Olympus FTL

The Olympus FTL was a 35mm SLR sold by Olympus between 1971 and 1972. It was a transition model, after the Pen F half-frame SLR and before the release of their new OM line in 1972.

It was a very traditional SLR, with a focal plane shutter to 1/1000s and a through the lens meter with match-needle setting, reading the exposure at full aperture. It could take 42mm screw lenses, but the lenses specifically designed and sold by Olympus for the FTL had a special pin to lock them in place, and there can be compatibility problems when mounting them on other M42 bodies.

It is said the FTL was not designed by Olympus, and even not built by them. It is also said that the lenses sold for the FTL (see Olympus 42mm lenses) have nothing in common with the one for the OM system (see OM lenses), but it is quite surprising seen the similarity in their characteristics.

What is sure is that today the FTL is completely forgotten, while the OM-1 is well known.

FTL accessories

• set of three extending rings
• macro bellows
• focusing rail
• slide copier
• microscope adapter
• close-up lenses, two models
• repro stand

• electronic flash unit

• filters
• lens hoods

Bibliography

• Histoire de l'appareil photographique Olympus de 1936 à 1983, by D. & J.-P. Francesch, ed. Dessain et Tolra