Olympus IS-1 User Manual

INSTRUCTIONS

Viewfinder Indicators

Spot frame

Autofocus frame

Flash

Autofocus
Power focus

Shutter speed
Aperture setting

Exposure compensation /
Manual exposure

Spot metering

Mode button

MACRO

DRIVE

SUBJECT

FLASH

REWIND

Do not use any device with a sharp tip.

— 1 —

Description of controls (1)

Hot shoe cover
Shift button

Shutter release button

AF illuminator

Power switch
Selftimer button

Flash switch

Zoom buttons

Strap attaching stud

— 2 —

Table of contents

Description of controls (1) ................... 2

Before you begin ................................. 5

Loading the batteries ............................ 5

Loading the film ................................... 7

Unloading the film .............................. 10

Reset operation ..................................... 12

Simple point & shoot photography ........ 13

How to take pictures .......................... 13

Holding the camera ............................ 18

Auto

flash

photography

Camera functions and controls............. 21

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

19

Focus lock....................................... 21

Selftimer......................................... 22

Spot metering................................... 24

Macro photography ........................... 26

Continuous mode.............................. 28

Double exposure mode....................... 29

Portrait zoom mode........................... 31

Night scene mode ............................. 34

Slow-synchro fill-in flash .................. 35

Zoom memory mode ......................... 36

Auto-S flash photography .................. 38

Fill-in flash ..................................... 40

Special effects ................................... 42

Exposure mode sw itching .................... 42

Aperture-preferred auto mode .............. 43

Manual exposure mod e ....................... 44

Exposure compensation....................... 46

Power Focus photography .................... 47

Zoom exposure ................................. 48

Manual

flash

operation

How to take better pictures

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

50

(Zoom effects, Autofocus, Exposure,
light measuring, Exposure compensation

and film speed, flash) ....................... 52

How to attach the strap ...................... 64

Accessories ........................................ 66

Troubleshooting ................................. 68

Care and storage .............................. 70

Specifications .................................... 71

Description of controls (2) ................... 73

— 3 —

Thank you for purchasing the OLYMPUS IS-1. Please read this instruction
manual carefully before using the camera. We also recommend that you shoot
at least one roll of film just to familiarize yourself with the camera's features.

Symbols used in this manual

Correct Incorrect Operation Order of operation Automatic operation

Attention Press lightly Lamp on Lamp blinking

— 4 —

Before you begin...

Loading the batteries

*Be sure the power switch is OFF.
*Turn the lock screw on the bottom of camera

counter clockwise to open t he b attery cover.

NOTE: If the batteries are replayced while th e power

switch is ON, the camera may not resume
standa rd shooti ng mode. I n such a case,
perform the reset operation (see p. 12).

*Insert two 3V lithium batteries as shown and

repl ace th e cover turning the lock screw
clockwise.

WARNING: Do not mix different types of batteries

or new and old batteries at the same

time.

Use Pan aso nic C R 123A or D uracell DL 123A, or

equivalent.

— 5 —

*Switch power ON.

*Press th e mode button and the + / – button

simultaneously to check th e remaining battery

power.

*Nothing appears if batteries are OK. However

flashes, batteries are low, have spares at

hand. If is displayed continuously,

batteries should be replaced immediately.

NOTE: After checking the batteries the came ra is

automatically reset to standard shooting

mode.

Remove batteries if you do not plan to use the

camera fo r an extended period of time.

— 6 —

Loading the film

This camera is designed to use DX-coded 35 mm

film. DX coding, used by virtually all major film

manufacturers, allows the camera to identify and
set the film speed automatically, (refer to pg. 60)

* Open the back cover b y sliding t he back

cover release.

NOTE: Avoid direct light when loading the film.

— 7 —

*Insert the film cartridge. Do not touch the

shutter curtain with your finger or the film

leader when loading.

NOTE: Adjust the length of the film leader before

loading, so that it matches the film loading
indicator. Make sure the film leader tip is not
bent and the film edge is properly aligned
and engaged with the film guide as shown.

* Align the film leader with the film loading

indicator.

NOTE: Make sure the film cartridge is not sticking

out when aligning film.

— 8 —

* Close the back cover.

—Use the window on the camera back to check the

type of film loaded.

—The film will advance automatically and the

exposure counter on the LCD panel will display
the number "1" indicating the first picture on the
roll when the power switch is turned ON.

—If the film is improperly loaded, the LCD panel

will display a blinking "E" and . In this
case, open the back cover, and realign the film
leader.

— 9 —

Unloading the film

*The camera automatically rewinds the film

when you reach the end of the roll.

The final reading on the exposure counter before

rewinding may be more than the number of

exposures specified for the film.

Note: If you want to rewind the film before the end

of the roll, open t he mod e cover and press the

REWIND button.

— 10 —

is displayed on the LCD panel while the

film is rewinding.

*Open the back cover, and remove the film

cartridge from the camera.

WARNING: Do not touch the shutter curtain inside

the camera while removing the film

cartridge

NOTE: If the power is turn ed OFF while rewinding,

operations will stop. H owever, re win d mod e

is not cancelled. Rewinding will continue

when the power switch is turned ON again.

— Once the film has been rewound, a blinking "E"

and will be displayed on the LCD panel.

Furthe r operations are not possible until the

rewound film cartridge is removed.

— 11 —

Reset operation

If you forget which mode you are in, the camera can be reset to automatically resume

standard shooting mode.

Standard shooting mode:

Exposure mode: Program auto (P)
Drive mode: Single (S)

Light metering mode: ESP

Flash mode: AUTO or AUTO-S

Exposure compensation: ±0

Focusing: AF

*Press t he MODE button and + / – button

simultaneously.

