Olympus OM-2: Review

Posted to 35mm Cameras 2009-05-24

Olympus OM-2 Review:

If you are a seasoned photographer who prefers to work with time-tested equipment, then the Olympus OM-2 35mm camera may be for you. It was first introduced by Olympus in 1975, three years after the introduction of OM-1. Although it is known that the OM-2 has improved electronics compared to predecessors, it also has more of the features that made Olympus one of the most innovative camera manufacturers of the seventies. Now, over thirty years later, Olympus continues to distribute a model that meets the needs of the photographers, hobbyists and professionals alike.

This model is a professional, manual-focus SLR camera that has a 35mm focal-plane shutter. The body of the camera measures 136mm x 83mm x 50mm and weighs 750 grams (with f1.4/50mm lens). The picture size and film format this camera utilizes is 24 x 36mm. The shutter speed is 1 - 1/1000 sec. The rotation angle of the Zuiko interchangeable lens is 70 degrees with a flange back of 46mm. The camera back uses a removable hinge and is also interchangeable with modified versions. The Olympus OM-2 requires two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (EPX76 or equivalent) to operate.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Features

The most well-known feature of the OM-2 was the incorporation of TTL direct metering, which was a first for the camera industry. Other features include shutter-priority, automatic and manual exposure control modes, advanced OTF (Off The Film) light measurement, interchangeable lenses, simple film loading, reflex mirror, expandable .92x viewfinder magnification, 97 % viewfinder frame coverage, motor drive advance, slower power winder, manual film advance, self-timer, focusing screens, and film speed range of ASA (ISO) 12-6400. There is a 3-stage battery check lamp (LED) which indicates depleted charge, full voltage and exhaustion of batteries.

Performance

Prior to the advent of the OM-2, exposure meters with built in electronic-shutter AE cameras were not able to read light while the shutter was operating. It read light before the shutter was released, and aperture, or shutter speed, was calculated out of the light data. But with TTL direct metering, light was interpreted just as it reached the surface of the film. This is made possible through the built-in exposure meter that measures ambient light and flash metering. To combat motion blur, the motor drive advance continues to advance at 5 frames per second. The automatic exposure control ranges from 1 to 1/1000 seconds. The pentaprism viewfinder makes the camera more effective for 97% of the actual picture field. Everything about this camera boasts performance and quality.

Summary

The small, lightweight, full-featured Olympus OM-2 35mm SLR camera is still unmatched and hard to duplicate 34 years after its introduction. The automatic exposure function extends the functionality of the camera to a new level. Thanks to the full TTL (with lens) and 310 auto-flash, the shutter takes nearly perfect pictures while in auto-mode. The motor drive advance is ideal for weddings and other detail-oriented occasions, and it works without fail. The overall style and body of the Olympus OM-2 has brought new meaning to reliability, versatility, and portability in the demanding world of the modern photographer.

Pros

Compact, lightweight, and easy to use 35mm camera
Advanced TTL, auto-flash and motor drive functions
1970s-era SLR model that still performs well today
Great for the seasoned photographer who dislikes modern equipment

Cons

Lacks features of modern digital SLR cameras