Olympus Superzoom 120 Operating Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing this Olympus camera.

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

MAIN

Built-in 35mm ~ 120mm 3.4X zoom lens.
Quartz date or time imprinting.*
Weatherproof.
Remote control (optional).
Versatile, easy-to-use functions include spot
metering, auto-zoom, night scene, infinity and
continuous shooting modes, as well as various
flash modes.

FEATURES

QUARTZDATE model

Symbols used in this manual:

Incorrect Indicator on
Next operation Indicator blinking
Manual operation Attention
Operation order Depress halfway
Automatic operation

2

PREPARATIONS

Names and functions of parts........................................................ 5

Viewfinder display/LCD pane...................................................... 6

Diopter adjustment........................................................................ 7

Using the strap/soft case (optional).................................................. 7

Outline of operations..................................................................... 8

Loading the batteries...................................................................... 10

Checking the batteries.................................................................... 11

Points to remember...................................................................... 12

BASIC OPERATIONS

3

Loading the film .............................................................................................. 14

Taking pictures .................................................................... 16

Unloading the film

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

20

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

CAMERA MAINTENANCE

4

Using the flash modes........................................................................ 21

Using the subject modes........................................................................ 26

Spot................................................................................................ 28

Auto-Zoom...................................................... 30

Night Scene....................................................................... 31

Continuous Shooting ........................................................... 32

Infinity .......................................................................... 33

Selftimer............................................................................ 34

Remote control (optional....................................................................... 35

Printing the date and time ........................................................................ 36

Correcting the data

Lighting the LCD panel...................................................................

Caring
Care

and

Battery handling ....................................................................... 43

Remote control (optional) handling..................................................... 44

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

Troubleshooting.................................................................... 47

Specifications............................................................. .. 53

QUARTZDATE model

..................................................................................... 37

for

your

weatherproof

storage

camera

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

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

38

39
41

45

PREPARATIONS

5

NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARTS

Shutter release button (See p. 13.)

Zoom buttons (See p. 16.)

/REMOTE

button

(See

p.

LCD

panel

mode

(See

button

Subject MODE button (See p. 26.)
FLASH

Power switch (See p. 11.)

Strap eyelet

Flash

Viewfinder

Lens

Autofocus windows

Selftimer indicator

Diopter adjustment dial (See p. 7)

Viewfinder (See p. 6.)

QUARTZ D AT E M O D E b utto ns* (See p . 36.)
Mid-roll rewind button (See p. 20.)

Back cover

Tripod socket

Film window

Battery compartment cover

Back cover release

* QUARTZDATE model

34/35.)

p.

6.)

(See

p.

22.)

VIEWFINDER DISPLAY/LCD PANEL

Viewfinder Display

Close-up correction marks

At a close distance, your subject must be positioned
within the close-up correction marks.

Orange lamp

Lights when the flash is ready to fire.

Green lamp

Lights when the subject is in focus.

Autofocus mark

Position your subject within the autofocus ma r k.

LCD Panel

Selftimer/remote control (See p. 34/35)

Flash modes (See p. 22)

Battery check (See p. 11)
Date/time indicator*
Exposure counter (See p. 15)

Subject modes

Spot (See p. 28)

Auto-zoom (See p. 30.)

Night Scene (See p. 31.)

Continuous shooting (See p. 32.)

Infinity (See p. 33.)

* QUARTZDATE model

6

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT

To Adjust the Viewfinder to Compensate for Near- and Farsighted Vision

Turn the diopter adjustment dial until the
viewfinder display becomes clear.

Turn to the right if you are far-sighted or to the left if you are
near-sighted.

USING THE STRAP/SOFT CASE

(optional)

The optional remote control can be stored

in the pocket on the case's flap.

The soft case can also be carried on a belt.

7

OUTLINE OF OPERATIONS

Basic Shooting Procedures

Loa d the batteries (p. 10).

Push the flash forward to turn on the power
(p. 11). Practice pressing the shutter
release and zoom buttons (p. 13/16).

Open the back cover (p. 14).

Load the film (p. 14).
(Use of ISO 400 film is recommended.)

Close the back cover (p. 15).