— The camera will resume s tandard shooting mode,

and other set modes will be cancelled.

— 12 —

Simple point & shoot photography

How to take pictures

*Press part A to remove the lens cap.

*Set power switch ON.

—The lens will automatically adjust for wide angle

shooting and standard shooting mode will be

displayed on the LCD panel.

— 13 —

*While looking through t he viewfinder, aim the

camera at the subject.

*Use the zoom (T/W) button to adjust the

size of your subject in the frame (Telephoto

or Wi de angle).

—Press the "T" (Telephoto) on the zoom button to

zoom in. (The maximum focal length in the "T"

position is 135 mm.)

—Press the "W" (Wide-angle) on the zoom button

to zoom out. (The minimum focal length in the

"W" position is 35 mm.)

— 14 —

autofocus
frame

*Position your subject within the autofocus

frame in the center of the viewfinder.

*Press the shutter release button halfway to

focus.

—When correct focus has been achieved, the auto-

focus indicator will light-up in the viewfinder.

—If the autofocus indicator is blinking, correct focus

has not been achieved. If this occurs, let go off

the shutter release button. Make sure your subject

is within the autofocus frame in the center of the

viewfinder and press the shutter release button

halfway again.

Both the LCD and viewfinder indicators will
remain for about 30 seconds. When the indicators
disappear, press the shutter release button halfway
to resume.

— 15 —

*When correct focus has been achieved

(autofocus indicator has lit up), press the
shutter release button fully. As soon as the
shutter is released, the film will automatically
advance to the next frame.

*Switch th e powe r OFF when t he camera is

not in use.

—When the power is switched OFF, the lens will

automatically retract.

— 16 —

Shooting range: From 1.2 m (3.9 ft) to

is from 0.6 m (2.0 ft) to

In Macro mode the shooting range

0 m (0 ft)

0 m (0 ft) 0.6 m

When shooting i n extremely dim light, the AF
illuminator on th e front of the camera will emit a
beam of infrared light to measure the distance to
the subject and assist in the autofocus operation.

(2.0

1.2 m

ft)

(3.9

ft)

Normal shooting

Macro shooting

— 17 —

Holding the camera

Hold the camera correctly and be careful not
to block the AF illuminator or flash with the

camera strap or your fingers.

NOTE: The longer the focal length, t he greater the

potential for the effects of camera shake.

To avoid movement make sure you are holding
the camera properly with both hands.

— 18 —

Auto flash photography

For shooting in dimly lit or strongly backlit locations.

*When the in the viewfinder blinks,

slide the flash switch to activate the flash.

— Flash will pop up

AUTO will light on the

LCD panel.

— 19 —

— will light in the viewfinder when the .flash is

charged.

— Shutter speed will be automatically set at 1/100

second when the flash fires.

— Depending on the shooting distance and focal

length, the camera will automatically select the
appropriate amount of light to be emitted by th e
flash. (Whether the built-in or an optional
accessory flash is used.)

NOTE: If th e subject is too far, the shutter speed

and aperture indicator will blink in the

viewfinder while the shutter release button is
depressed halfway. In this case the picture
should be taken at a shorter distance.

NOTE: If th e shut ter speed is fa ster than 1 /100 of a

second or the flash is not charged, the flash

*Press th e shutter release button fully to take

the picture.

— The flash will fire.

It takes about 3.5 seconds after the film is
advanced to recharge the flash.

Auto flash range: (Color negative film)

Focal length

ISO 100

ISO 200

ISO 400

35 mm

0.6—4.6 m
(2.0—15.1 ft)

0.6 — 6.5 m
(2.0—21.3 ft)

0.6 — 9.2 m
(2.0—30.2 ft)

135 mm

0.6 — 5 m
(2.0—

16.4

0.6 — 7.1 m
(2.0—23.3 ft)

0.6—10 m
(2.0—32.8 ft)

— 20 —

ft)

Camera function and controls

Focus lock

Use focus lock when you want to position your subject outside the autofocus frame

located in th e center of t he viewfinder.

*Position your subject in the autofocus frame

and press the shutter release button halfway.

—When correct focus has been achieved, the

autofocus indicator will light-up in the viewfinder.

*While keeping the shutter release button

pressed halfway, change the position of your
subject in the viewfinder to achieve the

desired composition.

*Press the shutter release button fully to take

the picture.

NOTE: When focus is locked, exposure settings are

also locked (AE lock).

— 21 —

Selftimer

* Set the camera firmly in position. A tripod is

recommended.

*

Press the SELF button to activate

selftimer mode.

— will be displayed on the LCD panel.

* Position your subject in the autofocus frame

and press the shutter release button halfway
to focus.

—When the correct focus has been achieved, the

autofocus indicator will light-up in the viewfinder.

— 22 —

* Press the shutter release button fully to start

the selftimer.
The shutter will be released 12 seconds later.

The viewfinder indicators will disappear, and the

red AF illuminator on the front of the camera and

on the LCD panel will blink.

*To cancel the selftimer during operation, press

the SELF button.

NOTE: To prevent light from entering the viewfinder,

do not remove your eye from the viewfinder
until the selftimer has been activated.

— 23 —

Spot metering

Use spot metering when you want to limit light metering to a particular area of the

composition. Spot metering is useful when lighting is uneven, or when there is strong
backlight or sidelight.

spot frame

*Position th e subject f or spot metering within

the spot frame in the center of the viewfinder.

*Press the SPOT button.

— will be displayed on the LCD panel and the

spot metering indicator will appear in the
viewfinder thus confirming "AE"

NOTE: Spot metering is not possible while in flash

mode.

— 24 —

* While keeping the shutter release button

pressed halfway, change the position of your
subject in the viewfinder to achieve the

desired composition.

