Olympus OM system
Encyclopedia
The Olympus OM System was a line of 35mm
single-lens reflex camera
s, lenses
and accessories sold by Olympus between 1972 and 2002 (some accessories were sold through early 2003).
The system was introduced by Olympus
in 1972, more than a decade after Nikon, Canon, and other manufacturers had established their own SLR ranges. The range was designed by Yoshihisa Maitani
, chief designer for Olympus, and his staff. The nucleus of the system was a series of compact bodies divided into a professional series and a later consumer-orientated series. The first model introduced was the all-mechanical M-1, which after pressure from Leica
was renamed OM-1. The body included a full aperture TTL CdS exposure meter and a bayonet lens mount of relatively large diameter. By the end of the 1970s it was joined by its OM-2 successor, and the OM-10 consumer-level SLR body. Olympus continued the naming pattern with the professional-level OM-3 and OM-4, and the consumer-level OM-20, OM-30, and OM-40. The system was accompanied by a series of Zuiko-branded lenses, as well as a generous selection of accessories. The majority of OM bodies and lenses were manual focus only; the OM-707 of 1986 was the only true autofocus model.
All the consumer-grade models were discontinued after 1992, since the market for manual focus cameras in this segment had dried up. The consumer-grade line returned in 1997 with the Cosina-sourced OM-2000 model. Professional and advanced amateur demand for the high-end models continued, and they were produced until 2002 along with the consumer-grade OM-2000.
forming the ground of the OM system introduced in 1972, at first called the Olympus M-1, Leica disputed this designation and it was changed to OM. It was designed by a team led by the late Yoshihisa Maitani
with a through-the-lens exposure meter controlling a needle visible in the viewfinder. It was noted for its reduction of size, weight and noise. These features were essentially retained on later models. One feature unique to the OM1 compared to the rest of the OM system was its manual mirror lock-up making it ideal for astrophotography and macrophotography.
In 1995, nine years after the OM-3 was discontinued, the OM-3Ti was released. It shared the improvements over the OM-3 that the OM-4Ti held over the OM-4.
autoexposure. It used a horizontal cloth focal plane shutter with a speed range of 240 to 1/2000th second plus bulb
and flash X-sync of 1/60th second.
It was the first camera with a built-in spot meter[of a narrow angle, see Canon FTb](2% of view; 3.3˚ with 50 mm lens) and could measure nine individual spots and average them. The light meter
used a dual concentric segmented silicon photo diode to provide spot or centerweighted readings. It used a graduated linear LCD display for the shutter speed at the bottom of the viewfinder to precisely indicate its readings versus the actual camera settings instead of a needle.
In 1986 it was improved to a tougher OM-4Ti (OM-4T in USA) version, with titanium
top and bottom plates, improved weatherproofing and high-speed sync with the flash staying on during the entire shutter operation, losing the light hidden by the curtains. This last version was finally discontinued in 2002.
aperture priority
AE SLR
camera with an electronic shutter. Only aperture priority AE was available with the camera unless the optional manual exposure adapter was installed which allowed the setting of shutters speeds between 1 second and 1/1000 of a second (bulb mode is also available on the camera). The camera is equipped with a fixed pentaprism
viewfinder which contains an LED exposure indicator. The finder coverage was measured to be 93%.
Exposure control is based on aperture priority AE or center-weighted light metering
. Film speeds of the camera range from ASA 25 to ASA 1600. Film winding is done by using the film wind lever located on the top right of the camera. Film rewinding is done manually using the film rewind crank located above the film canister on the top left of the camera. The camera body measures 136 × 83 × 50 mm and weighs approximately 430 grams (15.2 oz).
when the self timer is switched on, a feature still rarely found in non-high end cameras.
The OM lens is designed to sit 46 mm (as measured from the front of the aluminium ring on which the serial number is stamped) from the film onto which it projects, further away than many other lens systems. The combination of on-lens aperture control and this extra distance make OM lenses adaptable with full (manual) functionality to a variety of other camera systems – including the ubiquitous Canon EOS line – by using a specialized adapter.
, photo journalism, sport photography, scientific photography.
