Olympus OM-2

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Olympus OM-2

Olympus OM-2 user manual

Olympus OM-2 current value:
OM-2
OM-2 Black
OM-2 MD
OM-2 MD Black
OM-2 N
OM-2 N black
OM-2 N MD

 

Two years after the OM-1 introduction, Olympus came out with the next great camera, the OM-2. Here they added an automatic option, the only feature missing on the OM-1. The auto mode is of aperture priority.

This model came out in several flavours. First came the plain, or base model, closely followed by the MD option, for motor drive. Thereafter came an ‘N’ model, with little change, and OM-2 S / SP in tow, all made in chrome and black bodies.

The  OM-2 much resembles the OM-1. Gone is the prominent ASA setting dial, now embedded in an exposure compensation dial, set in the same location. The tiny ASA change clutch release and the mirror lockup dial were also gone. Also gone is the dedicated mirror lock control, now part of the off/on lever, as below.

The On/Off switch now includes manual, off, auto, and check/reset positions.

  • In manual mode, the meter needle in the viewer is set between +/- marks, easy to read.
  • Auto mode, a detailed shutter speeds scale appears next to the latter, marked with ‘Auto’ under-title.
  • Reset-check, the camera does not operate without batteries. So if the shutter is cocked without a battery, it takes resetting to release the curtain. Setting the lever to reset position also locks up the mirror. A long press to the ‘check’ a red LED in the back lights up, indicating an able battery.

Besides that, metering is via Silicon and CdS sensors at the focal plane. A hot shoe is an accessory of two available types. The ‘N’ model has a red led spot in the viewer, indicating when a (dedicated) flashgun is ready.

An easter egg, to engage the speed to ‘B’ it takes to press a minuscule button at the lens barrel’s left. I think Olympus was influenced by Spielberg’s 1941 movie, where the Japanese captain wows to “make these things smaller”.

The self-timer is the same as its predecessor; delay depends on how far you push the arm. The small lever behind it activates the timer.

DOF by pressing the catch that is in the opposite of the lens release. Not all lenses carry this feature.

List number 1846
Brand Olympus
Format 35mm
Model OM-2 N
Introduced 1979
AKA
Qty made
Country Japan
Type Compact SLR
Body material Metal, chrome and black models
Mode Manual, auto, aperture priority
Weight 530 gr,  Body only
Class average weight 620 gr,  Body only
ASA range 64-1250
Kit lens 1,8/50
Lens make Zuiko
Filter size 49 mm
Lens mount Bayonet
Mount size OM mount
Aperture
shutter Focal plane cloth horizontal
Light meter TTL
Winder Lever
Lock Yes
Speeds B, 1-1000
DOF preview Yes
Exposure lock No
Exposure compensation Yes
Shoe Accessory, hot
External sync X/F/M
Sync speed 60
Timer Yes
Battery LR44 2ea
Battery style Button
Battery voltage 2.7
Integral flash None
Other Works with battery only.

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