Make sure the exposure counter on the

LCD panel reads." "(p. 15).

8

Press the zoom button for telephoto or

wide-angle photography (p. 16).

Place the autofocus mark on the subject

you want to photograph (p. 17).

Depress the shutter release button halfway

to make sure the green lamp lights (p. 17).

Depress the shutter release button fully to

take a picture (p. 18).

Whe n the film reaches the end, it will
automatically rewind (p. 20).

Open the back cover to remove the
rewound fil m (p. 20).

9

LOADING THE BATTERIES

After switching off the power, turn the

battery cover to with a coin to open

the battery cover.

Insert two 3V lithium batteries

(CR123A or DL123A).

Note: Be sure the batteries are aligned correctly

as shown.

Replace the battery cover.

Turn the battery cover back to to

lock in place.

Read "Battery Handling" on page 43.

10

CHECKING THE BATTERIES

Pus h the flash forward to tu rn on th e power.

Display

lights (and turns off

automatically).

blinks and other
indicators on the LCD
panel are displayed
normally.

blinks and oth er
indicators on the LCD
panel go out.

Not e: Keep spare batteries o n han d when going on a long trip
or when using the camera in cold weather.

11

Meaning

Batteries are OK.
You can shoot.

Battery power is low
and batteries should be
replaced.

Batteries are dead and
should be replaced
immediately.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Hold the Camera Correctly.

Correct.
Hold the camera firmly with both hands.

Correct.
In the vertical position, hold the camera
with its flash positioned at the top.

Incorrect.

Caution:
Keep your fingers and the strap away from the

lens, flash, autofocus windows and viewfinder.
Be sure to put the middle finger of your right
hand below the protrusion next to the flash
before taking a photo. When the lens and
autofocus windows are stained with fingerprints,

12

etc., wipe with a soft cloth.

Proper Shutter Release.

Practice before loading the film.

Depress the shutter release button
halfway to lock the focus.

Make sure

The green lamp next to the viewfinder lights.

Depress the shutter release button fully.

To release the shutter and take the

picture.

Cautions

Press the shutter release button gently.

Avoid shaking the camera when pressing the

shutter release button to prevent blurry pictures

13

LOADING THE FILM

Slide the back cover release upward to
open the back cover.

Do not touch the inside of the camera,
especially the lens. (If the lens is dirty, see
p. 45 for proper cleaning technique.)

Insert the film cartridge, making sure
the film is lying flat.

BASIC OPERATIONS

14

Note: Use of ISO 400 film is recommended.
(It may be difficult to purchase ISO 400 film in

some regions.)

Align the film leader with the red mark,
and close the back cover.

The film automatically advances to the first

frame.

Make sure

The film does not overlap any of the positioning

guides shown above.

Push the flash forward to turn on the

camera.

Make sure

The exposure counter on the LCD panel reads

Note:

If blinks in the exposure counter, as shown at

left, open the back cover and reload the film.

15

TAKING PICTURES

Push the flash forward to turn on the
power.

Make sure

The lens protector opens, and the LCD panel

activates.

Aim the camera at your subject. Use the

zoom button to compose your picture.

How to Use the Zoom Buttons

Telephoto: Depress the zoom button at the "T"

mark.

Max. telephoto focal length: 120 mm

Wide-angle: Depress the zoom button at the "W"

mark.

Max. wide-angle focal length: 35 mm
Note: There are two zoom speeds. Press the zoom

button hal fwa y for sl ow zooming; press fully for fast

zooming.

16

Position the autofocus mark on your
subject.

Autofocus mark

Focus range: 0.6 m (2 ft) ~ (infinity)

Depress the shutter release button
halfway.

Make sure

The green lamp lights. (See p. 6.)

Once focus an d exposure have been correctly

adjusted, they remain locked as long as the
shutter release button is kept halfway depressed.

17

Depress the shutter release button fully

to take the pict u re .

After exposure, the film automatically advances to

the next frame.

This camera has a built-in multi-beam autofocus

system. With this system, the camera automatically

sets the focus on a subject even in compositions
where the subject may not be in the center of the

frame.

