In 1979 Olympus released the OM-1n as the final update to the popular OM-1. The changes were minor and did nothing to discourage OM system fans. The OM-1n continued to be available even after the OM-3 replaced it and was so popular that it is believed to have outsold the newer OM-3.

The timeline for the OM-1 starts in 1972 with the M 1. Supposedly a dispute with Leica resulted in a name change to OM-1. In 1974 motor drive capability was added with the OM-1MD. Then in 1979, the OM-1n keep the motor drive compatibility but add a few minor improvements. The primary changes were a redesigned film advance lever and improved flash support.

My Take:

The OM-1n was not a significantly different shooting experience from the OM-1. That is to say still fantastic. There is something so charming about the OM line. the OM-1 line is the original fully mechanical version. It does have a light meter but otherwise a manual experience.

Is the OM-1n better than the OM-1? Not from a use case but, I’m not an expert on the internal mechanics. I suggest finding the one that you can and putting it to work. Because of the smaller size, they are great as travel SLRs. The OM Zuiko lenses are also great. You do have to adjust to the shutter speed being on the lens mount but that comes after a few shots.

Lens: Olympus OM-System G. Zuiko Auto-w 24mm f2.8

Film: Kodak Gold 200

Links:

http://www.brokencamera.club/blog/2017/3/9/olympus-om-1

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/om1/om1manual/index.htm

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Olympus_OM-1/2/3/4

http://mattsclassiccameras.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Oly_OM_1.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympus_OM-1

https://www.casualphotophile.com/2016/04/25/olympus-om-1-camera-review/