Years ago I used cheap and disposable 35mm film cameras – the results where at best variable. Until the last week I have never used an SLR camera, developed negatives or made prints, effectively, a complete beginner with analogue film.
I am using the following equipment:
- Olympus OM-2 MD SLR made in Japan (mine)
This can automatically select shutter speed with aperture priory. I am using it full manual – using the built in light meter to choose correct exposure.
Manufactured 1975-1979. Designed by Yoshihisa Maitani (January 8, 1933 – July 30, 2009) My model is serial #555663 - Olympus-Zuiko mc 50mm f1.8 prime lens made in Japan (mine)
- Bell & Howell 28mm f2.8 prime lens OM fit, made in Japan (mine)
- Olympus-Zuiko mc 28mm f2.8 prime lens made in Japan (Westminster University)
In addition to my University workshops taught by Ulrike Leyens I have refered to the following books:
- The World of OM-Systems, 2nd ed, by Franz Pangerl, 1977, pub: Olympus Optical Co (Europa) GmbH, Hamburg, 350p (mine)
This is effectively the official manual for the whole Olympus OM camera system. It is very comprehensive even, for example, including how to use near infrared film. It also covers a vast array of specialist equipment, the vast majority of which are almost certainly only of curiosity interest to me. - The Olympus OM Way by L A Mannheim, 1979, pub Focal Press, London 520p (pdf)
This 3rd party manual for the Olympus OM camera system is also vastly comprehensive. The diagrams are very much better than in the official manual – overall it is probably better than the official manual above. - Langford’s Basic Photgraphy, 10th ed by Michael Langford, Anna Fox & Richard Sawdon Smith + Contributors Andrew Bruce & Marie-Josiane Agossou, 2015, pub Focal Press, London 554p (mine)
This is very comprehensive on all aspects of “Basic” analogue and digital photography. However, the advice is of necessity general rather than specific so will always need to be augmented for example by manuals for your model of camera, film specifications and exact chemicals used. Colour analogue photography for example is covered in the “Advanced” edition of Langford’s. - Black & White Photography Workshop by John Blakemore, pub David & Charles , Cincinnati, 2005, 159p (Westminster University)
This book is an eye opener if you really want to know what is possible with analogue photography. Absolutely stunning what this master photographer achieves from visualising the photo before shooting all the way through to amazing printing techniques. As he says himself you can learn the basics of printing in an afternoon – but spend a lifetime mastering the possibilities.
Other References:
“Olympus OM-2” from Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympus_OM-2
“Olympus OM system” from Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympus_OM_system
Yoshihisa Maitani (January 8, 1933 – July 30, 2009) – designer of the Olympus OM system.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshihisa_Maitani
Olympus OM blog
https://omexperience.wordpress.com/
Olympus OM2 (OM2n) – Camera Review by James Tocchio 22n March 2015
https://www.casualphotophile.com/2015/03/22/olympus-om2-om2n-camera-review/
Olympus F-Zuiko AUTO-S 50mm f/1.8 & Zuiko AUTO-S 50mm f/1.8 lens
https://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/olympusom1n2/shared/zuiko/htmls/50mm1a.htm
OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50 mm f/ 1.8 Review
http://lensbeam.com/obektivy/obektiv-olympus-om-system-zuiko-auto-s
Olympus Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8 data sheet
http://allphotolenses.com/public/files/pdfs/eadce95edfb313f19ba5e4fdf97452c0.pdf