18

Working Distance

The focus range of the camera is 0.6 m (2 ft) to

(infinity).
When the subject is closer than 0.6 m (2 ft), the
shutter will not release. (The green lamp blinks.)
When the subject is extremely close to the
camera, the subject will be out of focus
although the shutter releases.

Close-up Correction

Picture frame

Close-up correction marks
Image area of picture at 0.75 m (2.5 ft)

The viewfinder's picture frame shows the area that can

be shot for subjects at However, the picture area will

move lower in the viewfinder as you get closer to the
subject. At 0.75 m (2.5 ft), the shaded area is the actual

availa bl e ima ge area. In this case, the subject should be
positioned below the close-up correction marks.

19

UNLOADING THE FILM

The camera automatically rewinds the film when

you reach the end of a roll.

After the motor stops and starts blinking on th e LCD
panel, open the back cover and remove the film.

Note: The final number of exposures may sometimes exceed the
number of exposures specified on the film.

Rewinding the film before the end of the roll

Press the mid-roll button with the tip of a ballpoint pen

or the like. Do not use a sharp instrument.

20

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

21

USING THE FLASH MODES

This

camera

flash mode according to your shooting

has

four

flash

modes.

Select

conditions and needs.

Flash Working Range

(with color negative film)

ISO

100

200

400

W (35mm)

5.1 m

(16.7ft)

7.2m

(23.6

ft)

10.2m

(33.5

ft)

T (120mm)

2.8m

(9.2ft)

4.0m

(13.1

5.6m

(18.4ft)

the

ft)

How to select the flash mode:

As you press the FLASH mode button, t he mode

switches as shown below. Th e selected flash
mode is displayed on the LCD panel.

Mode

Autom a t icall y fires in low-light

Function

and backlit conditions. (p. 23 )

Significantly reduces the phenomenon
of "red-eye" (when a subject's eyes
appear red in flash photos), ( p. 24)

The flash does not fire. (p. 25)

Fires regardless of available

light. (p. 25)

Notes:

AUTO-S will not be canceled when the power is turned OFF.
All other modes will return to the AUTO mode.

In the Auto and Auto-S Flash modes , the flash strength is
automatically controlled to prevent pictures from being
overexposed even when the subjects are close.

22

AUTO (Auto Flash)

In the Auto Flash mode, the flash will fire

automatically in low-light and backlit
conditions.

Make sure

The orange lamp in the upper right of the viewfinder

lights when the shutter release button is depressed

halfway.

Notes:

When the orange lamp is blinking, the flash is being recharged
and the shutter won't release. Wait for several seconds.
The flash sometimes does not work even in backlit conditions.

(This happens especially with telephoto when the subject is too

small and in other situations.) Set the flash mode to FILL-IN in

such a case.

23

AUTO-S

(Red-Eye Reducing Flash)

Significantly reduces the phenomenon of

"red-eye" (when a subject's eyes appear
red in flash photography).

In the Auto-S Flash mode, the camera will emit a series
of low-power pre-flashes before the regular flash. This
makes the subjects' pupils contract, significantly

reducing red-eye. Except for the pre-flashes, this mode

is the same as the Auto Flash mode.
Red-eye reduction may not be effective when the

subject:

1. Is not looking at the flash or pre-flashes.

2. Is too far from the camera.

3. Does not respond to the pre-flashes due to

particular individual characteristics.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to hold the camera still until the

shutter releases.

24

(Flash Override)

OFF

When you don't want the flash to fire even in
the dark or when you want to shoot such
subjects as fireworks,

In the Flash-OFF mode, th e flash d o es not f ire even in
low-light conditions. Use this mode in situations where
flash photography is not desired or is prohibited.

Note: Since a slow shutter speed (down to 2 seconds) is
automatical ly selected in low-light situations when in the Flash­OFF mode, the use of a tripod is recommended to prevent
blurred pictures caused by shaking the camera.

FILL-IN

(Forced Activation)

When you want to fire the flash every shot.

In the FILL-IN Flash mode, the flash fires regardless of
available light. For example, this mode can be used to
brighten up a subject's face that is shadowed.

25

USING THE SUBJECT MODES

The camera's five subject modes offer a

variety of functions.