135 film
The term 135 was introduced by Kodak in 1934 as a designation for cartridge film wide, specifically for still photography. It quickly grew in popularity, surpassing 120 film by the late 1960s to become the most popular photographic film format...
single-lens reflex camera
Camera
A camera is a device that records and stores images. These images may be still photographs or moving images such as videos or movies. The term camera comes from the camera obscura , an early mechanism for projecting images...
s, lenses
Photographic lens
A camera lens is an optical lens or assembly of lenses used in conjunction with a camera body and mechanism to make images of objects either on photographic film or on other media capable of storing an image chemically or electronically.While in principle a simple convex lens will suffice, in...
and accessories sold by Olympus between 1972 and 2002 (some accessories were sold through early 2003).
The system was introduced by Olympus
Olympus Corporation
is a Japan-based manufacturer of optics and reprography products. Olympus was established on 12 October 1919, initially specializing in microscope and thermometer businesses. Its global headquarters are in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, while its USA operations are based in Center Valley, Pennsylvania,...
in 1972, more than a decade after Nikon, Canon, and other manufacturers had established their own SLR ranges. The range was designed by Yoshihisa Maitani
Yoshihisa Maitani
Yoshihisa Maitani was a designer of cameras for Olympus after joining Olympus in 1956 he went on to work for them for a further 40 years. He was involved with the design of many of their most well known cameras including the Pen and Pen F half frame cameras, the OM System, the XA and later the...
, chief designer for Olympus, and his staff. The nucleus of the system was a series of compact bodies divided into a professional series and a later consumer-orientated series. The first model introduced was the all-mechanical M-1, which after pressure from Leica
Leica
Leica Camera AG, a German optics company, produces Leica cameras. The predecessor of the company, formerly known as Ernst Leitz GmbH, is now three companies: Leica Camera AG, Leica Geosystems AG, and Leica Microsystems AG, producing cameras, geosurvey equipment, and microscopes, respectively...
was renamed OM-1. The body included a full aperture TTL CdS exposure meter and a bayonet lens mount of relatively large diameter. By the end of the 1970s it was joined by its OM-2 successor, and the OM-10 consumer-level SLR body. Olympus continued the naming pattern with the professional-level OM-3 and OM-4, and the consumer-level OM-20, OM-30, and OM-40. The system was accompanied by a series of Zuiko-branded lenses, as well as a generous selection of accessories. The majority of OM bodies and lenses were manual focus only; the OM-707 of 1986 was the only true autofocus model.
Camera models
Olympus produced a wide variety of OM camera models over the years. These were divided into two distinct series. Cameras with single-digit model numbers were the professional series, optimized for features and ruggedness rather than ease of use. Two-digit (or more) model numbers, or letters, meant a consumer camera designed for ease of use.All the consumer-grade models were discontinued after 1992, since the market for manual focus cameras in this segment had dried up. The consumer-grade line returned in 1997 with the Cosina-sourced OM-2000 model. Professional and advanced amateur demand for the high-end models continued, and they were produced until 2002 along with the consumer-grade OM-2000.
| 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| M-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-1 MD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-1N | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-2N | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-2S/SP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-3Ti | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-4T/Ti chrome | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-4T/Ti black | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-10 Quartz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-20 (OM-G) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-30(OM-F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-40 (OM-PC) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-77AF (OM-707) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-88 (OM-101) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OM-2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OM-1
The Olympus OM-1 is a manually operated 35 mm single-lens reflex cameraSingle-lens reflex camera
A single-lens reflex camera is a camera that typically uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system that permits the photographer to see exactly what will be captured by the film or digital imaging system, as opposed to pre-SLR cameras where the view through the viewfinder could be significantly...
forming the ground of the OM system introduced in 1972, at first called the Olympus M-1, Leica disputed this designation and it was changed to OM. It was designed by a team led by the late Yoshihisa Maitani
Yoshihisa Maitani
Yoshihisa Maitani was a designer of cameras for Olympus after joining Olympus in 1956 he went on to work for them for a further 40 years. He was involved with the design of many of their most well known cameras including the Pen and Pen F half frame cameras, the OM System, the XA and later the...
with a through-the-lens exposure meter controlling a needle visible in the viewfinder. It was noted for its reduction of size, weight and noise. These features were essentially retained on later models. One feature unique to the OM1 compared to the rest of the OM system was its manual mirror lock-up making it ideal for astrophotography and macrophotography.
