The Olympus OM-2 is a 35mm camera. It is an SLR camera and the successor of the Olympus OM-1. It was introduced in 1975 and was the first 35mm SLR with TTL flash metering. Olympus licensed the technology from Minolta, which they first used in the Minolta CLE some time later. To use the feature, the Quick Auto 310 TTL flash was required.
The Olympus OM-2 comes with interchangeable lenses. It comes with an Olympus OM bayonet, for which there is a wide range of lenses. The Zuiko Auto-S 1:1.4/50 mm is often found on the 35 mm camera. The lens is focused manually.
The SLR camera has a built-in exposure meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 1600 and the exposure is measured through the lens. The Olympus OM-2 has an aperture priority mode. Here, the aperture is set by the photographer and the camera selects the correct exposure time. However, it is also possible to make both settings yourself. In manual mode, an exposure indicator is still displayed in the viewfinder, showing how far you are from the correct exposure according to the camera.
A Bulb setting is available on the Olympus OM-2. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time to expose the film. In addition to a PC flash port, the camera can be used with hot shoe flashes.
The Olympus OM-2 has a thread for a tripod and a connection for a cable release. Additionally, there is a self-timer. The power source of the 35mm camera is two SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Olympus OM-2
What kind of films are needed for the Olympus OM-2? You have to buy 35mm films for the camera. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. The Fujifilm Superia 400* is a possible color film for the Olympus OM-2. Black and white images are possible with the Kodak T-Max 100*.
The color negative film is developed using the C-41 development process. The C-41 films are offered by most photo labs.
Olympus OM-2 VSOE
Like the OM-1, the OM-2 is also available with the VSOE seal. This abbreviation stands for “Full Service Olympus Europe.” If the camera broke and you wanted to claim the warranty, only cameras with this seal were accepted by Olympus Germany, cameras without VSOE badge were assumed to be an “illegal” gray import.
Sample photos
These sample images were digitized with the Canon Canoscan 9000F (eBay / Amazon*).
The following photos were taken with the 50mm f/1.4. The film used was the DM Paradies 200. The negatives were digitized with a Noritsu scanner.
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 1 second, 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 LR44 batteries |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 200,99 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 164,83 Euro (177.51 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 184,06 Euro (199.16 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 189,13 Euro (204.57 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Olympus OM-2
What kind of film does this Olympus camera use?
The Olympus OM-2 uses 35mm film. These are still readily available and can be processed by most photo labs. You can use color or black and white film.
How do I focus the lenses on my OM-2?
The Olympus OM-2's lenses are focused manually. You'll need to adjust the focus ring on the lens until the image in the viewfinder is sharp.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, the Olympus OM-2 has both a PC flash sync and a hot shoe for connecting external flashes. A dedicated flash like the Quick Auto 310 TTL was originally recommended.
Does this old camera have an automatic setting?
The Olympus OM-2 has an aperture-priority automatic mode. You set the aperture, and the camera automatically selects the shutter speed. It also offers full manual control.
What kind of batteries does the camera need?
The Olympus OM-2 requires two SR44 batteries for its light meter. These are commonly available and relatively inexpensive.