INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the OLYMPUS OM-4T. This new SLR camera employs titanium a metal lighter and 6 times stronger than aluminum in the construction of the main part of the body. It is the world's first 35 mm single lens reflex camera equipped with Multi Spot Metering and our new Full Synchro Flash System. This camera has been designed to facilitate serious photography with professionallevel techniques including daylight synchro-flash photography, all with a minimum of effort: Its aim is to expand the sphere of creative photography. We recommend that before using the camera, you read this instruction manual carefully, confirming the instructions on the camera so that you can get the very best performance and service life from your new camera.
Note: All the components of the Olympus OM-4T are carefully designed and their production and assembly is strictly controlled to enhance the unmatched performance of the system. If any interchangeable lenses, flashes, or accessories other than Olympus products are used, Olympus cannot be responsible for poor results or damage of the OM-4T.

Correct

Incorrect

Operation

Operation order

Automatic operation

Two-step operation

Attention

Press lightly

Lamp on

Lamp blinking

Continuous sound

Intermittent sound

Reference

TABLE OF CONTENTS
< Preparations before Taking Pictures > Dioptric Correction. 4 Mounting the Lens. 6 Loading the Batteries. 8 Checking the Batteries. 9 Loading the Film. 11 Setting the ISO Film Speed. 15 < Taking Photographs (I) > Automatic Exposure TTL Direct Light Metering. 18 Rewinding the Film. 22
< Taking Photographs (II) >
< Taking Photographs (V) > Flash Photography
Taking Daylight Synchro-Flash Photographs (Super FP Flash Mode). 50
< Other Operations >
Using the Self-Timer. Exposure Compensation. Bulb Exposure. How to Shoot when the Batteries are Exhausted. Using the Viewfinder Illuminator.
How to Turn Off the Beeper.
Automatic Exposure How to Use the Spot Measurement. 25 How to Clear the Spot Metering. 28 How to Use the "Multi-Spot Measurement"

Mode. 29

Highlight Control. 32 Shadow Control. 35 < Taking Photographs ( I I I ) > Automatic Exposure How to Use the Exposure Memory Lock System. 39
< Taking Photographs (IV) >
Changing the Focusing Screen. Changing the Camera Back. Attaching the Grip. Handling Care. Description of Controls. Specifications.
Manual Exposure How to Take Picture on CenterWeighted, Averaged Metering. 44 How to Use the Spot Measurement. 46
< Preparations before Taking Pictures >

Dioptric Correction

The OM-4T permits dioptric adjustment according to your eyesight.

Remove the body cap.

Pull out the diopter adjustment knob.
Turn and adjust the knob so that the matscreen appears sharp.
Push the knob back in until it locks.

Mounting the Lens

Remove the rear lens cap.
Align the red dots and rotate the lens clockwise until it locks.
Remove the front lens cap. (Press in the mount tabs on the edges of the lens cap parallel with

"OLYMPUS").

Removing the Lens:
Press the lens release button and turn the lens counter-clockwise.

Loading the Batteries

Do not use different types of batteries or new and old batteries at the same time. If you are not likely to use the camera for a long period of time, remove the batteries before putting it away.
Remove the battery cover.
Wipe battery surfaces clean. Make sure that + signs are facing upwards.

Checking the Batteries

Always check the batteries after inserting new batteries, when shooting in cold weather, or if the camera has not been used for a long time.
Rotate the mode selector dial to the "BATTERY CHECK" position.
The audible and visual signals will tell you that the batteries have enough power. As the battery power weakens, the signals will become intermittent then vanish completely when they are exhausted. Replace the batteries.
After the check, set back the dial.
When checking the batteries, the audible and visual signals will automatically turn off in 30 seconds. If you then press the shutter release, the shutter will trip in the auto exposure mode.

Loading the Film

Pull up on the rewind knob to open the camera back.
Tear off the top of the film box and insert it into the memo holder. It will remind you which film you are using.

Insert the cartridge and push down the film rewind knob. (Always load the film in the shade.)
Insert the film leader into the take-up spool.
Wind the film and make sure the sprocket teeth catch both the upper and lower film perforations.
Take up the slack by turning the rewind crank clockwise.
Close the camera back until it clicks into place.
Face the camera toward light and take two blind shots. This will bring the film to the first frame.
Setting the ISO Film Speed
Lift up the outer collar and rotate until the ISO speed appears in the window.

