INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for your purchase of an Olympus OM-88 . This newly developed automatic SLR camera features an advanced power focus system, programmed exposure control and an automatic film handling system to let you take beautiful pictures with ease. Further, if you use this new type of programmed SLR camera with a Manual Adapter 2, it also permits aperture-priority automatic exposure and manual exposure to give you the possibility of creative visual expressions that are possible only with an SLR.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preparations for Taking Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . Loading the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mounting the Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taking Photographs I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading the Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taking Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rewinding the Film . . . . . . . . .
Preparations for Taking Pictures The OM-88 is designed primarily for use with Olympus AF Lenses and 50mm F2.0 PF Lens. (Regarding the instructions for use of conventional OM Lenses, refer to page 17.
Loading the Batteries Do not use different kinds of batteries or new and old batteries at the same time. If you are not likely to use the camera for an extended period of time, remove the batteries. Before changing the batteries, set the mode dial at "OFF". Open the battery compartment cover by sliding the knob in the lower part of the grip. 4 4 LR03 (AAA) batteries Inset the batteries in the correct direction and close the cover.
Checking the Batteries Always check the batteries after inserting new batteries, when shooting in cold weather, or if the camera has not been used for a long lime. Set the mode dial at "CHECK". 5 The audible and visual signals will tell you that the batteries have enough power. As the battery power weakens, both the audible and visual signals become intermittent. Replace the batteries as soon as possible. (When the batteries are completely exhausted the audible and visual signals do not operate at all.
Mounting the Lens (if you are using an OM lens, refer to page 17.) Remove the rear lens cap and the body cap. Remove the front lens cap. 6 Align the red dots on the body and the lens as shown, push in the lens and turn it slowly clockwise until it locks. (Do not touch the button ). Removing the Lens: Press the lens release button. Turn the lens until it stops. Pull the lens forward to remove it from the camera body.
Taking Photographs 1 The OM-88 is so designed to allow everyone to enjoy the fascinating world of SLR photography with ease. This chapter explains its basic procedure how to take programmed exposure pictures (see page 34 for details).
Loading the Film Loading and film-speed selection for DX film arc automatic. Set the mode dial at "P". Make sure you are using a DX coded film, This camera does not accept non-DX coded films.
Open the camera back by sliding the release knob. Align the film leader with the red mark and insert the sprocket teeth in the film perforations. 9 Avoiding direct sunlight, inset the film cartridge. Take care not to touch the shutter curtain with your finger or the film leader.
* If the mode dial is at "OFF", the film will not advance. Close the camera back. The camera will automatically advance the film and the exposure counter will show "1". When the film is incorrectly loaded, the camera will warn you with audible and visual signals. Reload the film. 10 Film type confirmation is possible through the film window in the camera back.
Taking Photographs The will turn on in the viewfinder. If it blinks the shutter will trip at 1/60 sec. or a slower. In this case, use flash or mount the camera on a tripod. (Lightly press the shutter release if the viewfinder display doesn't show. The display in the viewfinder will remain on for 30 seconds.) Set the mode dial at "P". Focus on the focusing screen with the power focus dial. *Do not touch the lens front part. Look through the viewfinder and aim the camera at your subject.
When the dial is turned to the right, the lens When turned to the left, the lens focuses on focuses on closer subjects. farther subject. * The speed of the lens movement changes in accordance with a rotation speed of the dial. Depress the shutter release. The film will automatically advance for the next shot.
Rewinding the Film Film rewinding is also automatic. When the end of film is reached, the motor whir stops midway, and if the shutter release is depressed, the camera will warn you with audible and visual signals. Make sure the film has come to its end. Press the rewind button. The film will be rewound automatically. After making sure the motor noise stops, open the camera back and unload the film. As soon as you open the camera back, the exposure counter will return to "S".
Taking Photographs II The OM-88 is designed primarily for use with Olympus AF Lens and 50mm F2.0 PF lens, but you can also use conventional OM Lenses with it. This chapter explains various functions which expand your picture-taking possibilities, and how to use OM Lenses.
Using the backlight control button If your subject stands against a bright background, the main subject in the front will turn out dark. While pressing the backlight control button, depress the shutter release. * Backlight control does not function when film speed is set at ISO 25. The main subject will turn out beautifully exposed, almost unaffected by the bright 15 background.
