Latest “Designed for Digital” Lens Brings Even More Versatility to Dynamic Suite Of E-System Lenses

Melville, New York, Sept 27, 2004 - Olympus America Inc. today introduced the new Zuiko ED 7-14mm f4.0 zoom lens, part of its growing family of interchangeable lenses for the Olympus E-System. This latest addition is an ultra-wide angle zoom lens that offers a ultra- wide focal length of 7mm (14mm equivalent in 35mm photography) in a 2x optical zoom for professional photographers. The Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f4 .0 follows the Zuiko Digital 11-22mm f2.8-3.5 already on the market and adds an even wider zoom to the Zuiko Digital Specific™ Lens Family. As with all lens components of the E-System, the 7-14mm lens is built on the new Four Thirds System standard.

“With the introduction of the 7-14 mm Zuiko Digital Lens, Olympus shows its commitment to expanding the range of the Olympus E-System to provide professional photographers with a total digital solution for all of their individual photographic requirements,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Olympus America Inc. “The Zuiko Digital 7-14mm zoom delivers a unique ultra-wide capability revealing the promise of the E-System and Four Thirds design.”

Due out in the first quarter of 2005, the 7-14mm lens offers a 114-degree angle of view, one of the widest in the world for “100% digital specific” zoom lenses. The lens enables extraordinary, unique expression for both advanced amateur and professional photographers with the exaggerated perspective and subject depth that it brings to compositions. This is a new generation in ultra-wide angle zoom lenses that takes full advantage of the dynamism, resolution, brightness and close-up potential of the Four Thirds System standard. The dedicated digital design of the lens ensures excellent quality even at image periphery.

Olympus Zuiko Digital 7-14mm F4.0

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Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Tokyo-based Olympus Corporation, to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
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In the U. S. and Canada, Olympus serves healthcare, scientific and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers efficiently, reliably, safely, and easily achieve superior results. Olympus is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. The company's market-leading consumer electronics business spans North and South America. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.

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