Olympus IS-20 DLX Owner's Manual

INSTRUCTIONS

Before using your camera, read this manual carefully
to ensure correct use.
We recommend that yo u take test shots to get
accustomed to your camera before taking
important photographs.

Thank you for purchasing an Olympus camera. Before you start to use
your new camera, please read these instructions carefully to obtain

optimum performance and a longer service life from the unit.

KEEP THE BATTERIES AWAY FROM
FIRE. NEVER TRY TO DISASSEMBLE,

RECHARGE, OR SHORT-CIRCUIT

BATTERIES. USED BATTERIES
SHOULD BE TREATED AS GENERAL
WASTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

REGULATIONS.

2

Ignoring this warn in g may result in the death or serious injury of the
user.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE

THE CAMERA; IT CONTAINS A

HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT.

IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION,

CONSULT YOUR NEAREST

OLYMPUS DEALER OR OLYMPUS

SERVICE CENTER.

3

MAIN

FEATURES

Built-in 28mm~110mm approx. 4X zoom-class lens for increased

shooting range.

More powerful flash fo r telephoto needs. Extended-distance flash

photography is available thanks to increased luminance capability.
SLR lens ensures that what you see in the viewfinder is what you get
on film.

Direct Mode Select buttons let you easily set/choose the right

exposure mode for any shooting purpose.

Optional remote control to operate the camera from a distance.

Symbols used in this manual:

Incorrect

Beep

Pay particular attention to items in this manual enclosed in boxes
Products shown in pictures and illustrations may be slightly different from this unit.

4

Order

Indicator on

Manual

operation

Indicator

blinking

Operation

order

Attention

Automatic

operation

Depress

halfway

PREPARATIONS

BASIC OPERATIONS

Names and functions of parts ...... 6

Viewfinder display .......................... 8

LCD panel

Diopter adjustment ........................ 10

Usi ng the strap/soft case ............ 11

Loading

Taking pictures

Using the focus lock ......................................................................... 24

Unloading

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

the

film ................................................................................................

............................................................................................. 21

the

film

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

Outline of operations .......................... 12

Loading the batteries ..................... 14

9

Checking the batteries .................... 15

Points to remember ...................... 16

18

25

ADDITIONAL

FUNCTIONS

TAKING BETTER

PICTURES

CAMERA
MAINTENANCE

Flash photography ...........................26

Selftimer ............................................32

Using the exposure modes ....................33

Restoring the standard

shooting mode ....................................40

Effects of zoom and its advantages .............................................................. 45

Autofocus(AF).............................................................................. 47

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

Film speed

Metering the amount of light ........................................................51

Accessories (optional)........................................................................ 53

Questions and answers ...................................................................54

Care and storage

Battery handling ............................................................................. 58

Troubleshooting .....................................................................................59

Specifications .......................................................................... 62

...............................................................................51

......................................................................... 55

Spot metering ................................ 41

Remote control (optional) .................. 43

49

5

NAMES A ND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS

Direct Mode Select buttons
(See

p.

33.)

Selects exposure modes: Stop
Action, Portrait, Landscape,

and Night Scene.

F. No.

button

(See

p.

38.)

Sets the aperture in the

Aperture-Preferred Auto mode.

Shutter release button
Flash mode button

PREPARATIONS

Spot/L.T.(Long Time) button­(S ee p. 41/39.)

Selftimer indicator

(See

p.

32.)

Remote control

sensor
(See

p.

43.)

Lens*

Lens cap

6

Ful l Auto button (See p. 40.)

Restores the standard shooting mode.

LCD panel (See p. 9.)

Power switch/

flash release

Flash

Strap attachment stud

Lens barrel

* Keep lens surface free of finger smudges or other

marks, as sharpness can be effected. Carefully
clean any such marks with lens cleaning tissue.

Panorama switch
(See panorama insertion)

Viewfinder
(See

p. 8.)

Diopter adjustment dial

Selftimer/remote control button

(See

p.

43.)

Date/time indicator

QUARTZDATE MODE

buttons

(Se e quartzdate insertion)

Back cover

Mid-roll rewind button.

(See

p.

25.)

Zoom (T/W) buttons

(See

p.

21.)

Film window

For confirmation of

film ISO speed

Back cover

release

(See

p.

18.)

Battery compartment

cover

(See

p.

14.)

Tripod socket

7

VIEWFINDER DISPLAY

Sp o t frame

The area used by the Spot Metering mode to set
exposure.

Flash

Autofocus frame

Position your subject within the

autofocus frame.

8

Autofocus (p. 17/23)

Please see 'Panorama insertion' fo r panorama format view finder.

Lights when the subject i s

in focus.

Overexposure/
underexposure

(p. 38)

LCD PANEL

F l a s h m o d e s ( p . 26 )

Selftimer/remote control

(p. 32/43)

Mode status indicator
(p. 33)

Displays the mode selected
for

use.

Exposure counter (p. 20)

Battery check (p. 15)

Spot metering mode

(p. 41)

Full-Auto mode (p. 40)

The camera do es everything automatically

in this mode.

Aperture setting/shutter speed
(p. 38/39)

Shutter speed shown wh en using
the Long Time mode.

Note: The LCD panel does not actually display all
indications simultaneously as shown.

9

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the viewfinder to compensate for near and farsighted vision.

