This 1960's camera is powered by light and completely automatic
Technology Connections・20 minutes read
The Olympus Pen EES-2 is a unique 35mm half-frame camera from the late 1960s, allowing for double exposures on each film roll and producing portrait frames naturally. Despite its smaller frame size, the camera captures detailed family photos and snapshots, featuring fully automatic exposure control without batteries and intricate aperture adjustments based on light hitting the lens.
Insights
- The Olympus Pen EES-2 is a unique 35mm half-frame camera from the late 1960s that captures double the exposures on every roll of film due to its smaller frame size, making it ideal for family photos and snapshots.
- The camera's fully automatic exposure control, powered by a light-based mechanism for shutter speed and aperture settings, offers convenient shooting without the need for batteries, with exposure settings determined by an integrated light meter mechanism, showcasing a blend of innovative technology and practical design.
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Recent questions
How does the Olympus Pen EES-2 differ from standard cameras?
The Olympus Pen EES-2 is a unique 35mm half-frame camera from the late 1960s that shoots an 18 by 24mm frame, unlike the standard 36 by 24mm frame of traditional cameras. This feature allows for double the exposures on every roll of film, with the exposure counter reaching up to 72. Despite the smaller frame size, the camera still captures plenty of detail suitable for family photos and snapshots.
What is the primary means of exposure control in the Olympus Pen EES-2?
The aperture is the primary means of exposure control in the Olympus Pen EES-2. It has a square aperture that opens as the shutter button is pressed. In auto mode, the aperture adjusts based on the amount of light hitting the lens, compensating to produce equivalent exposures on film. The camera's exposure settings are determined by a light meter mechanism, similar to a handheld light meter but integrated into the camera body.
How does the Electronic Eye feature of the Olympus Pen EES-2 work?
The Electronic Eye feature of the Olympus Pen EES-2 utilizes a light meter to automatically set exposure settings based on the amount of light hitting the lens. The camera's internal mechanism involves intricate linkages that adjust the aperture based on the position of a needle reacting to the light hitting the camera. Doubling the light hitting the lens shifts the needle one stop, adjusting the aperture accordingly.
What are the shutter speeds available in the Olympus Pen EES-2?
The Olympus Pen EES-2 offers two shutter speeds: 1/200 and 1/40 of a second, determined by the feeler mechanism. The camera prioritizes the higher shutter speed, aligning with the aperture feeler's kink. The shutter mechanism includes a lever and weight for calibrated delay, with trap-needle metering involving a delay mechanism for the 1/40 second speed.
How does film speed selection impact the exposure in the Olympus Pen EES-2?
Film speed selection in the Olympus Pen EES-2 adjusts the sensor's exposure by covering parts to control sensitivity. The integration of a selenium light cell and analog meter enables automatic exposure control based on the selected film speed. Despite its design from 1961, the camera remains functional with minor maintenance due to its reliable selenium light meter.
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Summary
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Olympus Pen EES-2: Unique Half-Frame Camera
- The Olympus Pen EES-2 is a 35mm half-frame camera from the late 1960s, shooting an 18 by 24mm frame instead of the standard 36 by 24mm.
- This unique feature allows for double the exposures on every roll of film, with the exposure counter going up to 72.
- Despite the smaller frame size, the camera still captures plenty of detail suitable for family photos and snapshots.
- The camera's orientation is different from traditional cameras, producing portrait frames when held naturally and requiring a sideways hold for landscape frames.
- The camera offers fully automatic exposure control without needing batteries, with a light-powered mechanism for shutter speed and aperture settings.
- The aperture is the primary means of exposure control, with a square aperture that opens as the shutter button is pressed.
- In auto mode, the aperture adjusts based on the amount of light hitting the lens, compensating to produce equivalent exposures on film.
- The camera's exposure settings are determined by a light meter mechanism, similar to a handheld light meter but integrated into the camera body.
- The Electronic Eye feature of the camera utilizes a light meter to automatically set exposure settings based on the amount of light hitting the lens.
- The camera's internal mechanism involves intricate linkages that adjust the aperture based on the position of a needle reacting to the light hitting the camera.
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Vintage camera with automatic exposure control
- The aperture feeler's thicker parts hit first, limiting light and aperture opening.
- Doubling light hitting the lens shifts the needle one stop, adjusting aperture.
- Integration of a selenium light cell and analog meter enables automatic exposure control.
- The camera has two shutter speeds: 1/200 and 1/40 of a second, determined by the feeler.
- Trap-needle metering involves a delay mechanism for the 1/40 second speed.
- The shutter mechanism includes a lever and weight for calibrated delay.
- The camera prioritizes the higher shutter speed, aligning with the aperture feeler's kink.
- Film speed selection adjusts the sensor's exposure, covering parts to control sensitivity.
- The camera's design from 1961, with a selenium light meter, remains functional with minor maintenance.
