Page 2
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.
Preparations for Taking Pictures The OM-88 is designed primarily for use with Olympus AF Lenses and 50mm F2.0 PF Lens. (Regarding the instructions for use of conventional OM Lenses, refer to page 17.)
Do not use different kinds of batteries or new and old batteries at the same time. If you are not likely to use the camera for an extended period of time, remove the batteries. Before changing the batteries, set the mode dial at "OFF". Open the battery compartment cover by sliding the knob in the lower part of the grip.
Always check the batteries after inserting new batteries, when shooting in cold weather, or if the camera has not been used for a long lime. Set the mode dial at "CHECK". Checking the Batteries The audible and visual signals will tell you that the batteries have enough power.
Remove the rear lens cap and the body cap. Remove the front lens cap. Mounting the Lens (if you are using an OM lens, refer to page 17.) Align the red dots on the body and the lens as shown, push in the lens and turn it slowly clockwise until it locks.
Taking Photographs 1 The OM-88 is so designed to allow everyone to enjoy the fascinating world of SLR photography with ease. This chapter explains its basic procedure how to take programmed exposure pictures (see page 34 for details).
Loading the Film Loading and film-speed selection for DX film arc automatic. Set the mode dial at "P". Make sure you are using a DX coded film, This camera does not accept non-DX coded films.
Page 10
Open the camera back by sliding the release knob. Align the film leader with the red mark and insert the sprocket teeth in the film perforations. Avoiding direct sunlight, inset the film cartridge. Take care not to touch the shutter curtain with your finger or the film leader.
Page 11
Close the camera back. The camera will automatically advance the film and the exposure counter will show "1". When the film is incorrectly loaded, the camera will warn you with audible and visual signals. Reload the film. * If the mode dial is at "OFF", the film will not advance.
Set the mode dial at "P". Look through the viewfinder and aim the camera at your subject. Taking Photographs blinks the shutter will trip at 1/60 sec. or a slower. In this case, use flash or mount the camera on a tripod. (Lightly press the shutter release if the viewfinder display doesn't show.
Page 13
When the dial is turned to the right, the lens When turned to the left, the lens focuses on focuses on closer subjects. farther subject. * The speed of the lens movement changes in accordance with a rotation speed of the dial. Depress the shutter release.
Make sure the film has come to its end. Press the rewind button. The film will be rewound automatically. Rewinding the Film Film rewinding is also automatic. When the end of film is reached, the motor whir stops midway, and if the shutter release is depressed, the camera will warn you with audible and visual signals.
Taking Photographs II The OM-88 is designed primarily for use with Olympus AF Lens and 50mm F2.0 PF lens, but you can also use conventional OM Lenses with it. This chapter explains various functions which expand your picture-taking possibilities, and how...
Using the backlight control button If your subject stands against a bright background, the main subject in the front will turn out dark. The main subject will turn out beautifully exposed, almost unaffected by the bright background. While pressing the backlight control button, depress the shutter release.
Mount the camera on a tripod or other steady surface. Focus on your subject with the power focus dial. Audible and visual signals will let you know that the self-timer has started. Using the self-timer While pressing the self-timer button depress the shutter release The shutter will trip after 12 seconds, the audible signal will change its tone two...
With OM Lenses, the camera will always take pictures in the aperture-priority auto exposure mode when the mode dial is set at P, A or M. (See page 44 for details) Mount the Lens. Align the red dots and turn the lens slowly until it locks.
Page 19
Focus on the subject by turning the focus ring on the lens barrel and depress the shutter release. * The lens will not move by turning the power focus dial. To dismount the lens, press the button on the lens side, hold it there and turn the lens until it detaches.
Taking Photographs III (flash photography) The OM-88 incorporates a "OTF" Program (refer to page 37) mode for controlling T-series flashes (T18, T20 and T32 etc.) and the Full-Synchro Flash F280. Taking flash pictures with it is very easy without troublesome settings. This chapter explains the procedure for shooting with these flash units, especially with T18.
Using T-series Electronic Flashes (T18, T20 and T32) Set the mode dial on the camera to "P ". (Sec page 36 for details.) Mount the flash onto the accesory shoe, and secure with lock-screw. * If you are using a T20 or T32, set the calculator panel so that "full automatic control by OM-2 is displayed.
Page 22
Make sure the flash is fully charged. If the mark turns on and indicates 1/60 sec. or slower), the flash is ready to fire. Check for correct exposure. blinks to indicate correct exposure. indicates under-exposure. Depress the shutter release. Blinks (it The flash shooting range differs with the lens' maximum-aperture and shooting conditions.
Using the Full-Synchro Flash F280 The Full-Synchro Flash F280 allows you to take flash pictures In the "OTF" auto mode. However, the super FP flash mode cannot be used. Set the mode dial on the camera to "P". Mount the F280 onto the accesory shoe and secure with the lock-screw.
Page 24
Make sure the flash is fully charged. If the mark turns on and indicates of 1/60 sec. or slower), the flash is ready to fire. Check for correct exposure. blinks to indicate correct exposure. indicates under-exposure. Depress the shutter release. blinks (it The flash shooting range differs with the maximum-aperture and shooting...
Taking Photographs IV Using the OM-88 with the Manual Adapter 2 In combination with the Manual Adapter 2. the OM-S8 permits aperture-priority auto exposure and manual exposure to develop it to a high-grade SLR suited for creative photography. This chapter explains mainly how to use the Manual Adapter 2.