Turn

the

diopter

the autofocus frame becomes clear.

10

adjustment

dial

until

Turn up if you are

nearsighted or down

if you are farsighted.

USING THE STRAP/SOFT CASE

The soft case can be attached to a

belt with the belt loop.

11

OUTLINE OF OPERATIONS

Basic Shooting Procedures

Load the batteries (p. 14).

Press the zoom buttons to

determine the composition

(P

21).

12

Open the back cover (p. 18).

Place the autofocus frame on
the subject you want to focus on

(P.

22).

Load the film (p. 18).

Depress the shutter re lea se
button halfway, making sure the
green autofocus indicator in the

viewfinder lights and the

autofocus beep is heard (p. 23).

Close th e back cover (p. 19).

Turn the power switch ON

(p.

20).

Make sure the exposure counter

on the LCD panel reads

(p.

20).

Depress the shu tter release
button fully to take a picture
(p.

23).

When the film reaches the end, it

will automatically rewind (p. 25).

Open the back cover to remove

the rewound film (p. 25).

13

LOADING THE BATTERIES

Use two 3V lithium batteries (DL123A or CR123A).

Use your finger or a coin to

turn the lock screw to OPEN.

Place your fingertip in the notch.

And open the battery cover.

When replacing the batte ri es , make

sure to turn the power switch OFF

before unloading the batteries.

Tak e ca r e not to injure your fingernail

when opening the battery cover.

14

Insert the batteries. And

close the cover. Turn the
loc k screw to CLOSE.

Align the (+) and (-) directions of the

batteries correctly as shown.

Read "Battery Handling" on page 58.

CHECKING THE BATTERIES

Turn the power switch

ON. Be sure to check

the batteries as well.

Display

lights (turns off

automatically)

blinks and other

indicators on the
LCD panel are

displayed normally.

blinks and other

indicators on the
LCD panel go out.

Keep spare batteries on hand when

going on a long trip or when using the
camera in cold weather.

Meaning

Batteries are OK.
You can shoot.

Batteries are low
and should be
replaced.

Batteries are dead

and should be

replaced
immediately.

15

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Hold the Camera Correctly.

Correct

Note: As the foca l length becomes larger, shaking the camera
becomes more noticeable. Hold the camera firmly with both hands
while keeping elbows at sides to prevent the camera from shaking.

Cautions:

16

Correct

Try not t o ho l d the le n s barrel.
Keep your fingers and the strap aw ay fr o m the lens and flash.

Incorrect

Proper Shutter Release.

Keep the sh utter

release button

depressed halfway.

The shutter release button has two clicks. Practice before loading the film.

Depress t he
shutter release
button fully.

Cautions:

•Press the shutter release

button gently.

•Avoid shaking the

camera when pressing
the shutter release button

to prevent blurry pictures.

To lock the focus.

The image is clear, the

autofocus beep is heard,

and the autofocus indi ca tor

lights in the viewfinder.

To release the

shutter and take

the picture.

Note: When th e autofocus

indicator is blinking, the

shutter won't release.

(See

p.

47.)

17

LOADING THE FILM

Slide the back cover

release upward to open

the back cover.

BASIC OPERATIONS

Caution: Do not touch the shutt er curtain,

and do not press it when loading th e film.

18

Load the film.

Shutter curtains

Correct

Incorrect

Note: Make sure the film is lying flat.

Align the tip of the film leader
with the mark as shown, and
close the back cover,

The film automatically

advances to the first frame.

The film does not overlap any of the

positioning guides shown above.

19

Place the film leader along the arrow as
shown.

20

Turn the power switch

ON.

The exposure counter on the LCD

panel reads .

Note:

If blinks in the exposure counter, as shown

above, reload the film.

TAKING PICTURES

Follow this procedure for normal photography. When the power

switch is turned ON, the camera is in the Full-Auto mode. (See p. 40.)

Turn the power switch

ON.

While looking through the
viewfinder, press the zoom

button to determine the

composition.

lens cap opens, and the LCD panel lights.

Note: If no operation is made for approx. 30 seconds,
the LCD panel goes out and will come on again when

the operation is resumed.

While the lens moves forward, the

DANGER: DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN

DIRECTLY THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER.

21

How to Use the Zoom

Buttons

Position the autofocus

frame on your subject.

Telephoto: Press the button to zoom in.

Wide-angle: Press the button to zoom out.

22

Max. telephoto focal

length: 110mm

Max. wide-angle focal

length: 28 mm

Autofocus frame

Working distance: 75 cm (2.5 ft)

Depress the shutter

release button halfway.

Without removing your finger
from the shutter release
button, depress fully to take

the picture.

autofocus indicator lights when the subject is in focus.
It will blink if the subject is difficult for the autofocus to
lock on to, and when the subject is too close.

Note: When the autofocus indicator blinks, the shutter

won't release.(See p. 47.)

The autofocus beep is heard and the

The shutter releases and the film

automatically advances to the next

frame.

Whe n you've fi ni sh ed shooting, turn the
power switch OFF, and close the lens cap.

23

USING THE FOCUS LOCK

When the ma in subject is not in the center of the autofocus
frame,

follow

the

procedure below.

Position the autofocus

frame on your subject and
press th e shutter release

button halfway.

This

is

called

Reposition your subjects in the

picture frame wh ile keeping

the shutter release button
depressed halfway. Then press
the shutter release button fully.

focus

lock.

