User manual OLYMPUS OM-88

[. . . ] This newly developed automatic SLR camera features an advanced power focus system, programmed exposure control and an automatic film handling system to let you take beautiful pictures with ease. Further, if you use this new type of programmed SLR camera with a Manual Adapter 2, it also permits aperture-priority automatic exposure and manual exposure to give you the possibility of creative visual expressions that are possible only with an SLR. Anyone can enjoy taking pictures with it very easily -- not only simple snapshots, but also highly sophisticated pictures. Before using the camera, please study this instruction manual carefully with the OM-88 in front of you, so that you can get the very best performance and service life from your new camera. Symbols used in this manual 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Preparations for Taking Pictures . [. . . ] The will turn on in the viewfinder. Example: Lens used: AF Zoom 3570mm F3. 5-4. 5 Desired Aperture: F8 26 Align your desired aperture on the aperture setting dial with the indicated aperture (F2, 2. 8 or 4) closest to the maximum aperture of the lens you are using. If blinks, it means that the shutter speed will be 1/60 sec. will not be activated in the viewfinder when used with non-dedicated conventional auto flash units. 32 To take better photographs: If you want to improve your pictures or refine your picture-taking techniques, it is important to understand your camera well. The following pages have been compiled to help you use for more sophisticated techniques. Please read them to master these techniques. 33 Programmed exposure The programmed exposure control system lets you shoot at any moment you like, because the camera automatically selects the optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture for you according to the brightness of the subject. Freed from the need of complicated exposure settings which require photo knowledge and experience, the photographer can concentrate his attention through the viewfinder. To take pictures, you need only mount an AF or PF Lens on the camera and set the mode dial at "P". Whether the subject is bright or dark, the camera will always provide ideal exposure. Even if you move suddenly from a dark place to a bright place, the camera will immediately react to insure correct exposure. The program enables even beginners to use the full functions of this SLR from the very beginning. 34 Standard program diagram The OM-88 permits programmed exposure only when an Olympus AF or PF Lens is mounted on it. The standard program diagram shows that while the aperture is fixed at the maximum aperture (1. 8) with shutter of 1/60 sec. or slower, the aperture and shutter speed vary at a 45 slope with shutter speeds faster than 1/60 sec. 35 [E] Shutter speed [E] Aperture Diagram of the programmed flash control Used with a T-series flash (T18, T20, or T32 etc. ) or Full-Synchro Flash F280, the OM -88 is designed to control the flash on the basis of the direct "OTF" program. has been selected by the camera according to the brightness of the subject, it will take picture in the ordinary programmed exposure mode without firing the flash. or slower, the aperture will be automatically shifted 1 stop below the maximum aperture of the lens used and the shutter speed will be fixed at 1/80 sec. The flash will then be controlled by the direct "OTF" method. This method allows an easier operation of sophisticated photographic techniques such as bounce and diffused flash. [E] Shutter speed 36 [E] Aperture TTL Direct "OTF" Light Metering The OM-88 uses a direct "OTF" metering method which is suited for metering on a wide range of subjects. It can measure the brightness of the subject directly on the film plane and control the exposure on a real time basis. Since it can quickly react to any changes of light during exposure, it is convenient for shooting not only stationary objects, but also fast-moving objects. It also simplifies macro photography which has been considered difficult with regard to exposure determinations. Further, in combination with T-series flash units (T18, T20 and T32 etc. ) or an F280, it allows you to take flash pictures easily in a fully automatic manner, including such sophisticated technologies as bounce or diffuse flash pictures. 37 Display in the viewfinder Microprism/split-image circle Flash ready light (turns on) Correct exposure (blinking signal) Programmed mode (turns on) Camera shake warning (blinks) Auto mode (turns on) Camera shake warning (blinks) Manual mode Correct exposure ( turns on) ( turns on) blinks) Overexposure +0. 5 -- +1. 5 EV ( Underexposure-0. 5 -- -1. 5 E V ( under-l. SEV ( over + l . 5 E V turns on) blinks) 38 Using the Manual Adapter 2 The OM-88 permits aperture-priority auto exposure and manual exposure in combination with an optional Manual Adapter 2. Procedure for aperture-priority auto exposure In this mode, the photographer chooses a desired aperture according to the shooting conditions and the camera automatically sets a shutter speed which provides correct exposure. You need only set the mode dial at "A" and select your desired aperture. This mode provides for more creative composition by utilizing the depth-of-field control of a lens. [. . . ] Can I turn the rotary part at the front edge of the lens with my hand?Do not try to turn it by force, because the internal gear may be damaged. (1) When you take flash pictures, the camera will automatically switch off the flash with faster shutter speeds than 1/60 sec. (2) Are you trying to fire the flash before the unit has been recharged? [. . . ]