*Press th e shutter release button fully to take

the picture.

*To cancel spot metering during operation,

press th e SPOT button again.

NOTE: Spot metering is possible in either P, A or

M modes.

— 25 —

Macro photography

Use Macro mode to take pictures at extremely close range. Shooting range: 0.6 m (2.0 f t )

*Open th e mode cover and press the MACRO

button to select Telephoto macro (100 mm )
or Wide macro (40 mm) angle f or your
macro shot.

*Press the shutter release button halfway to

focus.

*Press th e shutter release button fully to take

the picture.

NOTE: Zooming is no t possible wh ile in Macro

mode. If the zoom button is pressed Macro
mode will be cancelled.

— A "T" will be displayed on the LCD panel next to

the if a telephoto (100 m m) macro is selected.

— 26 —

— A "W" will be displayed on the LCD panel next

to the if a wide angle (40 mm) macro is

selected.

—T he camera will automatically adjust the lens to

telephoto (100 mm) f o r telephoto macro.

NOTE: Tele macro is good fo r shooting small

subjects, e.g. flowers, on a large scale.

—T he camera will automatically adjust the lens to

wide angle (40 mm) f or wide angle macro.

NOTE: Wide macro is good for shooting regular

sized-subjects, e.g. people sitting next to yo u

at close range.

— 27 —

Continuous mode

Use Continuous mode to shoot a continuous series of pictures.

*Open t he mode cover and press the DRIVE

button until "C" is displayed on the LCD
panel.

*Press t he shutter release button fully to take a

continuous series of pictures.

—The camera will automatically adjust for focus

and exposure if the distance between the camera

and the subject changes while the shutter release

button is pressed either halfway or fully.

NOTE: During continuous mode the flash m ay not

be emitted after the first frame. After the
first frame, exposure will adjust to compen-

sate for no flash.

— 28 —

Double exposure mode

Use Double exposure mode to combine two images on a single frame.

*Open the mode cover and press th e DRI VE

button until "D.EXP." is displayed on th e

LCD panel.

*Compose your subject in the viewfinder and

press the shutter release button fully to take
the first exposure.

— "D. EXP." on the LCD panel will blink after the

first frame indicating that the film did not
advance.

— 29 —

"Compose your subject in the viewfinder and

press the shutter release button fully to take
the second exposure.

—After the second exposure is finished, the film

will be advanced and t he D.EXP. mode will be

cancelled.

*To cancel "D.EXP." mode during operation,

press the drive button again or perform the
reset operation (see p. 12).

NOTE: Even if y ou tu rn the camera po wer OFF

after the first exposure, "D.EXP." mode will
not b e cancelled.

— 30 —

Portrait zoom mode

Use this mode to take portrait shots even though the distance between the subject and

the camera changes. Exposure fo r this mode is programmed for portraits.

*Open the mode cover and press th e SUBJECT

button until is displayed on the

LCD panel.

*Position your subject in the autofocus frame

and press the shutter release button halfway

to focus.

— 31 —

—The zoom lens will automatically adjust for

portrait-size picture composition and the "autofo­cus indicator" will light-up in the viewfinder.

*Press t he shutter release button fully.

NOTE: When using portrait zoom mode together

with "C" (Continuous) mode, portrait
composition will only be maintained for

the first frame.

— 32 —

Changing the zoom ratio of portrait photography

Since portrait zoom mode operates within a specific range, you can alter th e composition of
your shot by pressing the zoom button. By moving further from the subject, for example,
you can take bust shots, or full shots rather than portraits. (See chart.)

Shooting range:

LCD

panel
Size of

Head-and-shoulder

subject

Shooting 1.2—4 m
range (3.9—13.1 ft)

Half-length

1.8—6.8 m

(5.9—22.3 ft)

NOTE:

As long as you are within the specified
shooting range the size of the subject will
be maintained.

Full-length

2.5—9.5 m

(8.2 — 31.2

ft)

— 33 —

Night scene mode

Use this mode for night time shooting.

*Open the mode cover and press the SUBJECT

button until is displayed on the LCD panel.

*Press the shutter release button halfway to

focus.

*Press the shutter release button fully to take

the picture.

NOTE: In Night scene mode, th e shutter speed

may be very slow t o att ain proper exposure.

To prevent blurring, the camera should be
set firmly in position (with a tripod for

example).

— 34 —

Slow-synchro fill-in flash

Use this mode to capture your subject and a dimly lit background, such as the sky at

dusk, while properly lighting the foreground with flash.

*Open the mode cover and press the SUBJECT

button until is displayed on the LCD panel.

*Slide the flash switch to activate the flash.

—Flash

will

pop up.

*Press the shutter release button halfway to

focus.

*Press the shutter release button fully to take

the picture.

NOTE: The shutter speed may b e very slow to attain

proper exposure. To prevent blurring, the
camera should be set firmly in position (with
a tripod for example).

— 35 —

Zoom memory mode

Use Zoom memory mode to program the zoom lens to adjust to the most frequently

used focal length. Zoom m emory mode can also be programmed for MACRO photography.

* Open th e m o de cover a nd press t h e SUBJECT

button until is displayed on th e LCD panel.

*By pressing the zoom button, set the lens at

the desired focal length.

*In the case of memorizing a desired focal

length, press the zoom button to set the

desired position.

*In the case of m emorizing a Macro mode

position, press the Macro button to set

either (Telephoto macro) or (Wide

angle macro).

— 36 —

*Press the Z.MEMO button to memorize th e

desired zoom position or desired Macro mode.

— will blink on the LCD panel for 2.5

seconds, then disappear.

NOTE: Memorized zoom data will b e retained even

though the camera is turned OFF, o r the
reset operation is performed.

