The Olympus OM-101 PF is a 35mm camera. It is an SLR camera from the Olympus company from the late 1980s. Design-wise, like the Olympus OM-707, it has less in common with its predecessors.
On the American market, the model is sold under the name Olympus OM-88. A variant for microscopes and other scientific applications was produced under the name SC 35.
The lenses of the Olympus OM-101 PF are interchangeable. A modified version of the Olympus OM bayonet was used for this purpose. There are only three lenses for the PF bayonet, the Olympus Lens PF 1:2/50 mm, Olympus Lens PF 1:3.5-4.5/35-70 mm and the Olympus Lens PF 1:3.5-4.5/70-210 mm. Slightly more choice is offered by the eight lenses for the Olympus OM-707, which can be used with the OM-101 PF, but not the other way around.
The manual lenses for the OM system can also be used. However, this makes little sense, since the viewfinder display turns off and you don’t get any feedback about the correct exposure from the camera.
The built-in light meter can be used in either automatic or manual mode. The program automatic automatically sets aperture and exposure time. You can only influence this via the backlight button. In aperture priority mode, you set the aperture and the camera automatically selects the correct exposure time, but this is not displayed.
The film speed is automatically detected by the DX coding of the film cartridge. Films with a sensitivity between ISO 25 and ISO 1600 are supported.
The photo camera comes with a bulb mode. With the PC flash connector and the hot shoe, the use of a flash is possible.
The Olympus OM-101 PF has a built-in self-timer and a thread for a tripod. The dimensions of the 35mm camera are 15.1 x 9 x 6.3 cm. The weight is 569 g. The required power for the camera comes from four AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Olympus OM-101 PF
The Olympus OM-101 PF uses 35mm films. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified from almost any developing vendor. One option for color images is the Kodak Portra 160* and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white photos.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Olympus OM lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 2 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/80 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 4x AAA batteries |
| Size | 15,1 x 9 x 6,3 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.94 x 3.54 x 2.48 inches |
| Weight | 569 Grams |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 79,02 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 9 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 79,42 Euro (85.51 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 73,94 Euro (79.02 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 88,33 Euro (95.25 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Olympus OM-101 PF
What kind of film does this Olympus camera use?
The Olympus OM-101 PF uses standard 35mm film. These are still readily available from most film developers. You can use color or black and white film.
Can I use different lenses with the camera?
Yes, but with limitations. It uses a modified Olympus OM bayonet mount called the PF mount. It has three specific lenses, but it's also compatible with some lenses from the Olympus OM-707.
How does the light meter work on the Olympus OM-101 PF?
The camera has a built-in light meter with automatic and manual modes. In automatic mode, it sets both aperture and shutter speed. In manual mode, you set one and it adjusts the other.
What type of batteries does the camera need?
The Olympus OM-101 PF requires four AAA batteries to power its functions. These are commonly available and relatively inexpensive to replace.
No, the OM 101 does NOT have autofocus. Focus is controlled manually by the user with a dial on the camera; that’s the «power focus» function. It’s the OM 707 that has autofocus.
Correct! there was a mix up with the models