Olympus OM-1 Vintage 35mm SLR Film Camera User Manual

Introduction

The Olympus OM-1 is a classic manually operated 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, renowned for its compact size and robust mechanical design. This camera is designed for photographers who appreciate full manual control over exposure settings, including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. It utilizes the Olympus OM mount lens system, offering a wide range of compatible lenses. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your OM-1 camera.

Setup

1. Unpacking

Carefully remove all components from the packaging. The package typically includes the Olympus OM-1 camera body and an f/1.8 50mm prime lens.

2. Battery Installation

The OM-1 requires one nonstandard battery, which is typically included. This battery powers the camera's light meter. To install:

1. Locate the battery compartment cover, usually on the bottom of the camera body.
2. Use a coin to unscrew the cover.
3. Insert the battery with the correct polarity, typically positive (+) side facing outwards.
4. Replace the cover and tighten it securely.

3. Attaching the Lens

The OM-1 uses an OM mount lens system. To attach the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens:

1. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
2. Align the red dot on the lens barrel with the red dot on the camera's lens mount.
3. Insert the lens into the camera body mount.
4. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place, indicating it is securely locked.

Figure 1: Front view of the Olympus OM-1 camera with the 50mm f/1.8 lens attached. The lens is mounted, and the camera body shows its classic silver and black design.

4. Loading 35mm Film

The OM-1 uses standard 35mm film cartridges. Film loading should be done in subdued light to prevent accidental exposure.

1. Open the camera back by pulling up the film rewind knob.
2. Place the film cartridge into the film chamber on the left side. Push the rewind knob down to secure the cartridge.
3. Pull the film leader across to the take-up spool on the right. Insert the leader into one of the slots on the spool.
4. Advance the film slightly using the film advance lever and ensure the film perforations engage with the sprocket teeth.
5. Close the camera back firmly until it clicks.
6. Advance the film two frames, pressing the shutter button after each advance, until the frame counter shows '1'. The film rewind knob should rotate as you advance the film, indicating proper film loading.

Operating the Camera

1. Setting Film Speed (ISO/ASA)

The OM-1's light meter needs to be set to the correct film speed (ISO or ASA) for accurate exposure readings. The expanded ISO minimum is 100.

1. Lift and rotate the outer ring of the shutter speed dial (located on the top plate) to align the desired ISO/ASA value with the index mark.

Figure 2: Top view of the Olympus OM-1 camera. Visible controls include the shutter speed dial, film advance lever, and film rewind knob. The ISO/ASA setting ring is part of the shutter speed dial.

2. Setting Shutter Speed

The shutter speed controls how long the film is exposed to light. Shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, plus 'B' for bulb mode.

1. Rotate the main part of the shutter speed dial on the camera's top plate to select your desired shutter speed.

3. Setting Aperture

The aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and affects depth of field. The maximum aperture for the included lens is f/1.8.

1. Rotate the aperture ring on the lens barrel to select your desired f-stop.

4. Focusing

To achieve sharp images, accurate focusing is essential.

1. Look through the viewfinder.
2. Rotate the focusing ring on the lens barrel until your subject appears sharp in the split-image or microprism focusing aids in the center of the viewfinder.

5. Metering and Exposure

The OM-1 features manual metering. The light meter needle in the viewfinder indicates correct exposure.

1. Point the camera at your subject.
2. Adjust the shutter speed and/or aperture until the meter needle in the viewfinder is centered, indicating a correct exposure.

6. Taking a Photograph

1. Ensure the film is advanced.
2. Compose your shot and focus.
3. Set your desired exposure.
4. Gently press the shutter button on the top right of the camera body to take the picture.

Figure 3: Angled view of the Olympus OM-1 camera. The shutter button is visible on the top right, and the film advance lever is on the right side of the top plate.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning the Camera and Lens

• Camera Body: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the camera body. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but avoid getting moisture into any openings.
• Lens: Use a lens blower brush to remove dust particles. For smudges, use a specialized lens cleaning solution and a microfiber lens cloth. Never use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Viewfinder: Use a soft brush or air blower to clean the viewfinder eyepiece.

2. Unloading Film

Once all exposures on the film roll are used, the film must be rewound back into its cartridge before opening the camera back.

1. Press the film rewind release button, usually located on the bottom of the camera.
2. Fold out the crank on the film rewind knob and turn it clockwise until you feel the tension release, indicating the film is fully rewound into the cartridge.
3. Pull up the film rewind knob to open the camera back.
4. Remove the film cartridge.

3. Storage

When not in use, store the camera in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It is advisable to remove the battery if the camera will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.

Troubleshooting

• Camera not firing: Ensure the film advance lever is fully wound. Check if the shutter speed dial is set to 'B' (Bulb) and requires a longer press, or if the camera is in a self-timer mode.
• Light meter not working: Check the battery. Ensure it is correctly installed and not depleted. The OM-1's meter is battery-dependent.
• Film advance lever stuck: Do not force the lever. Check if the film is fully advanced or if the camera back is properly closed. If film is loaded, ensure it's not jammed.
• Blurry photos: Verify that the lens is properly focused. Check your shutter speed; if it's too slow for handheld shooting, use a tripod or a faster shutter speed.
• Film not advancing: Ensure the film leader is correctly attached to the take-up spool and the film perforations are engaged with the sprocket teeth.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This Olympus OM-1 camera is a renewed product. For specific warranty information and support, please refer to the details provided by the seller, Blue Penn Refurbished, at the time of purchase. Typically, renewed products come with a limited warranty from the refurbisher or platform. For general operational questions not covered in this manual, online photography forums and vintage camera communities can be valuable resources.