*Press the Z.ME MO button to activate the

now memorized zoom position.

—The lens will automatically adjust to the memo-

rized focal length or memorized Macro mode.

— 37 —

Auto-S flash photography

Auto-S flash significantly reduces "red-eye" phenomenon (when a subject's eyes appear

red) in flash portraits and group photos. Red-eye phenomenon is most likely to occur in

very low light, and at longer focal lengths (telephoto).

*Slide the flash switch to activate the flash.

—Flash will pop up.

*Open th e mode cover and press the FLASH

button until AUTO-S is displayed on th e

LCD panel.

— 38 —

*Compose your shot and press the shutter

release button fully.

— The flash will emit a rapid series of pre-flashes

before the main flash fires (refer to p. 61).

*Hold the camera firmly while pressing the

shutter release button.

NOTE: Auto-S mode will not be cancelled when

power is switched OFF or by reset operation.

To cancel Auto-S mode, open the mode

cover and press the FLASH mode button.

— 39 —

Fill-in flash

In this mode, the flash always fires regardless of available light. Use this mode for

daylight shooting with backlit conditions to compensate f or backlighting.

*Check to make sure that the exposure mode is

set on P (Program) as indicated by the LCD

panel.

NOTE: Fill-in flash will not operate while in Night

scene mode or Portrait zoom mode.

—Even with backlit conditions, proper exposure of

the subject can be achieved by ESP metering.
However the background will be overexposed.

*Slide the fl ash switch to activate the flash.

—flash will pop-up.

— 40 —

*Open the mode cover a nd press the FLASH

button unti l FILL-I N is displayed on the

LCD panel.

NOTE: The shutter speed will be set for 1/100

second.

*Press the shutter release button halfway to

focus.

*Press the shutter release button fully to take

th e picture.

— 41 —

Special effects

Exposure mode switching

*While continuously pressing the exposure

MODE button, pressing the shift button

repeatedly changes the exposure mode in
the following order.

P: Program auto

(ESP metering)

A: Aperture-preferred auto (Center-

weighted average metering)

M: Manual exposure (Center

weighted average metering)

— 42 —

Aperture-preferred auto mode

Use this mode to manually adjust the aperture setting. Light metering will be based on
center-weighted average.

*While pressing t he exposure MODE button,

press the shift button to set A (Aperture -

preferred auto) mode

*Press the shift button to adjust the aperture.

—The shutter speed display will disappear.

An "A" and the aperture setting will be displayed

on the LCD panel.

Press [<] to close the aperturePress [> ] to open the aperture

— 43 —

Manual exposure mode

Light metering will be based on a center-weighted average of the entire frame.

Press [>] to open the

aperture

Press [<] to close the

aperture

*While pressing the exposure MODE b utt on,

press the shift button to set M (Manual
exposure) mode.

*Press the shift button to adjust the aperture.

— 44 —

*While pressing + / – button, press the shift

button to set the shutter speed.

Press [>] for a slower
shutter speed
Press [<] for a faster
shutter speed

—T he exposure level will be displayed on the LCD

panel and in the viewfinder.

— LCD panel displays indicate the following:

+ (Blinking): Overexposure

+ Slight overexposure

± Proper exposure
– Slight underexposure
– (Blinking): Underexposure

— 45 —

Exposure compensation

The exposure compensation levels can be set up to ±4EV with 1/3EV steps,

(refer to p. 60)

NOTE: During manual exposure, exposure compensa-

tion cannot be performed.

— While pressing the + /– button, the frame number

*While pressing + / – button, press the shift

button to set the desired compensation level.

display changes to compensation level display.
An exposure compensation indicator will light up

in the viewfinder and on the LCD panel.

— 46 —

Power Focus photography

Use this mode to continue shooting without changing the focus or when the focusing is difficult.

*Position your subject in the autofocus frame

and press the shutter release button halfway
to focus.

*Press th e button to set PF (Power Focus)

mode.

— The PF will

blink on the
LCD panel

and in the

viewfinder.

NOTE: AF function will be canceled. Focus is

locked even when you remove your finger

from the shutter release button.

* Press the shutter release b utton fully to take

the picture.

NOTE: Focusing can be changed by pressing the

zoom button.

NOTE: Zooming cannot be perf ormed while in

PF (Power Focus) mode.

* Press the button again to cancel

PF (Power Focus) mode.

— 47 —

Zoom exposure

To create shots with a special movement effect.

*Open the mode cover and press the SUBJECT

button to set Night scene mode.

— will be displayed on the LCD panel.

*Press the Zoom button to set the focal length.

NOTE: It is easiest to set zoom at either 35 mm

or 135 mm before taking the picture.

Simultaneous use of the flash also creates

an interesting effect.

— 48 —

* Press the shutter release button halfway to

focus

* Press ei ther T (Telephoto) or W (Wide angle)

on the zoom button while pressing the shutter

release button halfway.

T: Zooming in telephoto direction
W: Zooming in wi de-angle direction

— The lens will not move until the shutter is fully

pressed.

*While pressing the Zo om but ton, press th e

shutter release button fully to take the picture.

— Zooming will occur automatically once th e shutter

release button is fully pressed (when the shutter is

open).

NOTE: For zoom exposure photography, confirm

that the shutter speed is slower than 1 /3

second in the viewfinder.

If the shutter speed is faster than 1/3 second,
zoom exposure will automatically cancel and

the camera will operate i n standard Night

scene mode.

The camera should therefore be securely

positioned (with a tripod for example).

— 49 —

Manual flash operation

Use this mode for manual exposure while using a flash. For manual exposure photography,
the flash becomes GN15 (ISO 100.m)/GN50 (ISO 100.ft) full emission.

flash-popup

*Slide the flash switch to activate the flash.

