Olympus OM-2 SP

The Olympus OM-2 SP is an SLR camera for 35mm cameras. It was introduced in the mid-1980s and is the last model based directly on the original Olympus OM-2. In North America, the model was known as the “Olympus OM-2 S” on the shelves of photo stores.

The biggest innovation in this model is the program automatic. It is the first model of the OM system with such an automatic. In addition to integral metering, spot metering has been added to the camera.

The Olympus OM-2 SP offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. An Olympus OM bayonet was installed for this purpose. The range of lenses for this bayonet is very extensive. Most focal length ranges are covered. However, there is no autofocus function.

The camera’s built-in exposure meter can be used with films from ISO 12 to ISO 3200. The new exposure mode, program auto, automatically selects shutter speed and aperture and sets them accordingly. Before shooting, you can use the aperture ring to set a lower limit for the aperture used. You can further influence the exposure with the help of the exposure compensation.

As with the Olympus OM-2, there is also an aperture priority mode. Here, the aperture is set by the photographer and the exposure time is automatically selected by the camera. In both cases, the exposure is measured integrally.

A manual mode, in which both settings are set by the photographer, is also available. If you want to take long exposures, there is the Bulb setting. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time, exposing the film. An external flash can be used on the PC flash port or hot shoe for pictures.

The Olympus OM-2 SP has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a connection for a cable release and tripod. The power source of the 35mm camera are two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Olympus OM-2 SP

The Olympus OM-2 SP is loaded with 35mm film. 35mm film is still made and will develop without problems at most photo labs. For black and white images, you can reach for the Ilford XP2 Super*. For color images, the Kodak Portra 160* is an option.

The development process for color film is the C-41 process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photo labs. For example, something the large drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films.