"Photography should be as simple as using a pen."
This was the inspiration behind the name of the Olympus PEN series and the original vision of its designer, Yoshihisa Maitani. In an era when cameras were often complex, the birth of the first-generation Olympus PEN EE in 1961 was a breath of fresh air. It proved to the world that quality photography could belong to everyone.
The model in my hands is that very first-generation PEN EE. Its tiny body fits easily into a pocket, and its signature "electric eye"—the selenium light meter surrounding the lens—is its most recognizable feature. Although it can no longer capture images, the golden age of "effortless photography" it represents deserves to be seen again.
The greatest feature of the PEN series is half-frame photography. This means a standard 36-exposure roll of film could yield 72 pictures. Half the frame, double the memories. This clever design drastically reduced the cost of shooting, encouraging more people to press the shutter and document the small moments of daily life. It wasn't made for professional photographers; it was made for everyone who loves life.
Disassembling a camera born for the people feels particularly special. Its internal structure isn't as overwhelmingly complex as some German cameras, but every part reflects the ingenuity and pragmatism of Japanese designers.
What surprised me the most was its purely automated mechanical principle. The "electric eye" around the lens is a selenium light meter that requires no batteries, relying entirely on light energy to power the meter. When the light is insufficient, a red warning flag pops up in the viewfinder and locks the shutter to prevent a bad exposure. This purely mechanical aesthetics interaction is full of wisdom and charm.
From hundreds of parts, I carefully selected its "soul": the nameplate engraved with "Olympus PEN," the captivating selenium meter ring, the compact lens group, and that clever little red warning flag. I reassembled them on paper, telling its "half and double" story through artistic deconstruction.
This piece of framed Olympus camera art is no longer just industrial decor; it's more like a window. Through it, we can glimpse that carefree, spontaneous era of film photography.
Now, this original Olympus PEN EE continues its life in a completely new way. It no longer captures light and shadow; it has become a spectacle in itself, a story about how design can change lives. It hangs there quietly, as if still reminding us: the best camera is the one you're willing to carry with you. Interested in this form of camera teardown art? Come visit our shop. Perhaps you'll find the camera that sparks a memory for you.