Body group       OM-2000

When Olympus in 1997 announced a new mechanical OM body at street prices much lower than the high end OM-3Ti, many fans of the original OM-1 design hoped it would be a slightly modernized version of this camera. Unfortunately, the OM-2000 was not. It was not even a System camera. Apart from the OM lens mount that accepts most OM Zuiko lenses and the Bellows, and the OM viewfinder, that accepts the VarimagniFinder and Eyecups, there is no connection at all with the rest of the OM System. No exchangeable focusing screens, no compatibility with the Motor Drives or even with the Winders, and no dedicated functions with the T series flashes. Soon it became clear that the camera wasn't even manufactured by Olympus at all. Instead it is a slightly patched design from and made by Cosina. This immediately explains the classical shutter speed dial on top instead of the ring around the bayonet.
Although existing OM users may be attracted by the idea that now they can buy a brand new mechanical OM body at a fraction of the costs of the OM-3Ti, the camera may be of more interest for students in photography that need a mechanical body and can't spend too much. With the enormous availability of nice priced Zuiko occasions this is indeed attractive.
And the OM-2000 even has some extras when you compare it to the OM-1. An 1/2000 sec. shutter speed, single spot metering, flash synchronization at 1/125 sec., a provision for double exposures, and an extended ISO range up to 3200. And, last but not least, for its meter it doesn't require the 1.35V mercury cell that is now abolished.
Together with this body two new lightweight zooms were launched; these are also made by Cosina. The camera was also available as a kit in combination with the new S.Zuiko 35-70/3.5-4.8. There was also a new flash available: the S20; this is just a simple computer flash without any dedicated functions. The OM-2000 was only made in bronze/black.

Main specifications