—The flash will pop up.

*While pressing the + / – button, press the

*Set th e camera on M (Manual) mode.

shift button to set the shutter speed at 1/100
second or slower.

NOTE: With a shutter speed fast er than 1 /100

second, the flash will not fire.

— 50 —

[>]: to open the aperture
[<]: to close the aperture

*Set t h e desired aperture level according to

the distance between the camera and subject

(see chart).

Aperture setting (color negative film):

Distance
ISO 100

ISO 200
ISO 400

Calculation formula for ISO 100: Aperture setting = GN15 ÷ Distance (m)

1.2—1.5 m
(3.9—4.9 ft)

Fll
F16
F22

1.5 — 2 m

(4.9—6.6 ft)

F8
Fll
F16

Aperture setting = GN50 ÷ Distance (ft)

2 — 2.5 m
(6.6—8.2 ft)

F6.7

F9.5
F13

2.5 — 3.2 m

(8.2—10.5 ft )

F5.6
F8
Fll

3.2—4 m
(10.5—13.1 ft)

F4.5
F5.6
F8

— 51 —

How to take better pictures

— 52 —

Effects of zoom and its advantages

A zoom is a lens with a focal length that changes
when part of lens moves. In the case of the IS-1,
any focal length between 35 mm and 135 mm can
be selected.

35 mm Wide

Because the peripheral angle of view is wide and
the depth of field is greater, sharp photographs

with clear perspective and contrast can be

obtained.

70

mm

With 70 mm zooming, subjects appear close
up—two times closer than when the lens is posi­tioned at 35 mm .

(WIDE CONVERTER)

100 mm or more

When the lens is set to the m aximum focal length
of 135 mm, magnification is approximately four

times greater than at 35 mm, enabling you to
obtain genuine telephoto photographs. As you

increase th e telephoto effect, perspective becomes
narrow, and depth o f field becomes more shallow.
That means that objects in front of and behind
your subject are more likely to be out of focus.
This can have an interesting effect on snapshots
and portraits.

Maximum telephoto lengths are particularly

useful for taking pictures at sporting events and

for natu re photography when you want to get

closer to your subject.

— 53 —

*The five pictures below are samples taken by a photographer using

the zoom lens. Notice the dimensions of the subject as the camera
zooms in. The three pictures on the right were taken without chang­ing the subject's size. Notice how the background and foreground
tend to blur at increased focal lengths.

*Be sure to hold the camera firmly, as pictures tend to blur more

easily at longer focal lengths.

Angle of view and depth of field

Angle of view is directly related to the focal depth of field. (the dis­tance the camera is able to focus in front of and behind the subject).
The greater th e angle of view (wide angle), the greater the depth of field.
When t he angle of view is narrow (telephoto), depth of field decreases.

The use of a converter lens (optional)

It is possible to attach a converter lens for an even wider angle
effect, or for additional telephoto power.

*Instead of 35 mm, a wide angle converter (0.8 x ) allows you to take

shots at an even wid er focal length of 28 mm.

*Instead of 135 mm, a telephoto converter (1.5 x) allows you to take

shots at an even longer focal length of 200 mm.

— 54 —

Autofocus (AF)

The Autofocus (AF) mechanism automatically

adjusts focus by measuring the distance-to-subject.

Focusing is accomplished by a TTL (through-the-

lens) phase-difference detection system. More
simply, an AF sensor catches the light reflected

off of the subject, calculates the distance, and

activates the lens to focus. The IS-1 AF system

is particularly advanced, because it even works in
the dark by using an infrared beam of light.

Autofocus is designed to focus on whatever

appears in th e center of the viewfinder. If you
wish to position your subject outside the

center of the frame you can use the focus lock

(see p. 21). T his will also lock the proper

exposure (AE lock).

— 55 —

Subjects that are difficult to focus

Although the IS-1 can focus on almost any

subject, there are certain conditions, such as those
shown in the illustrations, where it may not be
possible to obtain correct focus. In such cases, the
autofocus indicator in the viewfinder will blink to
warn you. When the autofoc us indicator blin ks,

try using the power focus (p. 47), or try using

focus lock by focusing on a different subject at

the same distance.

Please be careful in situations (4), (5) and (6),

as the autofocus indicator in the viewfinder may

light even though the lens is incorrectly focused.

(1) Subject that does not include

vertical lines

(4)Two subjects within the focusing

frame, at different distances

(2)Subject with low contrast

(5)Subjects in Excessively bright light

(3)A rapidly moving subject

(6)A subject with a repeated pattern

— 56 —

Exposure

Automatic exposure mode

Exposure refers to the amount of the light which
strikes the film and is controlled by a combina­tion of aperture size and shutter speed. The

correct amount of the light, or correct exposure,

is controlled according to the film speed
(indicated on the film package, such as ISO 100

or ISO

200).

Automatic exposure function automatically sets

the correct exposure. Th e IS-1 employs two
types of automatic exposure modes: (1)
programmed auto exposure, and (2) aperture­preferred auto exposure.

With programmed auto exposure, the camera
automatically sets the most suitable combination
of "F" stop and shutter speed for subjects with a
certain brightness. It lets you concentrate on
composing your shot and releasing the shutter

at just the right time.

With aperture-preferred auto, you can select

any "F" stop by yourself, then according to that

aperture, the camera will automatically set the
most appropriate shutter speed. Aperture ­preferred auto allows greater manual control for
more artistic freedom and expression.

Program chart (Standard photography mode)

The chart shown below is a program chart for
35 mm wide and 135 mm telephoto focal lengths.
According to the focal length, the program itself
changes. Whe n t he subject is bright, t he "F" stop
and shutter speed change simultaneously. When
the subject is darker, the aperture opens fully and
the shutter speed changes to the corresponding
brightness.