Using the self-timer Mount the camera on a tripod or other steady surface. Focus on your subject with the power focus dial. Audible and visual signals will let you know that the self-timer has started. 16 While pressing the self-timer button depress the shutter release The shutter will trip after 12 seconds, the audible signal will change its tone two seconds before the shutter trips. * The self-timer can be cancelled by pressing the self-timer button again or switching the mode dial to "OFF".
Using OM Lenses With OM Lenses, the camera will always take pictures in the aperture-priority auto exposure mode when the mode dial is set at P, A or M. Mount the Lens. Align the red dots and turn the lens slowly until it locks. (See page 44 for details) Choose your desired aperture.
Focus on the subject by turning the focus ring on the lens barrel and depress the shutter release. * The lens will not move by turning the power focus dial. To dismount the lens, press the button on the lens side, hold it there and turn the lens until it detaches. It is impossible to dismount it with the button on the camera side. * This button is designed for AF and PF lens. * With an OM Lens on the camera, no display will appear in the viewfinder.
Taking Photographs III (flash photography) The OM-88 incorporates a "OTF" Program (refer to page 37) mode for controlling T-series flashes (T18, T20 and T32 etc.) and the Full-Synchro Flash F280. Taking flash pictures with it is very easy without troublesome settings. This chapter explains the procedure for shooting with these flash units, especially with T18. (If you are using other auto flash units, refer to page 31.) The following explanation is based on the use of Olympus AF Lenses and 50mm 19 F2.
Using T-series Electronic Flashes (T18, T20 and T32) Set the mode dial on the camera to "P ". (Sec page 36 for details.) Mount the flash onto the accesory shoe, and secure with lock-screw. * If you are using a T20 or T32, set the calculator panel so that "full automatic control by OM-2 is displayed. 20 Turn on the power switch.
Make sure the flash is fully charged. If the mark turns on and Blinks (it indicates 1/60 sec. or slower), the flash is ready to fire. Depress the shutter release. The flash shooting range differs with the lens' maximum-aperture and shooting conditions. For example, when using T18 with a 50mm F1.8 lens, a shooting range up to 7m (23 feet) is possible. (with ISO 100 film) Check for correct exposure. No 21 blinks to indicate correct exposure. indicates under-exposure.
Using the Full-Synchro Flash F280 The Full-Synchro Flash F280 allows you to take flash pictures In the "OTF" auto mode. However, the super FP flash mode cannot be used. Set the mode dial on the camera to "P". (See page 36 for details) Mount the F280 onto the accesory shoe and secure with the lock-screw. 22 Turn on the power switch and be sure to set the mode switch to "NORMAL".
Make sure the flash is fully charged. If the mark turns on and blinks (it indicates of 1/60 sec. or slower), the flash is ready to fire. Check for correct exposure. blinks to indicate correct exposure. No indicates under-exposure. 23 Depress the shutter release. The flash shooting range differs with the maximum-aperture and shooting conditions. For example, when using F280 with a 50mm F1.8 lens, a shooting range up to 11m (36 feet) is possible (with ISO 100 film).
Taking Photographs IV Using the OM-88 with the Manual Adapter 2 In combination with the Manual Adapter 2. the OM-S8 permits aperture-priority auto exposure and manual exposure to develop it to a high-grade SLR suited for creative photography. This chapter explains mainly how to use the Manual Adapter 2. (See page 39. If you are using conventional OM Lenses, refer to page 44.
Mounting the Manual Adapter 2 Remove the Manual Adapter contact cover. When the Manual Adapter is not mounted, keep the contact cover on the camera. 25 Align the contacts, mount the Manual Adapter 2 and tighten the screw with a coin.
Aperture-priority auto exposure Set the mode dial at "A". The will turn on in the viewfinder. Example: Lens used: AF Zoom 3570mm F3.5-4.5 Desired Aperture: F8 26 Align your desired aperture on the aperture setting dial with the indicated aperture (F2, 2.8 or 4) closest to the maximum aperture of the lens you are using.
If blinks, it means that the shutter speed will be 1/60 sec. or slower. In this case, change the aperture; or mount the camera on a tripod or use flash. 27 Focus on the subject with the power focus dial and depress the shutter release. If the mode dial is set at "P", pictures are taken in the programmed exposure mode. If the mode dial is set at "A", the camera will take pictures in the aperture-priority auto exposure mode, regardless of where the shutter speed dial is set.
Manual exposure Set the mode dial at "M". The manual exposure indication will be displayed in the viewfinder. Choose the aperture and shutter speed by rotating the dials on the Manual Adapter. (Align your desired aperture on the aperture setting dial with the indicated aperture closest to the maximum aperture of the lens you are using. — see page 26) In order to obtain correct exposure, adjust the dial so that may turn on.
If the indicator turns on (+0.5 — + 1.5EV) or blinks (over +1.5EV), your subject will be overexposed. Focus the lens and depress the shutter release. 29 If the indicator turns on (—0.5 — -1.5EV) or blinks (under -1.5EV), your subject will be underexposed.
Bulb exposure Set the mode dial at "M". 30 Set the shutter speed dial to "B" and depress and hold the shutter release. (The shutter will remain open while the shutter release is depressed.) The manual exposure indicator will not be displayed in the viewfinder.
Using conventional auto flash units If you use non-dedicated conventional auto flash units other than T-saries flashes and the F280, it is necessary to use a Manual Adapter 2. The flash will not fire without it when used with an AF lens. Set the mode dial at "M". 31 Adjust the aperture dial to the aperture mode of the flash unit. (Refer to Section 2 in page 26 as to adjustment of the aperture dial.) Example: Lens Used — AF ZOOM 35 — 70mm F 3.5 — 4.
Set the shutter speed dial to "X". 32 Turn on the flash's main switch, make sure the flash is fully charged, and shoot. will not be activated in the viewfinder when used with non-dedicated conventional auto flash units.
To take better photographs: If you want to improve your pictures or refine your picture-taking techniques, it is important to understand your camera well. The following pages have been compiled to help you use for more sophisticated techniques. Please read them to master these techniques.
Programmed exposure The programmed exposure control system lets you shoot at any moment you like, because the camera automatically selects the optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture for you according to the brightness of the subject. Freed from the need of complicated exposure settings which require photo knowledge and experience, the photographer can concentrate his attention through the viewfinder.
Standard program diagram The OM-88 permits programmed exposure only when an Olympus AF or PF Lens is mounted on it. The standard program diagram shows that while the aperture is fixed at the maximum aperture (1.8) with shutter of 1/60 sec. or slower, the aperture and shutter speed vary at a 45 slope with shutter speeds faster than 1/60 sec.
Diagram of the programmed flash control Used with a T-series flash (T18, T20, or T32 etc.) or Full-Synchro Flash F280, the OM -88 is designed to control the flash on the basis of the direct "OTF" program. If a shutter speed faster than 1/60 sec. has been selected by the camera according to the brightness of the subject, it will take picture in the ordinary programmed exposure mode without firing the flash. If it selects a shutter speed of 1/60 sec.
TTL Direct "OTF" Light Metering The OM-88 uses a direct "OTF" metering method which is suited for metering on a wide range of subjects. It can measure the brightness of the subject directly on the film plane and control the exposure on a real time basis. This method was pioneered by Olympus. Since it can quickly react to any changes of light during exposure, it is convenient for shooting not only stationary objects, but also fast-moving objects.
Display in the viewfinder Microprism/split-image circle Flash ready light (turns on) Correct exposure (blinking signal) Programmed mode (turns on) Camera shake warning (blinks) Auto mode (turns on) Camera shake warning (blinks) Manual mode Correct exposure ( turns on) Overexposure +0.5 — +1.5 EV ( over + l . 5 E V ( turns on) blinks) under-l.SEV ( turns on) blinks) Underexposure-0.5 — -1.
Using the Manual Adapter 2 The OM-88 permits aperture-priority auto exposure and manual exposure in combination with an optional Manual Adapter 2. Procedure for aperture-priority auto exposure In this mode, the photographer chooses a desired aperture according to the shooting conditions and the camera automatically sets a shutter speed which provides correct exposure. You need only set the mode dial at "A" and select your desired aperture.
Procedure for manual exposure If you set the mode dial at "M", you can choose your desired shutter speed and aperture for manual exposure. To set exposure, turn the shutter speed and aperture dials while checking correct exposure in the viewfinder. You can enjoy various photographic effects such as blurred effects with slow shutter speeds, action-freezing effects with high shutter speeds, and aperture effects (depth-of-field effects) for portraits on a blurred background.
Using aperture effects If you want a blurred background, open up the aperture; and on the contrary, if you want a sharp background, stop down the aperture. Using shutter speed effects 41 If you want an action-freezing effect on a fast-moving object, choose a faster shutter speed; and if you want to express a sense of motion by a blurring effect, choose a slower shutter speed.
