Olympus Pen EE2 - Honest Thoughts (Half-Frame Camera)

[@bendroege]

Timestamps Intro: 0:00 Background: 0:27 What is a half-frame camera?: 0:54 Automatic System: 1:30 Battery: 2:08 Light Meter: 2:24 Size: 2:58 Lens: 4:02 Flash: 4:42 Diptychs: 5:18 Viewfinder: 5:47 Price: 6:26 Summary: 6:40 Outro: 7:19

[@randallstewart175]

Olympus started the interest in half frame pocket cameras in the early 1960s. This is one of the later models. Most Pen models like this one have a simple two speed shutter which is automatically selected by the meter. The weakness of this model and some others is that the shutter gets sticky and won't open/close. It's a fairly basic repair, but a shop will charge as much as the camera (repaired) is worth. Except for Nikon and Pentax, most of the major manufacturers jumped into the half frame market. Their popularity died quickly with the introduction of very small full frame cameras like the Rollei 35 in the later 1960s.

[@bendroege]

Very true Randall! I believe 1968 for this model, pretty incredible how many variations they made in the following years. That's such a weird problem that I have actually experienced once before on a friends camera...I guess it's to be expected when they get this old. It's funny, I thought that they would have a resurgence in popularity as a bit of a novelty but doesn't seem like it's going to happen...at least for the time being. Thanks so much for the comment Randall, it's super appreciated. Cheers!

[@randallstewart1224]

@@bendroege The Olympus Pen models like this one are fairly primitive, even by the technology of their day. After Olympus established a significant market for the format, other makers hopped in, offering models with better lenses, metering, viewfinders, even auto-focus on later models. It's amazing (to me) that the selenium cell meters on these Oly Pens from the early 1960s usually still function. For suburb optics in a half frame camera, Canon made their "Dial" and a series of "Demi" models. They require batteries not made anymore, but you can work around that issue. Konica made one of the last half frame cameras sold, the Recorder. The design is slick, but the build is not that durable. I'd love to have one, but they presently (mid-2023), go used for $300-400, depending on condition. Too rich for me.

[@tjxrose]

Really informative and overall great video. Much appreciated. just scored one of these at a thrift store for $25 USD. Looking forward to taking some shots and seeing how they turn out.

[@bendroege]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed! That’s incredible you got one for that price, you’ll have so much fun using it no doubt. All the best with it!

[@prasempre.flores]

HOW THIS VIDEO HAS NO MORE VIEWS, it’s just what I needed to watch with a PERFECT time length

[@bendroege]

Haha thank you Gustavo! So glad it was useful. Cheers!

[@username_517]

my mum has had this camera sitting around for ages and I wasn't sure wether or not to use it. this video was great!

[@bendroege]

Ah thank you! Defs use it :)

[@nickswisher6759]

“So if 36 images stresses you out” >Me with my six sheets of film

[@bendroege]

Hahaha that’s maximum stress level right there...

[@RobMoses]

These little cameras can be so fun. Good review.

[@bendroege]

Thanks Rob! They sure are

[@Kwright304]

The way it works is very simple. The sensor on the lens there powers the meter. The meter needle moves and when you press the shutter the needle is pinned in place by an arm that, depending on the position of the needle, allows for one of 2 shutter speeds and the entire aperture range within those shutter speeds.

[@KieranSuddabyPhotography]

Another great review mate. Always very insightful and enjoyable to watch. Looking forward to the video next week!

[@bendroege]

Thanks so much Kieran! I appreciate it man

[@jamestortorella1112]

your camera reviews are always perfect 👌

[@bendroege]

Ahh thanks so much James! Hope they’re helpful

[@vincyagain]

just subscribed! getting this camera soon so i was looking for reviews but your video was very informative and thanks for the time stamps it was really easy to follow!

[@bendroege]

That’s so amazing to hear! All the best with the cam, it’s so much fun to use. Cheers!!

[@BogdanFrunza11]

Oh man, I haven't used a film camera in so long. You made me so nostalgic!

[@bendroege]

Haha that’s good to hear! Thanks so much for watching

[@rochaoctavio]

which film did you use on these 05:29 photographs?

[@mariabarona2626]

Hi, great video, thank you :) what roll/film would you recommend us to use with this camera? cheers :)

[@imethan-youtubetips2420]

I was considering to buy this. Nice review and footage Ben. Thumbs up from a small creator 😅

[@bendroege]

Thanks so much Ethan! Best of luck

[@jorgemoiina]

your camera reviews are some of the best, loved it man

[@bendroege]

Yooo thanks so much Jorge! Really appreciate that man

[@drtnrao57]

Nicely done.I own it purchased in Singapore in 1974 July.

[@bendroege]

A great camera

[@drtnrao57]

Yes ,really a great camera except rarely shutter jam..

[@film.fiasco]

Great review, I am gonna buy this thing as soon as it cross my way 😆

[@PaulFaracePhotography]

Pretty cool how it doubles a roll, the shots still looked great. Loved the colors in the landscape double pics. Pretty cool small film camera to have in the car or bag, great for camping/backpacking. Great vid man!

[@bendroege]

Exactly right Paul, It’s so much fun having all those photos to just mess around with. Definitely one of the better cameras to travel with, it’s so small! Thanks for the comment Paul, loved hearing you chat with the other Paul, a great conversation you guys had. Cheers!

[@PaulFaracePhotography]

@@bendroege yeah that was fun, thanks man!!

[@bendroege]

🙏🏼

[@andrewmcphee8965]

I have a few of these Pen half frames, love them all. Great lenses, a jewel of a camera, awesome camera for street photography. Drop a roll of b&w film into it and embrace the grain... I'm also in Melbourne, hope to meet you on the street one day mate!

[@bendroege]

Hey Andrew! That's amazing - can never have too many. I will have to try the bnw, a friend of mine put some expired Kodak 400CN through one and the results were so nice. I really appreciate the support, and hope to see you around too. Cheers!

[@Aintence]

Cool video. I was given this camera for free years ago and it just sat in storage since then. Knowing that I can take over 70 photos rather than just 30 really makes me wanna use it.

[@bendroege]

Yes it's so fun to use! Definitely recommend giving it a go for some fun

[@Vladgg26]

I have the original PEN EE which is very similar and you have mentioned absolutely everything! Well done on a high quality video yet again!

[@bendroege]

Ah yes, a great camera no doubt. Thanks for the comment bro!

[@AhmedSalah-vy5ut]

Hello bro in my camera the autofocus mark are not have symmetry How do I measure frame of the final photo please i need your help

[@paulcookphotography]

Hey Ben, sorry for the late comment. Trying to catch up on some videos while on holiday. I was wondering all the way through the video why all of your shots were in vertical orientation until you explained it. So, assuming I understand it correctly, if you hold the camera normally, it shoots vertically? And if you want a shot in landscape orientation, you turn the camera vertically? That's very interesting. And surprisingly good photos for a nearly 60-year-old camera. Fantastic video, very interesting and educational as always, and great images throughout! Hope you are well. Have a great week and take care!

[@bendroege]

Hey thanks so much Paul! Haha yes exactly, the vertical orientation is definitely a thing to get used to, but I find it's a nice change-up from the horizontal orientation. With a high res scan, these images can actually turn out very sharp which is awesome. For me personally, however, just having all those extra photos is a major plus. So glad you enjoyed Paul, really appreciate it. Hope you have a great holiday and are staying safe. Cheers!

[@SuperDuperKandy]

Just what I needed :) thank you

[@bendroege]

No worries glad it was useful!

[@geekdelmetal]

Hi thanks for this video. I have one the red dot is working perfect. So i just need a film And just that? No battery? 😲

[@bendroege]

Hey Leandro, thank you! Yup just load the film and you should be good to go. There’s no battery needed :)

[@jackkrzysik2301]

Dam idk how I missed this one but seems interesting man i am gonna look into this one and see what I can find. Keen to see the vid when you go out and shoot with it

[@bendroege]

Yeah bro definitely recommend. Haha the video we made was when I bumped into you. Keen to put it out

[@piewright5756]

I thrifted one of these recently! What film worked best for you?

[@bendroege]

Oh amazing! I’ve only ever really used cheaper film like Kodak Gold 200, but any black and white like Kodak tri-x 400 or Ilford HP5 has a nice quality. Thanks for watching!

[@kilian4357]

I can only advise to invest in a EES-2 instead. It has 4-zone focussing, so you get sharp portraits and nice subject seperation. Only other PEN EE camera that has zone focussing is the EES, but it can only take ISO 200 film.

[@bendroege]

Interesting I’ve never actually looked into this, would be keen to try it. I guess this would make it slightly more difficult more beginners to use which is what the EE-2 is meant for. Appreciate the comment!

[@gregmarcus3064]

Used to snub half frame and M4/3. Now Film prices soo high and the X camera tax. I use both.

[@barbaras.7100]

How do you know if the light meter has died out?? Just picked one up at the thrift

[@bendroege]

Oh nice one! Honestly I actually don’t know exactly haha, but I would assume that the camera would lock up and you won’t be able to fire. Best way to test it would be to switch it to the aperture override and see if it lets you take a shot. Wouldn’t worry too much about it though, all the people I’ve spoken to have never had any issues. Hope it works out :)

[@mynewcolour]

If you set the camera to an asa setting (in the lens barrel) that’s in ‘auto’ mode. Now go in low light and see if you get a red flag in the viewfinder upon pressing the shutter release. If you get a flag your meter is working (and finding there’s not enough light). Even if the meter is dead you can shoot it on a an aperture setting (again, on the lens barrel) and it’ll fire at 1/40s. You will of course need to dial in your aperture to the light for an ok exposure.

[@StudioFranq]

My first camera!

[@bendroege]

Amazing!

[@fiorellacorreia351]

Hi! My grandma recently gave me this camera so I could play around with it and tell her if it still works or not, and I had no idea about the light meter. How could I know if the light meter is already dead? thanks!

[@bendroege]

Hey Fiorella! That's so good, if the light meter is not working then the camera won't fire at all, and you won't be able to advance to the next frame. However the best way to see is to put a roll through and test it out. Hope that helps, cheers!

[@fiorellacorreia351]

@@bendroege Great! Thanks!!

[@bendroege]

@@fiorellacorreia351 No worries, all the best!

[@vvelive]

You were In SA you stay there? If so I wana buy that cam

[@irenemillano3939]

hiii! what film should you use? 35mm film?

[@bendroege]

Hi Irene! Yes 35mm, I tend to use a cheaper film on a camera like this, such as Kodak Gold 200 or Fuji Superior 400. Thanks for watching!

[@mahardi.k.a]

which one do you prefer, the ee2 or ee3? great vid btw!

[@austinstout4036]

Where would I buy a brand new one of these ?

[@bendroege]

Best place is eBay. However they’ve been out of production for a long time so might be hard. But Kodak just released a brand new half frame camera for around $100ish :)

[@alessandracampa]

@@bendroegewhich one is it that your referring to?

[@magidaelk]

i feel like whatever photos you take is art. doesn't matter the camera.

[@bendroege]

Thanks so much Magida!

[@haykalabiyyu9485]

i have the ees 2 one,does it have any difference with the ee2 type?

[@haykalabiyyu9485]

and what film did you use?

[@bendroege]

I'm not too sure, I'd say it's very similiar however as these are quite simple cameras

[@bendroege]

@@haykalabiyyu9485 Normally a cheaper film like kodak gold 200

[@haykalabiyyu9485]

@@bendroege aight thanks a lot man,really like ur vids 👍👍

[@bendroege]

@@haykalabiyyu9485 Thanks so much!

[@nic6705]

big ups, my favourite camera

[@bendroege]

Thanks bro, you have so many sick photos from it

[@justinkerr4524]

Yewwww, back with another killa

[@bendroege]

Thanks boiiii

[@hash5820]

I still have this camera....wanted to do proper service(cleaning) .thereare some interesting features you forgot to mention though.

[@bendroege]

Yup most likely! Couldn't include everything just what I thought was important. Thanks for watching!

[@trentos_freshmaker]

What a cool camera! Do the scans appear half the quality of a 35mm shot, or is it not super noticeable? Obviously wouldn’t use this for portfolio shots but would be sweet to try out. Nice work 👌🏻

[@bendroege]

Yeah man sadly it’s half the quality so things are a lot more grainy. But with high res scans it’s definitely manageable. I’ve also noticed that it’s a lot harder work with in post as there’s less detail but it’s not too bad I guess. I have to treat it like it’s own medium in a way so I try not to compare it to a proper 35mm frame as my compositions and overall style changes. Still, such a fun camera to use every now and then highly recommend! Cheers for the comment Trent, hope you’re well my man!

[@nguyenxuanvy8359]

What film iso did you use?

[@bendroege]

200 ISO. It was kodak gold, great film stock for this camera!

[@nguyenxuanvy8359]

Ben Droege how do you know if the cells on the camera is dead? Mine doesnt raise the flag up even when i close the lens :/

[@bendroege]

@@nguyenxuanvy8359 good question...and sadly I don’t have an answer as I’ve never had that happened. I would just put a test roll through and see what happens

[@nguyenxuanvy8359]

Ben Droege how do you set the aperture if the iso needs to be fixed in the lens?

[@bendroege]

@@nguyenxuanvy8359 once the ISO is set, the aperture is automatically selected by the camera

[@eddie_g]

I’ve neglected my pen ft for a while. Need to go dig out the bottom of my drawer.

[@bendroege]

Man that’s such a nice camera too. I feel you bro haha I always put off using it, but once I’ve shot a roll I remember just how good it is. Thanks for the comment man, cheers!

[@vonnierasta]

this joint fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bendroege]

Thanks man, I appreciate that!

[@carmencarolina9140]

How do U shoot on auto mode? 🙃

[@bendroege]

Hey Carmen, there’s actually no auto mode as such, but instead the camera is just naturally fully automatic all of the time. Just make sure you have the ASA set and it’ll work all of the time (except when it’s too dark)

[@jaykira7221]

🐐🐐🐐

[@bendroege]

Thanks legend! 🙌🏼

[@nhungdang2717]

Hi wow good like😘🌷🔔👍

[@bendroege]

Thank you!

[@jackbeltane]

A viewfinder was not essential for the point and shoot, the idea was to line up the camera a bit like you do these days with a phone

[@rentedtux1883]

The camera is not dead if the meter no longer works.

[@depotmsa2362]

if your shooting half frame you need higher end film.

[@bendroege]

That’s really a personal choice, don’t think it’s completely necessary. Higher quality scans maybe

[@depotmsa2362]

@@bendroege higher end film are sharper and yield better clarity and are cut from the middle part of the sheet and then rolled . lower quality film is less sharp as its cut from the top and bottom of a sheet then rolled , so if your shooting half framed , the higher quality film you the better your results , now you can choose lower end films for aesthetic coloring , mood and tonal ranges ,dynamic range etc , but if you want the best results , stick with the higher end stuff and you will be amazed with these cameras

[@AhmedSalah-vy5ut]

Hello bro in my camera the autofocus mark are not have symmetry How do I measure frame of the final photo please i need your help

[@vvelive]

You were In SA you stay there? If so I wana buy that cam

[@bendroege]

Nope! In VIC. search eBay super cheap

[@AhmedSalah-vy5ut]

Hello bro in my camera the autofocus mark are not have symmetry How do I measure frame of the final photo please i need your help

[@AhmedSalah-vy5ut]

Hello bro in my camera the autofocus mark are not have symmetry How do I measure frame of the final photo please i need your help

[@AhmedSalah-vy5ut]

Hello bro in my camera the autofocus mark are not have symmetry How do I measure frame of the final photo please i need your help

[@bendroege]

Hey man! There’s actually no autofocus as such...it’s single focus only. So it’s always set to infinity or close to it