Throwback Edit Version: I edited this in January 2025, checked the links and converted it to the new WordPress blocks format if needed. 

I thought I would throw this review in here, even though due to the photos it might be better at the end of this journey. So far I have only taken one roll of film on it to check it worked then I stuck it in a drawer after I got sucked into this blog. At some point, I will take it out and use it again as I really like it, but it is in another country right now so I can’t.

I originally had another example of this camera way back in my late teens or early 20s. So yonks ago.

It was the one I sold to get a digital camera, wish I hadn’t done that, but it has returned to me now. I got it for about £10 and that included the manual adapter, which I had forgotten I needed.

The OM10 was first released in 1979 and ceased production in 1987. There are still many around and as I found can be got very cheaply with a lens attached.  BUT make sure you do get the manual adapter because without it you have no control at all. That being said, the automatic settings can be relied upon to take great shots.

Once I loaded a film and started to use it, the noise it made took me back to my youth. This camera was produced fairly cheaply so there were cost-cutting shortcuts. One was the lack of dampening on the mirror lock-up. That means when you press the shutter there is a very satisfying ‘thunk’. Unless you are taking photos in a library or church, it is a super sound.

I bought this camera while I was home, visiting my mum in the hospice and while my sister’s family were in the process of redecorating the house for her hopeful return. It wasn’t a great time and this camera helped me keep my mind on other things. Here are some of my results.

I am definitely keeping this camera and can’t wait to use it again.

I realised after reading this I rarely put in technical details, like battery types used (LR44x2). That’s because I am more interested in how a camera feels when holding or using it. There are always better websites for those types of things and I usually link to them if I find them. I am not sure how ethical it is, but I suppose it gets them traffic too.

Update: How things change? I actually sold this camera. I have many more cameras now and quite a few Olympus OMs, my GAS has dissipated so I felt this was the one I could happily sell.

Update 2025: Yeap, I re-bought it. A slightly dodgier version for a bit more money.