How to select the subject mode:

As you press the subject MODE button, th e
mode switches as shown below. The selected
subject mode is displayed on the LCD panel.

26

Mode

Note: When the power is turned off and on again, the camera

returns to the Normal mode.

Spot (p. 28)

The camera can attain the focus and exposure

that are set for a selected area of the scene.
Auto-Zoom (p. 30)

You can keep the subject's head and

shoulders framed in the viewfinder.

Night Scene (p. 31)
You can capture a night scene beautifully.

Continuous Shooting (p. 32)
You can shoot a continuous series of
pictures in rapi d succession.

Infinity (p. 33)
You can shoot a landscape through a
window and distant subjects like mountains
and clouds.

Function

27

To Attain the Focus and Exposure for a Selected Area.

In the case shown on the left, the camera will set

the exposure for the background in the normal
mode.

Usi ng the subject MODE button, select the
Spot mode. Position the autofocus mark
on your subject and press the shutter
release button halfway.

Make sure

The green lamp ne x t to the viewfinder lights.

28

SPOT

Reposition your subject in the picture

frame while keeping the shutter release
button depressed halfway.

When the shutter release button is pressed

halfway, the focus and exposure will be locked in
the center of the autofocus mark.

Depress the shutter release button fully

to take the picture.

The use of the Spot mode is recommended in

the following cases.

When there is an object in front of the main
subject.
When the subject is on the edge of the frame.
When the background is brighter than the
subject (the subject is backlit).

Note: The Spot mode cannot be used in combination with the
other Subject modes.

29

AUTO-ZOOM

To Keep the Subject's Head-and-Shoulders Framed in the Vewfinder

Using the subject MODE button, select

the Auto-Zoom mode. Point your
camera a t the subject and press the
shutter release button halfway.

The lens will automatically zoom until the frame is
filled with an adult's head and shoulders.

When the lens stops zooming, press the
shutter release button fully.

Even in the Auto-Zoom mode, it is possible to
use the zoom button.

Note: Outside 1.2 ~ 4.2 m (3.9 ~ 13.8 ft), the subject won't be
zoomed in to the frame as specified.

30

To Capture a Night Scene Beautifully

Using the subject MODE button, select the

Night Scene mode.

Any flash mode can be combined with the Nigh t

Scene mode.

When in the Auto, Auto-S, or Fill-In mode:

Both the subject in the foreground and the night scene
will be properly exposed.

When in the Flash-Off mode:

The ni ght scene wi l l be properly exposed.

Note: Since a slow shutter speed (down to 2 seconds) is
automatically selected in low-light situations, the use of a tripod
is recommended to prevent blurred pictures caused by shaking
the camera.

31

NIGHT SCENE

C

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

To Shoot a Continuous Series of Pictures.

Usi ng the subject MODE button, select the
Continuous Shooting mode. Aim at the
subject.

Press

the

shutter

release

The camera will shoot repeatedly up to 4

frames while the shutter release button is fully

button.

depressed.

Note: The focus and exposure will be fixed at the first frame.

High-Speed 4-Frame/Sec. Continuous Shooting

In the Continuous Shooting mode, as many as 4

frames/sec, can be taken.* In this case, the shutter stops

being released after the fourth frame is taken, even if the

shutter release button remains pressed down. (When the

flash function is combined with Continuous Shooting, the
shutter can be released at intervals ranging from approx.

0.5 ~ 4 seconds.)

* When shooting in sunlight with film of speed ISO 100 or faster.

When the film is not loaded:

In the Continuous Shooting mode, the motor operates
even if film is not loaded. But to conserve battery power,
the flash does not fire even in Auto or Auto-S modes.

Note: C starts blinking when there are less than 4 remaining
exposures of film (when DX-coded film is loaded).

32

To Shoot a Landscape Through a Window and Distant Subjects

In this mode, the camer a automatically sets

the working distance at infinity. Engage the

Infinity mode to set focus evenly throughout

the fr am e,

Notes:

The flash does not fire even in the Auto or Auto-S

mode.
When the shutter release button is pressed
halfway, the exposure will be locked.

33

INFINITY

SELFTIMER

To Put Yourself in the Picture

Press the /REMOTE button. is

displayed on the LCD panel.

