The Olympus Pen F: Then and Now

The 1963 Pen F (left) and the 2016 digital PEN-F (right)

The classic Olympus Pen F with 40mm 1.4 G. Zuiko lens. Photo: Ashley Pomeroy

Introduced in 1963, the Olympus Pen F* was a small, beautifully designed camera that achieved rapid market success. “The concept of a camera that could be carried and used as easily as a writing instrument was the inspiration for its name” (McKeown’s Price Guide to Antique & Classic Cameras, 1997/1998). The half-frame (18mm x 24mm portrait orientation) single-lens reflex camera took 70 images on a roll of film. Several models were introduced until the line ended in 1972.

The camera returned in 2016, 53 years later, in digital form. “While the new PEN-F has similarities to once-predominant film-type cameras, it is far from a simple digital copy of its predecessor (https://www.olympus-global.com/technology/design/story/penf/). “The digital reincarnation of the 35mm film Olympus PEN-F does not replace the current digital PEN flagship E-P5, rather it slides in next to it as the ‘premium’ option in the PEN family. The reason being that unlike digital PENs before it, the F has a built-in 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder.

The F also boasts the highest output resolution of any Olympus body to date, boasting a 20MP Four Thirds sensor (probably the same one we’ve seen in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8)” (https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-pen-f). At its release, the updated mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital Pen F was priced at $1200 for the body only (collectiblend.com has current auction range of $480 to $1200).

2016 digital PEN-F (top view)

The aluminum and magnesium body, encased in faux-leather, has no screws visible and is “well-weighted with a solid feel to it.” Many features of the new digital PEN-F are found in older Olympus cameras, but some have been improved. “For instance, thanks to its 20MP sensor, the PEN-F is capable of higher resolution in multi-shot mode compared to the OM-D E-M5 II, up to 80MP in Raw mode (50MP in JPEG).

It also features a dedicated creative control knob on the front, as well as four customizable shooting modes.” Other features include a 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, top mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 sec (1/16,000 with e-shutter), 1080/60p video recording capability, a 1.04 million dot LCD touchscreen, and 5 axis image stabilization with automatic panning detection.

* For more information on the original Pen F, try these resources:

You May Also Be Interested In:

Nikon N4004: An Early Autofocus Film SLR

A PHSNE member’s collection boasts a Nikon N4004, the North American version of the Nikon F-401. Introduced in 1987, it was one of Nikon’s earliest models designed for novices. Its autofocus feature was modeled after their 1986 model, oddly numbered

Coming Up

PHSNE Meeting: Sunday, Apr 2, 2023 7:30PM EDT on Zoom

MIT Museum Curator Gary Van Zante & Theodore Lilienthal’s New Orleans Views at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair 


Fifty Years of Photographica Shows

Photographica 90 Is Here!

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Newton North High School

Dealers: Contact Show Manager John Dockery

Use the Contact Form


Support PHSNE on eBay 

Visit seller Mass495 for deals from PHSNE


Become a PHSNE Member

Our members bring their curiosity, enthusiasm, and knowledge to bear on every aspect of photo history, from the earliest experiments to the present day—and tomorrow. We welcome your participation and support of our society. Join PHSNE today!
Your membership includes:
    • The New England Journal of Photographic History
    • 10 Issues of snap shots newsletters
    • Monthly meetings online and in-person
    • Informative presentations
    • Periodic field trips & vintage camera shoots
    • Free admission to PHSNE’s Photographica show & auction

PHSNE

Bulletin Board

Coming Up

PHSNE Meeting: Sunday, Apr 2, 2023 7:30PM EDT on Zoom

MIT Museum Curator Gary Van Zante & Theodore Lilienthal’s New Orleans Views at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair 


Fifty Years of Photographica Shows

Photographica 90 Is Here!

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Newton North High School

Contact Show Manager John Dockery

Use the 


Support PHSNE on eBay 

Visit seller Mass495 for

deals from PHSNE