OM-88 system 42 AF 24mm F2.8 AF 28mm F2.8 AF 50mm F1.8 50mm F2.0 PF AF Macro 50mm F2.8 AF Zoom 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 Manual Adapter 2 Electronic Flash T18 Full-Synchro Flash F280 Recordata Back TTL Auto Cord F 0.6m Eyecup 2 Dioptric Correction Lens 2 (with Eyecup 2) +2, +1,-1,-2, -3, -4, -5 AF Zoom 70-210mm F3.5-4.
Notes on the OM-88 with current OM System Units * Auto Extension Tube 7/14/25 and Telescopic Auto Extension Tube 65-116 can be used only with OM lenses, focused in the conventional manner. * When using the Telescopic Auto Extension Tube 65/116 the tripod mount should first be removed. * The following units cannot be used: The Zuiko Reflex 500 mm F8, Zuiko 600 mm F6.5, Zuiko 1000 mm Fl 1, and Zuiko Shift 24 mm F3.5/35 mm F2.8 lenses; all Motor Drive Group units; the Auto Bellows; TTL Auto Cord TO.3/0.
Conventional OM Lenses The OM-88 accepts not only Olympus AF Lenses but also most of the conventional OM Lenses, including such special lenses as fisheye, super telephoto, macro, and teleconverter lenses. If you use a conventional OM Lens on the OM-88 , it will automatically select the aperture-priority auto exposure mode.
Care and Storage 45 Do not drop the camera to the hard surface. Do not use thinner, benzine or organic solvents to clean the camera. Do not expose the camera to rain shower and water. Do not put the used battery into fire and do not heat, disassemble and short it. Do not allow fingers to contact the mirror. Do not touch on the DX read-off contacts. Do not touch the shutter curtain. Do not use an air spray to remove dust on it. Do not tighten the tripod screw too much.
46 Do not apply excessive force to the flash unit. Do not put heavy object on the camera. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not leave the camera near the magnetic fields, like on the top of TV set, or radio Do not put the camera in the extreme heat (over 50° C or 122° F) like inside the car under hot summer whether and in the extreme cold (below -10°C or 14°) In case of malfunction, take the camera to your nearest Olympus service station.
Questions and Answers Q: What kind of batteries can I use? A: Use four AAA-size alkaline-manganese batteries. You cannot use different kinds of batteries or use new and old batteries at the same time. Always change all four batteries at Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: 47 with new ones. Q: The display in the viewfinder turned off when I was shooting. A: The display will automatically turn off in 30 seconds because the OM-88 is designed to the same time. The batteries which come with save power.
center to the edges. Q: How do I clean the camera? A: Dust, moisture and salt are the enemies of the camera and lens. After carrying the camera in the rain or in a fog, wipe it dry. After taking pictures at the seaside, soak a cloth in fresh water, wring it free of water and wipe off salt on the camera, then clean it thoroughly. Q: Why is the film sometimes scratched? A: The cause may be pieces of film in the camera work.
Description of Controls Battery Check Beeper Selftimer/ Battery Check Signal Backlight Control Button Lens Locking Button 49 Manual Adapter Contact Cover
Distance-Scale window Self-Timer Button Shutter Release Button Mode Dial Hot Shoe 50 Exposure Counter Power Focus Dial
Camera Back Release Knob Databack Contacts DX Code Reader Film Loading Indicator Film Window Tripod Socket Release Knob Battery Compartment Cover 51 Rewind Button
Specifications Type: TTL auto-exposure 35mm SLR camera. Film Format: 24 x 36mm Lens Mount: Olympus OM Mount (designed for Olympus AF Lenses and 50mm F2.0 PF lens). Lens: Olympus AF Lenses, 50mm F2.0 PF lens, and OM Lenses. Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertical-travel focal plane shutter; Shutter speed: 2 — 1/2000 sec. (bulb exposure is possible with Manual Adapter). 52 Focusing: Olympus AF Lenses and 50mm F2.
Manual Adapter 2 Description of Controls Mounting Screw Aperture Setting Dial Camera Back Release Knob Shutter Speed Setting Dial 53
Manual Adapter 2 Specifications System application: OM-88 Mounting: Screwed onto the camera. Electrical Connection with Camera: Cordless, direct contact. Shutter Speed Setting: By rotary dial. Setting range: X (1/80 sec.), B, 2 — 1/2000 sec. (1-step increments) (Automatic flash switch-off with shutter speeds of 1 /125 sec. or faster in manual mode.) Aperture Setting: By rotary dial. Setting range: F 2 — 22 (0.5-step increments) Dimensions: 26(W) x 56(H) x 33(D)mm (1"x2.2"x 1.3") Height: 18g(0.
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