Aim at your subject, and press the

shutter release button.

10 sec.: Selftimer indicator lights

2 sec.: Blinks

The shutter will be released 12 seconds after

pressing the shutter release.

Notes:

The focus and exposure wi ll be locked when the shutter release
button is depressed halfway.

The selftimer is disengaged when the shutter is released.
To cancel the selftimer after it has been activated, press the

/REMOTE button again.
When the Selftimer and Continuous modes are combined, the shutter
releases twice at an interval of 2 sec.

34

REMOTE CONTROL

(optional)

The optional DC-100 Remo te Control is required in the operation below.

Press

the

/REMOTE

button.

is

displayed on the LCD panel.

After

shooting,
again to cancel the Remote Control
mode. Remote control operation is canceled
automatically when not in use for more than
about 20 minutes.

Aim the remote control at the camera,

and press the button. The shutter will be

press

the

/REMOTE

button

released after 3 seconds.

Notes:

Use the remote control within th e range shown at left.
The camera will focus on the subject directly in front of
it.
Only two frames can be shot successively when using
the remote control in the Continuous Shooting mode.

CAUTIONS: KEEP THE REMOTE CONTROL OUT OF THE

REACH OF CHILDREN. IF A CHILD SWALLOWS THE REMOTE
CONTROL, CONTACT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. NEVER

TRY TO DISASSEMBLE THE REMOTE CONTROL. NEVER

EXPOSE THE REMOTE CONTROL TO EXCESSIVE HEAT OR

OPEN FLAME.

35

PRINTING THE DATE AND TIME

(QUARTZDATE model)

Choose the desired mode with the MODE
button.

The mode will switch in the described order by

pressing the MODE button.

The quartz date uses the same power source as the

main unit. Make sure to correct the data after the

batteries are replaced.

The data is imprinted in the lower right of the picture. If
there is something whitish or tinged with orange where
the data is imprinted, the data may be difficult to read.
The data may not be imprinted correctly on the
frame(s) after the specified final exposure of the film.

No data

Year-month-day
Month-day-year
Day-month-year
Day-hour-minute

36

CORRECTING THE DATA

(QUARTZDATE model)

Press the MODE button for two seconds

or longer.

The year indication will start blinking.

Pres s the mode button again to

choose the data to be corrected until it

starts blinking. And press the SET button

to correct the data.

If you press the button once, the number on the

display will advance by 1. And if you keep it
pressed, the numbers will run in rapid

succession.

Note: As you press the mode button, the blinking indication
changes in the order of year, month, da y, hour, and minute. The
data correction will be finished when the mode button is pressed
again.

37

LIGHTING THE LCD PANEL

When the power is switched on in the dark or any
of the following operations are performed while the
power is on in the dark, the camera will light t he

LCD panel automatically.

Pressing the subject MODE button
Pressing

the

FLASH

mode
Pressing the shutter release button halfway
Pressing

the

Pressing the QUARTZDATE MODE or QUARTZDATE
SET

QUARTZDATE

The light will go out automatically after
approximately 30 seconds. If any of the above
operations is performed while th e light is on,
illumination duration will be extended.

38

/REMOTE

button

model

button

button

only.

CAMERA MAINTENANCE

39

CARING FOR YOUR WEATHERPROOF CAMERA

This camera is weatherproof; however, it is

not designed for underwater use. Please
note the following warnings and use the

camera correctly.

The camera c a n wi thstand splashing water

(e.g., seaside, swimming pool side, etc.)
The camera can be used in rain.
And in snow.

Do not wash the camera.

Do not submerge the camera or attempt to
take pictures underwater.

Rubber gaskets are located inside the rear of
the camera. Check the gaskets for wear and
carefully remove any sand and dust to
maintain a weatherproof seal.

If the camera ha s be e n splashed by water,

etc., clean the camera with a dry cloth as soon

as possible.

Do not touch the rubber gasket on the battery
compartment cover or the rubber gasket on
the camera back with excessive force. Do not
remove the gaskets.
Gaskets should be replaced after
approximately three years, although they may
require replacement earlier than that
depending on use and wear.
If the gaskets are damaged or need
replacement, contact your nearest Olympus
service center.

