Thank you for your purchase of an Olympus OM-88 . This newly developed automatic SLR camera
features an advanced power focus system, programmed exposure control and an automatic film handling
system to let you take beautiful pictures with ease. Further, if you use this new type of programmed SLR
camera wit h a Manual Adapter 2, it also permits aperture-priority automatic exposure and manual
exposure to give you the possibility of creative visual expressions that are possible only with an SLR.
Anyone can enjoy taking pictures with it very easily — not only simple snapshots, b ut also highly
sophisticated pictures. Before using the camera, please study this instruction manual carefully with the
OM-88 in front of you, so that you can get the very best performance and service life from your new
camera.
Symbols used in this manual
1
Page 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
for
Preparations
Loading the Batteries ......................
Checking the Batteries ....................
Mounting th e Lens ........................
Taking Photographs I .........................
Loading the Film ...........................
Taking Photographs
Rewinding t he F ilm ........................
Taking Photographs
Using the backlight control button .....
Using the self-timer ........................
Using OM Lenses ..........................
Taking Photographs I II
(flash photography)
Using T-series Electronic Flashes
(T18, T20andT32) ........................
Using the Full-Synchro Flash F280 . . . .
Taking Photographs IV
Using the OM-88 with the Manual
2
Adapter
Mounting the Manual Adapter 2 .......
Aperture-priority auto exposure ........
Manual exposure ...........................
Bulb exposure
2
Taking Pictures
.......................
II
........................
............................
........................................
...............................
...........
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
22
24
25
26
28
30
To
take better photographs:
Using conventional auto flash units
................
Programmed exposure ....................
TTL Direct "OTF" Light Metering
Display in the viewfinder .................
Using the Manual Adapter 2 ............
OM-8 8 system .............................
Notes on the OM-88 with current
OM System Units ..........................
Conventional OM Lenses ................
Care
and
Storage
Questions and Answers ...................
Descri ption o f Controls .................
Specifications .............................
Manual Adapter 2 Description of
Controls
Manual Adapter 2 Specifications .....
....................................
...........................
31
33
34
37
38
39
42
43
44
45
47
49
52
53
54
Page 4
Preparations for Taking Pictures
The OM-88 is designed primarily for use with Olympus AF Lenses a nd 50mm
F2.0 PF Lens. (Regarding the instructions for use of conventional OM Lenses, refer
to page 17.)
3
Page 5
Loading the Batteries
Do not use different kinds of batteries or new and old batteries at the same time . If
you are not li kel y to use th e camera for an ext ended period of time, r emov e t h e
batteries. Before changing
the
batteries,
set the
mode dial
at
"OFF".
Open the battery compartment cover by
sliding the kn ob in th e lower part of t he grip.
4
4 LR03 (AAA) batteries
Inset the batteries in the correct direction
and close the cover.
Page 6
Checking the Batteries
Al w ays check the batteries after inserting new batteries, wh en shooting in cold
weather, or if the camera has not been used fo r a long lime.
Set the mode dial at "CHECK".
5
The audible and visual signals will tell you
that the batteries have enough power.
As the battery power weakens, both the
audible and visual signals become
intermittent. Replace th e batteries as soon as
possible.
(When the batteries are completely
exhausted the audible and visual signals do
not operate at all.)
Page 7
Mounting the Lens
(i f you are using an OM lens, refer to page 17.)
Remove the rear lens cap and the body cap.
Remove the front lens cap.
6
Al ign t he red do ts on th e body an d the le ns
as shown, push in the lens and turn it slowly
clockwise until it locks. (Do not touch the
button ).
Removing the Lens:
Press the lens release button.
Turn the lens until it stops.
Pull the lens forwar d to remove it from
the camera body.
Page 8
Taking Photographs 1
The OM-88 i s so designed to allow everyone to enjoy the fascinating world of SLR
photography with ease. Th is chapter explains its basic procedure how to tak e
programmed exposure pictures (see page 34 for details).
7
Page 9
Loading th e Fi l m
Loading and film-speed selection fo r DX f il m a rc automatic.
Set the m ode dial at "P".
8
Make sure you are using a DX coded film,
This camera does not accept non-DX
coded films.
Page 10
Open the camera back by sliding the release
knob.
