Olympus — nowadays OM System — proves that small and light need not come at the expense of performance. Our range holds around 180 products: OM-D and PEN bodies, M.Zuiko lenses and a nice stream of analogue classics. Popular models right now are the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko Digital ED for sharp everyday use, the Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ M.Zuiko Digital ED as a compact kit lens and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II for versatile action photography.
Why a used Olympus?
Micro Four Thirds is the most mature mirrorless system there is: fifteen years of bodies and lenses that all fit each other. Bird and wildlife photographers discovered it en masse, because the sensor format effectively doubles your reach — a 300mm behaves like a 600mm, for a fraction of the weight. As a result the used supply is large and the prices are friendly — a complete, lightly packed camera bag costs here what a single lens costs elsewhere. And since OM System took over the baton, bodies and Pro lenses simply keep being developed: you are not buying a dead-end system but a living ecosystem with fifteen years of used supply. Anyone who uses it for a long time and then sells it on keeps the cycle nicely closed.
OM-D, PEN or analogue?
- OM-D / OM System — the OM-1 is the current flagship with its legendary stabilisation, and the E-M1 series remains a rock-solid used buy.
- PEN — the stylish PEN-F has a loyal fan base.
- Analogue — the compact mju models and OM SLRs have been scoring consistently well for years.
- M.Zuiko lenses — from pancakes to Pro glass, and thanks to Micro Four Thirds all Panasonic glass fits across brands too.
What we look for in used Olympus
The famous IBIS stabilisation is the heart of these cameras, so we test it explicitly, together with the sensor, shutter and controls. On the analogue mjus and OMs — where the electronics are the weak spot — we check the light meter, flash and light-tightness extra strictly, because repair there is rarely possible any more. Where the shutter count can be read out we list it, and on weather-sealed bodies the port covers and hinges are part of the inspection too. Every copy gets an honest condition description with its own photos and a 12-month warranty.
Stay compact or switch
Ready for something else? Trade in your kit through an online offer and offset the value directly against your next camera — or come to Geldermalsen to experience how light an OM-1 with Pro glass really is.