Film speed

Align the exposure line A with the index B.
If the exposure compensation dial does not turn to the desired ISO number, set it once at an intermediate value then repeat the procedure.
< Taking Photographs (I) > Automatic Exposure
The OM-4T enables aperture-preferred automatic exposure on TTL direct light metering
(center-weighted, averaged light metering). This mode can be used for most of the subjects under normal conditions when shooting with the sun behind you, when the subject contrast is not too strong, and so forth.
TTL Direct Light Metering
Aperture-preferred automatic exposure allows you to take pictures by utilizing the lens depth of field effect (blurred background, for example). P. 95
Set the mode selector lever to the "AUTO" position.

Set the aperture.

Reference P. 117

Basic aperture settings;

Press the shutter release lightly to activate the viewfinder display.
The bar tip indicates the shutter speed.

Focus on your subject.

Press the shutter release to take the picture.
A built-in battery conserver turns off the viewfinder display after 120 sec.
If you see an overexposure warning signal ("OVER" blinks), set the aperture to a larger number.
If the shutter speed is too slow, set the aperture to smaller number to prevent camera shake.

Rewinding the Film

When the exposure counter indicates the end of your roll of film.
Push the "R" button.

Fold out the rewind crank and wind it until the film tension is released.
Open the camera back by pulling up on the
rewind knob and remove the film.
Taking Photographs (II) Automatic Exposure
The spot metering system of the OM-4T enables you to control the exposure as you like. It insures perfect exposure of backlighted and high contrast subjects and expands shooting possibilities in the auto mode for more creative photography.
How to Use the Spot Measurement

Reference P. 96-100

microprism

area with the area

you want to measure. (The spot metering range is outlined by the outer edge of the microprism.)

Spot metering range

Press the spot button to take meter reading.
You will hear an electronic sound and the word "SPOT" will appear in the viewfinder. The metered value is displayed by the mark.
If you shift the camera, another mark will indicate the exposure value in the center of the frame along with the spot metered value.
The subject will turn out correctly exposed,
regardless of the brightness of the background.
The spot metering mode will be automatically cleared after the shutter has tripped, or after 120 seconds have passed, and it will return to the, TTL direct light metering mode.
How to Clear the Spot Metering
With the lever at "CLEAR", the mode will return to TTL direct light metering.

"SPOT" and

mark disappear.
How to Use the "Multi-Spot Measurement" Mode

P. 101-104

Spot metering is possible in up to 8 spots.
This sample photo shows a backlighted subject.
Take spot metering on the face (first spot).
Take spot metering on the ship in the background (second spot).
Compose your picture and press the shutter release.
Both the subject and the background are correctly exposed.
To cancel the metered value, operate the clear lever.

Highlight Control

Reference P. 105-106
If you want to render white objects in white.
In ordinary shooting, white objects will turn
out grayish if the picture is taken in strong brightness over the entire frame.
Take spot metering on the part of the subject
which you want to render in white.
Press the HI. LIGHT button.
Exposure will be automatically corrected to give 2-step overexposure.
The white object turns out white.
The highlight control is cleared by pressing the HI. LIGHT button once again. To cancel the metered value, use the clear lever.

Shadow Control

Reference P. 107-108
If you want to render black objetcts in black.
In ordinary shooting, black objects will turn
out grayish if it is very dark over the entire picture

frame.

Take spot metering on the spot which you want to render in black.

Press the SHADOW button.

Exposure will be automatically corrected to give 2 2/3step underexposure.
The black object turns out black.
The shadow control is cleared by pressing the SHADOW button once again. To cancel the metered value, use the clear lever.
Taking Photographs (III) Automatic Exposure
In automatic exposure, the same picture will be exposed with a very different exposure
value if it is taken in different backgrounds. The OM-4T has an exposure memory lock system to solve this problem. It can be used in both the TTL direct metering and spot metering modes. Once an exposure value stored in memory, it does not vary even if you change the aperture (or shutter speed).
How to Use the Exposure Memory Lock System

Reference P. 109-110

The memory lock system is convenient for taking many pictures of the same subject in different backgrounds or costumes.
Operate the lever to set up the memory mode. The letters "MEMO" will appear in the viewfinder
and the memory signal will blink twice.
Frame the composition as you desire.
The Exposure Value is Stored in Memory after

Shooting.

