Olympus OM-1

The Olympus OM-1 is an SLR camera. It was sold by Olympus from May 1973. This model is the successor of the Olympus M-1, which was no longer sold because of the name dispute with Leitz. It was followed in 1974 by the Olympus OM-1 MD, a revised form of the camera that differs mainly in the possibility of using a film motor.

The lenses of the Olympus OM-1 are interchangeable. For this purpose, an Olympus OM bayonet was built into the camera. The Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.4/50 mm is often found on the 35mm photo camera. There is no autofocus on the 35mm camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand.

The camera has a built-in light meter. The light meter was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 25 to ISO 1600. The light meter is built to measure exposure through the camera’s lens. Depending on the photographer’s preference, the aperture and exposure time can be selected.

The camera has a Bulb mode. A flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port. The shortest flash sync speed is 1/60 second.

The Olympus OM-1 has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a connection for a cable release and tripod. The camera weighs 510 grams and measures 13.6 x 8.3 x 5 cm. Power is supplied by a PX 625 battery.

Films for the Olympus OM-1

The Olympus OM-1 takes its pictures on 35mm film. The 35mm format is very common, so even today there are some manufacturers and many developing labs. Possible films for the Olympus OM-1 are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the Kodak TRI-X 400*. The development process for color film is the C-41 process. This is offered by almost every photo lab.

The 35mm camera is only available second hand, as production has ended. Prices for the camera vary depending on condition, but are well below the functionally identical Olympus M-1.

Olympus OM-1 VSOE

In Europe, the Olympus OM-1 VSOE was sold in part. VSOE stands for “Full Service Olympus Europe.” The VSOE badge should make it clear that it was not a gray import of the camera. The feature set is identical to the other OM-1 SLRs.