Olympus Pen F vs FT - focusing ease?

Trask · Jun 15, 2015

I've got a couple of FT bodies but don't use them much because I find them hard to focus (I wish they had a split image focusing device). I've heard that the plain F, without the built-in meter which siphons off light, is easier to focus.

I'd appreciate reading the opinions of those have used both and can speak to the issue. Thanks.

IloveTLRs · Jun 16, 2015

I have both. The F is easy for me because it's bright and I don't wear glasses. I like the microprism screen in the FT for accurate focusing. My FT's half-mirror is deteriorating though, making the view somewhat "fuzzy" and the microprism bit almost essential.

I've never had any out-of-focus shots with either camera.

Trask · Jun 16, 2015

IloveTLRs -- as I read your post, the FT has a microprism spot (as I know from using my own) but the F does not? What is it, just plain matte screen?

thuggins · Jun 16, 2015

I have always felt the "bright" viewfinder of the F is overrated. The increased depth of field of the half frame format is very forgiving and I've never had problems with focusing the FT. You can pretty much use hyperfocal settings and be good. Having the on-board meter (and single stroke film advance) is a much greater advantage than any increase in viewfinder brightness.

If you only shoot negative film and don't have a pressing need for the meter, try an FV.

IloveTLRs · Jun 17, 2015

Trask said:
IloveTLRs -- as I read your post, the FT has a microprism spot (as I know from using my own) but the F does not? What is it, just plain matte screen?

Maybe these pictures will help. On the left is the viewfinder focused, on the right, out of focus (pardon the dirt - cleaning the VF would require disassembling the camera.)

Trask · Jun 17, 2015

Thank you, IloveTLRs -- that central spot really disappears when in focus, doesn't it? You've given me a lot to consider.

Olympus Pen F vs FT - focusing ease?

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