The Olympus PEN cameras are among the smallest cameras for standard 35 mm film in half-frame format. The size of these cameras allowed photographers to carry them practically in their pants pocket and have them ready at all times.
Despite their compact design, these cameras delivered remarkable images. The half-frame format (18 x 24) allowed for twice the number of shots per film roll.
Over the years, a total of 20 models were developed, of which the PEN Rapid EES and PEN Rapid EED models were specifically designed for Agfa-Rapid film. The other models are designed for the 35 mm format.
The Olympus Pen, the first model of this series, was produced and sold from 1959 to 1964. It was a great success and served as the foundation for future developments. Notable is the prototype that still bore the designation "Olympus - 18". The first PEN cameras were manufactured by the company Sanko Shoji, but were inspected and shipped by Olympus. From 1960, production was completely moved to Olympus.
In 1963 and 2009, Olympus released a PEN series with interchangeable lenses. In 1963, the compact PEN F SLR system was introduced, while in 2009, the E-P1 served as the starting point for a mirrorless camera system with Micro Four Thirds lens mount.