OM-2
Introduced in 1975, the Olympus OM-2 was a semi automatic, aperture priority camera based on the OM-1 body, retaining compatibility with accessories and lenses. It boasts automatic through-the-lens (TTL) off-the-film (OTF) metering: exposure was considered very accurate, calculated by the measured light reflected off the surface of the shutter and/or the film surface during the actual exposure. The camera also offered a manual light-meter mode, as in the OM-1. It also introduces the integration of electronic flash into the exposure system via the same TTL exposure system.OM-3
The OM-3 was an updated version of the OM-1, a manual camera without automatic exposure modes, and an entirely mechanical shutter. It featured a multi-spot metering system (which it shared with the OM-4) in addition to the centre weighted metering on the earlier body. It also featured an LCD display similar to the OM-4 which could be illuminated in low light. Its main advantage over the OM-4 was its ability to operate without batteries due to its mechanical nature. Batteries were only needed for the multi spot meter and LCD display. It lacked a self timer however.In 1995, nine years after the OM-3 was discontinued, the OM-3Ti was released. It shared the improvements over the OM-3 that the OM-4Ti held over the OM-4.
OM-4
The Olympus OM-4, an improved version of the OM-2, was manufactured from 1983 to 1987 introduced at US$685 list price for the body alone. It was a battery powered electromechanically controlled manual focus SLR with manual exposure control or aperture priorityAperture priority
Aperture priority, often abbreviated A or Av on a camera mode dial, is a setting on some cameras that allows the user to choose a specific aperture value while the camera selects a shutter speed to match. The camera will ensure proper exposure...
autoexposure. It used a horizontal cloth focal plane shutter with a speed range of 240 to 1/2000th second plus bulb
Bulb (photography)
Bulb, abbreviated B, is a shutter speed setting on an adjustable camera that allows for long exposure times under the direct control of the photographer. With this setting, the shutter simply stays open as long as the shutter release button remains depressed...
and flash X-sync of 1/60th second.
It was the first camera with a built-in spot meter[of a narrow angle, see Canon FTb](2% of view; 3.3˚ with 50 mm lens) and could measure nine individual spots and average them. The light meter
Light meter
A light meter is a device used to measure the amount of light. In photography, a light meter is often used to determine the proper exposure for a photograph...
used a dual concentric segmented silicon photo diode to provide spot or centerweighted readings. It used a graduated linear LCD display for the shutter speed at the bottom of the viewfinder to precisely indicate its readings versus the actual camera settings instead of a needle.
In 1986 it was improved to a tougher OM-4Ti (OM-4T in USA) version, with titanium
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
top and bottom plates, improved weatherproofing and high-speed sync with the flash staying on during the entire shutter operation, losing the light hidden by the curtains. This last version was finally discontinued in 2002.
OM-10
The OM-10 hit the markets in June 1979 at the same time as the OM-2N. The camera is a 35mm focal-plane shutterFocal-plane shutter
In camera design, a focal-plane shutter is a type of photographic shutter that is positioned immediately in front of the focal plane of the camera, that is, right in front of the photographic film or image sensor.-Two-curtain shutters:...
aperture priority
Aperture priority
Aperture priority, often abbreviated A or Av on a camera mode dial, is a setting on some cameras that allows the user to choose a specific aperture value while the camera selects a shutter speed to match. The camera will ensure proper exposure...
AE SLR
Single-lens reflex camera
A single-lens reflex camera is a camera that typically uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system that permits the photographer to see exactly what will be captured by the film or digital imaging system, as opposed to pre-SLR cameras where the view through the viewfinder could be significantly...
camera with an electronic shutter. Only aperture priority AE was available with the camera unless the optional manual exposure adapter was installed which allowed the setting of shutters speeds between 1 second and 1/1000 of a second (bulb mode is also available on the camera). The camera is equipped with a fixed pentaprism
Pentaprism
A pentaprism is a five-sided reflecting prism used to deviate a beam of light by 90°. The beam reflects inside the prism twice, allowing the transmission of an image through a right angle without inverting it as an ordinary right-angle prism or mirror would.The reflections inside the prism are not...
viewfinder which contains an LED exposure indicator. The finder coverage was measured to be 93%.
Exposure control is based on aperture priority AE or center-weighted light metering
Metering mode
In photography, the metering mode refers to the way in which a camera determines the exposure.- Examples of metering modes :Cameras generally allow the user to select between spot, center-weighted average, or multi-zone metering modes....
