Shooting with the half-frame Olympus Pen D3:
Last of the “viewfinder Pens,” it delivers fun plus superb performance.
By Jason Schneider
The original Olympus Pen of 1959 was designed by Maitani Yoshihisa (family name first per Japanese tradition), one of the great camera designers of the 20thcentury. Mr. Maitani was also largely responsible for creating the Olympus OM-1 of 1972, the camera that sired all subsequent models in the OM series and ignited the ultracompact SLR revolution of the ‘70s. Despite its modest specs, the first scale-focusing half-frame Olympus Pen is a masterpiece of minimalist design, measuring a mere 2.7 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches (H x W x D) and weighing in at a paltry 12.3 ounces.
But the original Olympus Pen delivers where it counts. Its 28mm f/3.5 D. Zuiko lens (a 4-element, 3-group Tessar design) provides outstanding imaging performance and it helical focuses down a marked minimum distance of 2 feet]; its limited range of 4 timed shutter speeds (1/25-1/200 sec plus B) and bright but tiny 0.5x frame line viewfinder, are adequate for most purposes; its handy thumbwheel film advance is quick and convenient, and the camera slides into a cool zippered pouch case that fits easily into a trousers pocket. The fact that the first Pen listed for only $29.95 was considered a sweet deal even back in ’59, and the camera sold like rice cakes, inspiring (you guessed it) the half-frame craze of the ’60s and ‘70’s which saw such iconic makers as Canon, Yashica, Minolta, Petri, Fuji, Agfa, and more enter the fray.
Olympus Pen D3 introduced in 1965 was the last and most versatile of the scale focusing "viewfinder" Pens based on the original; 1959 model.
Not surprisingly, Olympus steadily upgraded its highly successful scale focusing Pen series with a succession of models starting with the Pen S of 1960 with an f/2.8 lens and a wider range id shutter speeds, the Pen D of 1962 with 6-element, 4-group 32mm f/1.9 F. Zuiko lens, shutter speeds 1/8 to 1/500 sec plus B, and a built-in uncoupled selenium meter, the Pen D2, which switched to a more rugged and sensitive uncoupled CdS meter, and finally the last if the breed, the Pen D3 that debuted in 1965 and features a slightly faster 6-element, 4-group 32mm f/1.7 F. Zuiko lens that said to perform a bit better than the f/1.9 version on the Pen D and D2. The meter-less Pen S maintained the same elegant form factor as the original Pen (which has become a pricey collector’s item) and D-series Pens are chunkier and heavier thanks to their faster lenses and built-in meters but offer extended low-light performance, thanks to their f/1.9 or f/1.7 lenses.
Top view of Olympus Pen D3 shows meter (EV)n scale, easily accessible shutter speed and aperture rings, and scale focusing tab to left if lens.
The Pen W or Pen Wide is a very rare variant of the Pen S model, with a wide-angle 25mm f/2.8 lens, equivalent to a 35mm in full frame format. It only exists in black finish and has a cold flash shoe. It was only produced between 1964 and 1965 and today fetches high prices ($250-$350) on the collectors' market.
Shooting with the Olympus Pen D3
Shooting with the Olympus Pen D3 is an experience remarkably similar to shooting with the original Olympus Pen, or any model in the scale-focusing “viewfinder” Pen series, a tribute to the soundness of Maitani’s original design concept. The three members of the Pen D series are slightly larger and heavier than the original Pen, Pen S, and Pen W, but the difference isn’t enough to affect handing very much. The Pen D3 measures 4.3 x 2.6 x 2.0 inches (W x H x D) and weighs in at 14.8 ounces, only 0.4 inches deeper and 2.5 ounces heavier than the original Pen introduced 6 years earlier. The weight difference is noticeable, but the camera nestles in your hands quite comfortably and is nicely balanced.
Back view of Olympus Pen D3 with back removed shows 6-slotted "easy-loading" spool, meter-on button to left of thumbwheel film advance.
The Pen D3’s film advance thumbwheel falls naturally under your right thumb, and the focusing tab on the left side of the lens unit, easily accessed by your left forefinger, turns very smoothly and has click-stops at 15 and 4 feet. The lens unit focuses by extending or retracting without turning as you move the focusing tab, and the milled shutter speed ring (1/8-1/500 sec plus B) and aperture ring (f/1.7 to f/16 with no click-stops) are visible by glancing down over the top of the camera and are easy to turn with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand.
