Olympus 4TI, OM-4T Instructions Manual

INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing the OLYMPUS OM-4T . This new SLR camera employs
titanium — a metal lighter and 6 times stronger than aluminum — in the construction
of the main part of the body. It is the world's first 35 mm single lens reflex camera
equipped with Multi Spot Metering and our new Full Synchro Flash System.
This camera has been designed to facilitate serious photography with professional-

level techniques including daylight synchro-flash photography, all with a minimum

of effort: Its aim is to expand the sphere of creative photography. We recommend

that before using the camera, you read this instruction manual carefully, confirming
the instructions on the camera so that you can get the very best performance and

service life from your ne w camera.

Note: All the components of the Olympus OM-4T are carefully designed and their production and

assembly is strictly controlled to enhance the unmatched performance of the system. If any inter­changeable lenses, flashes, or accessories other than Olympus products are used, Olympus cannot
be responsible for poor results or damage of th e OM-4T .

Correct

Incorrect

Operation

Operation order

Automatic
operation

Two-step operation

Attention

Press

lightly

Lamp on

Lamp blinking

Continuous
sound

Intermittent
sound

Reference

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

< Preparations before Taking Pictures >

Dioptric

Correction

...............

4

Mounting

the

Lens

................

6

Loading

the

Batteries

..............

8

Checking

the

Batteries

..............

9

Loading

the

Film

.................

11

Setting

the ISO

Film

Speed

...........

15

< Taking Photographs (I) >

— Automatic Exposure —

TTL

Direct

Light

Metering

...........

18

Rewinding

the

Film

...............

22

< Taking Photographs (I I) >

— Automatic Exposure —

How to Use the

Spot

Measurement

......

25

How to

Clear

the

Spot

Metering

........

28

How to Use the "Multi-Spot Measurement"

Mode

.......................

29

Highlight

Control

.................

32

Shadow

Control

.................

35

< Taking Photographs (III) >

— Automatic Exposure —
How to Use the Exposure Memory

Lock

System

..................

39

< Taking Photographs (IV) >

— Manual Exposure —

How to Take Picture on Center-

Weighted,

Averaged

Metering

.........

44

How to Use the

Spot

Measurement

......

46

< Taking Photographs (V) >

— Flash Photography —

Taking Daylight Synchro-Flash Photographs

(Super

FP

Flash

Mode)

............

50

< Other Operations >

Using

the

Self-Timer ...............

55

Exposure

Compensation ............. 56

Bulb

Exposure ..................

57

How to Shoot when the Batteries

are

Exhausted

.................. 58

Using

the

Viewfinder

Illuminator .......

60

How to Turn Off the Beeper

..........

61

Changing

the

Focusing

Screen .........

62

Changing

the

Camera

Back ...........

64

Attaching

the

Grip

................ 65

Handling

Care

................... 66

Description

of

Controls

............. 68

Specifications ................... 72

2

< Preparations before Taking Pictures >

3

Dioptric Correction

The OM-4T permits dioptric adjustment according to you r eyesight.

Remove the body cap.

4

Pull out the diopter adjustment knob.

Turn and adjust the knob so that the matscreen

appears sharp.

Push

the

knob

back

in

until

it

locks.

5

Mounting t h e Lens

Remove the rear lens cap.

Align the red dots and rotate the lens clock-

wise

until

it

locks.

6

Remove the front lens cap. (Press in the mount

tabs on the edges of the lens cap parallel with

"OLYMPUS").

Press

the

lens

release

button

and

turn

the

lens

counter-clockwise.

Removing the Lens:

7

Loading t h e Batteries

Do not use different types of batteries or new and old batteries at t he same time. If you are not

likely to use the camera for a long period of time, remove the batteries before putting it away.

Remove the battery cover.

8

Wipe battery surfaces clean. Make sure that +

signs are facing upwards.

Checking the Batteries

Always check the batteries after inserting new batteries, when shooting in cold weather, or if the

camera has not been used for a long time.

9

Rotate the mode selector dial to the "BATTERY

CHECK" position.

