Photography with Soul: Deliberate, tactile and authentic
Olympus OM-1 is a legendary camera that serves as an ideal gateway camera into the world of analogue film photography.
Renowned for its compact size, robust mechanical design, and exceptional Zuiko lenses, this classic 35mm SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) is a perfect tool for learning the fundamentals and experiencing the unique joy of creating with film.
This article will guide you through the essential steps of using the Olympus OM-1 to unlock the timeless pleasure of analogue film photography.
The OM-1: A Mechanical Marvel
The Olympus OM-1 was introduced in 1972 and quickly became a favourite among photographers. It was groundbreaking for its time, as it was significantly smaller, lighter, and quieter than its competitors. The use of silver in the pentaprism also meant the viewfinder was 70% brighter than many of its rivals. It compares favourably to many DSLR viewfinders, 50 years on.
Unlike modern cameras, the OM-1 is a purely mechanical machine. This means the shutter and film advance work without a battery, making it incredibly reliable and a true workhorse. The only function that requires a battery is the built-in light meter.
Its design is a masterclass in ergonomics. The shutter speed dial is placed around the lens mount, and the aperture ring is on the lens itself, allowing you to control all your key exposure settings with a single hand while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.
Getting Started: Loading Your First Roll of Film
The first step in your film photography journey is to load your camera. The process is manual and deliberate, which is part of the charm.
- **Open the back:** Pull up on the rewind knob on the top left of the camera. The camera back will pop open.
2. **Insert the film:** Place your 35mm film cartridge into the film chamber on the left side of the camera. Push the rewind knob back down to lock it in place.
3. **Attach the film leader:** Pull a short length of film leader across the camera and insert it into a slot on the take-up spool.
4. **Wind and close:** Use the film advance lever to wind the film until the sprockets on the top and bottom of the take-up spool engage with the film's perforations. Once the film is secure, close the camera back until it clicks.
5. **Advance to frame 1:** Take a couple of "blank" shots, using the film advance lever after each one. This ensures you've moved past the exposed leader. Watch the frame counter on the top right of the camera. It will move from "S" (start) and click over to "1." You are now ready to shoot.
Mastering Exposure: The Exposure Triangle
The OM-1 is a manual camera, which means you have complete control over every shot. The key to a well-exposed photograph is understanding the "exposure triangle": Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO (or film speed).
**Film Speed ISO (ASA):** This is the sensitivity of your film to light. It's set on a dial on the top of the camera. For beginners, a versatile film like Kodak Portra 400 or a black-and-white option like Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a great choice. Set the ASA dial to match the number on your film box (e.g., 400).
**Aperture:** Located on a ring on the lens, the aperture controls the size of the lens opening. A smaller number (e.g., f/1.8) means a wider opening, letting in more light and creating a shallow depth of field (blurry background). A larger number (e.g., f/16) means a smaller opening, letting in less light and keeping more of the scene in focus.
**Shutter Speed:** This is how long the shutter stays open, controlling the amount of time light hits the film. The shutter speed dial is the large ring around the lens mount. Faster speeds (e.g., 1/1000s) freeze motion, while slower speeds (e.g., 1/30s) can cause motion blur and require a steady hand or a tripod.
The Light Meter: Your Guide to a Good Exposure
The Olympus OM-1's built-in light meter is your most valuable tool for achieving proper exposure. It runs on a small mercury battery (or a modern equivalent). When you look through the viewfinder, you'll see a needle on the left side.
**Match-Needle System:** The goal is to adjust your aperture and shutter speed until the needle is centered.
* If the needle is near the "+", your image will be overexposed (too bright). To correct this, you can either select a faster shutter speed or a smaller aperture number (a larger f-stop).
* If the needle is near the "-", your image will be underexposed (too dark). To correct this, you can select a slower shutter speed or a larger aperture number (a smaller f-stop).
Even without a functioning light meter, you can use the "Sunny 16" rule as a reliable guide: On a sunny day, set your aperture to f/16 and your shutter speed to the closest number to your film's ISO (e.g., 1/400s or 1/500s for ISO 400 film). Adjust your settings from there based on the lighting conditions.
The Joy of the Process
What makes film photography so rewarding is the deliberate, thoughtful process. There's no instant feedback on a digital screen. You must think about your composition, exposure, and focus before you press the shutter. This discipline forces you to slow down and truly see the world around you.
After you've finished your roll, you'll need to rewind the film back into its canister. Simply press the rewind release lever on the camera body (marked "R"), flip out the rewind crank on the top of the camera, and turn it clockwise until the tension releases. Then you can open the camera back and remove your film.
Taking your film to be developed is the final, and perhaps most exciting, part of the process. The anticipation of seeing your images for the first time—a mix of surprise and satisfaction—is an experience that digital photography simply cannot replicate.
The Olympus OM-1 is more than just a camera; it's a gateway to a more mindful and creative way of capturing the world. It’s an invitation to learn, experiment, and appreciate the art of photography from the ground up.
