Olympus OM2n

Sold between 1979 and 1984, this camera is a 35mm SLR that really takes some beating in terms of functionality and build quality. Of all the cameras in the collection this one feels the most like a scientific instrument. It will give precision results every time, and if it doesn't you can bet it was user error.

For an SLR it is very small. Its shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/1000, with the option of a Bulb mode for long exposures. There is also a self timer and exposure compensation dial. It can be shot in manual or aperture priority mode and features off-the-film metering (the first camera to do so at launch). There is also a hot shoe for synchronised flash. This camera came with the Olympus T20 electronic flash. It can take films from ISO 12 to 1600.

The viewfinder offers split image focusing which is relatively easy to use, though can be tricky with glasses. There is a depth of field preview button though which is super handy. This camera also has a varimagni finder which fits over the eyepiece and can be adjusted for individual eyesight.  The tube is rotatable through 360 degrees. It provides 1.2x magnification covering the whole screen, or 2.5x enlargement of the central portion for critical focusing.

The best feature of this camera is undoubtedly the wide range of lenses it can work with. Olympus OM fit Zuiko lenses are second to none for sharpness and quality, but there is an unending list of additional lenses by other makers.

Quite a lot of literature comes with this camera, including an 83 page instruction manual (though half of this just advertises other Olympus gear).

While it is possible to take multiple exposures with it, the process is so long winded I really wouldn't bother.

Unlike the Minolta, it is optimised for infrared photography. There is an infrared index mark on the depth of field scale to assist focusing.

This camera also has an autowinder for swift film advancement. It requires 4 AA batteries and the sound of it will give any nearby wildlife a heart attack, so use with caution.

Olympus had a huge range of products in their macro range for the OM system, including interchangeable focus screens, auto-bellows, extension tubes, ring flashes and much more. Not to mention some outstanding Zuiko macro lenses. This camera has the extension tubes and a lovely 50mm f/3.5 macro lens that can focus to infinity, so doubles up as a regular nifty 50. While it doesn't have the auto-bellows, it does have one made by BPM that will work just as well.