The autofocus beep is heard, and the
autofocus indicator lights in the
viewfinder.

24

Autofocus frame

In focus lock th e focus is locked in the

center of the viewfinder and th e

exposure is also locked (AE lock) and

averages the exposure for the entire
viewfinder.

UNLOADING THE FILM

The camera automatically rewinds the film when you
reach t h e end of a roll.

Make sure the motor has stopped

and is blinking on the LCD

panel, before opening the back
cover and removing the film.

Rewinding the film before
the end of the roll

Notes: The number of exposures will
decrease during winding. The final number
of exposures may sometimes exceed the

number of exposures specified on the film.

The film leader will be wound back inside

the cassette.

To rewind the film before the end of the
roll, pre ss the mid-roll rewind button with
your fingernail. Do not use an instrument

with a sharp tip.

25

Three flash modes are available to suit different requirements.

How to Select the Flash Mode

FUNCTIONS

ADDITIONAL

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Set the power switch to

to flip up the flash.

Press

the

FLASH

button

to select the flash mod e .

The camera will recharge the flash, and

the flash will be ready to use.

Note: Recharging takes 0.2~3.9 seconds.

26

displayed on the LCD panel.

The selected mode is

Flash Modes

Mode

Function

Automatically fires in
low-light or backlit

conditions (p. 28).

Significantly reduces

the phenomenon of

"red-eye" (when a

subject's eyes appear

red)

(p.

30).

Fires regardless of

available light (p. 31).

Note: Use of the flash is recommended if blinks

in the viewfinder when the flash isn't flipped up.
Otherwise, the camera will select a long exposure
and pictures may be blurred due to camera shake.

There is danger of temporarily

affecting vision when the flash is
fired very close to a person or
animal.

In the dark, the flash also functions
as an autofocus illuminator. Whe n
the shutter release button is
pressed halfway, the flash emits

several brief pre-flashes. When

the shutter release button is
pressed fully, the flash fires to take

the picture. Hold the camera firmly

until the picture is taken.

27

Auto Flash

AUTO

The flash fires automatically when there is insufficient light or

when there is backlighting.

Set the flash mode to

AUTO.

Press th e shutter release

button halfway to make

sure lights in the

viewfinder.

Note: If you press the shutter release button

with blinking in the viewfinder, the shutter

won't release. This is because the flash is

being re charged. Remove your finger from

the shutter releas e button, and w ait until

28

recharging finishes.

Press the shutter release

button fully.

Auto Flash Range

(with color negative film)

Focal length

ISO 100
ISO 200

ISO 400

Maximum distance is about 70% when using
positive color film.

Note: The shutter speed is automatically set at 1/100-sec. w he n the flash fires. The flash will not

fire if the existing light level requires a shutter speed greater than 1/100-sec.

Telephoto and wide angle

4.5m (14.8

6.4m

9. 0m (29.5

ft)

(21 ft)

ft)

29

Red-Eye Reducing Flash

Approximately 20 pre-flashes are emitted before the main flash fires,
significantly reducing the phenomenon of "red-eye" (when a subject's eyes
appear

red).

This

mode

is the

same

as

Auto

Flash

except

for the

AUTO-S

pre-flashes.

Flip up the flash, and select
the

Auto-S

mode.

Press

the

shutter release button.

Red-eye reduction may not be effective when

the subject:

1. Wasn't looking at the flash from right front.

2. Wasn't watching the pre-flashes.

3. Was too far from the camera.

4. Did not respond to the pre-flashes due to

particular characteristics of the individual.

Notes:

Pre-flashes are not emitted in the Stop Action mode.
After pressing the shutter release button, hold the camera securely until the shutter has been released.
To cancel the Auto-S mode, select another mode following the procedure on page 26.

30

Forced Activation

In this mode, the flash always fires. Even in backlighting, both the subject and background

can be shot clearly. And portraits look lively by reducing shadows on the subject's face.

FILL-IN

Make sure the exposure

mode

is set to

FULL

AUTO.

Note: In exposure modes
other than Full Auto and

Aperture-Preferred Auto,

the Fill-in Flash mode

cannot be engaged.

Select the Fill-In Flash

mode, a n d press the

shutter release button.

Note: The shutter speed is automatically
set at 1/100-sec. Aperture and flash
output will adjust for correct exposure.

31

SELFTIMER

Press the /REMOTE

control button until

Press the shutter release

button.

is displayed on the

LCD

panel.

Selftimer
indicator lights.

Fi x th e camera firmly on a tripod or other support.

Notes: The focus and exposure will be locked when the shutter release button is depressed halfway.

mode is cancelled after the shutter releases. To cancel the selftimer in the middle of operation, press the /REMOTE

button again. Do not remove your eye from the viewfinder until after the shutter release button has been fully

depressed. This prevents light from entering through the viewfinder.

32

The shutter will be released 12 seconds later.

The Selftimer

USING THE EXPOSURE MODES

There are four preset settings for easy shooting in various common
situations, as well as an Aperture-Preferred Auto mode and Long

Time mode that allow you to select your own settings.

Exposure Modes

For easy, effective shooting in various common
situations:

Stop Action (p. 34)

To freeze moving subjects.

Portrait (p. 35)

For pictures with blurred background for "portrait"
effect.