The built-in CdS meter cell is located behind an external round port abut an inch to the right of the front viewfinder window (in shooting position). The metering system thus provides non-TTL readings, and it’s also uncoupled. To meter the subject, you press the meter actuation button on the back of the camera, glance at the metering scale atop the camera and note the position of the needle on the (EV 3-17) EV scale. Now turn the aperture and/or shutter speed ring until the sane EV number appears in a little notch in the silver ring in between the aperture and shutter speed rings to set the metered exposure. If you want to choose another aperture/shutter speed combination without altering the metered exposure, just grab both rings simultaneously and turn them to the left or right—very cool! Note: when metering subjects such as individual people or groups, close-up readings will give more accurate exposures.
Altar for the Departed: Olympus Pen D3, f/1.7 at /125 sec on Ilford HP-5 Plus.
Obviously scale focusing (aka guess focus) has its limitations, especially when shooting at close distances (the Pen D3 gets down to 2.6 feet) and wide apertures, but most people get the hang of it, and after a little practice you should be able to achieve a focusing accuracy of 90-95%. Perhaps the greatest thing about the Olympus Pen D3--other than its ergonomic form factor and controls, its extended low-light capabilities, and that undefinable feeling of joyous spontaneity it generates—is its lens. That 32mm f/1.7 F. Zuiko is a real optical gem and one of the sharpest lenses ever fitted to a half frame camera. And despite having only a 5-bladed diaphragm it delivers outstanding rendition and smooth natural bokeh.
Coffee House Portrait: Olympus Pen D3, 1/60 sec at f/2 on Ilford HP-5 Plus
Downsides: A few but no deal breakers
Yes, the Olympus Pen D3 has essentially the same dinky 0.5x bright line viewfinder with parallax compensation markings as the original Pen and the one in the D3 is a reflected frame Albada type without a frosted frame-line illumination window so it can vignette slightly at certain viewing angles. Like the Pen D and Pen D2 its ASA scale only goes up to ASA 400, which is annoying, and some users have complained of light leaks due to defective or improperly installed backs (make sure the back it’s fully and firmly seated before turning the lock).
Finally, there’s the little matter of batteries. The CdS meters in both the Pen D2 and D3 were designed to be powered by a 1.35v mercuric oxide cell (e.g. Mallory PX-675 or Eveready E-675) that are long out of production. A direct replacement is the Wein PX-675 zinc-air cell, which is the right size and puts out a constant 1.35 volts but is more expensive and generally doesn’t last as long as a regular alkaline battery. The least expensive alternative is an LR44 or PX76A, both of which fit perfectly. However, as with all alkaline cells, the voltage is not stable, starting out at 1.5v, then drifting down to 1.35v (same as the original mercury cell) and then going even lower. You can also have your Pen D3 or D2 modified by a competent repairman so the meter will work properly with current 1.5v alkaline or silver-oxide cells, and there are battery adapters available (make sure they fit your camera). You’re unlikely to damage your Pen D2 or D3 by installing a1.5v battery that fits, but we suggest you check your meter readings with a meter or camera of known accuracy to make sure the readings are in the ballpark. Of course, you can always sidestep the battery issue entirely by opting for an original Pen D which has an f/1.9 lens and a (less sensitive and more delicate) selenium meter that requires no batteries.
Page 6 of Olympus Pen D3 manual showing installation of PX-675 mercury cell on right-hand panel. Current alkaline SR-44 works OK (see text).
Coffee House Scene, Hudson, New York, f//2.8 at 1/250 sec on Ilford HP-5 Plus.
Coffee house tableau, Hudson New York: Olympus Pen D3, f/2 at 1/250 sec on Ilford HP-5 Plus.
Another great advantage of shooting with any half frame 35 is that you get twice as many pictures per roll—72 on a 36-exposure roll, and 48 ion a 24-exposure roll. If that encourages you to take more pictures with your Olympus Pen (or whatever), great! You can generally snag a clean, fully functional Olympus Pen D3 for about $90 to $150. A clean Pen D2 will set you back about $100, and a typical Pen D is a bit less than that. In terms of fun and pure picture-taking performance per dollar they all qualify as real bargains.