40

CARE AND STORAGE

CAUTIONS

DO NOT EXPOSE THE CAMERA TO EXTREME HEAT
(OVER 40°C/104°F) OR TO EXTREME COLD (BELOW

-10°C/14°F).
AVOID SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES AND

HUMIDITY.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE CAMERA TO STRONG

MAGNETIC FIELDS.

DO NOT APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE

CAMERA OR ITS CONTROLS.

DO NOT TOUCH THE CONTACT POINTS INSIDE THE
CAMERA.
DO NOT US E ORGANIC SOLVENTS, THINNERS, OR
BENZINE TO CLEAN THE CAMERA.
AVOID STRONG IMPACT CAUSED BY BUMPING OR

DROPPING THE CAMERA.

DO NOT IMMERSE THE CAMERA IN WATER.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE CAMERA TO EXCESSIVE

DUS T AND SAND.

DO NOT EXPOSE THE CAMERA TO THE COLD
WHEN IT'S WET, OR THE LENS PROTECTOR, ETC.
MAY FREEZE, MAKING THE CAMERA INOPERABLE.

41

THE LENS BARREL IS FINISHED WITH A
SPECIAL COATING TO SMOOTH THE
ZOOMING MOVEMENT. NEVER WIPE IT WITH
SOLVENTS LIKE THINNERS OR BENZINE.
WHEN IT IS HEAVILY STAINED, CLEAN IT WITH
A MOISTENED CLOTH AND THEN WIPE OFF
THE MOISTURE WITH A DRY CLOT H.

WARNING

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.

42

BATTERY HANDLING

NOTES

Even when batteries are brand-new, their

service life may be shorter than specified if an
extended period of time has passed since
they w er e produced.

Do not mix different types of batteries or new
and old batteries.

Keep spare batteries on hand when going on
a long trip or to a cold area.
Sweat and oil can prevent a battery's terminals
from making electrical contact. To avoid this,
wipe both terminals before loading batteries.

WARNINGS

NEVER TRY TO DISASSEMBLE, RECHARGE, OR
SHORT CIRCUIT BATTERIES. NEVER EXPOSE
BATTERIES TO EXCESSIVE HEAT.
KEEP THE BATTERIES OUT OF THE REACH OF
CHILDREN IF A CHILD SWALLOWS A BATTERY

CONTACT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

USE TWO 3V LITHIUM BATTERIES (CR123A OR
DL123A). NEVER TRY TO DISASSEMBLE OR
MODIFY ANY BATTERY OR BATTERY PACK FOR

USE IN THIS CAMERA.

43

REMOTE CONTROL

(optional)

HANDLING

The battery of the remote control cannot be
replaced. The service life of the battery is
approximately 5 years. (This varies with
operating conditions and environment.)
Keep the remote control out of the reach of
children. If a child swallows the remote control,
contact a physician immediately.

Never try to disassemble the remote control.

Never expose the remote control to excessive
heat or open flame.

44

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: How lo n g will the batteries last?
A: If you use 24-exposure rolls of film and use

the flash fo r half of all your pictures, two new

3V lithium batteries (DL123A/CR123A) will last

for about 25 rolls of film. If your do not use the
flash and zoom very often, the batteries will

last much longer.

Q: How should I clean the lens?
A: Use a blower to blow away the dust. Th en

wipe the lens gently with a soft, clean cotton
cloth that has been moistened with a small
amount of lens cleaning fluid.

Q: Can I use film that is not DX-coded?
A: Yes, but only ISO 10 0 film.

Q: Why did my camera suddenly retract its lens

while I was shooting?

A : Because you applied too much pressure to

the tip of the lens. To ensure optimal
performance, hold the camera so as to avoid
applying any pressure to the tip of the lens.

45

Q: Why did my camera generate heat?
A : Because you used the flash several times in

succession. If your camera gets hot, allow
some time before you use it again.

Q: Can the battery in the optional remote control

be replaced with a new one?

A : No, it cannot be replaced but lasts about 5

years.

Q: Can I use infrared film?
A: No. you can't.

