Olympus Pen (Original Viewfinder Model) | S/N: 163431

Olympus Pen (Original Viewfinder Model) | S/N: 163431

Good Condition | Half-Frame Film Camera | The Masterpiece of Minimalist Design

The Olympus Pen is a masterfully engineered half-frame camera, celebrated as the revolutionary design that brought high-quality photography to the masses in a pocket-sized form. Designed by the legendary Yoshihisa Maitani, it is the camera that started the "half-frame" movement, allowing for 72 exposures on a standard 36-exposure roll. Featuring the exceptionally sharp Olympus D.Zuiko 28mm f/3.5 lens, it is prized for its ability to deliver professional-grade resolution in a chassis no larger than a modern smartphone. With its elegant all-metal construction and intuitive thumb-wheel advance, the Pen provides the mechanical soul and analog brilliance that defined the golden age of Japanese compact cameras.

Key Features

• Sharp Olympus D.Zuiko 28mm f/3.5 lens (4 elements in 3 groups)

• Half-frame format, yielding 72 shots on a single 35mm film roll

• Fully mechanical operation: requires no batteries for shutter or transport

• Compact, "shirt-pocket" design with a durable all-metal industrial finish

• Unique rear-mounted thumb-wheel for rapid film advancement

• Versatile shutter speeds ranging from 1/25s to 1/200s plus Bulb

• Bright, clear viewfinder with a natural wide-angle perspective

Introductory Paragraph The Olympus Pen is the definitive choice for the analog purist who values mechanical simplicity and iconic industrial design. This specific unit (S/N: 163431) is a standout because it represents the original viewfinder vision of the Pen series, emphasizing a tactile, hands-on connection to photography without the reliance on automated meters. The 28mm lens provides a natural perspective (approximately 40mm in full-frame terms), making it a versatile tool for street photography, travel, and daily documentation. Because it is a fully mechanical instrument, it serves as an incredibly reliable companion that will never fail due to a dead battery. Whether you are creating artistic diptychs or simply enjoying the economy of film, this Olympus provides the optical brilliance and timeless character that revolutionized the 35mm market.

Condition Report Good condition. The Olympus camera body (S/N: 163431) 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 shutter has been tested and fires accurately across all speeds. The thumb-wheel film advance is smooth and firm, and the viewfinder provides a clear composition. The film chamber and pressure plate are clean.

Specialist Note "The original Pen is a triumph of 'less is more.' What I love about this model is the purity of the experience—there are no electronics to distract you, just aperture, shutter speed, and focus. It’s a rugged, honest piece of Japanese engineering that feels much more substantial than its small size suggests. For anyone looking to understand why Olympus became a powerhouse in the camera world, the original Pen is the foundational piece. It produces images with a beautiful vintage contrast that modern digital sensors just can't replicate."

What's Included

• Olympus Pen 35mm Half-Frame Camera (S/N: 163431)

• Integrated Olympus D.Zuiko 28mm 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 28mm f/3.5

• Shutter Speeds: 1/25s – 1/200s + B

• Category: 1. Cameras ▸ Compact Film Camera