Last of the “viewfinder Pens,” it delivers fun plus superb performance.
By Jason Schneider
The original Olympus Pen of 1959 was designed by Maitani Yoshihisa (family name first per Japanese tradition), one of the great camera designers of the 20thcentury. Mr. Maitani was also largely responsible for creating the Olympus OM-1 of 1972, the camera that sired all subsequent models in the OM series and ignited the ultracompact SLR revolution of the ‘70s. Despite its modest specs, the first scale-focusing half-frame Olympus Pen is a masterpiece of minimalist design, measuring a mere 2.7 x 4.2 x 1.6 inches (H x W x D) and weighing in at a paltry 12.3 ounces.
But the original Olympus Pen delivers where it counts. Its 28mm f/3.5 D. Zuiko lens (a 4-element, 3-group Tessar design) provides outstanding imaging performance and it helical focuses down a marked minimum distance of 2 feet]; its limited range of 4 timed shutter speeds (1/25-1/200 sec plus B) and bright but tiny 0.5x frame line viewfinder, are adequate for most purposes; its handy thumbwheel film advance is quick and convenient, and the camera slides into a cool zippered pouch case that fits easily into a trousers pocket. The fact that the first Pen listed for only $29.95 was considered a sweet deal even back in ’59, and the camera sold like rice cakes, inspiring (you guessed it) the half-frame craze of the ’60s and ‘70’s which saw such iconic makers as Canon, Yashica, Minolta, Petri, Fuji, Agfa, and more enter the fray.
Olympus Pen D3 introduced in 1965 was the last and most versatile of the scale focusing "viewfinder" Pens based on the original; 1959 model.
Not surprisingly, Olympus steadily upgraded its highly successful scale focusing Pen series with a succession of models starting with the Pen S of 1960 with an f/2.8 lens and a wider range id shutter speeds, the Pen D of 1962 with 6-element, 4-group 32mm f/1.9 F. Zuiko lens, shutter speeds 1/8 to 1/500 sec plus B, and a built-in uncoupled selenium meter, the Pen D2, which switched to a more rugged and sensitive uncoupled CdS meter, and finally the last if the breed, the Pen D3 that debuted in 1965 and features a slightly faster 6-element, 4-group 32mm f/1.7 F. Zuiko lens that said to perform a bit better than the f/1.9 version on the Pen D and D2. The meter-less Pen S maintained the same elegant form factor as the original Pen (which has become a pricey collector’s item) and D-series Pens are chunkier and heavier thanks to their faster lenses and built-in meters but offer extended low-light performance, thanks to their f/1.9 or f/1.7 lenses.
Top view of Olympus Pen D3 shows meter (EV)n scale, easily accessible shutter speed and aperture rings, and scale focusing tab to left if lens.
The Pen W or Pen Wide is a very rare variant of the Pen S model, with a wide-angle 25mm f/2.8 lens, equivalent to a 35mm in full frame format. It only exists in black finish and has a cold flash shoe. It was only produced between 1964 and 1965 and today fetches high prices ($250-$350) on the collectors' market.
Shooting with the Olympus Pen D3
Shooting with the Olympus Pen D3 is an experience remarkably similar to shooting with the original Olympus Pen, or any model in the scale-focusing “viewfinder” Pen series, a tribute to the soundness of Maitani’s original design concept. The three members of the Pen D series are slightly larger and heavier than the original Pen, Pen S, and Pen W, but the difference isn’t enough to affect handing very much. The Pen D3 measures 4.3 x 2.6 x 2.0 inches (W x H x D) and weighs in at 14.8 ounces, only 0.4 inches deeper and 2.5 ounces heavier than the original Pen introduced 6 years earlier. The weight difference is noticeable, but the camera nestles in your hands quite comfortably and is nicely balanced.
Back view of Olympus Pen D3 with back removed shows 6-slotted "easy-loading" spool, meter-on button to left of thumbwheel film advance.
The Pen D3’s film advance thumbwheel falls naturally under your right thumb, and the focusing tab on the left side of the lens unit, easily accessed by your left forefinger, turns very smoothly and has click-stops at 15 and 4 feet. The lens unit focuses by extending or retracting without turning as you move the focusing tab, and the milled shutter speed ring (1/8-1/500 sec plus B) and aperture ring (f/1.7 to f/16 with no click-stops) are visible by glancing down over the top of the camera and are easy to turn with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand.
