Olympus Pen F system, the half frame camera from the 1960.

The Olympus Pen F system.

Olympus launched the Pen F system with the double stroke Pen F in 1962. This was one of the first half frame system cameras with a good range of lenses and accessories. What made the camera special was the shutter mechanism which was made from metal and rotated in the body to make an exposure. The prism was also very compact and flat, so the outside looked a little like the rangefinder cameras. Olympus made 3 models, The Gothic F (first model) then the Pen FT with a build in light meter which worked with exposure values that came on the lenses in that period. The last model was the FV, this camera came without a light meter but had a better viewfinder image. A number of Leica collectors also collect the Pen F system. A unique neat compact design.

There was a variety of lenses made from 20mm to 800mm. In between a few outstanding examples like the 42mm F1.2 and the 60mm F1.5 lenses. Word looking for are black bodies of the Pen FT and FV, these are rare to find in excellent condition, this due to the fact that the black paint is very soft and vulnerable.

We have recently added a few items from the Pen F system to our stock.

There are some publications on the system made by J. Foster.