The first camera I ever handled was an Olympus Pen. It was my first year in high school at the University of the Philippines Integrated School, formerly known as UP High and before that UP Preparatory. Instead of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year we had grade 7,8,9 and 10. This was of course before Internet and before digital cameras made their appearance. Marcos was still President. And SPAM was something you bought at the PX store and of course ate.
The Olympus Pen EE was an interesting film camera. It was a scale-focused camera, in other words in order to get a clear picture one had to place the subject at an exact distance from the camera. It was also nearly idiot proof thanks to its sensor: It would not allow you to take an underdeveloped photo – instead a red sign would cover the screen. And it was also a half-frame, this meant that you could take two shots instead of one per frame. This meant if you had a roll of film with thirty six shots you could now get seventy two shots. It was a fun camera to carry around.
Olympus Pen S -2.8
Later, I passed it on to my brother, unfortunately it was stolen from his locker at schoo. I missed that camera.
The Olympus Pen was invented by Yoshihisa Maitani, who also invented one of my favorite compact film camera the Olympus XA. And it was so named because the camera was supposed to be easy to carry. It could fit the pen pocket of one’s shirt: A compact 35 mm camera that was easy to carry around.
Another shot of the Olympus Pen S – 2.8
Several years and several months later after getting used to digital cameras. I experienced a personal renewal of interest in taking snaps or pictures with film cameras. This was probably due to three things: First, it was now possible to develop and scan film negatives at a very affordable rate. Second. there was an array of film cameras that could be bought at a very reasonable price. And Third, number of these cameras had very good lenses and unique qualities that would make them valuable to the would be owner.
Looking for these cameras was an adventure in itself. Taking one to antique shops, flea markets, pawnshops, camera shops and even junk shops. In one of these forays I was able to get an Olympus Pen again.
This time it was the Olympus Pen -S 2.8. A fully mechanical and manual 35 mm film camera. Scale focus from 0.6 m, 2m. 5m and infinity – which you can lock at 2m and 5m. It has an aperture of 2.8, 4, 5,6, 8, 11, 16 and 22. And a Shutter Speed from 250, 125, 60, 30, 15, 8 and B. Not bad. And its half-frame and requires no batteries.
Here are some shots we took with the Olympus Pen S 2.8.
The Post Office at Liwasang Bonifacio and the Ferry Station at Binondo
My nephew’s shot of me and the dog at UP Diliman
You can add a flash to it but it requires a hot shoe. Although I prefer using it under normal lighting conditions – dim or otherwise.
There is another Olympus Pen that is interesting. It even has an ad with Eugene Smith. And supposedly this Pen – an slr version can fit in a shoe – camera with lens and other lens as well. But this one is particularly hard to find.
No worries, I am happy with my Olympus Pen S. Requires no batteries. Almost as durable as a Japanese Katana or Scottish Claymore and as elegant as a Toledo Salamanca. You might agree or disagree with me on this but one thing I am sure of it is a joy to bring along.