Align the f ilm leader with the red mark and
insert the sprocket teeth in the film
perforations.
9
Avoiding direct sunlight, inset the film
cartridge.
Take care not to touch the shutter curtain
with your finger or the film leader.
Page 11
Close th e cam era back.
The camera wil l automatically advance the
film and the exposure counter will show "1".
* If th e mode dial is at "OFF", the f ilm will
not advance.
When the film is incorrectly loaded, the
camera will warn you with audible and
visual signals. Reload the film.
10
Film type confirmation is possible through
the film window in the camera back.
Page 12
Set the mode dial at "P".
Look through the viewfinder
and aim the camera at your
subject.
11
Taking Photographs
The will turn on in the viewfinder. If it
blinks the shutter will trip at 1/60 sec. or a
slower. In this case, us e flash or mount the
camera on a tripod. (Lightly press t he
shutter release if t he viewfinder display
doesn't show. The display in the viewfinder
will remain on for 30 seconds.)
Focus on the focusing screen wit h the power
focus dial. *Do not touch the lens front part.
Page 13
When the dial is tu rned to the right, the lens When turne d to the left, the lens focuses on
focuses on closer subjects. farther subject.
* The speed of the lens movement changes in accordance with a rotation speed of the dial.
Depress th e shutter release. Th e fi lm will
automatically advance for the next shot.
12
Page 14
Rewinding the Film
Film rewinding is also automatic.
Mak e sure t he fi lm has c ome to it s end.
Press the rewind button.
The film will be rewound automatically.
13
When the end of film is reached, the motor
whi r stops midway, and if the shutter release
is depressed, the camera will warn you w ith
audible and visual signals.
After making sure the motor noise stops,
open the camera back and unload the film.
As soon as you open the camera back, the
exposure counter will return to "S".
The film is completely rewound into the
cartridge.
Page 15
Taking Photographs I I
The OM-88 is designed primarily for use with Olympus AF Lens and 50mm F2.0
PF lens, bu t y o u c an also use conventional OM Lenses wit h i t. T hi s chapter
explains various functions which expand your picture-taking possibilities, and how
to use OM Lenses.
14
Page 16
Using the backlight control button
If your subject stands against a bright
background, the main subject in the front
will turn out d ark .
The main subject will turn out beautifully
exposed, almost unaffected by the bright
background.
15
While pressing the backlight control button,
depress the shutter release.
* Backlight control does not function when
film speed is set at ISO 25.
Page 17
Using the self-timer
Moun t the camera on a tripod or other steady surface.
Focus on yo ur subject with the power focus
dial.
Audible and visual signals will let y ou kno w
that the self-timer has started.
16
While pressing the self-timer button
depress the shutter release
The shutter will trip after 12 seconds, the
audible signal will change its tone two
seconds before the shutter trips.
* The self-timer can be cancelled by pressing
the self-timer button again or switching the
mo d e d i al t o "OFF".
Page 18
Using OM Lenses
With OM Lenses, th e camera will always take pictures in the aperture-priority auto
exposure mode when the mode dial is set at P, A or M. (See page 44 for details)
Mount the Lens.
Align the red dots and turn the lens slowly
until it locks.
Example:
Aperture
Weather/
Lighting
condition
17
Choose your desired aperture.
ISO 100
Page 19
Focus on the subject by turning the focus
ring on the lens barrel and depress the
shutter release.
* The lens will not move by turning the
power focus dial.
18
To dismount the lens, press the button on
the lens side, hold it there and turn the lens
until it detaches.
It is impossible to dismount it with the
button on the camera side.
* This button is designed for AF and PF
lens.
* Wit h an OM Lens on th e camera, no
display will appear in the viewfinder.
Page 20
Taking Photographs III (flash photography)
The OM-88 incorporates a "OTF" P rogram (refer to page 37) mode for controlling
T-series flashes (T18, T20 and T32 etc.) and t h e F ul l -S yn c hr o Flash F280. Taking
flash pictures with it is very easy without troublesome settings. This chapter
explains the procedure for shooting with these flash units, especially with T18.
(If you are using other auto flash units, refer to page 31.)
The following explanation is based on t he use of Olympus A F Lenses and 50mm
F2.0PF Lens.
Regarding the instructions for use of conventional OM Lenses, refer to page 44.