Landscape (p. 36 )

For pictures with extended in-focus background.

Night Scene (p. 37)

For night scenes or night scenes with subjects in the

foreground, using flash.

How to Select the

Exposure Mode

Press one of the icons.

Fo r more creative lighting effects:

F.No.

Aperture-Preferred Auto (p. 38)

Set the aperture manually. The camera wi l l automatically select the correct shutter speed.

Lo ng Time (p . 39)

Allows you to set the shutter speed manually from 1 to 60 seconds. The aperture is
automatically set to F8.

33

STOP ACTION

To freeze moving subjects.

In this mode, the camera automatically selects a faster shutter

speed to reduce blurring of moving subjects. (Max, shutter speed:

1/2000-sec.)

Press the

Note: In the Stop Action mode, for faster
flash response, Auto-S pre-flashes will

not be emitted. If you choose to use

flash, Auto-S will not function in this

mode.

34

button.

Press th e shutter release
button.

PORTRAIT

To take pictures with blurred backgrounds for a "portrait" effect.

Portrait mode lets you take beautiful portrait photographs, This is especially
effective when the lens is at the telephoto setting and/or when there is a great
distance between the subject and the background.

Press the

Note: The aperture is wide-open.

button.

Press th e shutter release
button.

35

LANDSCAPE

To take pictures with extended in-focus backgrounds.

When shooting landscapes or landscapes with subjects in the foreground, all
objects near and far are sharply in focus.

Press the button.

Note: Set the lens at wide angle for

optimal results.

36

Press the shutter release

button.

NIGHT SCENE

To shoot properly-lit night scenes.

In this mode, the camera automatically selects the ideal exposure

for shooting night scenes, and for shooting night scenes with

subjects in the foreground.

When subjects are in the foreground, flip up the flash.

Press

the

button.

When there are no foreground subjects, do not flip up the flash.

Notes: When the flash is flipped up, flash power is automatically adjusted according to the subject. Since
the camera may select a shutter speed as slow as 4-sec maximum, use of a tripod is recommended to prevent
camera shake.

Press the shutter release
button.

37

APERTURE-PREFERRED

AUTO

The background blur can be controlled by adjusting the aperture
setting. The shutter speed will be selected automatically.

Press

the

F.No. button

to

enter the Aperture-

Preferred Auto mode.

Larger aperture (smaller value) for a
blurred background

Notes: Additional pressing of the F.No. button stops

down the aperture. Once the camera has passed the
smallest available aperture setting, it will return to the

largest available aperture setting. Blinki ng in the
viewfinder indicates the subject is under- or overexposed.
Change the aperture setting until it stops blinking.

38

Smaller aperture (larger value) for a
sharper background

F.No.

LONGTIME

To shoot fireworks.

For a dramatic shot of fireworks or similar nightime lights, set the

shutter speed as desired (1 to 60 sec.). The aperture is

automatically set to F8.

While holding down the

button, press the SPOT/L.T. button

to choose shutter speed.

Shutter speed is shown on the LC D panel.(See page 9.)

Notes: Each time you press the SPOT/L.T. button, the shutter speed changes in the following sequence: 1, 2, 4, 8,15,

30, and 60 sec. Because the selected shutter speed will be very slow, to prevent blurring hold camera firmly in

position. Use of a tripod is recommended.

Press th e shutter release

button.

39

FULL

RESTORING THE STANDARD SHOOTING MODE

AUTO

Restore the standard shooting mode for easy, worry-free
photography.

Press the FULL AU TO

button.

The camera will also return to the
standard shooting mode if the power is

switched off and on again.

40

Standard Shooting Mode

Settings for the standard shooting

mod e are as follows:

Exposure mode — Program A u to
Flash m ode — Auto or Auto-S
Selftimer/remote control — Canceled
Spot metering — Canceled

SPOT METERING

In this mode, the camera limits light metering to a particular area, such
as a subject's face, and sets the correct exposure,

Position the subject for

spot metering within the

spo t frame, and press

Spot frame

the SPOT/L.T. button.

In situations like the one illustrated

above, th e subject will be dark because

of backlighting.

panel and the exposure is locked.

is displayed on the LCD

41

Recompose the shot,

then press the shutter
release button to take
the picture.

Use the Spot Metering mode in the
following situation:

When there is a big difference

between subject and background

brightness (e.g., backlighting).

Notes:

When the flash is flipped up, or the Night Scene or

Long T ime mode is engaged, the camera does

not perform spot metering.

After th e shot, the Spot Metering mode is
canceled. To cancel the mode without taking

42

a shot, press the SPOT/LT. button again.

REMOTE CONTROL (OPTIONAL)

The optional RC-200 Remote Control is required.

Press the /REMOTE button

to engage the Remote Control
mode.

Position the autofocus frame

on the subject.

43

Aim the remote control

at the camera, and

press the button.

The shutter will be released about 3
seconds after the beep.

Note: Use Selftimer outside the above range.

Important: After the shot(s), be sure to press the

/REMOTE button again to cancel the

Selftimer/Remote Control mode.

44

Notes on the Remote Control:

The remote control may not work when

there is backlighting and when
autofocusing is difficult.(See p. 47.)

The shutter will not release using the

remote control when the remote

control's battery is exhausted.

