5 frames with an Olympus Pen F – By Tobias Eriksson

This camera kit is an amalgamation of two SLR systems. I really like the half-frame format, for its economy of film use and the grain, particularly with b&w film. I am also a happy owner of two tank-sized SLRs with m42 mount and lenses for them. What could be better than to use the only tiny SLR out there mounted with my great lenses?

An adapter was a bit on the expensive side – still I got it; and I would advise you to buy a Pen F body from a photography business, or you may first end up with a useless ‘medical’ purpose F, as I did. Hammerite paint actually sticks to the cover and it looks way cooler in black, don’t you think?

Now I have a very compact SLR. The shutter is far from quiet and the rectangular shutter release in its recess takes some time to get used to. Additionally, it’s a double-stroke winder, which serves to remind me of the impressive age of the camera. It is a very uncomplicated camera which lacks even light metering and ASA/ISO information.


My first (second half of a migrated) roll was exposed in grim early December. Even in the light of day 200 ASA is too slow for comfortable exposures in this clime (southern Sweden). But despite this I did manage to capture some details from this rocky fishing town of past glories. The lens is a less than loved (by connoisseurs) Soligor 35 mm, which I chose mostly for its small size. For half-frame format a 35 mm equals 53 mm on full frame. Film is Fuji 200 ASA.

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2 thoughts on “5 frames with an Olympus Pen F – By Tobias Eriksson”

  1. Hi

    I noticed that your Pen F is black. I have a black F also. Repainted. I prefer the brighter finder to that of the FT.

    Your images are quite distinctive. Did you try the Oly 38mm std lens for the camera..it’s pretty good too.

  2. Hi! Yes I painted it with Hammerite black paint. It chips quite easily but I don’t mind. I too like the bright finder. Now I have a couple of smaller lenses. One fitted om my M42 adapter, the other a modded one from a compact camera. Check out my blog link at the bottom of the post.

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