Setting the film speed, or ISO, on your Olympus OM-2 is crucial for achieving properly exposed photographs. This setting tells the camera’s light meter the sensitivity of the film you’re using, allowing it to calculate the correct aperture and shutter speed combinations.
Understanding the Olympus OM-2 Film Speed Dial
The Olympus OM-2, a beloved classic, offers a straightforward yet effective way to set the film speed (ISO) using a dedicated dial. Located around the rewind crank on the left side of the camera (when looking from the back), this dial controls the camera’s light meter calibration. Setting it accurately is paramount to achieving well-exposed images. Incorrect settings will lead to either underexposed or overexposed photos.
Locating the ISO Dial
The dial is typically marked with numbers ranging from ASA 25 to ASA 1600 (which is equivalent to ISO 25 to ISO 1600). Some OM-2 models may extend this range slightly, but this is the general standard. These numbers correspond to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) rating of your film. Before loading your film, take a moment to identify the ISO rating printed on the film canister.
The Setting Process: Step-by-Step
- Locate the ISO Dial: As mentioned earlier, find the dial surrounding the rewind crank.
- Release the Lock: Many OM-2 models have a small button or locking mechanism that needs to be pressed or slid to allow the dial to rotate freely. Look for a small release button on the base of the rewind crank and press it.
- Rotate the Dial: While pressing the release (if applicable), rotate the dial until the correct ISO number aligns with the index mark. The index mark is a small indicator, often a line or arrow, that shows which ISO value is currently selected.
- Confirm the Setting: Once the dial is in the correct position, release the button (if applicable). The dial should now be locked in place, preventing accidental changes to the ISO setting.
Why Accuracy Matters
The OM-2, even with its automatic exposure mode, relies heavily on the correctly set ISO. While in automatic mode, the camera adjusts the aperture and/or shutter speed to achieve what it believes is a properly exposed image based on the light readings and the programmed ISO. If the ISO is set incorrectly, the camera will misjudge the amount of light needed, resulting in improperly exposed images. For example, if you set the ISO to 400 when you are using ISO 100 film, your pictures will be overexposed by two stops.
Troubleshooting Common ISO Setting Issues
Even with a simple dial, issues can arise when setting the ISO on an OM-2. Let’s examine some common problems and their solutions.
Stuck Dial
If the ISO dial is stuck and won’t turn, resist the urge to force it. Applying excessive pressure can damage the delicate mechanism inside. Try gently wiggling the dial while pressing the release button (if applicable). If it’s still stuck, a small amount of lubricant (such as silicone lubricant) applied very carefully around the dial’s edge might help. If the problem persists, it’s best to consult a camera repair professional.
Incorrect Setting
Accidental mis-settings are common, especially when handling the camera frequently. Always double-check the ISO setting before taking a photograph. This simple habit can save you from potentially ruining an entire roll of film.
Dial Slippage
In rare cases, the dial might slip and change the ISO setting unintentionally. This is more likely to occur if the dial is loose or the locking mechanism is faulty. If you suspect the dial is slipping, consider using a small piece of tape to secure it in place, or have the camera professionally serviced.
Additional Tips for Optimal Exposure
Beyond setting the correct ISO, consider these additional tips for achieving optimal exposure with your Olympus OM-2.
Understand the Sunny 16 Rule
The Sunny 16 rule is a useful guide for estimating correct exposure in bright sunlight. It states that on a sunny day, you can use an aperture of f/16 and a shutter speed that is the reciprocal of the ISO. For example, with ISO 100 film, you would use f/16 and 1/100th of a second. This rule serves as a great starting point, especially when learning to judge light.
Utilizing the Exposure Compensation Dial
The OM-2 features an exposure compensation dial, typically located near the shutter speed dial. This dial allows you to deliberately overexpose or underexpose your images, overriding the camera’s automatic exposure settings. This is particularly useful in situations where the light meter might be fooled, such as when photographing a subject against a bright background (like snow).
Metering Modes
The OM-2 offers different metering modes, typically spot metering and averaging metering. Experimenting with these modes can help you achieve better exposure in complex lighting situations. Spot metering measures the light from a small area, while averaging metering considers the entire scene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I forget to set the ISO?
If you forget to set the ISO, the camera’s light meter will be inaccurate, leading to potentially severe underexposure or overexposure. The extent of the error depends on the difference between the actual ISO and the setting used by the camera.
2. Can I change the ISO mid-roll?
Technically, you can change the ISO mid-roll on the OM-2. However, this is generally not recommended. Your photos will be improperly exposed before and after the change. It’s best to finish the roll at the initially set ISO or use a camera that allows for multi-exposure metering if you plan on adjusting ISO midway.
3. My OM-2’s ISO dial only goes up to 1600. Can I still use film with higher ISOs?
Yes, you can use film with higher ISO ratings than the dial’s maximum value (1600). Set the dial to 1600 and then compensate using the exposure compensation dial. For instance, to use ISO 3200 film, set the dial to ISO 1600 and open the aperture by one stop or decrease the shutter speed (for instance, from 1/125 to 1/60).
4. How does the ISO setting affect the automatic exposure mode?
In automatic mode, the OM-2’s light meter reads the scene’s brightness and calculates the optimal aperture and shutter speed based on the film speed (ISO) that you have programmed in. An inaccurate ISO setting will cause the camera to choose incorrect settings.
5. Is there a digital way to set the ISO on the OM-2?
No, the OM-2 is a purely mechanical film camera. The ISO setting is adjusted using the physical dial and has no digital component.
6. Can the OM-2 read DX codes on film canisters?
No, the Olympus OM-2 does not have the ability to read DX codes (a barcode on modern 35mm film canisters that automatically sets the ISO). You must manually set the ISO using the dial.
7. What is the difference between ASA and ISO?
ASA (American Standards Association) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) are essentially the same thing. ASA was the older standard, and ISO is the newer, internationally recognized standard. You’ll often see them used interchangeably.
8. Does the OM-2 automatically compensate for push processing?
No, the OM-2 does not automatically compensate for push processing. Push processing requires manually setting a higher ISO on the camera to tell the meter to underexpose the film during shooting. Then, the film is developed for longer to increase contrast and density.
9. What should I do if the ISO setting on my OM-2 doesn’t match the film’s ISO exactly?
Choose the closest ISO setting available. If the film is rated between two ISO values on the dial, it’s generally better to round down. Overexposure is usually more forgiving than underexposure in film photography.
10. How do I check the ISO setting after I’ve set it?
Visually inspect the ISO dial to ensure that the correct number is aligned with the index mark. This simple step can prevent costly mistakes.
11. Can I damage the camera by setting the ISO incorrectly?
Setting the ISO incorrectly will not damage the camera, but it will lead to incorrectly exposed photographs. The most significant risk is wasting film and potentially missing important shots.
12. Are there any other Olympus cameras with the same ISO setting procedure as the OM-2?
Many other Olympus OM-series cameras, such as the OM-1, OM-1n, and OM-10, share a similar ISO setting procedure with a dial located near the rewind crank. However, always consult the specific camera’s manual for precise instructions.