The Olympus Flex A 2.8 is a camera from Olympus. It is part of the Olympus Flex family and was part of the budget series. The original price was 23,00 yen in the 1950s.
It is very similar to the Olympus Flex A 3.5. However, it comes with a self-timer. In addition, the value of the largest aperture is higher. It also has a different attachment for a filter and the maximum shutter speed is only 1/400s and not 1/500s.
Its lens, named Zuiko 75 mm f/2.8, has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a focal length of 75 mm. It is composed of four lens elements. Focusing is purely manual. There is no autofocus or zoom on this model.
With this medium format camera, the exposure must be measured externally. The values can then be set individually. You can choose between different shutter speeds, from 1/400 second to 1 second, and aperture values from f/2.8 to f/22.
A special feature is the Bulb mode, in which the shutter remains open until the shutter release button is released. This is great for long exposures. It is also equipped with a tripod and cable release interface, has a self-timer and offers the possibility to connect a flash. Batteries? No way! This camera is completely mechanical.
Film stock for the Olympus Flex A 2.8
The camera uses medium format film. Various manufacturers offer films for this, such as the Kodak Portra 400* for colour photos or the Ilford XP2 Super* for black and white images. However, there are other options from brands such as Foma, Rollei, Fujifilm and Lomography. The camera exposes film in 6×6 format, with one roll of film allowing twelve exposures. These films can be developed in most photo labs.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Twin-lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Lens name | Zuiko 75 mm f/2.8 |
| Focal length | 75 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Lens design | 4 elements |
| Exposure times | 1/400 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Japan |
FAQ about the Olympus Flex A 2.8
What is the maximum aperture of the Zuiko 75mm lens on the Olympus Flex A 2.8?
The maximum aperture is f/2.8, allowing for good low-light performance and shallow depth of field. This contributes to the camera's versatility.
Does this Olympus model offer automatic focusing features?
No, the Olympus Flex A 2.8 is purely manual focus. Users need to adjust the focus manually via the lens.
What type of film does the camera use, and how many exposures are possible per roll?
It uses 120 film in 6x6 format, providing twelve exposures per roll. Various film types from different manufacturers are compatible.
How is the exposure controlled on this medium-format camera?
Exposure needs to be measured externally; then the shutter speed and aperture settings (ranging from 1/400s to 1s, and f/2.8 to f/22 respectively) can be adjusted manually.
What is a unique feature of the Olympus Flex A 2.8's shutter mechanism?
It includes a bulb mode, allowing the shutter to remain open for as long as the shutter release is depressed. This is ideal for long exposures.