The

audible

and

visual

signals

will

tell

you

that
the batteries have enough power. As the battery
power weakens, the signals will become intermittent
then vanish completely when they are exhausted.

Replace the batteries.

10

After the check, set back the dial.

When

checking

the

batteries,

the

audible

and

visual

signals

will

automatically

turn

off in 30

seconds.

If you

then

press

the

shutter

release,

the

shutter

will

trip

in the

auto

exposure

mode.

Loading the Film

11

Pull up on the rewind knob to open the camera

back.

Tear off the top of the film box and insert it
into the memo holder. It will remind you which film
you are using.

Insert the cartridge and push dow n th e film re-

wind knob. (Always load the film in the shade.)

12

Insert the film leader into the take-up spool.

Wind

the

film

and

make

sure

the

sprocket

teeth

catch both the upper and lower film perforations.

Ta ke up the slac k by turning the rewind crank

clockwise.

13

Close

the

camera

back

until

it

clicks

into

place.

Face the camera toward light and take two

blind shots. This will bring the film to the first frame.

14

Setting the ISO Film Speed

Lift up the outer collar and rotate until the

ISO speed appears in the window.

Film speed

15

Align the exposure line A with the index B .

If the exposure compensation dial does not turn to the

desired ISO number, set it onc e at an intermediate value then

repeat the procedure.

16

The OM-4T enables aperture-preferred automatic exposure on TTL direct light metering

(center-weighted,

averaged

light

metering).

This

mode

can be

used

for

most

of the

subjects
under normal conditions — when shooting with the sun behind you, when the subject
contrast is not too strong, and so forth.

< Taking Photographs ( I) >

— Automatic Exposure —

17

TT L Direct Light Metering

Aperture-preferred automatic exposure allows you to take pictures by utilizing the lens depth of

field effect (b lu r r ed background, for example). P. 95

Set the mode selector lever to the "AUTO"

position.

18

Reference
P. 117

Set the aperture.

Basic aperture settings;

Press

the

shutter

release

lightly

to

activate

the

viewfinder display.

The ba r tip indicates the shutter speed.

19

Focus on your subject.

Press

the

shutter

release

to

take

the

picture.

A

built-in

battery

conserver

turns

off the

viewfinder

dis-

play after 120 sec.

20

If you see an overexposure warning signal

("OVER" blinks), set the aperture to a larger number.

If the shutter speed is t oo slow, set the aperture

to smaller number to prevent camera shake.

21

Rewinding the Film

When the exposure counter indicates the end

of your roll of film.

Push the "R" button.

22

Fold out the rewind crank and wind it until

the film tension is released.

Open the camera back by pulling up on the

rewind knob and remove the film.

23

The spot metering system of the OM-4T enables you to control the exposure as you like. It
insures perfect exposure of backlighted and high contrast subjects and expands shooting
possibilities in the a ut o m od e fo r m o r e creative photography.

Taking Photographs (I I)

— Automatic Exposure —

24

How to Use the Spot Measurement

Reference
P.

96-100

Align

the

microprism

area

with

the

area

you want to measure. (The spot metering range is
outlined by the outer edge of the microprism.)

Spot metering range

25

Press the spot button to take meter reading.

You will hear an electronic sound and the word

"SPOT" wil l appear in the viewfinder. The metered

value is displayed by the mark.

If you shift the camera, another mark will indicate the exposure value in the center of

the frame along with the spot metered value.

26

Press the shutter release to take the picture.

The subject will turn out correctly exposed,

regardless of the brightness of the background.

The

spot

metering

mode

will

be

automatically

cleared

after

the

shutter

has

tripped,

or

after

120

seconds

have

passed,

and it

will

return

to

the,

TTL

direct

light

metering

mode.

27

How t o Clear t h e Spot Metering

With the lever at "CLEAR", the mode will

return to TTL direct light metering.

"SPOT" and mark disappear.

28

How to Use the "Multi-Spot Measurement" Mode

Reference

P. 101-104

Spot metering is possible in up to 8 spots.

This sample photo shows a backlighted subject.

29

Take spot metering on the face (first spot).

Take spot metering on the ship in the back-

ground (second spot).

