SLR35mm
intermediateadvanced
Discontinued
Olympus OM-2
1975-1984
Auto-exposure with quality glass
Format
35mm
Shutter
1/1000 (60s in auto)
Max speed
Metering
TTL
Battery req.
Weight
520g
Best For
- Auto-exposure with quality glass
- Available light photography
- Long exposures (auto to 60s)
- Compact system
Features
- Off-the-film (OTF) metering during exposure
- Aperture-priority auto exposure
- Manual mode
- Auto exposures up to 60 seconds
- TTL flash metering
Limitations
- Battery dependent for shutter
- Mercury battery originally (need adapter)
- Complex electronics can fail
- No mechanical backup
Common Issues to Check
- Electronic failures (more than OM-1)
- Battery voltage issues
- Prism degradation
- Shutter issues
- Foam deterioration
Buying Guide
The OM-2 added aperture-priority auto to the OM-1 design. The OM-2n (1979) and OM-2 SP (1984) are improved versions. Test auto-exposure carefully - the electronics are more complex than the OM-1 and more failure-prone. The OTF metering was revolutionary for its time.
Pricing
Typical Range£120 - £250
Excellent Condition~£320
OM-2n preferred. Electronics less reliable than OM-1
Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.
Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error