Olympus History

PM I, PM II (1934)

Development of the PM series of photographic devices began in the mid 1920s. The PM I and PM II were launched in 1934. The device had been changed from a horizontal to a vertical design.
The PM III and PM IV models were launched before the Second World War. Primarily these models were used to photograph metal specimens and utilized either large-format dry plates or roll film. The devices did not have light meters, so taking an image with the right exposure demanded considerable effort and know-how. The models manufactured after the War could be used with 35mm film.

PM-5, 6, 7 (from 1951)

After the War, the PM series of photographic devices were designed to use 35mm film, which represented a major step forward.
Olympus launched the PM-5 in 1951, followed by the PM-6 in 1955 and the PM-7 in 1964. The EMM light meter series were sold separately as an optional device.

PM-10-A (1971)

In the early 1970s, cameras started to include more automatic functionality. The PM-10-A was released in 1971 and featured automatic exposure and automatic film winding.

PM-10-AD (1980)

The PM-10-AD, launched in 1980, was a groundbreaking photographic device that featured the first microcomputer built into a microscope product. It had a function to correct for film characteristics (specific corrections for reciprocity failure). Photography was easier as the device automatically set the appropriate exposure.
In 1993, the PM-20 and PM-30 photographic devices were launched alongside the AX and BX series of microscopes. The PM-20 and PM-30 were developed from the PM-10-AD and featured updated designs.

DP10 (1998)

Microphotographic devices used 5mm film or instant film. The emphasis was on color reproducibility. In order to achieve photographs that were just right, the user needed to take numerous photographs while adjusting the settings slightly and then select the most appropriate one after they had finished developing. Photography of fluorescent images in particular required extensive experience and a high level of expertise. Researchers, generating microphotographs that would remain in the annals of science, needed to have excellent craftsmanship and the right touch.
Still cameras gradually evolved to include more electronic features in line with the times. The industry pioneer was the CAMEDIA C-800L digital camera, launched in 1996. Olympus began working to incorporate digital camera technology into microphotography devices, because of the ease of use and simple image data manipulation.
Olympus launched its long-awaited DP10 Microscope Digital Camera in 1998. The camera produces 1.41 megapixel images, uses 8MB SmartMedia, and features a 1.8-inch LC monitor. Photographs taken can be immediately printed on the CAMEDIA P-300 Digital Color Printer. Olympus has achieved an easy to use and convenient system that allowed researchers to obtain a print out of their observations very quickly.

DP20 (2005)

The DP20, launched in 2005, features improved measuring, reporting, and display functionality. The camera includes a 2 megapixel CCD. It was designed to output the image at a real-time rate of 15 frames/second directly to a 1600x1200 pixel monitor or projector, enabling innovative conferencing where everyone can view the specimen during their discussions.

DP71 (2006)

The DP71 was launched in 2006.
Image noise is reduced by the CCD cooling mechanism. The DP17 can vividly capture weak fluorescent light and produce high-resolution fluorescent images. The CCD includes 1.41 effective megapixels but is capable of resolution equivalent to 12.5 megapixels with piezo shift technology. A spot measuring method is used for light measuring, with the camera capable of switching between 30%, 1%, and 0.1% average fixed spots.
Microphotography that had proved difficult with 35mm film cameras has become much easier with digital camera technology. Microphotography has now switched from silver halide to digital media. We have been through a generational shift in terms of both picture quality and ease of use.