The Olympus M-1 was launched on the Photokina in Koln in 1972.
The name M-1 was called after the designer Mr. Maitani , chief designer of Olympus in this period. After all the camera makers have installed there stands on the Photokina , the people of Leitz where looking around and saw the Olympus M-1, they made a large problem about the name M-1 because Leitz already had a camera model named Leica M-1. They threatened to sue Olympus if they did not changed the name. Olympus staff on the Photokina had to change the name in one night because the show was opening the next morning and they had invested a large amount in the new system. On all the lenses the M of the M-system the M was made black with paint and all the body where made with stickers on the M-system logo. The name was changed from M-system to OM-system. But a number of cameras where already sold and by costumers and users. These cameras and lenses are rare and hard to find in nice condition. The camera has a few features witch the later model did not have. From brochures from the M-system you can see that a lot of lenses and accessories’ where all ready designed and made.
- The finder glass is very shallow , the later models are deeper.
- Inside the camera bayonet there is a small wheel visible , later model don’t have this.
- There is no motor drive connection in the bottom plate.
- The screws in the bayonet are straight and not Phillips like the later OM.
- The wind-on lever is straighter than the later models.
- Inside the backdoor the pressure plate is smaller than the later models.
It is a hard to find model because Olympus changed the most cameras that were made on the early production runs to OM-system.
Main Specifications M-1.
System : Olympus M system.
Camera type: 35mm single lens reflex with focal plane shutter.
Film format: 24x36mm
Lens mount : Olympus M mount , bayonet type , rotation angle 70 degree flange back 46mm.
Minimum focusing distance : 45 cm with all standard lenses.
Shutter : Focal plane shutter , ring mounted control with speeds from 1 to 1/1000s sec plus B.
Flash contacts : FP-X switch type contact
Flash synchronisation: With electronic flash (x) 1 to 1/60 sec. With class M bulbs (X) 1 to 1/15 sec. With class F bulbs (X) 1 to 1/15sec. With focal plane bulbs (FP) 1/60 to 1/1000sec.
Hot shoe socket : Built in .Easy to attach accessory shoe 1 available.
Viewfinder: Pent prism type wide-version finder shows 97% of the actual picture field. Exposure meter needle .
Viewfinder magnification : 0,92 at infinity with 50mm lens.
Viewfinder apparent field of view: 23 º30º & 35 º
Focusing screens : 1-13 micro prism/split image-matte type provided. Interchangeable with any 13 additional screens.
Reflex mirror: Oversize , quick return type with mirror lock-up control.
Film loading : Olympus easy loading.
Film advance: Manual Ratchet type film advance . May be advanced in one stroke or several short strokes for a total of 150 ºrotation, pre-advance angle 30 º. Built-in prevention against double advance with double exposure override .
Exposure counter: Progressive type from “S” to 36 and “E” (end). Counter automatically resets to S when camera back is opened.
Film rewinding : Rewind crank with automatic resetting rewind release lever.
Exposure Measurement: Two highly sensitive CDS cells located on either side of the eyepiece provide through-the-lens open aperture light measurement. Zero-method with needle visible in the finder..On -off switch located at top of camera.
Exposure range : EV 2-17 (ASA 100 with f1.4 50mm lens )
Battery: 1,35 volt mercury battery MR9 (Eveready or Ucar ) EPX625. Mallory PX625.
Film speed range : ASA 25-1600.
Self timer : 4-12 seconds delay lever type : can be stopped and reset after actuation.
Camera back ; Removable hinge type . Interchangeable with Recordata Back 2-3 and 250 film back 1.
Hot shoe socket : Built in. Easy to attach Accessory Shoe 1 Supplied.
Lens accessory size : 49mm threaded fore F1.8 and F1.4 lenses : 55mm threaded for F1.2 lens.
Dimensions & Weights : With F1.8 lens : 136mm x 83mm x 81mm.
This camera comes with a original M-1 system 50mm F1.8 lens.
Angle of view : 47 º
Angle of View : 47 º.
Optical construction : 6 elements in 4 groups.
Diaphragm operation : Automatic.
F-stop range :1.8~16.
Minimum Focus : 0,45m (17.7).
Minimum field size : 16 x 24 cm. (6.3 x 9.4 ).
Focusing : Straight helicoids.
Weight : 165 grams ( 5.8).
Length : 32mm (1.3)
Maximum diameter: 61mm. ( 2.4)
Filter : 49mm Ø.
Notes: Uses a 51mm slide-on type of lens hood.
Filter diameter is the standard 49mm.
Suitable focusing screens : 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-10, 1-13 and 1-14.
Genuine Gauss type construction contributes to stable performance. A fine all-round performer , made still more convenient by the compact , lightweight format.
