The Olympus Flex B II is an evolutionary sequel to the Olympus Flex, which has its origins in the emerging photography era of the 1950s. The successor model, the Flex B II, was introduced several years after the release of the original model, continuing the proud tradition of manual medium format photography.
It looks similar to its predecessor, but Olympus has made some sensible improvements. The famous Zuiko 75mm f/2.8 lens remains, but there are optimizations in the design that improve handling and ergonomics. The camera's inner workings have been refined to allow even more precise control over exposure parameters.
Manual focusing is also the norm on the B II, with a responsive and intuitive adjustment option that allows the user to fully immerse themselves in the photographic process.
The improved magnifying glass in the viewfinder makes it easier for photographers to set focus precisely, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The aperture and shutter speed settings continue to provide tactile and visual feedback when locked, minimizing the risk of misadjustments.
The Olympus Flex B II also offers the option of connecting an external flash via the flash socket, which increases flexibility in a wide variety of lighting situations. The bulb setting remains an essential feature for long exposure photography, and the camera also offers connections for cable release and tripod mounts.
Film selection for the Olympus Flex B II
Just like the B I, the B II uses medium format film, giving photographers a variety of options. The Kodak Portra 160* remains a popular choice for vivid and detailed color images, while the Kodak TRI-X 400* provides sharp black and white photography lovers and delivers high-contrast images.
The B II retains the classic 6x6 format, allowing for 12 impressive square shots per roll. Manual film passing is an essential part of the photographic process with this camera, with each shot requiring careful consideration and preparation.
