While the E-400 has been considered obsolete by Olympus, it is still one of the nicest cameras in their collection. Yes, it's been revived in the form of the E-410, but the original "digital OM" still takes pictures. It's not that it suddenly died after the (fast!) introduction of the 410. I hope we'll see a E-420 (or so) at PMA 2008 which will include in-body IS. I might be convinced to buy one.Anyway, if you want to spice up your E-400 (or E-410 if you must), here are some tips. Maybe you can ask Santa :)1) The Oly-e.de grip:
Even though not needed for those used to handling "old fashioned SLRs", it may just give you the extra stability. It doesn't add anything to the weight of the camera, and size-wise it's also a very small item.2) An M42 adapter and M42 lenses.
This adapter will enable you to buy some excellent lenses on a budget. For instance a Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm F3.5 lens. Excellent value!
Together with the above, you should get a
3) Katz Eye focus screen. This will make your viewfinder look like this:
Don't forget to order the OptiBrite treatment! The KE screen and obtibrite will set you back quite a few $$$ but it is worth every penny. Manual focussing has never been easier.. Well, except if you add:4) Olympus ME-1 magnifying eyepiece.
It's not ideal, but in most cases it will help with manual focussing.5) Olympus RM-UC1 cable release.
I use it a lot when I'm working with a model. I focus my camera, and look to the model, not through the camera. It makes contact easier and the photographer isn't hiding behind his camera. Although with my size, hiding behind an E400 is impossible :)6) Camera armor for E-410. According to my olympus contact, the E410 and E400 are identical bodies. I've ordered a camera armor and we'll see if he's right.That's about it. Of course, don't forget your BLS-1 spare batteries!
This adapter will enable you to buy some excellent lenses on a budget. For instance a Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm F3.5 lens. Excellent value!
3) Katz Eye focus screen. This will make your viewfinder look like this:
Don't forget to order the OptiBrite treatment! The KE screen and obtibrite will set you back quite a few $$$ but it is worth every penny. Manual focussing has never been easier.. Well, except if you add:4) Olympus ME-1 magnifying eyepiece.
It's not ideal, but in most cases it will help with manual focussing.5) Olympus RM-UC1 cable release.
I use it a lot when I'm working with a model. I focus my camera, and look to the model, not through the camera. It makes contact easier and the photographer isn't hiding behind his camera. Although with my size, hiding behind an E400 is impossible :)6) Camera armor for E-410. According to my olympus contact, the E410 and E400 are identical bodies. I've ordered a camera armor and we'll see if he's right.That's about it. Of course, don't forget your BLS-1 spare batteries!