Olympus

Here are my Olympus cameras …. Olympus OM-1 MD (1975-1979) Olympus OM-1 Operating Manual I was lucky enough to get a black body in great condition, just a bit of brassing – I bought it in Westminster, MD – at SOS Loan on Main Street. Greg usually has a few cameras for sale, but I had stopped by to look at some used games, and this little beauty caught my eye. I did not buy it right away, though – hesitated since the camera needed servicing and a hard to get mercury battery. I returned a couple of weeks later and made an offer for the body with a 50mm f/1.8 Zuiko lens. He threw in a great 75-150mm Zuiko for a few dollars and it was mine. 🙂

OM-1 #1066148

OM-1 #1529577 – my Sunny f/16 camera

OM-1 #1529577 – with Winder 2

Olympus OM-1n MD (1979-1987)The OM-1n was from a lady in Sykesville, about 15 miles south of Westminster. It’s in immaculate condition, and came with a Winder 2 and a Vivitar flash unit – I’m not a big flash fan with the manual cameras, but I’m sure I will find some use for it, perhaps with the Olympus Trip 35 cameras. Anyway, the OM-1n just needed a new battery and lightseals. It’s very similar to the OM-1 except for a redesigned wind lever and the Flash shoe 4.

OM-1n #1825574
FOR SALE

OM-1n #1825574

OM-1/OM-1n specifications
# Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex with focal plane shutter.
# Film Format: 24mm x S6mm.
# Lens Mount: OLYMPUS OM Mount, bayonet type, rotation angle 70′, flange back 46mm.
# Minimum Focusing Distance: 45cm (17 3/4″) with all standard lenses.
# Lens Accessory Size: 49mm threaded for f/1.8 and f/1.4 lenses; 55mm threaded for f/1.2 lens. Other lenses vary.
# Shutter: Focal plane shutter, ring mounted control, with speeds from 1 to 1/1000 second plus B:
# Self-Timer: 4-1 2 second delay lever type; can be stopped and reset after actuation.
# Exposure Measurement: Two CdS cells located on either side of the eyepiece provide through-the-lens open aperture light measurement. Zero-method with needle visible in viewfinder. On-Off Switch located atop camera.
# Exposure Range: EV 2-17 (ASA 100 with f/1.4 standard lens).
# Battery: 1.35 volt mercury battery (Eveready or UCAR EPX625, Mallory PX625, or equivalent)
# Film Speed Range: ASA 25-1600.
# Viewfinder: Pentaprism type wide-vision finder shows 97% of actual picture field; Interchangeable focusing screens; Visible exposure meter needle.
# Viewfinder Magnification: 0.92X at infinity with standard 50mm lens.
# Viewfinder Apparent Field View 23′ 30′ & 35′.
# Focusing Screens: 1-13 Microprism/split image-matte type provided. Interchangeable with any of 12 additional screens.
# Reflex Mirror: Oversize, quick return type with mirror lock-up control. # Flash Contacts: FP-X switch type contact.
# Flash Synchronization: With electronic flash (X) 1 to 1 /60 sec; With class “M” bulbs (X) 1 to 1/15 sec; With class “F” bulbs (X) 1 to 1/15 sec ; With focal plane bulbs (FP) 1/60 to 1/1000 sec.
# Hot Shoe Socket: Built-in. Easy to attach Accessory Shoe 1. The OM-1n takes the Accessory Shoe 4.
# Film Advance: (Manual) Ratchet type film advance. May be advanced in one stroke or several short strokes for a total of 150′ rotation, pre-advance angle 30′. Built-in prevention against double advance with double exposure override capability.
# Motor Drive (optional): With Motor Drive 1 unit attached, single-frame and continuous advance at speed of 5 frames per second (at exposures above 1/500 sec., with fresh batteries and at normal temperature and humidity).
# Exposure Counter: Progressive tvpe from ‘IS” (Start) to 36 and “E” (End). Counter automatically resets to “S” when camera back is opened.
# Film Rewinding: Rewind crank with automatic-resettinq rewind release lever.
# Camera Back: Removable hinge type. Interchangeable with Recordata Back 1 and 250 Film Back 1.
# Dimensions & Weights: 136mm x 83mm x 50mm (5-3/8″ x 3-1/4″ x 2″) 51 0 gr. (1 8. 0 oz.)