. Film speeds of the camera range from ASA 25 to ASA 1600. Film winding is done by using the film wind lever located on the top right of the camera. Film rewinding is done manually using the film rewind crank located above the film canister on the top left of the camera. The camera body measures 136 × 83 × 50 mm and weighs approximately 430 grams (15.2 oz).
OM-20
The OM-20 (sold in the United States as the OM-G) was essentially a bug fixed refinement of the OM-10, the mode switch was made much easier to use than the tricky switch on the OM10. It also has a built in shutter speed dial, lights in the view finder to show the mode as well as a few more minor design improvements.OM-30
Essentially an OM-20 with auto-focus capability. With a normal lens there are lights in the view finder to help aid the user with focusing, a special autofocus lens was also available at the time but is now very rare.OM-40
A further refinement of the OM-20 with features that are more of interest to most serious photographers. It has a lighter slightly more modern and ergonomic body design. It also had an early form of Matrix metering and full mirror lock-upMirror lock-up
Mirror lock-up is a feature employed in many Single Lens Reflex cameras. It allows the operator to reduce vibration-induced motion blur during exposure...
when the self timer is switched on, a feature still rarely found in non-high end cameras.
OM-2000
Essentially a Cosina made SLR with an Olympus badge, not considered by Olympus "die-hard fans" to be a true OM camera.OM-X
During the design study of the OM-1, the Olympus design team led by Yoshihisa Maitani had worked on a completely modular camera, like a 35 mm Hasselblad. This camera was built as a prototype, and was called the OM-X.Lenses
The OM Series lenses have the aperture control located on the lens barrel on the opposite side of the focusing ring from the mount. This was done to move it away from the shutter speed control, which is a ring on the camera body immediately behind the lens mount. They also feature a depth of field preview button on the lens itself, as opposed to most other SLR camera systems in which the button is placed on the camera body.The OM lens is designed to sit 46 mm (as measured from the front of the aluminium ring on which the serial number is stamped) from the film onto which it projects, further away than many other lens systems. The combination of on-lens aperture control and this extra distance make OM lenses adaptable with full (manual) functionality to a variety of other camera systems – including the ubiquitous Canon EOS line – by using a specialized adapter.
| Lens | Angle of view | Elements – Groups | Diaphragm | Aperture range | Closest focus | Smallest field | Focusing | Weight | Length | Diameter | Hood | Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm F2.8 Fisheye | 180° (circle) | 11–7 | Auto | 2.8–22 | 0.2 m | - | Straight helicoid | 640 g | 82 mm | 102 mm | Not necessary | Built-in (L39,Y48, O56,R60) |
| 16 mm F3.5 Fisheye | 180° | 11–8 | Auto | 3.5–22 | 0.2 m | - | Straight helicoid | 180 g | 31 mm | 59 mm | Not necessary | Built-in (L39,Y48, O56) |
| 18 mm F3.5 | 100° | 11–9 | Auto | 3.5–16 | 0.25 m | 30×20 cm | Straight helicoid | 250 g | 42 mm | 62 mm | 49 mm Adapter Ring 49→72 | 72 mm Screw-in (w.Adapter Ring 49→72) |