Q: Ca n I mount a filter onto the lens?
A : No. The lens doesn't have a mounting thread

due to its construction with a built-i n protector.

46

TROUBLESHOOTING

The camera does not work.

The power is off.

Push the flash forward to turn on t h e c a m e r a .

(P. 16)
The alignment of the battery terminals is not correct.

Reload the batteries correctly. (p. 10)

The batteries are exhausted.

Replace the batteries with new ones. (p. 11)

The batteries are temporarily unable to function due
to low temperature.

Keep the camera warm while using it.

The loaded film has been rewound.

Load new film. ( p. 20)

The film is incorrectly loaded.

Reload the film. (p. 15)

The LCD display turns off suddenly.

The LCD display turns off after approx. 20 minutes if

the camera is not used.

Turn the power off and then on again or press the

shutter relase button halfway to turn on the LCD

panel. When the camera is not in use, keep the

power OFF as much as possible.

47

The shutter doesn't release when the remote control's
shutter release button is pressed.

The remote control hasn't been used in the 20

minutes since the Selftimer/Remote Control mode

was entered, causing the LCD panel to turn off.

Operate any button. The LCD will light. Then

press the /REMOTE button again. (p. 35)

The green lamp blinks, and the sh utter w ill not release.

The camera is closer than 0.6 m (2 ft) to the subject.

Move the camera farther than 0.6 m (2 ft) from the

subject. (p. 19)

The orange lamp blinks, and the shutter will not

release.

The flash has not be e n recharged yet.

Remove your finger from the shutter release

button and wait for several seconds until the flash is
recharged before shooting. (p. 23)

48

The flash does not fire, even in the dark.

The flash mode is set to O F F.

Set it to a mode other than OFF. (p. 21/25)

The camera is in the Infinity mode which overrides

the flash.

Cancel the Infinity mode. (p. 26/33)

High-speed film is used.

Set the flash mode t o FILL-IN. (p. 21/25)

The picture is out of focus.

The camera moved when the shutter release button
was pressed.

Hold the camera correctly and press the shutter

release button gently. (p. 12)
The subject was not within the viewfinder's

autofocus mark.

Position the subject in the center of the autofocus

mark, or use the Spot mode. (p. 28)
The lens and autofocus windows were dirty.

Clean the lens and autofocus windows.

49

The autofocus window was blocked, such as by a

finger.

Hold the camera cor r ectly, keeping you r fingers

clear of the autofocus windows. (p. 12)

The subject was closer than the minimum working

dist an ce to t he le ns (0 .6 m /2 ft).

Shoot from more than 0.6 m (2 ft) away from the

subject. (p. 19)

While using the selftimer, the shutter release button

was pressed while standing right in front of the

camera.

Do not stand in front of the camera. Press the
shutter release button while looking through the
viewfinder. (p. 34)

The Infinity mode is engaged.

Cancel the Infinity mode. (p. 33 )

50

The autofocus didn't work correctly . There are some
subjects that are difficult for the autofocus to lock on,

which include: glossy or reflective surfaces, black

objects, subjects behind glass or wire mesh, flames

and smoke, excessively bright light within the picture

area.

Shoot distan t subje cts in the Infinity mode. Wh en

the subject is near, first focus on an object at the

same distance as the desired subject in the Spot
mode. Then aim at the desired subject and release

the shutter. (p. 28/33)

The picture is too dark.

The flash was blocked, such as by a finger.

Hold the camera correctly, keeping your fingers
clear of the flash. (p. 12)
The subject was out of the working range of the

flash.

Shoot within the flash working range.(p. 21)
The flash mod e was set to OFF.

Check the flash mode before shooting. (p. 22 )

The subject was backlit.

Set t he flash mod e to FILL-IN. (p. 22/2 5)

51

The date has not been printed (or looks faded).

(QUARTZDATE model)

The date mode was set to no data (---).

Change the date mode to another setting. (p. 36)

There is a bright color like white, orange, yellow, or

red in the area of the picture where the date is

printed.

Avoid bright colors in the lower right corner of

your photo compositions.

The picture was taken with black-and-white film.

Do not use black-and-white film if you want to

print the date.

The colors of the picture taken indoors look strange.

The room's illumination affected the colors.

