The Olympus Pen FT is a unique and highly sought-after camera, renowned as the world’s smallest interchangeable lens 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera of its time. Designed by the legendary Yoshihisa Maitani, the Pen FT uses the Half-Frame format, allowing you to capture 72 images on a standard 36-exposure roll of film, effectively halving your film costs!

This model features a sleek, minimalist design with a signature rotary metal focal-plane shutter and an integrated un-coupled TTL (Through-The-Lens) light meter for precise exposure readings (using a unique numbering system). The camera comes complete with the compact and sharp F.Zuiko Auto-S 38mm f/1.8 standard lens, which provides a classic normal field of view.

A unique piece of local history, this camera bears an original sticker indicating it was Supplied by Whysall's in Durban, South Africa.

Technical Specifications (Olympus Pen FT)

• Film Format: 35mm Half-Frame (18mm x 24mm portrait orientation)
• Lens Mount: Olympus Pen F Mount (Unique Bayonet)
• Standard Lens: F.Zuiko Auto-S 38mm f/1.8 (Approx. 55mm equivalent in full-frame)
• Shutter: Unique Rotary Focal Plane Shutter
• Shutter Speed Range: B, 1/8 to 1/500 sec (Full flash sync at all speeds)
• Metering: Un-coupled TTL CdS Meter (requires 1.3V battery, often non-functional with modern cells)
• Film Advance: Single Stroke Lever
• Inclusions: Eveready Leather Case and 43mm UV filter.

Condition Report

The camera is in Very Good (VG) cosmetic condition and appears mechanically sound.

• Mechanism: The film advance and shutter firing mechanisms are functional. The shutter fires at all speeds, though accuracy is untested.
• Cosmetic: The chrome top plate shows minor brassing on the edges and light surface marks. The black textured covering is intact.
• Optics: The 38mm f/1.8 F.Zuiko lens is clean and clear; no fungus, haze, or deep scratches are visible. The aperture blades are clean and snappy. The viewfinder is dirty.
• Note on Meter: Due to the obsolete 1.3V mercury battery requirement, the built-in light meter is not guaranteed to be accurate or functional with modern batteries. We recommend using an external light meter.