| 21 mm F2 | 92° | 11–9 | Auto | 2–16 | 0.2 m | 21×14 cm | Straight helicoid | 250 g | 43.5 mm | 60 mm | 55 mm Screw-in [57 mm Slide-on] | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 21 mm F3.5 | 92° | 7–7 | Auto | 3.5–16 | 0.2 m | 21×14 cm | Straight helicoid | 180 g | 31 mm | 59 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 24 mm F2 | 84° | 10–8 | Auto | 2–16 | 0.25 m | 23×15 cm | Straight helicoid | 280 g | 48 mm | 60 mm | 55 mm Screw-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 24 mm F2.8 | 84° | 8–7 | Auto | 2.8–16 | 0.25 m | 23×15 cm | Straight helicoid | 180 g | 31 m | 59 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 24 mm F3.5 Shift | 84° (100° at max. shift) | 12-10 | Manual | 3.5–22 | 0.35 m | 36×24 cm | Rotating cam(Inner focus) | 510 g | 75 mm | 84 mm | Fixed | Built-in (neutral, Y48,O56, R60) |
| 28 mm F2 | 75° | 9–8 | Auto | 2–16 | 0.3 m | 27×18 cm | Straight helicoid | 250 g | 43 mm | 60 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 28 mm F2.8 | 75° | 6–6 | Auto | 2.8–22 | 0.3 m | 18×27 cm | Straight helicoid | 170 g | 32 mm | 60 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 28 mm F3.5 | 75° | 7–7 | Auto | 3.5–16 | 0.3 m | 18×27 cm | Straight helicoid | 180 g | 31 mm | 59 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 35 mm F2 | 63° | 8–7 | Auto | 2–16 | 0.3 m | 21×14 cm | Straight helicoid | 240 g | 42 mm | 60 mm | 55 mm Screw-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 35 mm F2.8 | 63° | 7–6 | Auto | 2.8–16 | 0.3 m | 21×14 cm | Straight helicoid | 180 g | 33 mm | 59 mm | 51 mm Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 35 mm F2.8 Shift | 63° (83° at max. shift) | 8–7 | Manual | 2.8–22 | 0.3 m | 21×14 cm | Straigh helicoid | 310 g | 58 mm | 68 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 40 mm F2 | 56° | 6–6 | Auto | 2–16 | 0.3 m | 18×12 cm | Straight helicoid | 140 g | 25 mm | 60 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F1.2 | 47° | 7–6 | Auto | 1.2–16 | 0.45 m | 24×16 cm | Straight helicoid | 285 g | 43 mm | 65 mm | 51 mm Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F1.4 | 47° | 7–6 | Auto | 1.4–16 | 0.45 m | 24×16 cm | Straight helicoid | 230 g | 36 mm [40 mm] | 60 mm | 51 mm Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F1.8 | 47° | 6–5 [6–4] |
Auto | 1.8–16 | 0.45 m | 24×16 cm | Straight helicoid | 170 g [165 g] | 31 mm [32 mm] | 59 mm [61 mm] | 51 mm Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F2Macro | 47° | 9–7 | Auto | 2–16 | 0.24 m | 7.2×4.8 cm | Straight helicoid | 320 g | 55 mm | 69 mm | Not necessary | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F3.5Macro | 47° | 5–4 | Auto | 3.5–22 | 0.23 m | 7.2×4.8 cm | Straight helicoid | 200 g | 40 mm | 60 mm | Not necessary | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 55 mm F1.2 | 43° | 7–6 | Auto | 1.2–16 | 0.45 m | 23×15 cm | Straight helicoid | 310 g | 47 mm | 65 mm | 57 mm Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 85 mm F2 | 29° | 6–4 [5–4] |
Auto | 2–16 | 0.85 m | 25×17 cm | Straight helicoid | 260 g | 46 mm | 60 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 90 mm F2Macro | 27° | 9–9 | Auto | 2–22 | 0.4 m | 7.2×4.8 cm | Straight helicoid | 550 g | 71 mm | 72 mm | 57 mm Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 100 mm F2 | 24° | 7–6 | Auto | 2–22 | 0.7 m | 18×12 cm | Straight helicoid | 520 g | 72 mm | 70 mm | Built-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 100 mm F2.8 | 24° | 5–5 | Auto | 2.8–22 | 1m | 29×19 cm | Straight helicoid | 230 g | 48 mm | 60 mm | 49 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 135 mm F2.8 | 18° | 5–5 | Auto | 2.8–22 | 1.5 m | 32×21 cm | Straight helicoid | 360 g | 80 mm | 61 mm | Built-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 135 mm F3.5 | 18° | 5–4 | Auto | 3.5–22 | 1.5 m | 32×21 cm | Straight helicoid | 290 g | 73 mm | 60 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 180 mm F2 | 14° | 10–8 | Auto | 2–22 | 1.6 m | 25×17 cm | Rotating cam (Inner focus) | 1,900 g | 174 mm | 113 mm | Built-in | 100 mm Screw-in |
| 180 mm F2.8 | 14° | 5–5 | Auto | 2.8–32 | 2 m | 32×21 cm | Straight helicoid | 700 g | 124 mm | 80 mm | Built-in | 72 mm Screw-in |
| 200 mm F4 | 12° | 5–4 | Auto | 4–32 | 2.5 m | 36×24 cm | Straight helicoid | 510 g | 127 mm | 67 mm | Built-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 200 mm F5 | 12° | 6–5 | Auto | 5–32 | 2.5 m | 36×25 cm | Straight helicoid | 380 g | 105 mm | 62 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 250 mm F2 | 10° | 12–9 | Auto | 2–22 | 2.2 m | 25×17 cm | Rotating cam (Inner focus) | 3,900 g | 246 mm | 142 mm | Built-in | Slip-in (46 mm rear filter) |
| 300 mm F4.5 | 8° | 6–4 | Auto | 4.5–32 | 3.5 m | 33×22 cm | Straight helicoid | 1,100 g (1,020 g without tripod collar) | 181 mm | 80 mm | Built-in | 72 mm Screw-in |
| 350 mm F2.8 | 7° | 9–7 | Auto | 2.8–32 | 3 m | 25×17 cm | Rotating cam (Inner focus) | 3,900 g | 280 mm | 142 mm | Built-in | Slip-in (46 mm rear filter) |
| 400 mm F6.3 | 6° | 5–5 | Auto | 6.3–32 | 5 m | 36×24 cm | Straight helicoid | 1,300 g | 255 mm | 80 mm | Built-in | 72 mm Screw-in |
| 500 mm F8Reflex | 5° | 5–2 | - | Single aperture of F8 | 4 m | 28×19 cm | Straight helicoid | 590 g | 97 mm | 81 mm | Built-in | 72 mm Screw-in |
| 600 mm F6.5 | 4° | 6–4 | Auto | 6.5–32 | 11 m | 55×37 cm | Rack and pinion | 2,800 g | 377 mm | 110 mm | Built-in | 100 mm Screw-in |
| 1000 mm F11 | 2.5° | 5–5 | Auto | 11–45 | 30 m | 98×65 cm | Rack and pinion | 4,000 g [4,150 g] | 662 mm | 110 mm | Built-in | 100 mm Screw-in |
| 28–48 mm F4 | 75°–49° | 8–8 | Auto | 4–22 | 0.65 m | 74×49 cm (28 mm) 46×31 cm (48 mm) | Rotating helicoid | 300 g | 54 mm (at 48 mm setting) | 65 mm | 55 mm Screw-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F3.5–4.5 | 63°–34° | 9–8 | Auto | 3.5–22 | 0.45 m | 21.7×14.5 cm (close focus, 70 mm) | Rotating helicoid | 190 g | 51 mm | 62 mm | 51 mm Slip-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F3.5–4.8 | 63°–34° | 7–7 | Auto | 3.5–22 (35 mm) 4.8–32 (70 mm) | 0.4 m | 22×15 cm | Straight helicoid | 185 g | 65 mm | 63 mm | 52 mm Screw-in | 52 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F3.6 | 63°–34° | 10–8 | Auto | 3.6–22 | 0.8 m | 72×48 cm (35 mm) 37.5×25 cm (70 mm) | Straight helicoid | 400 g | 74 mm | 67 mm | 60 mm Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F4 | 64°–34° | 7–7 | Auto | 4–22 | 0.75 m | 72×48 cm (35 mm) 36×24 cm (70 mm) | Straight helicoid | 385 g | 71 mm | 69 mm | 57 mm Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F4 Auto Focus | 63°–34° | 9–8 | Auto | 4–22 | 0.75 m | 72×48 cm (35 mm) 36×24 cm (70 mm) | Rotating helicoid | 550 g (withoout batteries) | 70 mm | 92 mm | 55 mm Screw-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 35–80 mm F2.8 | 63°–30° | 16–14 | Auto | 2.8–22 | 0.6 m | 62×41 cm (35 mm) 31×20 cm (80 mm) | rotating focusing helicoid, rotating cam zoomring | 650 g | 99 mm | 69 mm | Bayonet mount | 62 mm Screw-in |
| 35–105 mm F3.5–4.5 | 63°–23° | 16–12 | Auto | 3.5–22 (35 mm) 4.5–22 (105 mm) | 1.5 m (0.31 m at close focus) | 129×86 cm (35 mm) 45×30 cm (105 mm) close focus: 18×12 cm (35 mm) 25×17 cm (105 mm) | rotating focusing helicoid and push-pull zoomring | 470 g | 85 mm | 64 mm | 55 mm Screw-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 50–250 mm F5 | 47°–10° | 13–10 | Auto | 5–32 | 1.80 m (1.53 m at 250 mm, close focus) | 103×69 cm (50 mm) 22×14 cm (250 mm) | rotating focusing helicoid and push-pull zoomring | 780 g | 140 mm | 72 mm | Built-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 65–200 mm F4 | 37°–12° | 14–11 | Auto | 4–32 | 1.2 m (0.85 m at close focus, 200 mm) | 48×32 cm (65 mm) 17×11 cm (200 mm) 12×8 cm (200 mm, close focus) | rotating focusing helicoid and push-pull zoomring | 730 g | 147 mm | 71 mm | Built-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 70–210 mm F4.5–5.6 | 34°–11° | 10–7 | Auto | 4.5–22 (70 mm) 5.6–28 (210 mm) | 1.14 m | ? | Straight helicoid | 335 g | 103 mm | 63 mm | 52 mm Screw-in | 52 mm Screw-in |