Olympus OM-2 MD (1975-1979)The OM-2 is a particularly nice specimen – the seller was good enough to include 10 rolls of ILFORD 400 film and 10 rolls of Fuji 50 Velvia slide film, along with a bag and some other accessories, so the camera and 50mm Zuiko it came with were a great value. The camera itself is without any blemishes, in mint condition, and works great.

OM-2 # 175104

Olympus OM-2n (1979-1984)
I acquired the Black body OM-2n from a gentleman who had purchased it for his own use, and had it CLA’d – resealed, cleaned and even had the shutter speeds re-calibrated. The OM-2n is very similar in construction and features to the OM-2, but has a few additional refinements. It also includes all the changes included in the OM-1n.
In a way, the OM-2n represents the culmination of all the OM cameras up to that point (OM-1, OM-2, OM-1n, OM-2n). The OM-2s had some changes in construction such as changes in mirror design, so I am considering it in a slightly different class). The OM-3 and OM-4 cameras kept the same body configuration, but were vastly more sophisticated internally, incorporating all the advances in electronics available in those days, which permitted shutter speeds up to 1/2000 second.

OM-2n # 847724

OM-2/OM-2n specifications

# Camera type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex with automatic exposure control, electronic focal plane shutter.
# Film format: 24mm x 36mm.
# Lens mount: OLYMPUS OM Mount, bayonet type; rotation angle 70°, flange back 46mm. Close to 40 + Zuiko interchangeable lenses.
# Shutter: Focal plane shutter, automatic exposure control from about 60 seconds to 1/1,000 second (ASA 100, F1.2,at normal temperature and humidity). Manual exposure: B, 1 – 1/1,000 sec., ring mounted control.
# Synchro: FP, X switch type contact
# Automatic exposure control: Aperture preferred automatic exposure control electronic shutter type. TTL Direct Light Measuring System, center-weighted for bright, and averaging for dark conditions. Measuring range: ASA 100 from F1.2, about 60 seconds to F16, 1/1,000 second. (about EV 5.5 – EV 18) (at normal temperature and humidity).
# Light sensors: 2 SBC sensors for actual exposure and 2 Cds for metering information in auto and manual mode. # Large exposure compensation dial: + – 2EV (within the ASA film speed range)
# Automatic flash exposure: Direct contacts for TTL Auto Flash.
# Manual exposure: TTL type.
# Measuring system: Full aperture center weighted metering.
# Measuring range: EV1.5 – EV17 (ASA 100 with F 1.2 standard lens).
# Light sensors: 2 CdS sensors. Zero-method with needle visible in viewfinder.
# Film speed Setting: ASA 12 – 1600, B y lifting and rotating film speed dial.
# Auto/Manual selection: By selector lever.
# Battery check: 3-stage battery check LED lamp (light emitting diode) indicates full voltage, depleted charge, and exhaustion of batteries.
# Power source: Two 1.5V silver oxide batteries [Eveready (or UCAR) S-76 or equivalents] .
# Viewfinder: Pentaprism type wide vision finder.
# Focusing screens: Wide selection of interchangeable screens. Standard type Focusing Screen 1-1 (microprism-matte type). # Finder view-field: 97% of actual picture field.
# Viewfinder Magnification: 0.92 X at infinity with 50mm standard lens
# Apparent field view: Vertical 23°30′, horizontal 35°.
# Indicators in viewfinder: 3-stage selector lever. (Auto: Shutter speed indicator. Manual: exposure index. Off: nothing). # Reflex mirror: Oversize, quick return type (without lockup).
# Manual film advance: Lever type with 150° angle for one long or several short strokes, pre-advance angle 30°, self cocking, double advance and double exposure prevention.
# Motor drive advance: With Motor Drive 1 or 2 attached, single frame and continuous advance at speed of 5 frames per second (at exposures above 1/500 sec., with fresh batteries and at normal temperature and humidity). 2.5 fps is possible when power Winder 2 is attached.
# Exposure counter: Progressive type with automatic reset. # Film rewind: Crank type, with rewind release lever setting, automatic return
# Self-timer: 4 – 12 sec delay lever type with 180° maximum angle, can be stopped and reset after actuation. # Camera back: Removable hinge type, with memo holder. Interchangeable with Recordata Back 1/2/3/4 and 250 Film Back 1 # Hot shoe socket: OLYMPUS accessory shoe (optional) attachable.
# Dimensions and weights: Body only: 136 x 83 x 50mm (5.35″x3.27″x1.97″) 520g (18.3 oz)