The built-in CdS meter cell is located behind an external round port abut an inch to the right of the front viewfinder window (in shooting position). The metering system thus provides non-TTL readings, and it’s also uncoupled. To meter the subject, you press the meter actuation button on the back of the camera, glance at the metering scale atop the camera and note the position of the needle on the (EV 3-17) EV scale. Now turn the aperture and/or shutter speed ring until the sane EV number appears in a little notch in the silver ring in between the aperture and shutter speed rings to set the metered exposure. If you want to choose another aperture/shutter speed combination without altering the metered exposure, just grab both rings simultaneously and turn them to the left or right—very cool! Note: when metering subjects such as individual people or groups, close-up readings will give more accurate exposures.
Altar for the Departed: Olympus Pen D3, f/1.7 at /125 sec on Ilford HP-5 Plus.
Obviously scale focusing (aka guess focus) has its limitations, especially when shooting at close distances (the Pen D3 gets down to 2.6 feet) and wide apertures, but most people get the hang of it, and after a little practice you should be able to achieve a focusing accuracy of 90-95%. Perhaps the greatest thing about the Olympus Pen D3--other than its ergonomic form factor and controls, its extended low-light capabilities, and that undefinable feeling of joyous spontaneity it generates—is its lens. That 32mm f/1.7 F. Zuiko is a real optical gem and one of the sharpest lenses ever fitted to a half frame camera. And despite having only a 5-bladed diaphragm it delivers outstanding rendition and smooth natural bokeh.
Coffee House Portrait: Olympus Pen D3, 1/60 sec at f/2 on Ilford HP-5 Plus
Downsides: A few but no deal breakers
Yes, the Olympus Pen D3 has essentially the same dinky 0.5x bright line viewfinder with parallax compensation markings as the original Pen and the one in the D3 is a reflected frame Albada type without a frosted frame-line illumination window so it can vignette slightly at certain viewing angles. Like the Pen D and Pen D2 its ASA scale only goes up to ASA 400, which is annoying, and some users have complained of light leaks due to defective or improperly installed backs (make sure the back it’s fully and firmly seated before turning the lock).
Finally, there’s the little matter of batteries. The CdS meters in both the Pen D2 and D3 were designed to be powered by a 1.35v mercuric oxide cell (e.g. Mallory PX-675 or Eveready E-675) that are long out of production. A direct replacement is the Wein PX-675 zinc-air cell, which is the right size and puts out a constant 1.35 volts but is more expensive and generally doesn’t last as long as a regular alkaline battery. The least expensive alternative is an LR44 or PX76A, both of which fit perfectly. However, as with all alkaline cells, the voltage is not stable, starting out at 1.5v, then drifting down to 1.35v (same as the original mercury cell) and then going even lower. You can also have your Pen D3 or D2 modified by a competent repairman so the meter will work properly with current 1.5v alkaline or silver-oxide cells, and there are battery adapters available (make sure they fit your camera). You’re unlikely to damage your Pen D2 or D3 by installing a1.5v battery that fits, but we suggest you check your meter readings with a meter or camera of known accuracy to make sure the readings are in the ballpark. Of course, you can always sidestep the battery issue entirely by opting for an original Pen D which has an f/1.9 lens and a (less sensitive and more delicate) selenium meter that requires no batteries.
Page 6 of Olympus Pen D3 manual showing installation of PX-675 mercury cell on right-hand panel. Current alkaline SR-44 works OK (see text).
Coffee House Scene, Hudson, New York, f//2.8 at 1/250 sec on Ilford HP-5 Plus.
Coffee house tableau, Hudson New York: Olympus Pen D3, f/2 at 1/250 sec on Ilford HP-5 Plus.
Another great advantage of shooting with any half frame 35 is that you get twice as many pictures per roll—72 on a 36-exposure roll, and 48 ion a 24-exposure roll. If that encourages you to take more pictures with your Olympus Pen (or whatever), great! You can generally snag a clean, fully functional Olympus Pen D3 for about $90 to $150. A clean Pen D2 will set you back about $100, and a typical Pen D is a bit less than that. In terms of fun and pure picture-taking performance per dollar they all qualify as real bargains.
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