In the standard photography mode (refer to
p. 13), if the built-in flash has been popped-up
it will automatically fire in dark situations. The
shutter speed will be fixed at 1/100 second.

Shutter speed (second)

—— Flash OFF
– – – Flash Fill-in

— 57 —

Program chart (portrait mode)

The chart shown below is a program chart f or

portrait mode.

The shutter speed will automatically adjust up
to 172000 second wit h t he aperture fully opened.
As the brightness increases from there, the aperture

will begin to ad just. The reasoning behind this is

that with a larger (more open) aperture, th e depth

of field is reduced. That means that the distanced

background will be more out-of-focus. At the

same time, shutter speed is increased to prevent

camera blur.

Shutter speed (second)

——Flash OFF

– – – Flash Fill-in

Night scene mode

When shooting night scenes you may sometimes
be disappointed with the result. That is usually
because the camera's automatic exposure function
works on a standard exposure ratio. In such situa-

tions a professional photographer will adjust for

exposure compensation or select manual shooting

mode. The exposure compensation level chosen by

a professional is usually based on experience.

The night scene mode of the IS -1 will

automatically adjust exposure compensation for

suitable night scene photography. For example,

when shooting a subject with a night scene as its

background, t he use of flash is often desireable.

Should that be the case, th e camera performs the

most suitable exposure compensations for both

the subject and the background. The shutter

speed may be very slow (up t o 4 seconds with

ISO 100/15 seconds with ISO 25). T o prevent

blurring, the camera should be set firmly in

position (with a tripod for example).

Fill-in flash

Under strongly backlit conditions the exposure

may result in a subject that is too dark. The

IS -1 prevents this unwanted result through ESP
photometry and spot metering. However, should

backlighting be extreme, this is not always
effective enough to compensate. For that, the

IS-1 employs a Fill-in flash whereby th e subject
is lighted by a flash emission. This lights your
subject, while maintaining proper exposure for

the background. Fill-in flash provides an

iueresting "catchlight" effect where the color of
your subjects eyes appear vivid and aglow.

— 58 —

Measuring the amount of light

Light metering

Light metering refers to measuring the brightness
of certain parts of a picture. The IS -1 employs
three meterings: (1) ESP light metering, (2) center­weighted average light metering, and (3) spot

metering. According to your photographic

purpose, the IS-1 allows you to select that which
is the most suitable.

At the same time, the IS-1 uses TTL (through
the lens) light metering to automatically measure
the light that enters the lens. This allows you to
obtain very accurate light metering without any
influence due to distance changes between the
subject and the camera.

ESP (Electro Selective Pattern) light metering
(Exposure mode P)

ESP light meteri ng measures the central portion
and peripheral portion of t he frame separately.

In doing so, t he camera determi nes the proper
exposure. The calculation processing program

itself is based on trial and error data to properly

compensate for backlighting. ESP light metering
takes place automatically while i n P (Program)
mode.

Center-weighted average light metering

Center-weighted average light metering is the

most widely used light metering system (Fig. A).
This system measures light within a wide range

with special emphasis on conditions in the center
of the picture. When in A (Aperture-preferred) or
M (Manual) mode, this light metering system
is automatically activated. Providing that differing
contrast between brightness and darkness in th e
rest of the frame is not too
extreme (a portrait with an
extremely bright background
for example) the system
provides excellent results.

Spot metering

Spot metering (Fig. B) measures the brightness in
the central section of the frame only. Because this
meteri ng system calculates the correct exposure of
one point, it is convenient whe n the subject is
backlit or there is strong contrast in t he picture.
When shooting a subject in front of an extremely

bright background, you should spot meter th e
subjects face. To make white objects look very white,
use spot metering and then operate exposure
compensation button in the ( +) direction.
To make black objects
look very black, use
spot metering and then
operate the exposure
compensation button in
the (-) direction.

— 59 —

Exposure compensation and film speed

Fixed proper exposure

Proper exposure refers to the balance of light

and dark in a photo. When shooting a black

and white wall, the exposure will be based on

the average ratio of black a nd wh ite—thus the

overall exposure is set for grey. This is technically
called "fixed proper exposure". A good example
of this is a subject with a strongly lit background.
The reason the subject turns out dark is because
there is mo re brightness than darkness in the

frame. Therefore, the fixed proper exposure is
based on the total level of light in t he photo,
which is significantly brighter than the subject.

In the case of strong backlighting, the exposure

needs to be adjusted to compensate for
brightness.

Adjusting exposure to acc ommodate lighting

conditions is called exposure compensation.

When ESP light metering is used, the camera

automatically judges the light and compensates

for th e proper exposure, so m anua l exposure

compensation is not needed.

Exposure com pensation

With the IS-1, + / - 4EV exposure compensation

in 1/3 EV steps is possible. [+] compensation

will make a subject appear brighter, while [ — ]

compensation will make a subject appear darker.
Under backlit conditions you'll want to make

your subject appear brighter ( +1 to +2EV).

For shooting winter snow scenes, you may want

adjust the exposure for additional definition

(+2EV). Or, suppose your picture is composed

of a black wall, ( — 2EV) compensation would

most likely be appropriate.

Film speed

Film speed is listed on the back of the film

package. ISO 100, I S O 20 0, IS O 40 0 a re t h e most

common. High-speed film (ISO 400), as implied

by its name, is f or taking photos of fast moving

subjects, action shots for example. However there

are other advantages to high-speed film. With

high-speed film, such as ISO 400, you are able to

take pictures in lower light. And t he distance

covered by the flash will be greater.

