Olympus Pen

Olympus Pen | S/N: 128487 with D.Zuiko 2.8cm f/3.5

Good Condition | Half-Frame Film Camera | The Original Pocket-Sized Masterpiece

The Olympus Pen is a masterfully engineered half-frame camera, representing the very beginning of the revolution that made 35mm photography truly portable. Designed by the legendary Yoshihisa Maitani, it is celebrated for its ultra-compact design that allows for 72 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll of film. This unit (S/N: 128487) features the sharp D.Zuiko 2.8cm (28mm) f/3.5 lens, an optic famous for its edge-to-edge clarity and characterful rendering. With its robust all-metal construction and high-quality mechanical Copal shutter, the Olympus Pen provides the mechanical soul and analog brilliance required for a pure, tactile street photography experience.

Key Features

• Iconic half-frame format, doubling your photo count to 72 shots per roll

• Sharp D.Zuiko 2.8cm f/3.5 lens with a wide-angle perspective (approx. 40mm equivalent)

• Fully mechanical operation—requires no batteries for the shutter or aperture

• High-quality Copal shutter with speeds up to 1/200s

• Ultra-compact "palm-sized" industrial design, perfect for everyday carry

• Simple and intuitive zone focusing system for rapid "snap" photography

• Durable, all-metal chassis with a premium mid-century aesthetic

Introductory Paragraph The Olympus Pen is the definitive choice for the enthusiast who values the "less is more" philosophy of analog photography. This specific unit is a standout because it is the original, fully manual model that started the entire Pen craze, offering a level of mechanical purity that later automated models lack. The Olympus optics are famous for their high contrast and sharpness, ensuring that even though the negative is half the size, the detail remains professional and impressive. Because it is a purely mechanical instrument with no light meter to fail, it serves as an incredibly reliable tool for photographers who want to master the art of "sunny 16" and manual exposure. Whether you are creating cinematic diptychs or simply want a camera that fits in your pocket, this Pen provides the optical brilliance and mechanical character that made it a global icon.

Condition Report Good condition. The Olympus camera body (S/N: 128487) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its age. The D.Zuiko lens is optically clear; free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The mechanical shutter fires correctly at all speeds, and the aperture blades are clean and snappy. The film advance and rewinding mechanisms have been tested and are in good working order.

Specialist Note "The original Olympus Pen is a triumph of design. What I love about this model is how it forces you to think differently about your shots—with 72 frames, you feel a wonderful sense of freedom to experiment. It’s a rugged, honest piece of Japanese engineering that feels much more expensive than it is. The 2.8cm lens has a beautiful, classic look that modern glass can't replicate. For anyone looking for the ultimate 'slow photography' tool that fits in a pocket, the original Pen is a top-tier choice."

What's Included

• Olympus Pen Half-Frame Camera (S/N: 128487)

• Integrated D.Zuiko 2.8cm f/3.5 Lens

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Olympus

• Model: Pen (Original)

• Camera Type: Compact Film Camera

• Film Format: 35mm (Half-Frame 18x24mm)

• Lens: D.Zuiko 2.8cm f/3.5

• Shutter: Copal (B, 1/25s – 1/200s)

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Compact Film Camera

• Battery Type: None (Fully Mechanical)