CAUTIONS:

Keep the remote control out of the
reach of children. In case it is

swallowed, immediately consult a

physician.
Keep the remote control away from fire
and extreme heat. Never try to
disassemble it.

EFFECTS OF ZOOM AND ITS ADVANTAGES

Zoom len s focal length is changed by moving
part of the lens. With this camera, you can
select any focal length between 28 mm and
110 mm.

28 mm wide-angle
Because the angle of view is wide and the
depth of field is large, you can take sharp
photographs with enhanced perspective and
contrast. This is ideal for shooting
landscapes, skylines, crowds at a party, etc.

50 mm (approx.)
This range is the standard angle of view and
has moderate background blurring. It is
suitable for most types of shot including
portraits.

28mm

75°

50mm

110mm

At its maximum focal length, the built-in lens

offers a telephoto effect. The depth of field is
shallower, and the effects of aperture
settings are more apparent. In telephoto
shooting, use a tripod or hold the camera
firmly to prevent the camera from shaking.

180 mm additional telephoto power

When the optional teleconverter IS/L LENS

C-180 H.Q. CONVERTER 1.7X is used, you

can extend the telephoto range up to 180

mm.

46°

110mm

22°

PICTURES

TAKING BETTER

45

Angle of view and depth of field

Angle of view is directly related to the focal
depth of field (the distance in front of an d
behind the subject that the camera is able to
bring into focus). The greater the angle of

view (wide angle), the greater the depth of

field. When the angle of view is narrow

(telephoto), the depth of field decreases.

IS/L LENS C-180 H.Q. CONVERTER 1.7X

28mm

50mm

F. No. 5.6

F. No. 5.6

180mm

46

14°

110mm

F. No. 5.6

AUTOFOCUS (AF)

Although this camera's autofocus can lock on virtually any subject,
there are certain conditions, such as shown below, where it m ay

not be possible to obtain the correct focus. In the situations shown

in on the next page, autofocus may not lock on the correct

subject even though the autofocus indicator lights and the shutter

releases.

Subjects with low contrast

Use the focus lock by first

focusing on something at the

same distance as the subject you
wish to take a picture of, and then
aim at the subject.

Subjects that do not contain

vertical lines

Use the focus lock first while
holding the camera vertically.
Th e n sw it ch th e c am e r a to t he
horizontal position to take the
photograph.

Subjects in excessively bright
light

Use the focus lock by first

focusing on something at the

same distance as the subject you
wish to take a picture of, and then

aim at the subject.

47

Two subjects at different

distances

Subjects with repetitive

patterns

High-speed subjects at close
range

When the subject locks out-of-

focus although the autofocus

indicator lights, focus on another
subject at the desired camera-to­subject distance first. Then

recompose the frame to take the

picture.

48

When the subject locks out-of-

focus although the autofocus

indicator lights, focus on another

subject at the desired camera-to-

subject distance first. Then
recompose the frame to take the

picture.

Focus on another subject at the

desired camera-to-subject

distance first. Then recompose
the frame to take the picture.

EXPOSURE

Automatic Exposure Mode

Exposure refers to the amount of light which
strikes the film, and is controlled by a
combination of aperture size and shutter
speed. The correct amount of light, called
correct exposure, depends on the film speed
(indicated on the film package, e.g. IS0100

or.lSO-200).

The automatic exposure function
automatically sets the correct exposure. This

camera employs two types of automatic
exposure modes: programmed auto­exposure and aperture-preferred auto­exposure.
With programmed auto exposure, the
camera automatically selects the most
suitable combination of F stop and shutter
speed for the existing lighting conditions.
This lets you concentrate on composing your
shot and releasing the shutter at just the right

time.
With aperture-preferred auto, you select the
desired F stop, and the camera automatically
selects the correct shutter speed. Aperture­preferred auto gives more artistic freedom of
expression and creativity by selecting a
desired F stop to control the blur of the
background.

Program Chart (FULL AUTO)

The following program chart is for 28mm
wide-angle and 110mm telephoto focal
lengths. According to the focal length, the
camera's program itself changes. When the

subject is brightly lit, the F stop and shutter

speed change simultaneously. When the

lighting is darker, the aperture remains wide­open and only the shutter speed changes to
as slow as 2 sec. to match the available light

(ISO 100).

In the standard shooting mode (refer to

p.40), if the built-in flash has been flipped up,

it will automatically fire in dark lighting or
backlit conditions. The shutter speed will be

fixed at 1/100-sec.

49

Portrait Mode

In this mode, the camera chooses a wide
aperture for a shallow depth of field. This
results in a softly blurred subject
background, against which y o u r subject
stands out in sharp focus. This mode also
prevents camera-shake from happening
because a faster shutter speed is selected.

Nig ht Scene Mode

Allows you to capture beautiful nighttime scenes

just as they are. The camera automatically
adjusts exposure compensation for optimum night
scene photography — extending exposure time

for up to 4 seconds (ISO100). When shooting a
subject against a nighttime background, use of

the flash is recommended. In this case, the

camera optimizes exposure compensation for
both the subject and the background. Since the
selected shutter speed may be very slow, hold the
camera firmly in position (with a tripod for
example) to prevent blurring.

Stop Action Mode

This mode is ideal for capturing high-speed photo

opportunities such as sports scenes and children

at play. A fast shutter speed is automatically

selected to "freeze" the action on film.