The camera is recommended for use of "DX"

film cartridges, ISO 25, 32, 50, 100, 200, 400,

800, 1600 and 3200. In the case of non-DX cod-

ed film, film speed is automatically set to ISO 32.

Also, films with middle speeds such as ISO 64,

160 and 1000 ar e a ut omatically set to the next

lower speed. When using middle-speed films, use

the exposure compensation.

IS O (64: -0.3EV ISO 160:-0.7EV ISO 1000.--0.3EV

— 60 —

Flash

*Flash strength

The flash on the IS-1 uses a new exposure control

system. This flash system combines advantages

of both "flashmatic", employed in compact

cameras and "auto flash" which is employed in
SLRs. Flashmatic emits full - strength flash while

the camera automatically adjusts the aperture

level fo r proper exposure. In most cases this is
an effective system. However, when the subject is
at extremely close range, subjects tend to be over

exposed, and the background too dark because

the ap erture has been adjusted to its most narrow
setting. On the other hand, auto flash controls
the amount light emitted by the flash. This system
decides exposure by measuring reflected light.
But, depending on the background, exposure for

the main subject can be affected. For example,

with a white background, the subject may appear

too dark due to the level of reflected light

received through the lens. The reverse is true for

a dark background.

The IS-1 employs a combination of aperture

adjustment and flash strength to give you perfect
exposure every time. That means t hat the effects

of background lighting and distance-to-subject

are both accounted for.

High Function Flash G40 (Opt ional)

The G40 is a dedicated flash for the IS-1 (GN131
ISO 100 • ft). It is designed for professional flash
photo - effects such as bounce, multi-flash and
Follow-synchro.

Bounce photography uses indirect lighting of
subjects by reflecting flash light off of a ceiling
or wall. With straight flash photography a strong
shadow often appears behind the subject. By

bouncing, you can obtain a soft, well-balanced

lighting effect on the entire subject. You can also

use the built-in flash together with the G40 for

additional affect.

Multi-flash emits the light several times in one
exposure. With this flash mode, continuous move­ment, such as a golf swing, can be photographed

sequentially in one frame. It's a multiple exposure

with flash.

With Follow-synchro mode, the flash fires at

the final point of slow synchro. For example, the
tail-lights of a moving automobile can be
expressed.

When the IS-1 is equipped with the tele-

converter lens ( x 1.5) or the wide - converter lens

(x 0.8), the built-in flash cannot be used. We

recommend you to use t he G40 for such cases.

— 61 —

Direct flash

Multi flash

Normal slow-synchro

(Curtain-1 synchro)

Bounce (with simultaneous use of built-in flash)

Follow-synchro (Curtain-2 synchro)

— 62 —

Macro photography

*Wide macro

When you tr y to take a picture of someone sitting

right next to you, the camera may not be able to

focus properly. In this case, macro mode (wide)
comes in handy. Wide macro allows you to take
close u p pictures on a wide angle setting (as close

as 60 cm (2.0 ft ) at 4 0 mm focal length). At th e

same time the autofocus flash can be used. It is

convenient to use the zoom memory to memorize
a wide macro setting. And it is particularly
convenient if you usually use macro mode

for snapshots.

*TeIe macro

Use Tele macro mode to mak e small subjects
appear large. With tele macro mode you can shoot
at a focal length of 100 mm as close as 60 cm
(2.0 ft) fro m your subject. At this range, the pic­ture will capture an area of about 15 cm x 22 c m
(5-7/8 x 8-11/16 inches). As with wid e macro,
autofocus and flash can be used.

IS/L LENS A- MACRO H.Q. CONVERTER

f = 40 cm (optional)

The IS-1 is compatible with an optional Macro

converter. At 60 cm (2.0 ft ) distance-to-subject,

the picture will capture an area of about

6 cm x 9 cm (2 - 3 / 8 x 3 - 9/ 1 6 inches).

The built-in flash can also be used.

— 63 —

How to attach the strap

1. Insert the attaching portion of the strap into t he guide hole as shown in the

illustration.

2. While pressing the top of th e attaching portion of the strap, connect the strap to t he

camera.

— 64 —

3. Adjust the length of the strap as desired.

— 65 —

Electronic flash G40

Accessories (optional)

IS/L LENS A-200
H.Q. CONVERTER 1.5 ×

IS/L LENS A-28

H.Q. CONVERTER 0.8 x

IS/L LENS A- MACRO
H.Q. CONVERTER f=40cm

— 66 —

Soft case A

Carrying case A

Variable dioptric adapter A

–2~–4 0~–2 +2~0

— 67 —

Troubleshooting

Battery power

*Battery life will last for about 25 rolls

(24-exposure, half with flash). Less flash
and zooming uses less battery power.
We recommend that you use Panasonic
CR 123A or Duracell 123A. Do not mix

different types of batteries or new and old

batteries together.

The camera does not work

*Make sure the power switch is ON.

*Check to make sure that the batteries are

loaded and inserted correctly.

*When the battery warning mark appears

on the LCD panel, replace batteries
immediately.

Displays disappeared while shooting.

*When the camera power is ON, but no

controls are ((that)6.70 L)18.9(to)9.2-4.5(t)-24.5(trhat)6.751 Tc 0.12447 Tw 7.9406 0 Td248make

The shutter will not release.

*The camera ma y not be in focus. Check

for the "autofocus indicator" in the
viewfinder.

*The shutter will not release if a rewound

film cartridge is still inside the camera.
Remove the cartridge.

Flash does not emit.

*If the mark has disappeared from the

viewfinder, press t he shutter release button
halfway and the mark will reappear.

*Make sure th e shutter speed is set at 1/100

second or slower.