19
Page 21
Using T-series Electronic Flashes (T18, T20 and T32)
Set th e mode dia l on the camera to "P ". (Sec page 36 for details.)
Mount the flash onto the accesory shoe, and
secure with lock-screw.
* If you are using a T20 or T32, set the
calculator panel so that "full automatic
control by OM-2 is displayed.
20
Turn on the power switch.
Page 22
Make sure the flash is fully charged.
If the mark turns on and Blinks (it
indicates 1/60 sec. or slower), the flash is
ready to fire.
Check for correct exposure.
blinks to indicate correct exposure.
No indicates under-exposure.
21
Depress the shutter release.
The flash shooting range differs with the
lens' maximum-aperture and shooting
conditions. For example, when using T18
wit h a 50mm F1.8 lens, a shooting range
up to 7m (23 feet) is possible. (with ISO
100 film)
Page 23
Using the Full-Synchro Flash F280
The Full-Synchro Flash F280 allows you to take flash pictures In the "OTF" auto
mode . However, the super FP flash mode cannot be used. Set the mode dial on the
camera to "P". (See page 36 f o r details)
Mount the F280 onto the accesory shoe and
secure wit h the lock-screw.
22
Turn on the power switch and be sure to set
the mode switch to "NORMAL".
Page 24
Make sure the flash is fully charged.
If the mark turns on and blinks (i t
indicates of 1/60 sec. or slower), the flash is
ready to fire.
Check for correct exposure.
blink s to indicate correct exposure.
No indicates under-exposure.
23
Depress the shutter release.
The flash shooting range differs with the
maximum-aperture and shooting
conditions. For example, when using F280
wi th a 50mm F1.8 lens, a shooting range
up to 11m (36 feet) is possible (with ISO
100 film).
Page 25
Taking Photographs I V
Using the OM-88 with the Manual Adapter 2
In combination with the Manual Adapter 2. the OM-S8 permits aperture-priority
auto exposure and manual exposure to develop i t to a high-grade SLR suited for
creative photography. This chapter explains mainly how to use the Manual Adapter 2.
(See page 39. If you ar e using conventional OM Lenses, refer to page 44.)
24
Page 26
Mounting the Manual Adapter 2
Remove the Manual Adapter contact cover.
When the Manual Adapter is not mounted,
keep the contact cover on the camera.
25
Align the contacts, mou nt the Manual
Adapter 2 and tighten the screw w ith a coin.
Page 27
Aperture-priority auto exposure
Set the mo de dia l at "A".
The will t urn on in the viewfinder.
Example:
Lens used:
AF Zoom 35-
70mm F3.5-4.5
Desired Aper-
ture: F8
26
Align your desired aperture on the aperture
setting dial with the indicated aperture (F2,
2.8 or 4) closest to th e maximum aperture of
th e lens yo u are using.
Page 28
If blinks, it means that the shutter speed
will be 1/6 0 sec. or slower. In this case,
change the aperture; or mount the camera
on a tripod or use flash.
27
Focus on the subject with the pow er focus
dial and depress the shutter release.
If the mode dial is set at "P", pictures are
taken in the programmed exposure mode.
If the mode dial is set at "A", the camera
will take pictures in the aperture-priority
auto exposure mode, regardless of where
the shutter speed dial is set.
If you have set an aperture which is beyond
the maximum or minimum aperture of the
lens used, the camera will choose the
maximum or minimum aperture of t hat
lens instead.
Page 29
Manual exposure
Set the m ode dial at "M".
The manual exposure indication will be
displayed in the viewfinder.
28
Choose the aperture and shutter speed by
rotating the dials on the Manual Adapter.
(Align your desired aperture on the aperture
setting dial with the indicated aperture
closest to the maximum aperture of the lens
you are using. — see page 26)
In order to obtain correct exposure, adjust
the dia l so t ha t may t ur n o n.
Under fluorescent lamp lighting, either
upper or lower part of may flash with
the other turning on, however a correct
exposure can still be obtained.
Page 30
If the indicator turns on (+0.5 —
+ 1.5EV) or b links (over +1.5EV), your
subject will be overexposed.
Focus the lens and depress the shutter
release.
29
If the indicator turns on (—0.5 —
-1.5EV) or blinks (under -1.5EV), you r
subject will be underexposed.
