Camera · Compact
Olympus Pen EE
1961-1966
Discontinued35mm half-frameBeginner
Experimental photography
- Format
- 35mm half-frame
- Mount
- Fixed lens
- Metering
- Built-in
- Shutter
- 1/40 or 1/200 (automatic; first version single 1/60)
- Battery
- None
Mechanical
Max speed
Best for
- Experimental photography
- Economical shooting (double frames)
- Learning with a simple camera
Features
- Half-frame format (72 exposures per 36exp roll)
- Selenium meter (no batteries)
- D. Zuiko 28mm f/3.5 lens
- Fixed focus
- Fully automatic exposure
Limitations
- Half-frame = smaller negatives
- Fixed focus only
- Selenium meter degrades
- Limited shutter speed range
Common issues to check
- Selenium meter failure
- Sticky aperture blades
- Shutter issues
- Lens fungus
- Viewfinder haze
Buying guide
The Pen EE (1961) is the fully automatic, fixed-focus member of the Pen family; the Pen was Japan's first half-frame camera (1959) and about 17 million Pens were sold. The first EE had a single 1/60 shutter speed; later ones use 1/200 or 1/40. Test the selenium meter in bright light - the aperture should change. The Pen F is the SLR.
Pricing
- Typical range
- £40 - £100
- Excellent condition
- ~£150
Working meter important. Indicative, no dated source.
Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.
Specifications
| Format | 35mm half-frame |
| Years produced | 1961-1966 |
| Mount | Fixed lens |
| Shutter type | Leaf |
| Shutter speeds | 1/40 or 1/200 (automatic; first version single 1/60) |
| Flash sync | 1/40 (1/60 on first version) |
| Metering | Average |
| Battery required | No |
| Weight | N/A |
| Dimensions | N/A |