*With continuous flash shooting, there is

sometimes a delay in the time required to
recharge the battery. Shoot after the flash

indicator appears in the viewfinder.

When flash shooting, people's eyes come out red.

*Red-eye phenomenon is a common

problem in flash photography. The

phenomenon occurs because the retina be­hind the pupil of an eye reflects flash light.

Shooting conditions such as the brightness

or darkness of surroundings also affect
red-eye phenomenon. Intensity of red-eye
phenomenon will differ from person to

person as it depends on dilation of the
pupil. Generally, when the distance between
the subject and the camera increases, so
does the occurance of red-eye. To reduce
this phenomenon, use Auto-S flash
mode (refer p. 38).

The camera does not work in extremely cold
weather.

*In low temperature conditions, batteries

temporarily lose performance. Try to keep
the camera warm .

When shooting, the scene wa s in th e viewfinder,
but on the picture the edge was cut off

*When printing, sometimes the edge of your

photo may be cut off. When composing
your shot, be sure to leave some space on
the edges to compensate.

My photos look like the film is cracked

* Check th e film compartment for dust.

When a camer a has been used fo r a long
period of time, the film compartment may
need to be cleaned. Do so carefully.

— 69 —

Care and Storage

*Use the camera within the recommended operat-

ing temperature range of — 10°C (14° F) —

+ 40°C (104°F).

*Do not expose t he camera to rapidly changing

temperature or humidity.

*Do not expose t he camera to extreme heat or

strong magnetic fields.

*Do not apply excess force to the camera or its

controls.

*Do not forcibly rotate th e camera once it is

mounted on a tripod.

*Do not touch th e contact points inside the

camera.

*Do not use organic solvents, thinner or benzine

to clean the camera.

*Avoid unnecessary shock to th e camera due to

bumping or dropping.

*Do not expose the camera to water (rain).
* Never disassemble the camera; it contains a

high-voltage circuit.

*Do not disassemble or expose batteries to

excessive heat.

*In case of mulfunction, consult your nearest

Olympus dealer, or nearest Olympus service

center.

— 70 —

Specifications

Type: Full - automatic 35 mm auto focus single

lens reflex camera with built-in 35 —135 mm

Zoom lens

Film Format: 35 mm standard DX coded film

(24 mm x 36 mm)

tens: Olympus lens (filter available, filter

diameter of 49 mm ) 35 — 135 mm

F4.5—F5.6, 16 elements in 15 groups with

extraordinary dispersion glass

Shutter: Electronic control system vertical focal

plain shutter

Shutter speed 1/2000 sec.—15 sec. bulb

Focusing: TTL phase-difference detection system

autofocus with focus lock, AF illuminator

automatically lights up in low light. Manual

focusing available (power focus).

Focusing range: 1.2 m (3.9 ft) (infinity);

Viewfinder: Single lens reflex system, magnifica-

tion ratio 0.75 (at 50 m m), Finder view-field:

85% of actual view-field

Viewfinder information: Autofocus frame, spot

frame, autofocus indicator, flash indicator

0.6 m (2.0 ft) (infinity)

(in macro mode)

Selftimer: Electronic selftimer with 12 sec. delay
Flash: Built-in IVP (Intelligent Variable Power)

flas h system with dual emitting tubes. Manual
activating system, recycling time of about

3.5 sec. (at normal temperature), Light
emission ISO 100•m of GN20/ISO 100•ft of

GN66 (at automatic), ISO 100•m of

GN15/ISO 100•ft of GN50 (manual),

Flash range:

WIDE 1.2 m—4 .6 m (3.9—15.1 ft)
(ISO 100 negative color film)

TELE 1.2 m— 5 m (3.9—16.4 ft )

(ISO 100 negative color film)
WIDE 1.2 m— 9.2 m (3.9—30.2 ft)

(ISO 400 negative color film)

TELE 1.2 m— 10 m (3.9—32.8 ft)

(ISO 400 negative color film)

With Macro photography the flash is

available

Flash mode: AUTO (automatic flash activation in

low light and backlight)

AUTO-S (Red-eye reducing, in low light and

backlight)
FI LL-I N (forced activation)

Manual

Battery check: Display on LCD panel

Power source: Two 3V lithium batteries (CR123A

or DL123A) (Replaceable)

Dimensions: 117(W) x 90(H) x 153(D) m m

(4-5/8x3-9/16x6 inches)

(excluding protrusions)

Weight: 875 g (30.8 oz) ( wit hou t batteries)

— 72 —

Description of controls (2)

Viewfinder

Exposure mode button

Exposure compensation
(+/-) button

LCD panel

Mode cover

Battery cover

Tripod socket

PF (Power Focus) button

Strap attaching portion

Spot button

Zoom memory button

Film window

Back cover release

— 73 —

LCD panel

Single-frame advance

Continuous - frame advance

ESP metering

Spot me t e r i n g

Selftimer

Auto flash

Auto-S flash

Fill-in flash

Program auto exposure

Aperture-preferred auto exposure

Manual exposure

Double exposure

Macro

Night scene mode

Zoom memo ry

Portrait zoom

Shutter speed
Aperture setting

Power focus

Exposure counter / exposure

compensation level
Exposure compensation

indicator

Battery remaining indicator

Back cover release warning

— 74 —

San-Ei Build in g. 22-2. Nishi Shinjuku 1 -chome. Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan Tel: [phone]

Crossways Park, Woodbury, New York 11797-2087. U.S.A. Tel: [phone]

Postfach 104908. Wendenstrasse 14-16, 2000 Hamburg 1. Germany Tel: [phone]

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.

OLYMPUS CORPORATION

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (EUROPA) GMBH

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (UK.) LTD.

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

PRINTED I N JAPAN 1291. 10MM

— 75 —