Olympus OM-10 (1982-1987)
The first Olympus OM-10 I purchased was by chance, since I had never been really interested in the ‘double digit’ consumer series cameras, and I had avoided the OM-10 in particular since it did not have a built in manual shutter speed setting. A manual adapter was available, of course… but they are difficult to find, and often cost as much as the camera itself.
Anyway, I spotted an OM-10 on last July with an odd looking lens attached – it didn’t seem like the ubiquitous Zuiko 50mm f/1.8. On closer examination, it turned out to be a beautiful little Vivitar 55mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro, which by itself was worth far more than the camera it was fitted on. I took the plunge for the lens. When I finally got the camera, I was struck with how similar it was to the OM-1 and 2. It was in great working condition, just needed new batteries and seals, and the meter turned out to be spot on. I ran a roll through the camera and was very pleased with the results.
Anyway, I got too attached to it to let it go. It did not come with a Manual Adapter, so I just had to settle for Aperture priority or auto operation. I did some more research, and found out that the OM-10 also came in a black version – I’ve been on the lookout for one of THOSE. I’ll find it one day… just have to be patient and wait. Sooner or later, it will show up on eBay at the right price, and I’ll be there.

OM-10 # picture

OM-10 # with Winder 2 picture

Black OM-10 # picture

Black OM-10 # with Winder 2 picture

OM-10 specifications

# Type: TTL auto-exposure 35mm SLR camera
# Film Format: 24mm x 36mm. # Lens Mount: Olympus OM Mount.
# Shutter: Horizontal running electronic control type focal plane shutter with automatic exposure controls from 2 sec. to 1/1 000 sec.
# Synchronization: X contact. Hot shoe with direct contact for OM T-Series electronic flash units. # Metering System: ESP (Electro-Selective Pattern) Metering and TTL Direct “off-the-film” Light Metering (center-weighted averaged metering).
# Programmed Automatic Exposure: Type- Electronic shutter with automatic settings of aperture and shutter speed. Light measuring range; 2-111000 sec. (with ISO 100 film and 50mm f/1.4 lens). EVO-1 8.
# Aperture-Preferred Automatic Exposure: Type; Automatic exposure control with aperture-preferred electronic shutter. # Light measuring range: 2-1/1000 sec. (with ISO 100 film and 50mm f/1.4 lens). EV 0-18.
# Manual Exposure: B, 1 -1 /1 000 sec with the Manual Adapter. Aperture Priority only without the manual adapter # Auto Flash Exposure: Choice of “OTF” Auto Flash or “OTF” Program Flash. Direct contacts for “OTF” Auto Flash. (Full automatic flash with T- Series Flash); Automatic shutter speed setting for flash exposures.
# Exposure Compensation: +/-2 EV in 1/3 stop increments.
# Film Speed: ISO 25-3200. Selection of automatic setting for DX coded films or manual setting.
# Film Advance: Film advance lever with 130′ angle for one long or several short strokes and pre-advance angle 30′. Motor drive and winder usable.
# Film Rewind: Rewind crank.
# Viewfinder: Pentaprism eye-level type. Wide field finder with bright Lumi-Micron Matte focusing screen with central microprism/split image range-finder.
# Finder view-field: 93% of actual picture field.
# Finder magnification: 0.92X with 50mm lens at infinity.
# Viewfinder Information: LED multi-mode display (1 min. limiter).
# Self-timer: 12 second delay electronic self-timer. Setting by lever. Automatically canceled by film advance. Audio-visual LED and PCV indications.
# Battery Check: 3-level display with LED and alarm sound.
# Camera Back: Non-detachable, with window for reading DX coded film information.
# Grip: None
# Power Source: Two 1.5V silver oxide (SR44) batteries or alkaline-manganese (LR44) batteries.
# Dimensions: 135.5 x 86 x 53mm (5.33″ x 3.39″ x 2.09″) (Body only).
# Weight: 430 g. (I 5.2 oz.) (Body only).

Olympus OM-PC/OM-40 (1985-1987) The OM-PC (or OM-40 overseas) was bought as a backup ‘hiking’ camera because of its tough outer rubber casing. Besides, I just could not pass up the deal, since the camera and lens were priced very reasonably. The 50mm f/1.8 it came with has the desirable ‘made in Japan’ marking on the front ring. The camera was in great condition, but is missing the motor drive cover. I’m using it with a Winder 2 attached so it does not matter. I was also able to find a brand new original ever-ready cover, which is moot anyway because of the rubber casing.

