Olympus Pen FV Mirror

[Maximus966]

Hello!

I have a real mint condition Olympus Pen FT, but tired of the dim screen view (and the fact the I use a hand meter when using it, although the camera meter works correctly), and I am thinking of replacing the mirror to a FV model.

Anyone knows where I can purchase this mirror? I was looking in YouTube to see if there’s any video, but none out there.

The reason is I am planning a trip to Europe, and this camera would be ideal due to size and lens selection for landscape / street photography… plus the extra frames per roll!

Thanks!!!

 

[brbo]

Search for "nobbysparrow" on eBay.

 

[4season]

Front-surface mirrors are somewhat generic, so if you know the length, width and thickness that you need, it ought to be possible to have someone cut one to size. Rough edges can be wet-sanded.

 

[brbo]

That is true. And in this case you don't even have to get absolutely the same thickness as original mirror (as you would have to for the reflex mirror!).

It's just that people that are cutting such mirrors already exist and you don't have to loose time communicating specs, fulfilling minimum quantity requirements, cutting down mirrors yourself, etc.

(btw, I have no affiliation to the guy that I mentioned and I'm sure there are more people out there)

 

[xkaes]

The translucent mirror of the FT is a drawback, for sure. I've addressed the issue by using full-frame lenses. They are larger, for sure, but typically have faster maximum apertures, like my 24mm 2.0, 28mm f2.0, and 35mm 1.8 lenses. They certainly brighten up the viewfinder. Of course, you have to be willing to put up without an automatic diaphragm.

 

[Maximus966]

Saw that mirror in eBay, thanks for the link.

Is the work pretty much straightforward? Can it be accomplished by removing the camera top only and removing the meter as well? I really don’t care much for the meter for the camera, as I never use it anyway.

Again, the body is soooo good, and all speeds work beautiful, so I don’t care for the meter… would love to make the screen brighter and done!

Thanks again!

Jorge

 

[xkaes]

You might have better luck in the REPAIRS & MODIFICATION sub-FORUM. Plenty of geeks over there. Who knows, someone might have already done it.

 

[brbo]

Yes, replacing the mirror is not hard and you only need to remove the top plate. It's been a while since I did it so I don't remember the details. I left the meter in place, because... why not. Maybe you'll want to return the camera to the original state someday.

 

[Maximus966]

Yes, replacing the mirror is not hard and you only need to remove the top plate. It's been a while since I did it so I don't remember the details. I left the meter in place, because... why not. Maybe you'll want to return the camera to the original state someday.

Thanks for the feedback. Just ordered the mirror via the link above, so will advise when done. Thanks again to all!

 

[xkaes]

If you have any interest in taking shots of the procedure -- you're not the only one interested in this -- I'd be glad to post them in the Olympus Pen F section of the SUBCLUB (with full credit, of course).

 

[Maximus966]

If you have any interest in taking shots of the procedure -- you're not the only one interested in this -- I'd be glad to post them in the Olympus Pen F section of the SUBCLUB (with full credit, of course).

VERY INTERESTED!!! I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!!!

 

[xkaes]

Just let me know when the surgery is over -- and good luck!