My New Olympus Pen EE, 1964 – What’s in the Box?

I decided I wanted to start shooting some film again (I used to own a YashicaYashica was a Japanese manufacturer of cameras, originally active from 1949 until 2005 when its then-owner, Kyocera, ceased production. More SLRA single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is a camera that typically uses a mirror and prism system (hence "reflex" from the mirror's reflection) that permits the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. With twin lens reflex and rangefinder cameras, the viewed image could be significantly different from the final image. When the shutter button is pressed on most SLRs, the mirror flips out of the light path, allowing light to pass through to the film. Other camera typoes include DSLR, Rangefinder and Compact. [rdp-wiki-embed url="http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/SLR" toc_show='0′ edit_show='0′ infobox_show='1′] More and Nikon FE in addition to several point and shoot and 110 cameras). My first purchase via eBay is a 1964 Olympus Pen EE – how do I know that it is 1964? Well, in addition to the box, instructions, case, etc. I also have the original sales receipt.

What is a Olympus Pen EE?

This Olympus Pen EE is a 35mm half-frame camera made by Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. between the years of 1962 and 1966.  As with all cameras from Olympus’s Pen (film) series, these are compact half-frame cameras that shoot 18x24mm images on normal 35mm film.  The EE series incorporated an exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More meter and automatic exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More, making it one of the first true ‘point and shoot’ amateur cameras.

You may also notice that the 1964 purchase price of the camera was £24 and 3 shillings. My eBay purchase came in at just under £23 – I think that’s a bargain.

What’s in the Box

Well, the first thing to say is that the camera did indeed come in a box… a little tape soon repaired the worn corners. In the box was a leather-look case, instructions, flash mount, lens filters and some exposureThe amount of light that reaches the film (or camera sensor). It determines how light or dark an image is. The exposure of an image is determined by the aperture, shutter speed, and film speed (ISO). During exposure, the sensors or chemicals on the film in analogue models, are subjected to the light outside the camera for a certain time. More information. Not forgetting the Pen EE which looks to be in excellent condition with a working light meterA device that measures the scene’s luminosity in order to determine the best exposure value. Light meters can be part of a camera or a separate instrument. There are both analogue and electronic light meters. More, shutterEither mechanical and/or electronic shutters are possible. Mechanical systems can use a leaf (or iris) shutter or curtain shutter. In digital cameras a third alternative is also possible: the electronic shutter. This works by activating and then deactivating the CCD so that no further light can be recorded, regardless of whether light is hitting the CCD. The shutter controls the exposure time, which can range from thousandths of a second to several minutes or more. Fast shutter speeds freeze action, slow speeds are more suited to stationary subjects. A tripod is recommended for slow exposure shots to avoid camera shake, or IBIS. More, etc. I am very pleased with my purchase. I am a fan of Olympus cameras.

Is it in good condition?

Well, it looks very good at first sight with no scratches or dents and a lovely covering. I am yet to examine the light seals but the inside does look good.

What Next?

I have ordered some film but first I want to check out the light seals, familiarise myself with how the camera works and then a clean. I have weighed the beautiful metal best and it weighs nearly 400g (heavy compared to today’s cameras) but is small enough to fit in a small bag or even a pocket. In fact, the Pen EE is a very similar size to my Olympus TG6

More about the Olympus Pen and Penn EE

The EE stands for Electric Eye and it is essentially a 35mm half-frame simple point and shoot camera with manual focus. It is part of a much larger Pen Series range of cameras. I will write a post that describes the camera in more detail and the results of my first roll of film. – Update, please take a look at: Results and Feelings about this Film Camera

Meanwhile here is a little info about this wonderful half-frame 35mm camera:

[rdp-wiki-embed url=”http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Olympus_Pen#The_Pen_E_series” toc_show=’0′ edit_show=’0′ infobox_show=’1′]

Can I buy an Olympus Pen EE?

If you are hungry to acquire and try out one of these great film cameras please take a look at these eBay listings or check out this search for an Olympus Pen EE on Etsy.

Check out this camera on Instagram #olympuspenee

Etsy Listings

[etsy-shop shop_name=”RWJemmett” section_id=”28927529″]

[etsy-shop shop_name=”RWJemmett” section_id=”29333601″]

[etsy-shop shop_name=”RWJemmett” section_id=”29333477″]

Links – Olympus Pen EE

FIXED PERFECTION? THE OLYMPUS PEN EE-2 – GUEST REVIEW BY ALAN DUNCAN

ADVENTURES IN HALF FRAME PART 1 – THE OLYMPUS PEN EE-2 – GUEST POST BY ANIL MISTRY

Find Film Suppliers, Labs and more at the RW Jemmett Photography Business Directory.

Olympus Pen EE-S (1962)

Olympus Pen EE.3 35mm Half-Frame Camera

Pen EE Instruction Manual – available from Etsy as an Instant Digital Download

Results and Feelings about this Film Camera