50

Landscape Mode

This mode is ideal when you want to focus on

both the subject and the backg round or when you

want to shoot natural scenery with low contrast.

The camera automatically stops down the
aperture to make the range of focus as large as

possible. In shooting conditions for this mode, the
subjects are likely be at a distance of (infinity),
so the autofocus function in this mode starts from

the position.

L ong T ime Mod e

To obtain trailing effects when shooting fireworks

or car lights, a long shutter speed is required. The

Long Time mode is ideal for this type of shot
since it allows you to choose a shutter speed of

up to 60 seconds with a fixed aperture of F8.

Since the selected shutter speed will be very

slow, use of a tripod is recommended to prevent

blurring.

FILM SPEED

METERING THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT

Fil m Speed

Fil m speed is indicated on the back of film
packages. ISO 100, ISO 200, and ISO 400
are the most common. High-speed film (ISO

400), as implied by its name, is for taking
photos of fast-moving subjects in action
shots, for example. However, there are also
other advantages. With high-speed film,
such as ISO 400, it is possible to take

pictures in lower light. And the distance

covered by the flash will be greater.
Generally, the higher the film speed, the

grainier the picture.

With this camera, we recommend the use of

"DX" film cartridges: ISO 25 ~ 3200. In the

case of non-DX-coded film, the camera will
autom atical ly be set to film speed ISO 32.

Light Metering

Light metering can measure the brightness
of the framed subject in various ways. This
camera employs three metering systems: (1)

ESP light metering, (2) center-weighted

average light metering, and (3) spot
meteri ng . You can select the light metering

system most suitable to the conditions. The
camera also uses TTL (through-the-lens)

light metering to automatically measure the
light that enters the lens. This lets you get
very accurate light readings that are

unaffected by changes in the distance

between the subject and the camera.

Fuzzy Logic ESP (Electro-Selective
Pattern) Light Metering

ESP light metering measures the brightness
of the central portion and peripheral portion

of the frame separately in order to determine

the proper exposure. The calculation

program used is based on programmed data

to properly compensate for backlighting.

ESP light metering is used automatically

when in the Full-Auto mode.

51

Center-Weighted Average Light
Metering

Center-weighted average light metering is

the most widely used light metering system

(Fig. A). This system measures the ligh t

available throughout the frame with special
emphasis on th e center of the frame. When

in the Aperture-Preferred Auto mode, this light

metering system is automatically activated.
When the contrast between bright and dark
areas is not too extreme outside the center of

the frame, this system offers excellent

results.

52

Spot Metering

Spot metering (Fig. B) measures the
brightness at the center of the frame only.

Because this metering system calculates the
correct exposure for only one point, it is
convenient when the subject is backlit or the
picture contains strong contrasts. When
shooting a subject in front of an extremely
bright background, you should use spot­meteri n g on the subject's face.

ACCESSORIES (OPTIONAL)

IS/L LENS C-180 H.Q. CONVERTER 1.7X

REMOTE CONTROL RC-200

53

QUESTIONS A ND ANSWERS

Q:How long will the batteries last?

A: Two new 3V lithium batteries will

last for roughly 20 rolls of 24­exposure film on which the flash
was used on half of all the shots

(determined under Olympus test
conditions). If you do not use the

flash and zoom very often, the

batteries will last much longer.

Q:How should I store the camera?

A: Cameras are susceptible to

damage caused by dust, moisture,

MAINTENANCE

and salt. Wipe and dry the camera

thoroughly before storing it. After

using it at the beach, wipe it with a
cloth that has been moistened
with fresh water and then wrung
out. Do not u se mothballs.

CAMERA

Q: When does the camera measure

and set the exposure?

A: When the shutter release button is

pressed halfway, the camera

measures both the exposure and

the focus and t hen locks them as

long as the shutter release button

54

remains halfway depressed. In the

Spot Metering mode, the exposure
is locked when the spot button is

pressed

Q:How should I clean the lens?

A: Wipe the lens gently with lens

cleaning tissue that has been
moistened with a small amount of
lens cleaning fluid.

Q:Can l use a filter?

A: Yes , you can. Use one wi th a

diameter of 52 mm. When you use
a th ick o ne, l ike a C- POL ( cir c ular­polarizing) filter, the edges of the

picture plane sometimes become
dark or the lens cap may not close.
Make sure to turn off the power
before mounting or removing a
filter. When doing so, even with

the power off , sometimes the lens

rotates and the motor operates.

This

is not a

Q:Can I use infrared film?

A: No.

malfunction.

CARE A ND STORAGE

Do not leave the camera in any
place exposed to excessive
heat, humidity, or direct
sunlight — for example, in a
car or on the beach.

Do not expose the camera

to formalin or naphthalene.

If the camera gets wet,
wipe it with a dry towel
immediately. The salt in
seawater can be especially
damaging.

Do not use organic solvents

such as alcohol or paint

thinner when cleaning the

camera.

Do not leave the camera on a

television, refrigerator, or

speaker.

Do not expose the camera

to dust or sand as th i s could
cause serious damage.

55

Do not shake or shock t he

camera.

Do not apply excessive

force to the lens barrel.

56

Keep the camera in a well-ventilated place.

Do not expose the camera to extreme heat
(over 40°C/104°F) or to extreme cold (below

-10°C/14°F). L ow temperatures, even within
this range, may sometimes cause
deterioration in battery performance,
temporarily disabling the camera.

