The journey continues...

After purchasing the first film SLR, I started exploring the analog film world. I remember loading the film onto the OM1n and shot the first roll. The photos turned out a bit mushy and underexposed, probably because the OM1n I had didn't come with the split focusing screen. That's also the first time for me to control everything manually, Shutter speed, Aperture, Focus and Exposure, too much to handle for a beginner. Though not successful, the experience was fun and rewarding.

With the OM-System 50mm 1.8 and 50mm F1.2, I remember the third lens I added was the 55mm F1.2 and that marked the start of my GAS.

The lens has a very mesmerising amber gold coating. It gives a very unique fish-scale bokeh balls and either you love it or hate it. I am not very good at commenting on the quality of bokeh. Everybody has their own taste on this matter so give it a try or search for some sample images online and you will know whether you find it okay or not.

This particular lens was actually the first lens I disassembled as well. When this was shot, the front group was actually loose and couldn't be tightened up. Every time I tightened it up, it would touch the aperture mechanism and the aperture ring became stiff. You may ask, WHY WOULD THIS HAPPEN?

The answer is simple: I tried to disassemble the whole thing but the rear group was glued on so I had no hope removing it. I further disassembled the aperture mechanism and then disaster happened, I didn't know how to reassemble it because the screws were pretty challenging to put back on. So I left this undone for some time, until a few months later I tore the whole thing down and tried again. Finally I got the thing put back into one piece.

Probably because of this, I became pretty familiar with this particular lens. Over the years, I got like 5 or 6 of these and now I only keep two (I shall introduce the two later).

Among the Zuiko lenses, this may not be the best lens but definitely it holds a special position in the lineup. If you look at the OM brochures online, you see the 55 in quite a number of them.

If you are a Zuikoholic, you should notice that this is an M-1. However, more importantly, it's an M-1 with an M-SYSTEM version of the 55mm F1.2. A fast glass with a huge front element looks more tempting than the normal kit lens 50mm F1.8 and that's why it's featured on the brochure I believe. I would do so as well if I were in the marketing team of OM.

I shall share more on the 55 and the M-1 in upcoming posts. Please stay tuned.