The Olympus OM-40 Program is an SLR camera for 35mm film. It is the successor of the Olympus OM-20 and the last double-digit OM model.
In 1985, the camera was introduced by the Japanese company Olympus. The biggest further development, compared to the OM-20, is the program automatic. At the same time, the body of the camera was rubberized for a better feel. On the American market, the camera was offered under the name OM-PC.
The lens of the Olympus OM-40 Program is interchangeable. The available lenses for this bayonet are impressive. There is a lens from Olympus for all important focal lengths. As with other models in the series, the focus has to be set manually.
The Olympus OM-40 offers two automatic exposure modes, aperture priority and program mode. If you choose the program automatic, both aperture and exposure time are set automatically. You can influence the automatic mode with the exposure compensation and the aperture ring. Depending on which aperture is set, the camera does not select an aperture below it.
With aperture priority, the photographer sets the desired aperture and the camera measures the exposure and sets a correct exposure time accordingly.
The exposure meter can be used with all films with a sensitivity between ISO 25 and ISO 1600. The film speed can be read by the camera through the DX coding of the film cartridge.
The photo camera comes with a Bulb mode. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time to expose the film. Hot-shoe flashes can be used with the Olympus OM-40 Program. There is also a PC flash socket, for example to use studio flashes with the camera.
A tripod can be connected to the Olympus OM-40 Program. A cable release can also be used with the camera. Additionally, the self-timer can be used for taking pictures. Power is supplied by two LR44 / SR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Like the Olympus OM-4, the OM-40 is only available in an all-black finish.
Films for the Olympus OM-40 Program
The Olympus OM-40 Program takes its pictures on 35mm film. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. For black and white pictures in 35mm format, the Kodak T-Max 400* is a good choice. For color images, you can reach for the Kodak Portra 400*.
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 LR44 batteries |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 118,17 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 27 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 108,94 Euro (116.90 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 105,98 Euro (113.65 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 122,83 Euro (132.05 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Olympus OM-40 Program
What kind of film does this Olympus camera use?
The Olympus OM-40 Program uses 35mm film, also known as Kleinbildfilm. Many manufacturers still produce this type of film, offering various options for color and black and white photography.
How is the focus adjusted on this camera?
This particular model requires manual focus. You'll need to adjust the focus ring on the lens to get the desired sharpness in your images. This is typical of many cameras from that era.
Does the Olympus OM-40 have automatic settings?
Yes, it offers two automatic exposure modes: aperture-priority and program mode. In program mode, both aperture and shutter speed are automatically set; aperture priority allows manual aperture selection while the camera sets the shutter speed.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the Olympus OM-40 has a hot shoe for flash attachments, and also a PC flash sync socket for studio flashes. This allows you to use a wide variety of lighting options.
What type of battery does the camera need?
The Olympus OM-40 runs on two LR44 or SR44 batteries. These are readily available and relatively inexpensive to replace.