OM-PC # 1153606

OM-PC # 1153606 with Winder 2 attached

OM-PC # 1153606 with Winder 2

OM-PC specifications

# Type: TTL auto-exposure 35mm SLR camera
# Film Format: 24mm – 36mm.
# Lens Mount: Olympus OM Mount.
# Shutter: Horizontal running electronic control type focal plane shutter with automatic exposure controls from 2 sec. to 1/1 000 sec.
# Synchronization: X contact. Hot shoe with direct contact for OM T-Series electronic flash units.
# Metering System: ESP (Electro-Selective Pattern) Metering and TTL Direct “off-the-film” Light Metering (center-weighted averaged metering).
# Programmed Automatic Exposure: Type; Electronic shutter with automatic settings of aperture and shutter speed. Light measuring range; 2-111000 sec. (with ISO 100 film and 50mm f/1.4 lens). EVO-1 8.
# Aperture-Preferred Automatic Exposure: Type; Automatic exposure control with aperture-preferred electronic shutter.
# Light measuring range: 2-1/1000 sec. (with ISO 100 film and 50mm f/1.4 lens). EV 0-18.
# Manual Exposure: B, 1 -1 /1 000 sec.
# Auto Flash Exposure: Choice of “OTF” Auto Flash or “OTF” Program Flash. Direct contacts for “OTF” Auto Flash. (Full automatic flash with T- Series Flash); Automatic shutter speed setting for flash exposures.
# Exposure Compensation: +/-2 EV in 1/3 stop increments.
# Film Speed: ISO 25-3200. Selection of automatic setting for DX coded films or manual setting.
# Film Advance: Film advance lever with 130′ angle for one long or several short strokes and pre-advance angle 30′. Motor drive and winder usable.
# Film Rewind: Rewind crank.
# Viewfinder: Pentaprism eye-level type. Wide field finder with bright Lumi-Micron Matte focusing screen with central microprism/split image range-finder.
# Finder view-field: 93% of actual picture field.
# Finder magnification: 0.92X with 50mm lens at infinity.
# Viewfinder Information: LED multi-mode display (1 min. limiter).
# Self-timer: 12 second delay electronic self-timer. Setting by lever. Automatically canceled by film advance. Audio-visual LED and PCV indications. # Battery Check: 3-level display with LED and alarm sound.
# Camera Back: Non-detachable, with window for reading DX coded film information.
# Grip: Large elastic grip on front and rear of camera with non-slip texture.
# Power Source: Two 1.5V silver oxide (SR44) batteries or alkaline-manganese (LR44) batteries.
# Dimensions: 135.5 x 86 x 53mm (5.33″ x 3.39″ x 2.09″) (Body only).
# Weight: 460 g. (I 6.2 oz.) (Body only).

Olympus 35 RC Rangefinder
The Olympus 35 RC rangefinder was a recent acquisition. I’ve looked the Olympus rangefinder cameras on and off, but they always seem to be overpriced. Besides, when I want to play around with a rangefinder, I have an excellent Ricoh 500G. Most rangefinders of that period seem to have similar specifications. Camera makers are peculiar that way – they definitely believe in the dictum “imitation is the best form of flattery”.
This particular 35 RC came to me with crumbly seals (of course), and the usual ‘no battery available’ disclaimer, since it uses a 1.35 volt Mercury battery. Since the 35 RC has a completely manual mode, it’s no big deal as I tend to prefer the Sunny 16 rule anyway.
The Olympus 35 RC is one of the “classic” rangefinders, beautifully built and feels solid in the hand with it’s all metal construction. There’s nothing about this camera that looks or feels cheap. The Olympus 35 RC has a sweet 5 element 42mm f/2.8 Zuiko len and stops down to f/22.
In Auto mode, it’s basically a shutter priority camera. Set the camera to Auto, set the shutter speed to shoot at and the camera does the rest. In manual mode, set the shutter and aperture and shoot. I generally prefer shutter speeds of 1/125 or 1/250 since I tend to stay with lower ISO films like Fuji Super 100 and Fuji Superia 200 although I use Fuji Superia 400 with longer zoom lenses.
This is one of the cameras that has lots of good information online, in particular Andrew Yue’s comprehensive review of the Olympus 35 RC. Other very good reviews are by Matt Denton, Scott Young. and of course, Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest. Olympus 35 RC Operating Manual