The Olympus Trip 35 is a film camera that doesn't require batteries. But why is that?
The secret lies in a special mechanism called the selenium photocell.
What is a Selenium Photocell?
The silver "circular ring" around the lens is the. It is a type of photovoltaic cell that uses selenium as its key material.
When the ring is exposed to light, it generates an electric current. This allows the camera to measure the intensity of the light passing through the lens and automatically adjust the exposure (shutter speed and aperture).
The Role of the Selenium Photocell
Most cameras use a battery-powered light meter to measure the amount of light, but the Trip 35 is different. When the selenium photocell detects sunlight or ambient light, it naturally generates electricity, which is used directly to control the exposure.
Depending on the light level, the camera automatically selects either 1/40 sec or 1/200 sec shutter speed, and the aperture is also adjusted accordingly.
However, selenium photocells tend to deteriorate over time. In older cameras, the light meter may no longer function properly.
If you're buying a used Trip 35, it's important to check whether the selenium photocell is still working. But don't worry—at our shop, we have confirmed that all our cameras have fully functional selenium photocells, so you can purchase with confidence!
What If the Selenium Photocell Deteriorates?
If the selenium photocell has deteriorated, it can be difficult to repair completely. However, you can still use the camera by manually setting the exposure.
Some photographers also use an external light meter to measure the light before taking a shot.
Conclusion💡
The reason why the Olympus Trip 35 doesn't need batteries is that its selenium photocell directly converts light into electricity to control exposure.
Thanks to this simple yet revolutionary technology, the Trip 35 has remained a beloved "travel camera" that can be used effortlessly anywhere! 🌟✨
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