Page 31
Bulb exposure
Set t he mo de di al at "M".
30
Set the shutter speed dial t o "B" and depress
and hold the shutter release.
(The shutter will remain open while the
shutter release is depressed.)
The manual exposure indicator will not be
displayed in the viewfinder.
Page 32
Using conventional auto flash units
If you use non-dedicated conventional auto flash units other than T-saries flashes and
the F280, it is necessary to use a Manual Adapter 2. The flash will not fire without it
when used wit h an AF lens.
Set the mode dial at "M".
31
Adjust the aperture dial to the aperture
mode of the flash unit. (Refer to Section 2 in
page 26 as to adjustment of the aperture
dial.)
Example: Lens Used — AF ZOOM 35 —
70mm F 3.5 — 4.5
Page 33
Set the shutter speed dial to "X".
32
Turn on the flash's main switch, make sure
the flash is fully charged, and shoot.
will not be activated in the
viewfinder when used with non-dedicated
conventional auto flash units.
Page 34
To take better photographs:
If you want to improve your pictures or refine your picture-taking techniques, it is
important to understand your camera well. The following pages h ave been
compiled to help you use for more sophisticated techniques. Pl e a se read them to
master these techniques.
33
Page 35
Programmed exposure
The programmed exposure control system lets you shoot at any moment you like, because
the camera automatically selects the optimum combination of shutter speed and aperture for
you according to the brightness of the subject. Freed from the need of complicated exposure
settings which require photo knowledge and experience, the photographer can concentrate
his attention through the viewfinder. To take pictures, you need only mount an AF or PF
Lens on the camera and set the mode dial at "P". Whether the subject is bright or dark, the
camera will always provide ideal exposure.
Even if you move suddenly fro m a dark place to a bright place, t he camera will immediately
react to insure correct exposure. The program enables even beginners to use the full
functions of this SLR from the very beginning.
34
Page 36
Standard program diagram
The OM-88 permits programmed exposure
only when an Olympus AF or PF Lens is
mounted on it. The standard program
diagram shows that while the aperture is
fixed at the maximum aperture (1.8) wi th
shutter of 1/60 sec. or slower, the aperture
and shutter speed vary at a 45 slope with
shutter speeds faster than 1/60 sec.
[E] Shutter speed
35
[E] Aperture
Page 37
Diagram of the programmed flash control
Used w ith a T-series flash (T18, T20, or T32
etc.) or Full-Synchro Flash F280, t he O M
-88 is designed to control the flash on the
basis of the direct "OTF" program.
If a shutter speed faster than 1/60 sec. has
been selected by th e camera according to the
brightness of th e subject, it will take picture
in the ordinary programmed exposure mode
without firing the flash. If it selects a shutter
speed of 1/6 0 sec. or slower, the aperture
will be automatically shifted 1 stop below
the maximum aperture of the lens used and
the shutter speed will be fixed at 1/80 sec.
The flash will then be controlled by the
direct "OTF" me tho d. This m ethod all ows
an easier operation of sophisticated
photographic techniques such as bounce and
diffused flash.
[E] Shutter speed
36
[E] Aperture
Page 38
TTL Direct "OTF" Light Metering
The OM-88 uses a direct "OTF" metering method which is suited fo r metering on a wide
range of subjects. It can measure the brightness of the subject directly on the film plane and
control the exposure on a real time basis. This method was pioneered by Olympus. Since it
can quickly react to any changes of light during exposure, it is convenient for shooting not
only stationary objects, but also fast-moving objects. It also simplifies macro photography
which has been considered difficult with regard to exposure determinations. Further, in
combination with T-series flash units (T18, T20 and T32 etc.) or an F280, it allows you to
take flash pictu res easily in a fully automatic manner, including such sophisticated
The OM-88 permits aperture-priority auto exposure and manual exposure in combination
with an optional Manual Adapter 2.
Procedure for aperture-priority auto exposure
In this mode, the photographer chooses a desired aperture according to the shooting
conditions and the camera automatically sets a shutter speed which provides correct
exposure. You need only set the mode dial at "A" and select you r desired aperture. This
mode provides for more creative composition by utilizing the depth-of-field control of a lens.