30

Compose your picture and press the shutter

release.

Both the subject and the background are

correctly exposed.

To cancel the metered value, operate the clear lever.

31

Highlight Control

If you want to render white objects in white...

Reference
P. 105-106

In ordinary shooting, white objects will turn

out grayish if the picture is taken in strong
brightness over the entire frame..

32

Take spot metering on the part of the subject

which you want to render in white.

Press

the HI.

LIGHT

button.

Exposure will be automatically corrected to give 2-step

overexposure.

33

Press the shutter release to t ake the picture.

The white object turns out white.

The highlight control is cleared by pressing the HI. LIGHT

button

once

again.

To

cancel

the

metered

value,

use the

clear

lever.

34

Shadow Control

Reference

P. 107-108

If you want to render black objetcts in black...

In ordinary shooting, black objects will turn

out grayish if it is very dark over the entire picture

frame.

35

Take spot metering on the spot which you want

to render in black.

Press

the

SHADOW

button.

Exposure will be automatically corrected to give 2 2/3-

step underexposure.

36

Press the shutter release t o take the picture.

The black object turns out black.

The shadow control is cleared by pressing the SHADOW
button once again. To cancel the metered value, use the clear
lever.

37

Taking Photographs (III)
— Automatic Exposure —

In automatic exposure, the same picture will be exposed with a very different exposure

value if it is taken in different backgrounds. The OM-4T has an exposure memory lock
system to solve this problem. It can be used in both the TTL direct metering and spot

metering modes. Once an exposure value stored in memory, it does not vary even if you

change the aperture (or shutter speed).

38

Ho w to Use th e Exposure Memory Lock System

The memory lock system is convenient for taking many pictures of the same subject in different

backgrounds or costumes.

Operate the lever to set up the memory mode.

The letters "MEMO" will appear in the viewfinder

and the memory signal will blink twice.

Reference
P. 109-110

39

Frame the composition as you desire.

The Exposure Value is Stored in Memory afte r

Shooting.

40

The memory will keep on f or 60 minutes after the shutter

has

tripped.

Change the composition and shoot.

The subject is exposed with the same exposure

value even if you change the composition.

41

To clear the memory, use the clear lever.

The memory is also cleared in the follow ing cases:

1. When a lens is mounted or dismounted.

2. When the mode lever is switched.

42

Taking Photographs ( IV )

— Manual Exposure —

The OM-4T permits manual exposure on center-weighted, averaged metering and spot
metering. It allows you to choose the optimum aperture and shutter speed whic h su it your

subject and ta st e.

43

How to Take Pictures on Center-Weighted, Averaged Metering

Set the mode selector dial to the "MANUAL"

position.

44

Set the bar graph tip to th e fixed point between

the arrows by adjusting the aperture and/or shutter

speed rings.

Fixed point

The

shutter

speed

you

have

set

will

be

displayed

in the viewfinder.

Shoot.

45

How to Use the Spot Measurement

Reference
P. 96-100

Align the microprism area with the area you

want to measure.

Spot metering range

46

Press

the

spot

button

to

take

meter

reading.

Set the bar graph tip to the fixed point between

the arrows by adjusting the aperture and/or shutter

speed rings.

The shutter speed you have set will be displayed

in the viewfinder.

47

Shoot.

The subject will turn out correctly exposed,

regardless of the brightness of the background.

It is also possible t o use the multi-spot metering, highlight control and shadow control. In any

case,

correct

exposure

is

obtained

by

simply

setting

the bar

graph

at the

fixed

point.

48

< Taking Photographs (V) >

— Flash Photography —

The OM-4T is the perfect companion for the world's first Full Synchro Flash F280. Profes-

sional standards are within the reach of every owner, even during daylight synchro — flash

photography — an area which has traditionally required considerable skill.

49

Taking Daylight Synchro-Flash Photographs (Super FP Flash Mode)

For OTF Au to using the Normal OTF F lash mode, re fer to the F280 instruction manual.

Slide

the

F280

into

the

accessory

shoe

and

secure it with the lock screw.

50

Turn t h e power sw i t ch ON .

Check the charge indicator.

