Olympus OM system

The Olympus OM System was a line of 35mm single-lens reflex cameras, 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.

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.^[1]

Chronology of OM-system cameras^[2]

	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

Professional cameras

• 

  Olympus OM-1 MD

• 

  Olympus OM-2

• 

  Olympus OM-2 SP

• 

  Olympus OM-3

• 

  Olympus OM-4T

OM-1

Main article: Olympus OM-1

The Olympus OM-1 is a manually operated 35 mm single-lens reflex camera 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.

OM-2

Main article: Olympus 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

Main article: Olympus 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

Main article: Olympus 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 priority 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.

Consumer-grade cameras

• 

  Olympus OM-10

• 

  Olympus OM-20

• 

  Olympus OM-30

• 

  Olympus OM-40

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 shutter 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 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-up 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.

Prototype cameras

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.^[3]

Lenses

OM system 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.

Zuiko lenses specifications^[4]

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: portrait, photo journalism, sport photography, scientific photography.^[5]

• motor drives and exchangeable camera back for 250 exposures
• lighting: dedicated flashes, 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 astrophotography adapters,
• cases, grips, cable release, battery holders

See also

• Four Thirds System
• Dandelion chip

References

1. ^ ""OM system" 35 mm single lens reflex cameras sales terminated" (Press release). Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.. January 17, 2002. http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/news/2002a/nr020117omsyse.cfm?ote=0&nr=1. Retrieved 2006-08-17. 
2. ^ Hawkins, R. Lee (2003-08-11). "What years were the various OM cameras produced?". Olympus OM SLR FAQ. http://brashear.phys.appstate.edu/lhawkins/photo/olympus.faq.html#ques_G6. Retrieved 2006-08-17. 
3. ^ Kouichi Akagi. "interview with Yoshihisa Maitani". Asahi Camera magazine (March 2002). Archived from the original on 2009-10-21. http://web.archive.org/web/20091021205044/http://geocities.com/maitani_fan/om_interview_2.html. Retrieved 2006-08-16. 
4. ^ Unofficial Olympus OM Sales Information File, Hans van Veluwen
5. ^ Olympus OM-1(n) & OM-2 (n) SLR cameras, Rick Oleson, Bruce hamm, Simon Evans & Mark Dapoz; Photography in Malaysia

External links

• Olympus History : OM Series Olympus Corporation History Page.
• Olympus OM-System in olypedia.de (German)