When transporting the camera from a cold

place to a warm place or in the event of a

sudden temperature change, put the camera

into a plastic bag. This allows the camera's

temperature to change slowly. Once the

camera has adjusted to the new temperature,

you can remove it fro m the bag and use it.

Keep your hair, hands, strap, etc. away from
the autofocus window, lens, AE sensor and
flash.

Avoid leaving the camera unused for long

periods of time. This can cause mold to grow
on the camera as well as other problems. Try
to press the shutter release button and check
the operation of the camera before use.

Be careful when moving the camera on a
tripod.

Some airport X-ray machines can damage
the film in your camera. Try to avoid passing
your camera through these machines. Give it
to the security officer for manual inspection.

Do not touch the contact points inside the
camera.

This camera is controlled by a
microcomputer. Problems with the
microcomputer can affect or stop camera
operation, If this happens, remove the
batteries, then reload them and try the
camera again. Strong electrical fiel ds can
also interfere with the operation of this
camera, so try to avoid p lac es or objects that
generate such fields.

This camera is not suitable for use under
severe conditions.

Do not touch the front surface of the flash
after using the flash continuously in a short
time as the flash may be hot.

57

BA TTE RY HANDLING

NOTES

Do not mi x different types of batteries or
new and old batteries.
When the camera is not used for an

extended period of time, remove the

batteries.

Keep spare batteries on hand when going

on a l o ng trip or to a c o ld area.

Sweat, oil, and so on can prevent a

battery's terminals from making electrical

contact. To avoid this, wipe both terminals

before loading batteries.

58

WARNINGS

NEVER TRY TO DISASSEMBLE,

RECHARGE, OR SHORT-CIRCUIT

BATTERIES. NEVER EXPOSE
BATTERIES TO EXCESSIVE HEAT OR

OPEN FLAMES.

KE EP THE BATTERIES OUT OF THE
REACH OF CHILDREN. IF A CHILD
SWALLOWS A BATTERY, CONTACT A
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
USE TWO 3V LITHIUM BATTERIES
(DL123A OR CR123A). NEVER TRY TO
DISASSEMBLE OR MODIFY ANY
BATTERY OR BATTERY PACK FOR
USE IN THIS CAMERA.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Operating Problems

Symptom

The camera does

not work.

The LCD panel

turns off suddenly

blinks and the

shutter cannot be

released.

blinks even

when the flash is

no t fli pp ed up.
The autofocus

indicator blinks and
the shutter cannot

be released.

The power is OFF.

The batteries are loaded incorrectly.

The batteries are exhausted.

The batteries are temporarily unable
to function.
The loaded film has been rewound.
The film is incorrectly loaded.

The LCD panel turns off automatically
if none of the camera's functions have
been used for about 30 seconds.

The flash has not finished recharging.

blinks to warn you that camera-

shake is likely to occur due to

insufficient light.

The autofocus system may not work
when t h e subject is moving too fast,
when the camera is shaking, or when
the subject is difficult for autofocus
to lock onto (refer to p. 47).
The subject is closer than the camera's

minimum working distance (75cm/2.5ft).

Cause

Remedy

Set the power switch to ON.

Reload the batteries correctly.
Replace batteries with new ones.
Kee p the camera warm whi l e
using it.

Remove the film.
Reload the film.

Press the FULL AUTO button, or

press the shutter release button
halfway.

Remove your finger from the
shutter release button and wait
for several seconds until

recharging is completed.

Fli p up the flash.

First focus on something at the

same distance as the subject, then
recompose the frame to take the

picture.
Move 75cm/2.5ft or more away

from the subject.

See

p.21

p.14

p.15

p.25
p.19

p.21/40

p.28

P.27

p.47
p.24

p.22

59

Symptom

The camera doesn't
focus on the subject
even though the

auxiliary flash lights.

The shutter doesn't

release even when

the shutter release
button is pressed.

The flash doesn't fire

blinks in the

viewfinder.

The shutter cannot

be released by

remote control.

60

The autofocus may not wo rk when the

subject is out of the auxiliary flash's

working distance (approx. 75cm~5m/

2.5ft~1 6.4ft).

The subject is not in focus.

The rewound film is still loaded.
The shutter speed is set at faster than

1/100-sec.

High-speed film is used.
Exposure is incorrect in the Aperture-

Preferred Auto mode.

If no operations have been carried out

in the Selftimer/Remote Control mode

for about 20 minutes, the LCD panel
turns off and the shutter can't be
released with the remote control.

Cause

Remedy

Move the camera closer to the
subject.

Make sure the subject is in focus

and the autofocus indicator in the
viewfinder lights.
Remove the film.

Set the flash mode to Fill-in.
Set the flash mod e to Fill-in.

Change the aperture until
stops blinking. Use the flash when
available light is insufficient.

Press the FULL AUTO button to

turn on the LCD panel, and

engage the Selftimer/Remote

Control mode again.

See

p. 23

p.25
p.31

p.31
p. 38

Problems with Printed Pictures

Symptom

The subjects' eyes

appear red in

printed pictures.

The subject was

within the frame of

the viewfinder, but
its edges are

missing on the print.

The picture is
out of focus.

The picture is too

dark.

The colors of

pictures taken
indoors look

unnatural.