Set the mode switch to SUPER FP.

51

Set the camera mode to AUTO.

Select an aperture that results in a shutter speed

faster than 1/60 sec. (for slower speeds consult the

F280 manual).

52

Press the shutter release.

Confirm a correct exposure by checking the

indicator.

53

< Other Operations >

54

Using th e Self-Timer

Push the lever down outward.

Press the shutter release to start the self-timer.

The shutter will fire in 12 seconds.

The

shutter

will

trip

immediately

if the

self-timer

lever

is

returned

while

it is

running.

55

Exposure Compensation

Reference
P. 116

When an exposure compensation is set, the

indicator lights in the viewfinder.

After shooting, return the dial to its original

position.

56

Bulb Exposure

Reference

P. 120

While pressing the "B" lock button, turn and

set the shutter speed dial to "B".

The display in the view finder disappears.

57

The

shutter

will

remain

open

as

long

as the

shut-

ter release bu t to n is h e l d depressed.

How to Shoot when the Batteries ar e Exhausted

If the batteries are exhausted and you do want to t ake pictures immediately, use the mechanical

shutter speed of 1/60 sec.

58

While

pressing

the "B"

lock

button,

rotate

the shutter ring to the red "60" position.

Shoot. The mechanical shutter will operate to

trip at 1 /60 sec.

You cannot use the motor drive, winders and flashes

with the mechanical shutter.

59

Using the Viewfinder Illuminator

Push the button if the viewfinder display is

too dar k to read.

60

How to Turn Of f the Beeper

To turn off the audible signal, push the lever to

the right (in the direction of the arrow).

You will no longer hear PCV sounds when turning on the spo t metering, highlight and shadow

controls, when operating the memory/clear lever, checking the batteries, or when mounting and

dismounting the lens.

61

Changing t h e Focusing Screen

Reference

P. 139-140

14 screens are available to cover a wide range of applications.

Pull d own the screen frame.

Pull the lug at top inside the body mount toward

you t o swing down th e screen frame.

62

To change the focusing screen, use the tweezers

supplied with an optional focusing screen. Push the

frame

upward

until

you

hear a click.

63

Changing the Camera Back

The camera back is interchangeable with the Recordata Back or 250 Film Back.

Open the camera back. Press down on the
camera back release button and remove the cam­era back.

P. 133

Removing

Attaching

64

Attaching the Grip

Attach the Camera Grip 1 (optional accessory).

When using a motor drive or winders, detach

the Grip.

65

Handling C ar e

Tak e c ar e in handling the camera.

Do not use extra force.

66

Storage Care

Battery Precaution

Guard against high temperatura and magnetic fields.

67

Description of Controls

1 Finder Light Window

2 CLEAR/MEMORY

Lever

3 Self-Timer/

Electronic

Beeper Muffling

Lever

4 Grip Lock Screw

5 Self-Timer/Battery Check Signal

6 TTL Auto Cord Socket

7 Shoulder Strap Eyelet

8 Lens

9 Lens Release Button

10 Depth of Field Scale

11 Aperture Ring

12 Focusing Ring

68

13 Automatic Clear Button

14 Accessory Shoe

15 Manual Shutter Speed Ring

16 Rewind Crank

17 Rewind Knob/

Camera Back

Release

22 HI. LIGHT Button

23 Viewfinder Illumination Button

24 MEMORY Indicator Lamp

25 SPOT Button

26 Shutter Release Button

18 Film Speed

Dial/Exposure

Compensation Dial

19 IS O/AS A Film Speed

Window

20 Mode Selector Lever

21 Dioptric Adjustment Knob

27 Exposure

Counter

28 Rewind Release Button

29 Film Advance Lever

30 SHADOW Button

31 Flash Control Contact

32 X Contact

33 Super FP Contact

69

34 Viewfinder Eyepiece Frame

35 Film Rewind Shaft

36 Film Chamber

37 Film Guide Pins

38 Sprocket

39 Film Take-up Spool

40 Camera Back Release Pin

41 Camera Back

42 Pressure Plate

44 Shutter Curtain

43 Film Cartrige Pressure Spring

45 Recordata Back Contact

70

52 Lens Mount Ring

53 Motor Guide Pin Hole

46 B Lock Button

47 Flash Synchronization Socket

48 Tripod Socket

49 Motor Coupling Terminals

50 Motor Coupling Socket

51 Battery Chamber

71

Specifications

Type: TTL auto-exposure 35mm SLR camera

Film Format: 24mm x 36mm
Lens mount: Olympus OM mount

Shutter: Electronically controlled cloth focal plane shutter; 1/2000 sec. max.