The memory will keep on for 60 minutes after the shutter has tripped.
Change the composition and shoot.
The subject is exposed with the same exposure value even if you change the composition.
To clear the memory, use the clear lever.
The memory is also cleared in the following cases: 1. When a lens is mounted or dismounted. 2. When the mode lever is switched.
Taking Photographs (IV) Manual Exposure
The OM-4T permits manual exposure on center-weighted, averaged metering and spot metering. It allows you to choose the optimum aperture and shutter speed which suit your

subject and taste.

How to Take Pictures on Center-Weighted, Averaged Metering
Set the mode selector dial to the "MANUAL" position.
Set the bar graph tip to the fixed point between the arrows by adjusting the aperture and/or shutter speed rings.

Fixed point

The shutter speed you have set will be displayed in the viewfinder.

Shoot.

Align the microprism area with the area you want to measure.
Set the bar graph tip to the fixed point between
the arrows by adjusting the aperture and/or shutter

speed rings.

The shutter speed you have set will be displayed

in the viewfinder.

It is also possible to use the multi-spot metering, highlight control and shadow control. In any case, correct exposure is obtained by simply setting the bar graph at the fixed point.
The OM-4T is the perfect companion for the world's first Full Synchro Flash F280. Professional standards are within the reach of every owner, even during daylight synchro flash
photography an area which has traditionally required considerable skill.
Taking Daylight Synchro-Flash Photographs (Super FP Flash Mode)
For OTF Auto using the Normal OTF Flash mode, refer to the F280 instruction manual.
Slide the F280 into the accessory shoe and
secure it with the lock screw.
Turn the power switch ON.
Check the charge indicator.
Set the mode switch to SUPER FP.
Set the camera mode to AUTO.
Select an aperture that results in a shutter speed faster than 1/60 sec. (for slower speeds consult the F280 manual).
Press the shutter release.
Confirm a correct exposure by checking the

indicator.

Using the Self-Timer
Push the lever down outward.
Press the shutter release to start the self-timer.
The shutter will fire in 12 seconds.
The shutter will trip immediately if the self-timer lever is returned while it is running.

Exposure Compensation

Reference P. 116
When an exposure compensation is set, the indicator lights in the viewfinder.
After shooting, return the dial to its original position.

Bulb Exposure

P. 120
While pressing the "B" lock button, turn and
set the shutter speed dial to "B".
The display in the view finder disappears.
The shutter will remain open as long as the shutter release button is held depressed.
How to Shoot when the Batteries are Exhausted
If the batteries are exhausted and you do want to take pictures immediately, use the mechanical shutter speed of 1/60 sec.
While pressing the "B" lock button, rotate the shutter ring to the red "60" position.
Shoot. The mechanical shutter will operate to trip at 1 /60 sec.
You cannot use the motor drive, winders and flashes with the mechanical shutter.
Using the Viewfinder Illuminator
Push the button if the viewfinder display is too dark to read.
How to Turn Off the Beeper
To turn off the audible signal, push the lever to the right (in the direction of the arrow).

You will no longer hear PCV sounds when turning on the spot metering, highlight and shadow
controls, when operating the memory/clear lever, checking the batteries, or when mounting and

dismounting the lens.

Changing the Focusing Screen

P. 139-140

14 screens are available to cover a wide range of applications.
Pull down the screen frame. Pull the lug at top inside the body mount toward
you to swing down the screen frame.
To change the focusing screen, use the tweezers supplied with an optional focusing screen. Push the frame upward until you hear a click.

Changing the Camera Back

The camera back is interchangeable with the Recordata Back or 250 Film Back.

P. 133

Open the camera back. Press down on the camera back release button and remove the camera back.

Removing

Attaching

Attaching the Grip

Attach the Camera Grip 1 (optional accessory).
When using a motor drive or winders, detach the Grip.

Handling Care

Take care in handling the camera.

Do not use extra force.

Storage Care
Guard against high temperatura and magnetic fields.