This "red-eye phenomenon" occurs with
all cameras when a flash is used. It is
caused by light from the flash reflecting

off the retina at the back of the eye. Red-

eye varies depending on the individual
and the shooting conditions such as
ambient lighting. It is also more likely to
occur when using 110mm telephoto than
when using wide-angle focal lengths.

When a negative is enlarged, sometimes
the ed g e of the frame is not prin t ed .

The camera moved when the shutter
release button was pressed.

The viewfinder's autofocus frame was

not positioned on the subject.

The shutter release button was pressed
from right in front of the camera in the

Selftimer mode.

The subject was out of the working
range of the flash.
The subject was backlit.

The ligh t in g fixture(s) affected the

picture.

Cause

Remedy

Use the Auto-S Flash mode to
significantly reduce red-eye
phenomenon.

Leave some room on the edges of

the frame when you compose

your shots.

Hold the camera correctly, and
press the shutter release button

gently.

Position the autofocus frame on

the subject, or use the focus lock.

Press the shutter release button
while looking into the viewfinder,
not while standing in front of the
camera.

Shoot within the working range
of the flash.
Set the flash to Fill-in mode.

Set the flash mode to Fill-in.

See

p.30

p.16

p.24
p.32

p.29

p.31
p.31

61

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Fully automatic 35mm autofocus

single-lens refl ex camera with built-in
28mm ~ 110mm zoom lens.

Film format: 35mm standard DX-coded film

(24 x 36mm switchable to Panorama format).

Lens: Olympus lens (filter available, 52mm filter

diameter) 28mm ~ 110mm F4.5 ~ 5.6, 11

elements in 9 groups (5-group zoom

construction).

Shutter: Electronic control system vertical focal

plan e shutter. Shutter speed 1/2000-sec. ~

4-sec. Manual F8 1 sec. ~ 60 sec.

Flash-shutter synchronization: Under 1/100 s ec .
Focu sing: TT L phase-difference detection

system autofocus with focus lock.
Autofocus beep available. Auxiliary flash
activation in low light. (Available at

distances up to 5 m (16.4 ft), determined

under Olympus' test conditions.) Focusing

range — 0.75 m (2.5 ft) ~

Viewfinder: Standard/panorama switchable single-lens

reflex system, magnification ratio 0.72 (at 50mm).
Finder view-field — 85% of actual view-field.

Viewfinder information: Autofocus frame, spot frame,

panorama frame, autofocus in d ic a t or , flash indicat or

62

(to be used as flash warning),

overexposure/underexposure indicator.

Diopter adjus tment: -2 ~ +1.

Light metering system: TTL light metering

system — Fuzzy logic ESP light metering,

center-weighted average light metering,

spot metering.

Exposure modes: (1) Program AE (Full-Auto,

Stop Action, Portrait, Night Scene,

Landscape). (2) Aperture-Preferred AUTO.

(3) Lon g Time (manual)

Exposure counter: Progressive type, displayed

on LCD panel.

Film speed range: Automatic setting with

DX-coded film (ISO 25, 32, 50, 64, 100, 125,

200, 250, 400, 500, 800, 1000, 1600, 2000,

3200. Other intermediate film speeds will be
automatically set for next lower speed).

Film loading: Automatic loading (automatically

advances to first frame when camera back

is closed).

Fi lm advance: Automatic film winding.
Film rewind: Automatic fi lm rewind (automatic

rewind activated at end of film, automatic

rewind stop). Rewind is possible at any

point with rewind button.

Selftimer: Electronic Selftimer with 12-sec. delay.

Remote control (optional): Infrared remote

contr ol unit , 3-sec delay.

Flash: Built-in IVP (Intelligent Variable-Power)

flash system. Manual activating system,
recycling time of about 0.2 ~ 3.9 sec. (at

normal temperature).

Flash range: Telephoto and wide angle —

0.75 ~ 4.5 m (2.5 ~ 14.8 ft) with ISO 100

negative color film, 0.75 ~ 9.0 m (2.5 ~

29.5 ft) with ISO 400 negative color film.

Flash modes, Auto (automatic flash activation

in low-light and backlight), Auto-S (red-eye
reducing, same as Auto otherwise), Fill-In

(forced activation), OFF (when flash is

retracted).

Battery check: Displayed on LCD panel.
Power source: Two 3V lithium batteries

(DL123A or CR123A) (replaceable).

Dimensions: 123(W) X 88(H) X 115(D) mm

(4.8 X 3.5 X 4.5 in) (excluding protrusions).

Weight: 650g (22.9oz) (without batteries)

Specifications are subject to change without

any notice or obligation on the part of the

manufacturer.

63

San-Ei Building, 22-2, Nishi Shinjuku 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Tel. [phone]

Two Corporate Center Drive, Melville, NY 11747-3157, U.S.A. Tel. [phone]

(Premises/Goods delivery) Wendenstrasse 14-16, 20097 Hamburg, Germany. Tel. [phone]

2-8 Honduras Street, London EC1Y 0TX, United Kingdom. Tel. [phone]

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference - Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.

OLYMPUS AMERICA INC.

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (EUROPA) GMBH.

(Letters) Postfach 10 49 08, 20034 Hamburg, Germany.

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (U.K.) LTD.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject

to the conditions that this device does not cause harmful interference.

1198.5MM