shutter speed; 1/60 sec. mechanical shutter speed

Synchronization: X contact (synchronization at speeds of 1/60 sec. or

slower); Super FP Flash contact; Hot shoe (with X and Super FP Flash
contacts); 5-pin connector for T-series flash, synchro socket fo r X

Light measuring method: Center-weighted, average light measurement,

switchable to spot measurement; spot measurement selective in 3 modes;
multi-spot, highlight-and shadow-based methods.

Automatic exposure control by averag e light measurement: TTL Direct "of f-

the-film" Light Measuring with aperture-preferred electronic shutter;
exposure control range: about 1 min. ~1/2000 sec. light measuring range:
approx. EV-5 ~ EV19 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4, normal temperature and
humidity); ±2 EV exposure compensation.

Automatic exposure control by spot measurement: TTL spot metering

memory system (with AE lock); exposure control range: about 4 min. ~
1/2000 sec. light measuring range: approx. EV 0 — EV 19 (ISO 100,

50mm F1.4, no rmal temperature and humidity); ±2 EV exposure compen-

sation.

Automatic exposure memory control: Exposure value memory system (60

min. limiter)

Manual exposure control: B, 1 sec.~1/2000 sec. mechanical exposure speed

1/60 sec.

Flash exposure control: Super FP Flash mode (when using the Full Synchro

Flash

F280)

"OTF"

AUTO:

Synchronizes

with

shutter

speeds

from

1/60

sec.

to

1/2000

sec.;

MANUAL:

Synchronizes

with

all

shutter

speeds

up to
1/2000 sec.; Normal "OTF" or Manual Flash mode (when using a T-series
Flash or Full Synchro Flash F280) Synchronizes with shutter speeds of
1/60 sec . and slower.

Film speed: ISO 6 ~ 3200

Film-advance:

Film

advance lever

with

130° angle

for one

long

or

several

short

strokes and pre-advance angle 30°; motor drive and winder usable

Film rewind: Rewind crank (motorized rewind with Motor Drive 2 possible)

Viewfinder: Viewfinder with dioptric correction; dioptric correction range

+1.0 ~ -3.0 diopters; interchangeable focusing screens; microprism/split

image-matte type screen standardized; finder view field: 97% of actual
picture field; magnification: 0.84X at infinity with -0.5 diop. and 50mm
lens

Viewfinder information: LCD multi-mode display (2-min. limiter); built-in

illuminator, (10-sec, limiter)

Self-timer: 12-sec. delay electronic self-timer
Battery check: 3-level display with LED and alarm sound; aut omatic lock

with batteries exhausted

Power Source: Two 1.5V silver-oxide batteries SR44 (Eveready EPX-76;

alkaline manganese batteries LR44 or equivalent)

Camera back: Removable hinge type, with memo holder; interchangeable.

with Recordata Backs and 250 Film Back

Dimensions: 136 x 84 x 50mm (5.35" x 3.30" x 1.97") (body al o ne )

Weight: 510g (18 oz.) (body alone)

72

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO ., LTD.

San-Ei Build ing, 22-2, Nishi Shinjuk u 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo, Japan Tel. [phone]

OLYMPUS CORPORATION

Crossways Park, Woodbury, New York 11797, U.S.A. Tel. [phone]

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (EUROPA) GMBH

Postfach 104908, Wendenstrasse 14-16, 2 Hamburg 1 , West Germany. Tel. [phone]

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (UK.) LTD.

PRINTED IN JAPAN 0786·3MS

2-8 Honduras Street, London EC1Y OTX, England. Tel. [phone]

73