Battery Precaution

Description of Controls

1 Finder Light Window

2 CLEAR/MEMORY
6 TTL Auto Cord Socket 7 Shoulder Strap Eyelet

3 Self-Timer/

Electronic Beeper Muffling Lever 8 Lens
9 Lens Release Button 10 Depth of Field Scale
4 Grip Lock Screw 5 Self-Timer/Battery Check Signal
11 Aperture Ring 12 Focusing Ring
13 Automatic Clear Button

14 Accessory Shoe

22 HI. LIGHT Button
15 Manual Shutter Speed Ring 16 Rewind Crank

17 Rewind Knob/

23 Viewfinder Illumination Button

24 MEMORY Indicator Lamp

25 SPOT Button

Camera Back Release

26 Shutter Release Button
27 Exposure Counter 18 Film Speed Dial/Exposure Compensation Dial 19 ISO/ASA Film Speed Window 20 Mode Selector Lever
21 Dioptric Adjustment Knob
28 Rewind Release Button 29 Film Advance Lever

30 SHADOW Button

31 Flash Control Contact

32 X Contact

33 Super FP Contact
34 Viewfinder Eyepiece Frame
38 Sprocket 39 Film Take-up Spool

35 Film Rewind Shaft

40 Camera Back Release Pin 41 Camera Back 42 Pressure Plate

36 Film Chamber

43 Film Cartrige Pressure Spring

37 Film Guide Pins

44 Shutter Curtain
45 Recordata Back Contact
52 Lens Mount Ring 53 Motor Guide Pin Hole
46 B Lock Button 47 Flash Synchronization Socket

48 Tripod Socket

49 Motor Coupling Terminals 50 Motor Coupling Socket 51 Battery Chamber

Specifications

Type: TTL auto-exposure 35mm SLR camera Film Format: 24mm x 36mm Lens mount: Olympus OM mount Shutter: Electronically controlled cloth focal plane shutter; 1/2000 sec. max. shutter speed; 1/60 sec. mechanical shutter speed Synchronization: X contact (synchronization at speeds of 1/60 sec. or slower); Super FP Flash contact; Hot shoe (with X and Super FP Flash contacts); 5-pin connector for T-series flash, synchro socket for X Light measuring method: Center-weighted, average light measurement, switchable to spot measurement; spot measurement selective in 3 modes; multi-spot, highlight-and shadow-based methods. Automatic exposure control by average light measurement: TTL Direct "offthe-film" Light Measuring with aperture-preferred electronic shutter; exposure control range: about 1 min. ~1/2000 sec. light measuring range: approx. EV-5 ~ EV19 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4, normal temperature and humidity); 2 EV exposure compensation. Automatic exposure control by spot measurement: TTL spot metering memory system (with AE lock); exposure control range: about 4 min. ~ 1/2000 sec. light measuring range: approx. EV 0 EV 19 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4, normal temperature and humidity); 2 EV exposure compensation. Automatic exposure memory control: Exposure value memory system (60 min. limiter) Manual exposure control: B, 1 sec.~1/2000 sec. mechanical exposure speed Film-advance: Film advance lever with 130 angle for one long or several short strokes and pre-advance angle 30; motor drive and winder usable Film rewind: Rewind crank (motorized rewind with Motor Drive 2 possible) Viewfinder: Viewfinder with dioptric correction; dioptric correction range +1.0 ~ -3.0 diopters; interchangeable focusing screens; microprism/split image-matte type screen standardized; finder view field: 97% of actual picture field; magnification: 0.84X at infinity with -0.5 diop. and 50mm lens Viewfinder information: LCD multi-mode display (2-min. limiter); built-in illuminator, (10-sec, limiter) Self-timer: 12-sec. delay electronic self-timer Battery check: 3-level display with LED and alarm sound; automatic lock with batteries exhausted Power Source: Two 1.5V silver-oxide batteries SR44 (Eveready EPX-76; alkaline manganese batteries LR44 or equivalent) Camera back: Removable hinge type, with memo holder; interchangeable. with Recordata Backs and 250 Film Back Dimensions: 136 x 84 x 50mm (5.35" x 3.30" x 1.97") (body alone) Weight: 510g (18 oz.) (body alone)

1/60 sec.

Flash exposure control: Super FP Flash mode (when using the Full Synchro Flash F280) "OTF" AUTO: Synchronizes with shutter speeds from 1/60 sec. to 1/2000 sec.; MANUAL: Synchronizes with all shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec.; Normal "OTF" or Manual Flash mode (when using a T-series Flash or Full Synchro Flash F280) Synchronizes with shutter speeds of 1/60 sec. and slower. Film speed: ISO 6 ~ 3200
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
San-Ei Building, 22-2, Nishi Shinjuku 1-chome, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo, Japan Tel. - 0 - 1 1

OLYMPUS CORPORATION

Crossways Park, Woodbury, New York 11797, U.S.A. Tel. 516-364-3000
OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO. (EUROPA) GMBH
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