If you want a blurred background, for example, open up the aperture; and if you want that
your picture turns out sharp all the way to the background, stop down the aperture. Further,
if you use a T-series flash (T18, T20 or T32 etc.) or an F280, you can choose your desired
aperture even in flash photography because the flash is controlled by the camera in the direct
"OTF" au to mo de.
Page 41
Procedure for manual exposure
If you set the mode dial at "M", you can choose your desired shutter speed an d aperture for
manual exposure. To set exposure, turn the shutter speed and aperture dials while checking
correct exposure in the viewfinder. You can enjoy various photographic effects such as
blurred effects with slow shutter speeds, action-freezing effects with high shutter speeds, and
aperture effects (depth-of-field effects) for portraits on a blurred background.
When a T-series flash (T18, T20 or T32 etc.) or an F280 is used in the manual mode, the
direct "OTF" a uto flash function is not available.
40
Page 42
Using aperture effects
If you want a blurred background, open up the aperture; and on the contrary, if you want a
sharp background, stop down the aperture.
Using shutter speed effects
If yo u want an action-freezing effect on a fast-moving object, choose a faster shutter speed;
and if you want to express a sense of motion by a blurring effect, choose a slower shutter
41
speed.
Page 43
OM-88 system
AF 24mm F2.8
AF 28mm F2.8
AF 50mm F1.8
50mm F2.0 PF
AF Macro 50mm F2.8
AF Zoom 35-70mm F3.5-4.5
AF Zoom 28-85mm F3.5-4.5
AF Zoom 35-105mm F3.5-4.5
* Auto Extension Tube 7/14/25 and Telescopic A ut o Extension Tube 65-116 can be u sed
only with OM lenses, focused in the conventional manner.
* When using the Telescopic Auto Extension Tube 65/116 the tripod mount should first be
removed.
* The following units cannot be used:
The Zuiko Reflex 500 mm F8, Zuiko 600 mm F6.5, Zuik o 1000 mm F l 1, and Z uik o Shift
24 mm F3.5/35 mm F2.8 lenses; all Mot or Drive Grou p units; the Aut o Bellows; TTL
Auto Cord TO.3/0.6/2/5 m; TTL Auto Multi Connector; TTL Auto Connector T20, Slide
Copier; Roll Film Stage and Trans-Illuminator Base X-DE; the Electronic Flash T45;
Interchangeable Focusing Screens; Recordata Backs for other OM cameras.
* T10 Ri ng Flash 1, T8 R ing Flash 2 and Macro Flash Shoe R ing can be used in
combination with a conventional OM lens or AF Macro 50 mm F2.8.
43
Page 45
Conventional OM Lenses
The OM-88 accepts not only Olympus AF Lenses but also most of the conventional OM
Lenses, including such special lenses as fisheye, super telephoto, macro, and teleconverter
lenses. If you use a conventional OM Lens on the OM-88 , it will automatically select the
apert ure- pri ori ty auto exposure mode. If y ou choose you r desired aperture on the aperture
rin g of the lens, t he OM-88 will automatically set a shutter speed which provides correct
exposure according to the brightness of the subject. And , if you use a Manual Adapter 2, (1)
you can take pictures in the manual exposure mode, so you can choose your desired shutter
speed. (2) The aperture which is set on the lens will always prevail and the setting on the
adapter will be ignored. (3) The camera will take pictures in the aperture-priority auto
exposure mode, even if the mode dial is set at "P" (programmed exposure).
With an OM Lens on the camera, you will not see the display in the viewfinder and the
power focus system will not operate.
When using a T-series flash or F280 and OM Lens:
If you do not use a Manual Adapter 2, the flash will fire in the "OTF" au to mod e w he n t he
shutter speed is 1/6 0 sec. or slower, regardless of the position of the mode dial. However,
you cannot see in the viewfinder that the flash will fire.
(The same applies when you use a Manual Adapter 2 and operate in the "A" or "P" mode.)
Taking flash pictures in the"M"mode in combination with the Manual Adapter 2:
In this case, the flash will fire in the manual mode with its full capacity. Set the shutter speed
dial at "X". Flash will not fire with a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. or faster. Calculate t he
proper aperture fro m the flash guide number and subject distance and set it on the lens.
