Olympus OM-2
Olympus OM-2 – A Groundbreaking 35mm SLR with TTL Direct Light Metering
FILM CAMERAS
3/15/20252 min read

Olympus OM-2 – A Groundbreaking 35mm SLR with TTL Direct Light Metering
The Olympus OM-2 revolutionized the world of 35mm SLR photography upon its release, thanks to its groundbreaking TTL Direct (Off-the-Film) Light Metering System. This unique technology delivered unprecedented exposure accuracy, quickly making the OM-2 a beloved tool for both professional and amateur photographers alike.
### A Revolutionary Approach to Metering
Unlike traditional camera systems, the OM-2 measures light directly from the film surface itself. This "off-the-film" metering approach ensures exceptional exposure accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, setting the OM-2 apart as a reliable and precise photographic instrument.
### Key Features of the Olympus OM-2
- TTL Direct (Off-the-Film) Metering: Innovative metering technology that delivers precise automatic exposures by directly measuring reflected light from the film plane.
- Full Manual Exposure Control: Easily switch between automatic and manual modes with a simple lever, offering photographers complete creative freedom.
- Compact & Lightweight Design: Staying true to the renowned compact and ergonomic philosophy of Olympus' OM series, the OM-2 is highly portable and ideal for travel and street photography.
- Zuiko Lens Compatibility: Fully compatible with Olympus OM Zuiko lenses, renowned for their superior optical sharpness and beautiful image rendering.
- Versatile & Dependable: Built to cater to both amateur photography and demanding professional applications, including scientific and technical photographic work.
- Excellent Low-Light & Long Exposure Performance: Precise long-exposure calculations made possible by the TTL Direct metering, making it an excellent choice for astrophotography, night scenes, and low-light conditions.
### Why the Olympus OM-2 Remains Iconic
The OM-2 didn't just improve upon existing technology; it established new benchmarks for what photographers could expect from an SLR camera. Its combination of portability, groundbreaking exposure precision, and compatibility with high-quality lenses made it a go-to choice for a wide array of photographic disciplines—from candid street photography to precise scientific documentation.
### Final Thoughts
Today, the Olympus OM-2 stands as a testament to timeless photographic innovation. Whether you're a film photography enthusiast, professional shooter, or collector, the OM-2's unique blend of reliability, compactness, and technological sophistication continues to make it an appealing and practical choice.
### Olympus OM-2 Specifications
- Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR)
- Lens Mount: Olympus OM Mount
- Metering System: TTL Direct (Off-the-Film) metering
- Exposure Modes: Automatic aperture-priority and manual exposure
- Shutter Speeds: Automatic: Stepless from 120 sec to 1/1000 sec; Manual: 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb
- ISO/ASA Range: ISO 12 - 1600
- Viewfinder: Pentaprism, 97% coverage, 0.92x magnification
- Focusing: Manual
- Flash Sync: 1/60 sec
- Film Advance: Manual lever advance
- Dimensions: Approximately 136mm × 83mm × 50mm
- Weight: Approximately 520g (body only)
- Power Source: Two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (SR44) or equivalent