Set the flash mode to FILL-IN. (p. 22/25)

52

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Fully automatic 35mm autofocus lens-shutter

camera with built-in 35~120mm zoom lens.

Fil m format: 35m m standard DX-coded film (24 X 36

mm)

Lens: Olympus lens 35~120mm F4.5~8.7, 10 elements

in 8 groups.

Shutter: Programmed electronic shutter.

Viewfinder: Real image type zoom viewfinder (with

autofocus mark, close-up co r r e c t i o n marks,

autofocus indicator and flash indicator).

Focusing: Active-type multi-beam autofocus system.

Focus lock possible. Focusing range: 0.6 m
(2 ft) ~ (infinity).

Exposure control: Programmed automatic exposure

control, center-weighted light metering, switchable
to spot metering. Au t o exposure range: Wide -

angle — EV3.3 (F4.5, 2 sec.) to EV16 (F11, 1/500

sec.), Telephoto — EV5.2 (F8.7, 2 sec.) to EV18.6

(F27, 1/500 sec.).

Exposure counter: Progressive type with automatic

reset, displayed on LCD panel.

Selftimer: Electronic selftimer 12-sec. delay.

53

Remote control (optional): Infrared remote co ntrol unit

with 3-sec. delay.

Film speed range: Automatic setting with DX-coded

fil m wi t h ISO 50, 100, 2 0 0, 40 0 , 8 0 0, 1600, 320 0 .

For non-DX-coded film and film speeds lower than

ISO 50, film speed is set to ISO 100.

Film loading: Automatic loading. (Automatically

advances to first frame when camera bac k is

closed).
Film advance: Automatic film winding.
Film rewind: Automatic film rewind (automatic rewind

activation at end of film, automatic rewind stop).

Rewind possible a t an y point with rewind button.

Flash: Built-in flash. Recycling time: Approx. 0.2 ~ 3.5

sec. (at normal temperature with new batteries).

Flash working range: Wide-angle — 0.6~5.1 m
(2.0 ~ 16.7 ft), Telephoto — 0.6 ~ 2.8 m (2.0 ~ 9.2
ft) with ISO 100 color negative film; Wide-angle —

0.6 ~ 10.2 m (2.0 ~ 33.5 ft), Telephoto — 0.6 ~ 5.6
m (2.0 ~ 18.4 ft) with ISO 400 color negative film.
Slow-Synchro: possible with longest shutter speed
of 2

sec.

54

Flash mode s: A UT O (Automatic flash act ivat ion in low -

light and backlight). AUTO-S (Red-eye reducing,
in low-light and backlight). OFF (No flash). FILL-IN

(Forced activation).

External indication: LCD panel with illumination.
Battery check: Displayed on LCD panel.
Weatherproof: IEC Standard publication 529.

Classification of degrees of protection provided by
enclosures. Degrees of protection indicated by
second characteristic numeral 4 Short

description: Protected against splashing water

Definition: Water splashed against enclosure

from any direction shall have no harmful effect

Test for second numeral 4: Equipment is

sprayed from all practical directions.

Power source: Two 3V lithium batteries

(DL123A/CR123A).

Dimensions: 130(W) X 68(H) X 61 (D) mm

(5.1 X 2.7X2.4 in)

(without protrusions).

55

Weigh t: 310 g (10.9 oz) (without batteries).

[QUARTZDATE model — 315 g (11.1 oz) (without

batteries)].

SPECIFICATIONS FOR DATE UNIT (QUARTZDATE

model)
Imprinting direction: Data imprinted onto fil m f r o m lens

side.

Data coding: No data, year-month-day, month-day-

year, day-month-year and day-hour-minute.

External indication of data: Data display on liquid

crystal panel.

Film speed setting: Automatic film speed setting.

Automatic calendar system: Up to year 2030.
Power source: Ordinarily used with camera body.

SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR OBLIGATION ON

THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER.

56

San-Ei Building, 22-2, Nish i Sh in ju ku 1 -chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Tel. [phone]

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

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

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

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.

OLYMPUS AMERICA INC.

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (EUROPA) GMBH.

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

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (UK.) LTD.

1094. 20MM