Using a flash unit other than T-series flashes and F280 and an OM Lens
in combination:
44
Use the Manual Adapter 2 and set the mode dial at "M". Set the shutter speed dia l at "X".
Set t he aper ture on the lens according to the aperture mode on the flash.
Page 46
Care and Storage
45
Do not drop the
camera to the hard
surface.
Do not allow fingers
to contact t he mirror.
Do not use thinner,
benzine or organic
solvents to clean the
camera.
Do not touch on the
DX read-off contacts.
Do not expose the
camera to rain shower
and water.
Do not touch the
shutter curtain.
Do not use an air spray
to remove dust on it.
Do not put the used
battery into fire and
do not heat, disassemble and short it.
Do not tighten the
tripod screw too much.
Page 47
Do not apply excessive
force to the flash unit.
Do not put heavy object
on the camera.
Do not put the camera in the extreme heat
(over 50° C or 122° F) l ike inside the car under
hot summer whether and in the extreme cold
(below -10°C or 14°)
Avoid sudden temper-
ature changes.
46
Do not leave the camera
near the magnetic fields,
like on the top of TV set,
or radio
In case of malfunction, take the camera to
you r nearest Olympus service station.
Page 48
Questions and Answers
47
Q: What ki nd of batteries can I use?
A: Use four AAA-size alkaline-manganese
batteries. You cannot use different kinds of
batteries or use new and old batteries at the
same time. Always change all four batteries at
the s ame ti me. T he batt er ies w hic h come w it h
you r camera are intended for operation check
at the time of the purchase.
Q: The camera does not operate.
A: Make sure batteries are loaded correctly. Also,
check to see that the mode dial is not set at
OFF.
Q: Wh en I loaded the film, I heard a "beep-beep"
after the camera made blank shots. When I
then depressed the shutter release, I also heard
the audible signal after the film was wound.
A: The film is not advancing correctly. Open the
camera back and load the film correctly again.
Q: When I depressed the shutter release, I heard
only a beeping sound but the camera did not
operate.
A: There are tw o possible causes:
1) Have you used up the film? Check on the
exposure counter. If the film has been used
up, rewind it.
2) The batteries have been exhausted. Replace
with new ones.
Q: The display in the viewfinder turned off when I
was shooting.
A: The display will automatically turn off in 30
seconds because th e OM-88 is designed to
save power. If you wan t to tur n it on again,
depress the shutter release lightly.
Q: Can I turn the rotary part at the front edge of
the lens with my hand?
A: Do not try to turn it by force, because the
internal gear may be damaged. You can turn
the hood, however.
Q: The flash does not fire.
A: There are two possible causes. (1) W he n you
take flash pictures, the camera will
automatically switch off the flash with faster
shut te r speeds tha n 1 / 6 0 sec. (2) A re you
trying to fire the flash before the unit has been
recharged?
Q: When I used the T20 in the ordinary auto
mode, the mark " " did not blink.
A: In the ordinary auto mode, it will not blink
even wh en you us e a T-series flash. Please
check the display on the flash.
Q: Whe n is it necessary to check t he batteries?
A: Check the batteries in the following cases:
Page 49
48
center to t he edges.
Q: How do I clean the camera?
A: Dust, moisture and salt are the enemies of the
camera and lens. After carrying the camera in
the rain or in a fog, wipe it dry. After taking
pictures at the seaside, soak a cloth in fresh
water, wring it free of water and wipe off salt
on the camera, then clean it thoroughly.
Q: Why is the film sometimes scratched?
A: The cause may be pieces of film in the camera
work. If the camera is used for a long time, the
film chamber may have fragments of film in it.
Do not forget to clean the camera.
Q: If the camera is to be stored in a humid
climate, what can I do to prevent it from
possible moisture damage?
A: Remove the camera from its case and keep it
in a polyethylene bag together with a
desiccant. Do not use desiccants containing
moth repellents.
Caution
If you use lenses, flashes and accessories of
other brands, caution is required because they
may no t assigned to be mounted on this
camera or they may cause incorrect exposure
or malfunction of the camera even if they can
be mounted on it.
Page 50
49
Description of Controls
Battery Check Beeper
Selftimer/ Battery Check Signal
Backlight Control Button
Lens Locking Button
Manual Adapter Contact Cover