Body group OM-10, OM-10 QD, OM-10 FC
Body group OM-10, OM-10 QD, OM-10 FC
In 1978, six years after the introduction of the OM-1, and three years after the
introduction of the OM-2, the introduction of the OM-10 started a parallel OM line
targeted at the amateur. In order to keep the body price at amateur levels, several
features of the OM-2 body were cancelled or are not at the same quality level:
The body and the shutter are less durable (plastic top and bottom); the mirror is less
free from vibration and much noisier; the shutter speed ring has been replaced by the
optional Manual Adapter 1; the Mode Selector Lever and Exposure Compensation Dial are
rather clumsy; there is no Manual Mode match-needle viewfinder info; the camera back and
standard 1-13 focusing screen are fixed; the finder viewfield is smaller (93% instead of
97%); there is no Motor Drive compatability (a Winder is accepted); there is no OTF flash
exposure (only available light OTF exposure, but limited to 2 seconds).
A modernisation however was the viewfinder indication with LEDs instead of a needle.
In 1980 a special version with a data back was introduced: the OM-10 QD.
In 1982 the OM-10 FC was introduced exclusively in the US. This was really the same model
as the original OM-10; the body was sold in combination with the Manual Adapter 1 (for the
OM-10 it was an option, sold separately). This was the start of using different camera
model names for the US vs. the rest of the world, to fight grey market and grey import.
The OM-10 was available in chrome and in black.
Main specifications
| Unit type: 35mm SLR Reflex with automatix exposure control, electronic focal plane shutter. | Focusing screen: Fixed microprism/split image-matte type 1-13. |
| Film format: 24mmx36mm. | Finder view-field: 93% of actual picture field. |
| Lens mount: Olympus OM Mount, bayonet type. | Viewfinder magnification: 0.92X with 50mm lens at infinity. |
| Shutter: Focal plane shutter, automatic exposure control from 2 seconds to 1/1000 second (ASA 100, F1.2 at normal temperature and humidity). | Indicators in viewfinder: 12-step shutter speed scale with overexposure marker and flash charge (triggered by T series flashes), indicated by LEDs. |
| Synchro: X contact. Direct contact only. In combination with a T series flash the 1/60 synchro speed is automatically selected. | Reflex mirror: Oversize, quick return mirror. |
| Automatic exposure control: Aperture-priority electronically
controlled shutter. TTL Direct (OTF) Light Measuring system. Measuring range: EV-0.5~EV18 from 2 sec. to 1/1000 sec. at normal temperatures and humidity with ASA 100 and F1.2 50mm. lens. Exposure compensation: ±2 EV. |
Film advance: Lever type with 130° angle. It can be wound with one long or several short strokes, 30° pre-advance angle. Power winding is possible with Winder 1 or Winder 2. |
| Manual exposure control: Exposure can be controlled manually by the
use of the optional Manual Adapter 1 in a range of 11 shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000 sec.
with the Mode Selector lever at the "Manual Adapter" position. Without the Adapter, the shutter speed is set at the flash synchro time of 1/60. |
Exposure counter: Progressive type with automatic reset when camera back is opened. |
| Film speed setting: ASA 25-1600. | Film rewind: Crank type, with rewind release lever setting, automatic return. |
| Battery check: Battery voltage can be checked by both LED and PCV (acoustic signal). Mirror lock to limit drainage. | Self-timer: Electronic self-timer with about 12 second delay. |
| Power source: Two 1.5 silver oxide batteries SR44 (Eveready or UCAR EPX-76 or equivalent). | Accessory shoe: Built-in type, with X-contact and contact for flash ready / flash ok signal with T series flash (flash ok signal with Normal Auto mode only). |
| Viewfinder: Pentaprism type. | Dimensions and weights: OM-10: Body only: 135x84x50mm, 430g. (early versions [1978-1982] weighed 450g.) With 50mm/F1.8 lens: 135x84x81mm, 600g. (620 g.) With 50mm/F1.4 lens: 135x84x89mm, 660g. (680 g.) OM-10 QD: Body only: 135x84x50mm, 530g. With 50mm/F1.8 lens: 135x84x81mm, 700g. With 50mm/F1.4 lens: 135x84x89mm, 760g. |
