Olympus OM-1

The smallest 35 mm SLR of its time, this camera was one of the masterpieces of optomechanical engineering.  Designed by Mr. Maitani, the pioneer of Olympus design style. At that time, galvos were the only available display for the lightmeter, and many camera makers didn't know where to put it. Maitani placed it beneath the shutter speed dial. He then moved the shutter speed dial as a large ring behind the lens. The dial around the galvo was utilized for ASA setting. If this camera was European, they would have coupled the shutter speed ring with the aperture ring, and produce a stiff to turn speed dial. The best they could do was the Hasselblad lens which always had a stiff shutter speed setting ring. The Japanese chose the string theory! This technique is also implemented in Minolta SRT-101, and it's utilizing a nylon string to mechanically link the shutter speed, aperture, and galvo together. This makes the camera a bit difficult to disassemble.

Internal design of OM-1 (right), and its top view reveals the placement of the galvonometer where it would normally be the shutter speed dial.

History: Yoshihisa Maitani leading his group in designing the OM system: Cameras, lenses, flash, motor drive, close up lenses, and filters, carrying cases. If you have any of these at your collection, the carrying case is the first one to turn into powder, the camera itself needs a complete overhaul.

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for a brief history of camera design at Olympus, and OM1 design