| 75–150 mm F4 | 32°–16° | 15–11 | Auto | 4–22 | 1.6 m | 64×42 cm (75 mm) 32×21 cm (150 mm) | Revolving helicoid | 440 g | 115 mm | 63 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 85–250 mm F5 | 29°–10° | 15–11 | Auto | 5–32 | 2 m | 66–44 cm (85 mm) 23×15 cm (250 mm) | Revolving helicoid | 890 g | 196 mm | 70 mm | Built-in | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 100–200 mm F5 | 24°–12° | 9–6 | Auto | 5–32 | 2.4 m | 69×46 cm (100 mm) 37×25 cm (200 mm) | rotating focusing helicoid and push-pull zoomring | 570 g | 148 mm | 63 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 20 mm F2 | 9° at highest magnifi-cation | 6–4 | Auto | 2–16 | - | 0.86×0.57 cm (4.2×) 0.26×0.18 cm (13.6×) | with Auto Bellows, 65–116, Auto Extension Tube 14, 15; fine focusing straight helicoid built-in | 170 g | 46 mm | 60 mm | not necessary | - |
| 20 mm F3.5 | 9° at highest magnifi-cation | 4–3 | Manual | 3.5–16 | - | 0.84×0.56 cm (4.3×) 0.29×0.19 cm (12.4×) | with Auto Bellows | 70 g | 20 mm | 32 mm | Not necessary | 21 mm Slide-on |
| 38 mm F2.8 | 9° athighest magnifi-cation | 6–4 | Auto | 2.8–22 | - | 0.21×0.14 cm (1.7×) 0.54×0.36 cm (6.7×) | with Auto Bellows, 65–116, Auto Extension Tube 14, 15; fine focusing straight helicoid built-in. | 170 g | 46 mm | 60 mm | Not necessary | - |
| 38 mm F3.5 | 9° at highest magnification | 5–4 | Manual | 3.5–16 | - | 0.20×0.13 cm (1.8×) 0.59×0.39 cm (6.1×) | with Auto Bellows | 90 g | 28 mm | 43 mm | Not necessary | 32 mm Slide-on |
| 80 mm F4 (Manual) | 9° at highest magnifi-cation | 6–4 | Manual | 4–22 | - | 7.20×4.80 cm (2.3×) 1.80×1.20 cm (2.0×) | with Auto Bellows | 200 g | 46 mm | 59 mm | Not necessary | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 80 mm F4 (Auto) | 9° athighest magnifi-cation | 6–4 | Auto | 4–32 | 0.23 m | 7.20×4.80 cm (2.3×) 1.80×1.20 cm (2.0×) | with Auto Bellows, 65–116; fine focusing straight helicoid built-in | 170 g | 33 mm | 60 mm | not necessary | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 135 mm F4.5 | 18° | 5–4 | Auto | 4.5–45 | 0.6 m | 7.2×4.8 cm | with Auto Bellows, 65–116; fine focusing straight helicoid built-in | 320 g | 47 mm | 60 mm | 57 mm Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 24 mm F2.8AF | 84° | 8–7 | Automatic control on camerabody | 2.8–22 | 0.25 m | 24×16 cm | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 170 g | 32 mm | 62 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 28 mm F2.8AF | 75° | 6–6 | Automatic control on camera body | 2.8–22 | 0.3 m | 27×18 cm | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 170 g | 32 mm | 62 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F1.8AF | 47° | 6–5 | Automatic control on camera body | 1.8–22 | 0.45 m | 24×16 cm | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 170 g | 32 mm | 62 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F2PF | 47° | 6–4 | Automatic control on camera body | 2–22 | 0.45 m | 24×16 cm | Driven by PF coupler on camera body | 150 g | 37 mm | 64 mm | Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 50 mm F2.8AF Macro | 47° | 8–7 | Automatic controlon camera body | 2.8–32 | 0.2 m | 3.6×2.4 cm | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 340 g | 57 mm | 66 mm | Built-in | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 28–85 mm F3.5–4.5AF | 75°–29° | 14–11 | Automatic control on camera body | 3.5–22 (28 mm) 4.5–27 (85 mm) | 0.8 m (at