Mounting the Manual Adapter 2 Remove the Manual Adapter contact cover. When the Manual Adapter is not mounted, keep the contact cover on the camera. Align the contacts, mount the Manual Adapter 2 and tighten the screw with a coin.
Set the mode dial at "A". will turn on in the viewfinder. Example: Lens used: AF Zoom 35- 70mm F3.5-4.5 Desired Aper- ture: F8 Aperture-priority auto exposure 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.
Page 28
blinks, it means that the shutter speed will be 1/60 sec. or slower. In this case, change the aperture; or mount the camera on a tripod or use flash. Focus on the subject with the power focus dial and depress the shutter release. If the mode dial is set at "P", pictures are taken in the programmed exposure mode.
Set the mode dial at "M". The manual exposure indication will be displayed in the viewfinder. Manual exposure Choose the aperture and shutter speed by rotating the dials on the Manual Adapter. (Align your desired aperture on the aperture setting dial with the indicated aperture closest to the maximum aperture of the lens you are using.
Page 30
If the indicator turns on (+0.5 — + 1.5EV) or blinks (over +1.5EV), your subject will be overexposed. Focus the lens and depress the shutter release. If the indicator turns on (—0.5 — -1.5EV) or blinks (under -1.5EV), your subject will be underexposed.
Bulb exposure Set the mode dial at "M". Set the shutter speed dial to "B" and depress and hold the shutter release. (The shutter will remain open while the shutter release is depressed.) The manual exposure indicator will not be displayed in the viewfinder.
Using conventional auto flash units If you use non-dedicated conventional auto flash units other than T-saries flashes and the F280, it is necessary to use a Manual Adapter 2. The flash will not fire without it when used with an AF lens. Set the mode dial at "M".
Page 33
Set the shutter speed dial to "X". Turn on the flash's main switch, make sure the flash is fully charged, and shoot. will not be activated in the viewfinder when used with non-dedicated conventional auto flash units.
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.
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.
Page 36
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.
Page 37
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. If a shutter speed faster than 1/60 sec. has...
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. This method was pioneered by Olympus. 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.
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.
Page 41
Procedure for manual exposure If you set the mode dial at "M", you can choose your desired shutter speed and aperture for manual exposure. To set exposure, turn the shutter speed and aperture dials while checking correct exposure in the viewfinder. You can enjoy various photographic effects such as blurred effects with slow shutter speeds, action-freezing effects with high shutter speeds, and aperture effects (depth-of-field effects) for portraits on a blurred background.
Page 42
Using aperture effects If you want a blurred background, open up the aperture; and on the contrary, if you want a sharp background, stop down the aperture. Using shutter speed effects If you want an action-freezing effect on a fast-moving object, choose a faster shutter speed; and if you want to express a sense of motion by a blurring effect, choose a slower shutter speed.
50mm F2.0 PF AF Macro 50mm F2.8 AF Zoom 35-70mm F3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 35-105mm F3.5-4.5 AF Zoom 70-210mm F3.5-4.5 OM-88 system Manual Adapter 2 Electronic Flash T18 Full-Synchro Flash F280 Recordata Back TTL Auto Cord F 0.6m...
Notes on the OM-88 with current OM System Units * Auto Extension Tube 7/14/25 and Telescopic Auto Extension Tube 65-116 can be used only with OM lenses, focused in the conventional manner. * When using the Telescopic Auto Extension Tube 65/116 the tripod mount should first be removed.
Lenses, including such special lenses as fisheye, super telephoto, macro, and teleconverter lenses. If you use a conventional OM Lens on the OM-88 , it will automatically select the aperture-priority auto exposure mode. If you choose your desired aperture on the aperture ring of the lens, the OM-88 will automatically set a shutter speed which provides correct exposure according to the brightness of the subject.
Do not drop the camera to the hard surface. Do not allow fingers to contact the mirror. Care and Storage Do not use thinner, Do not expose the benzine or organic camera to rain shower solvents to clean the and water. camera.
Page 47
(below -10°C or 14°) Do not leave the camera near the magnetic fields, like on the top of TV set, or radio In case of malfunction, take the camera to your nearest Olympus service station.
Q: The display in the viewfinder turned off when I was shooting. A: The display will automatically turn off in 30 seconds because the OM-88 is designed to save power. If you want to turn it on again, depress the shutter release lightly.
Page 49
center to the edges. Q: How do I clean the camera? A: Dust, moisture and salt are the enemies of the camera and lens. After carrying the camera in the rain or in a fog, wipe it dry. After taking pictures at the seaside, soak a cloth in fresh water, wring it free of water and wipe off salt on the camera, then clean it thoroughly.
Film Format: 24 x 36mm Lens Mount: Olympus OM Mount (designed for Olympus AF Lenses and 50mm F2.0 PF lens). Lens: Olympus AF Lenses, 50mm F2.0 PF lens, and OM Lenses. Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertical-travel focal plane shutter; Shutter speed: 2 —...
Manual Adapter 2 Specifications System application: OM-88 Mounting: Screwed onto the camera. Electrical Connection with Camera: Cordless, direct contact. Shutter Speed Setting: By rotary dial. Setting range: X (1/80 sec.), B, 2 — 1/2000 sec. (1-step increments) (Automatic flash switch-off with shutter speeds of 1 /125 sec.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 88 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers