Olympus PEN EE-2 (Half-frame Compact) Cameră analogică

Olympus PEN EE-2 — Half-Frame Compact (Designer: Yoshihisa Maitani)

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Released by Olympus in 1968 and produced through 1977, the PEN EE-2 is one of the most beloved members of the legendary PEN half-frame family conceived by Yoshihisa Maitani (米谷美久). When Maitani designed the first PEN in 1959, his goal was a 35mm camera "as portable as a pen" — small enough to carry anywhere, simple enough for anyone to use. The original PEN became Japan's first half-frame camera and one of the most successful Japanese camera designs in history: over 17 million PEN-family cameras were sold across the series. The "EE" in the name stands for "Electric Eye," referring to the selenium-cell light meter that automatically sets exposure without any battery.

The EE-2 is the 1968 update of the original PEN EE. It retains the simple, fully-automatic concept of the original — a fixed-focus camera that anyone can pick up and shoot — while adding a hot shoe for modern flash units, an automatic-resetting frame counter, an expanded ISO range of 25–400 (to accommodate then-modern emulsions), a hinged film back for easier loading, and a refined exposure system.

Because the PEN uses the half-frame format (18 × 24 mm), the camera produces 72 shots from a single 36-exposure roll of 35mm film. The natural orientation of the image is vertical (portrait) when the camera is held normally — a defining characteristic of the PEN series that makes it ideal for street and travel photography.

The lens is the D.Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, a 4-element 3-group design that gives an angle of view roughly equivalent to a 40mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera. Aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/22; the camera has two shutter speeds (1/40 and 1/200), and in fully automatic mode the metering system chooses between them based on the scene brightness. When light is too low for a correct exposure, a small red flag appears in the viewfinder to warn the photographer — a hallmark feature of the PEN EE series. A "for Flash" position on the aperture ring switches the camera into manual aperture mode for use with flash.

The body of this example is engraved "EE-2" on the top plate, confirming the model. The lens barrel is engraved "Lens made in Japan."

Condition: USED — Good

Pre-owned, distinct signs of normal use; all functions operate properly.


Serial Number
Please check the photo.


Appearance
The body shows scuffs and minor paint wear consistent with normal use over the camera's 50+ year life. The body covering is intact and grips properly. Please review every photo for the current state.


Optical Condition
Haze: No
Fungus: No
Scratch: No
Balsam separation: No
Dust: Almost none
Finder: Clear


Functional
Shutter: Operates at both 1/40 and 1/200.
Aperture: f/3.5 to f/22 manual aperture ring operates smoothly. "For Flash" position operates.
Selenium light meter: Working — responds correctly to changes in light, and the red flag low-light warning appears in the viewfinder as expected.
Film advance and frame counter: Operate properly.
Film loading mechanism: Hinged back opens and closes correctly.
Battery: None required — the EE-2 is fully mechanical and powered by its selenium cell only.

Light seals have been partially replaced. Some interior light seals have been swapped for fresh material to help ensure light-tight operation; remaining original-area seals may benefit from full replacement in future for optimal long-term use.


Known Issues
- The selenium cell is currently working accurately. Selenium meters gradually lose sensitivity over time as they age, so long-term meter accuracy cannot be guaranteed — this is a general characteristic of all 50+ year old selenium-powered cameras.
- Light seals have been only partially replaced; the remaining original-area seals may need attention if the camera is used heavily.


Bundled Items
- Olympus PEN EE-2 body
- Olympus PEN lens cap


Important Notes for Used Items
As this is a used item, subtle imperfections may exist that are not individually described.


Shipping
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We ship within 3 business days after payment.


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