemicals and film you need at freestylephoto.biz. You can even get slides developed at Walmart -- Fuji labs does the processing.

Yeah, get the adapter of course, but there's no reason why you shouldn't exercise that old OM. Shooting film for a change can be fun. I do it a lot -- mostly B&W that I develp myself, and slides. I still enjoy the physical and non-virtual aspect of film.b

Hey, I've bought a few photo-related items off CL and was glad to find them. Most Oly shooters seem to be very active when it comes to lens acquisitions. I'd say that the 50/1.4 Zuiko is worth at least what you paid for the outfit, providing its in good shape. So, sounds like you got a good deal.

[SJHester]

Thanks all - gonna get some film!

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by SJHester

Where does one find 35mm film?

CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Arlington Camera, Competitive Camera and a zillion places on the web.