close focus: 0.6 m) | 85×57 cm (28 mm) 22×15 cm (85 mm) | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 480 g | 84 mm | 69 mm | Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F3.5–4.5AF | 63°–34° | 9–8 | Automatic control on camera body | 3.5–22 (35 mm) 4.5–32 (70 mm) | 0.75 m (at close focus: 0.45 m) | 40.4×27 cm (35 mm) 21.7×14.5 cm (70 mm, close focus) | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 250 g | 53 mm | 69 mm | Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 35–70 mm F3.5–4.5PF | 63°–34° | 9–8 | Automatic control on camera body | 3.5–22 (35 mm) 4.5–32 (70 mm) | 0.75 m (at close focus 0.45 m) | 40.4×27 cm (35 mm) 21.7×14.5 cm (70 mm, close focus) | Driven by PF coupler on camera body | 250 g | 53 mm | 69 mm | Slide-on | 49 mm Screw-in |
| 35–105 mm F3.5–4.5AF | 63°–23° | 14–13 | Automatic control on camera body | 3.5–22 (35 mm) 4.5–27 (105 mm) | 1.5 m (at close focus: 0.85 m) | 129×86 cm (35 mm) 22×14 cm (105 mm, close focus) | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 460 g | 84 mm | 69 mm | Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
| 70–210 mm F3.5–4.5AF | 34°–11° | 12–9 | Automatic control on camera body | 3.5–22 (70 mm) 4.5–32 (210 mm) | 1.5 m (at close focus: 1.35 m) | 52×34 cm (70 mm) 18×12 cm (210 mm, close focus) | Driven by AF/PF coupler on camera body | 790 g | 125 mm | 76 mm | Slide-on | 55 mm Screw-in |
Prototype lenses
Here is a list of the manual Zuiko lenses that were never marketed:- 18 mm/f3.5, prototype of 18 mm/f3.5 , L.zuiko with 12 elements 10 group, fixed 72 mm thread
- 50 mm/f2 pancake, prototype of 40 mm/f2 pancake
- 85 mm/f1.4, prototype, with GRIN (GRadient INdex of Refraction) elements
- 160 mm/f3.5, prototype
- 300 mm/f6.3, prototype
- 400 mm/f4.5, prototype
- 500 mm/f5.6, prototype
- 800 mm/f9, prototype
- 1200 mm/f14, prototype
- 24–40 mm/f4, prototype, More Info
- 90–250 mm/? prototype of 85–250/5 – Unknown max aperture, maybe F4 or F3.6
Accessories
Being a system, Olympus made numerous accessories to get a professional usage of the OM cameras: portraitPortrait photography
Portrait photography or portraiture is the capture by means of photography of the likeness of a person or a small group of people , in which the face and expression is predominant. The objective is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the subject...
, photo journalism, sport photography, scientific photography.
- motor drives and exchangeable camera back for 250 exposures
- lighting: dedicated flashesFlash (photography)A flash is a device used in photography producing a flash of artificial light at a color temperature of about 5500 K to help illuminate a scene. A major purpose of a flash is to illuminate a dark scene. Other uses are capturing quickly moving objects or changing the quality of light...
, shoes, cords, connectors, power sources, adapters and filters - interchangeable focusing screens instead of bulkier exchangeable finders
- macrophotography: extension tubes, stands & bases, lightings and accessories
- microphotography: systems and connecting, focusing, automatic and manual exposure units
- technical photograph: data recording backs, endoscope and astrophotographyAstrophotographyAstrophotography is a specialized type of photography that entails recording images of astronomical objects and large areas of the night sky. The first photographs of an astronomical object were taken in the 1840s, but it was not until the late 19th century that advances in technology allowed for...
adapters, - cases, grips, cable release, battery holders
External links
- Olympus History : OM Series Olympus Corporation History Page.
- Olympus OM-System in olypedia.de (German)