The Olympus OM-2 S is a 35mm camera and the first model in the OM series with program automatic. This model was only sold in the American market. In the rest of the world, the product name was Olympus OM-2 SP. Except for the additional P in the name, both models of the Japanese camera manufacturer do not differ from each other.
Features
The camera is equipped with an Olympus OM bayonet, which offers a wide range of high-quality lenses. You can find a suitable lens for most focal lengths. In addition, there are also zoom lenses for this mount.
The OM-2 S has a manual focus and a pentaprism viewfinder, which makes it easy to adjust the focus. Shutter speeds range from 1/1000 sec to 2 sec, including Bulb mode, which allows the photographer to keep the shutter open as long as they want. The light meter is built-in and offers precise exposure settings.
The camera does not have a built-in flash, but it does have a hot shoe and a PC flash port to connect external flash units. The flash sync speed is 1/60 sec, which ensures sufficient flash synchronization with the camera. The tripod thread and cable release thread are also present to increase the stability of the camera during long exposures. A self-timer is also present, which facilitates self-portrait shooting.
The OM-2 S is powered by two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*), which have a long life and can be easily replaced. The camera is also very lightweight and portable, making it ideal for use on the go.
Films for the Olympus OM-2 S
The Olympus OM-2 S is specifically designed for 35mm format and can expose films accordingly. Fortunately, there is still a wide range of film stock available for color and black and white images in this format.
Among the great films that can be recommended for use with the Japanese SLR, the Kodak Portra 400* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for black and white images deserve special mention. In addition, there are many other manufacturers of film stock for the 35mm format that are suitable for use with this camera.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| 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 | 1/60 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x SR44 batteries |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 241,54 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 42 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 241,00 Euro (260.86 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 213,38 Euro (230.55 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 219,50 Euro (237.05 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Olympus OM-2 S
Is the Olympus OM-2 S a good camera for beginners?
The Olympus OM-2 S is a manual focus camera, which might seem challenging at first, but its simple design and intuitive controls make it accessible to beginners. The bright viewfinder helps with focusing, and its straightforward operation allows for quick learning.
What kind of lenses can I use with this camera?
The OM-2 S uses the Olympus OM bayonet mount, which offers a wide range of lenses, including many affordable options. You can find lenses for nearly any focal length, from wide-angle to telephoto, and even zoom lenses.
How does the camera handle lighting?
The OM-2 S has a built-in light meter for accurate exposure settings. While it lacks a built-in flash, it features a hot shoe and PC flash sync for attaching external flashes. This allows for versatile shooting in various lighting conditions.
Does this camera have any features to help me take better pictures?
Yes, it features a pentaprism viewfinder for easier focusing, a self-timer for self-portraits, and a bulb mode for long exposures. The camera is also lightweight and portable for convenient shooting.
What type of film does the device use?
The Olympus OM-2 S is a 35mm film camera. This means you can use a wide variety of 35mm film stocks, both color and black and white, from many different manufacturers. Many options are still available today.