Some HistoryOlympus is an interesting company. They have been making high-quality 35mm cameras since the early 1970's, when theOM-1was introduced. This was the beginning of a professional grade camera system that lasted until very recently. The hallmarks of the Olympus line were high-build quality, small size and light weight, and exceptional lens quality.

Though Olympus never gained the market penetration among pros thatNikonandCanondid they served a discriminating niche market that was always very loyal, and who appreciated the quality products that this small manufacturer offered.

Olympus also always danced to a different drummer. Beginning in the early 60's they produced a line of half-frame 35mm cameras that many photographers (myself included) embraced because of their ultra-small size and high build quality. These were today's equivalent of the high-quality digicams that many photographers, including pros, use for non-critical applications.

_______________________...