Pen FT Scientific (microscope model)

[mkvrnn]

I have two Olympus Pen FT cameras. One is the normal silver FT with 3 lenses including a 25mm f2.8 and a 100-200mm zoom. Unfortunately the mirror has recently started sticking and I'm reluctant to take it apart myself unless somebody can convince me that it's an easy job!. Does anybody know a repairer here in the UK who could fix it?

The second one is a black FT Scientific, sometimes known as the Microscope model. From what little I know about them this is the rarest model in the Pen F range. Mine seems to be unusual in that it has a ground glass focussing screen so it can be used as a normal camera, focussing the image in the usual way, although it does still have the circular mask in the viewfinder. The inside of the camera is the same as the standard model, with a 24 x 18mm film plane, so it will take normal photos when any of the standard lenses are fitted. Does anybody know how to remove the circular mask from the viewfinder?

The camera came with a very peculiar attachment which I can't identify, unless it's some kind of mcroscope connector. It fits into the standard bayonet lens mount and is around 2 inches long but contains no glass. It tapers slightly towards the front end which has a diameter of 1.5 inches. There is a wire coming from the rear, next to the bayonet mount, which connects to the flash socket. Any ideas??? I'll post some photos when I can work out how to post them on here.

 

[Dwig]

...
The camera came with a very peculiar attachment which I can't identify, unless it's some kind of mcroscope connector. It fits into the standard bayonet lens mount and is around 2 inches long but contains no glass. It tapers slightly towards the front end which has a diameter of 1.5 inches. There is a wire coming from the rear, next to the bayonet mount, which connects to the flash socket. Any ideas??? I'll post some photos when I can work out how to post them on here.

It's likely designed to fit an endoscope.

Back in the day I ran camera stores and for a while I had a regular customer who used one of these in his medical practice though his Pen FT had a clear screen. His endoscope mount had a connection to the flash socket like the one you describe.

 

[biomed]

I have a similar body in chrome finish. It was used for endoscopy. I also got a couple of lenses with it. I haven't looked at it for several years. I recollect that there is a Fujica screw mount body that was in the same box. The Pen bodies with a circular mask were quite common in hospitals using Olympus endoscopes in the 1960s and early 1970s.