The Olympus Pen S 3.5 film camera is a vintage camera that was first released in 1957 by the renowned Japanese camera manufacturer, Olympus. The Pen series, including the Pen S 3.5, was known for its compact design and high-quality image output. This particular model gained popularity for its innovative half-frame format, which allowed photographers to capture twice as many images on a single roll of 35mm film.
**Features and Specifications**
The Olympus Pen S 3.5 film camera boasted several impressive features and specifications for its time. Let’s take a closer look:
1. **Half-frame Format**: As mentioned earlier, one of the standout features of the Pen S 3.5 was its ability to shoot in a half-frame format. This meant that instead of the typical 36 exposures on a standard roll of 35mm film, this camera could capture up to 72 images. This feature was particularly useful for those who wanted to maximize their film usage or preferred shooting in a more documentary-style manner.
2. **Zuiko Lens**: The Olympus Pen S 3.5 came equipped with a fixed, high-quality Zuiko lens. The lens had a focal length of 30mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing for great depth of field control and excellent low-light performance. The Zuiko lens was known for its sharpness and clarity, ensuring that photographs captured with this camera were of exceptional quality.
3. **Compact and Lightweight**: The Pen S 3.5 had a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. This feature appealed to photographers who valued mobility and convenience, as they could capture moments spontaneously without the burden of a bulky camera.
4. **Mechanical Shutter**: This camera had a mechanical shutter, allowing photographers to manually control the exposure time. It offered a range of shutter speeds from B (bulb) to 1/500th of a second, enabling creativity in capturing both long exposure and fast-action shots.
**Release Date and Pricing**
The Olympus Pen S 3.5 film camera was released in 1957, quickly becoming a popular choice among photography enthusiasts at the time. As for the pricing, it originally had a price tag of around $70, which was considered affordable for a camera offering its features and image quality.
**Conclusion**
The Olympus Pen S 3.5 film camera remains a beloved piece of vintage camera equipment, cherished by both collectors and film photography enthusiasts. Its unique half-frame format, coupled with the Zuiko lens, make it a versatile and powerful tool for capturing timeless images. If you’re looking to explore the world of film photography and appreciate the charm of vintage cameras, the Olympus Pen S 3.5 is definitely worth considering.
