OM vs FD

[Sean Malone]

I’ve been trolling here for a few months while I researched and made the move to the GH2. I moved over from HDV (Canon xh-a1) after realizing its time to expand my video opportunities. I don't have a pile of old lenses so I’ll be looking at buying into some of the legacy lenses. I’ll use them primarily as faster primes for projects. I’ll use the Panasonic 14 - 140 HD for general use and photography. I will be looking to add a 35mm and 50mm start out with. To keep the adapter pile to a minimum, and I would imagine to match "Looks", I’m thinking I should pick a make and model and stick with it as a start. I’ve narrowed it down to the OM or FD lenses as they seem to be the most available.
I’m looking for those who have experience with both. From what I can tell, the OM lenses sell for less then the FD. What differences should I expect between the two?
Thanks.

[Lucas Adamson]

For lens characteristics, search Flickr.com

[Sean Malone]

OK, I'll skip over there and take a look.

[flashbeast]

hey...
what about breathing? i don't think you can see it on flickr ;)
FD lenses are supposed to breath while focusing...that's congruent with my experience. But what about OM? I've read that they don't breath, or at least not that much in comparison to FD. Is that true? Or depends on focal length? I can't find any tests or something like that, it's just some rumours i picked up. I'm curious if there is something true in it...

[Sean Malone]

I guess I don't know what "breathing" realy is. I assume its different then "hunting" with autofocus. In terms of other comparisons, I have yest to find any direct head to head comparisons between the OM and FD lenses. I was hopping someone here might have both.

[NPrincen]

Breathing refers to a change in framing (field of view of the lens or focal length, take your pick) when the lens focus is changed from near to far or vice versa. This is not a big problem for still photography, but makes a big difference in video. It looks like the lens is zooming at the same time as its focus is changed. It doesn't have to be a zoom lens to breath either. Prime lenses can also breath.

[Sean Malone]

Thanks for that piece of info.... I have so much to learn....