Olympus History

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The new concept that led to the development of this series of AF single-lens reflex cameras with built-in zoom lenses is summed up the phrase "From T to L." The distinctive L-shaped body was easy to hold and helped to minimize camera movement. With these full-spec all-in-one cameras, Olympus established a new genre - the zoom single-lens reflex camera - and made high-quality, high-performance zoom lens photography easily accessible.

L-1

L-3

L-10 SUPER

L-5

L-1   (1990) Launched in 1990 as the first L-Series camera, the L-1 featured a high-performance 4x zoom lens based on ED lens technology. The L-shaped body had a unique layout. As the film advanced, it was wound into a box located in the rear lid. To eliminate camera movement, the grip was positioned to provide optimal balance and stability in the hand. The L-shaped body created many challenges for the designers, including the development of a film winding mechanism that would ensure reliable loading and reduce winding stress on the film, and much effort was required before the system could be perfected. With further enhancements, the L-1 subsequently evolved into the L-2.

L-3   (1992) In 1992 Olympus introduced the L-3, the most sophisticated of the L-Series cameras. In addition to a high-performance 5.1x zoom lens with a 35-180mm range, the camera also featured a powerful twin flash system with a guide number of 28. Other enhancements included a faster AF system. Apart from the ability to use exchangeable lenses, the L-3 covered most of the specifications required for single-lens reflex cameras.

L-10 SUPER   (1995) The L-10 SUPER went on sale in 1995 as the first two-digit model in the L-Series. This small camera combined the fun of a single-lens reflex camera with the simplicity of a compact camera. The high-performance 4x lens was built into the body and had a range starting at 28mm for wide-angle shots. The L-10 SUPER subsequently evolved into the L-20 and L-30.

L-5   (2002) The L-5 went on sale in 2002 as the last L-Series model. Its high-performance 5x lens had a 28-140mm range and provided superb definition, and its twin flash system had a guide number of 20. The Super FP flash function supported full-speed synchronization even at high shutter speeds. The AF system was capable of motion prediction. The L-5 was sold as a set that also included a macro-lens capable of close-up photography up to 14cm.

* Other products can be viewed on the product line-up page.

* The information shown is based on information in initial product announcements.

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