Olympus's OM bellows macro — the Zuiko Macro 38mm f/3.5 for high-magnification close-ups.
The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Macro 38mm f/3.5 is a bellows macro lens for the Olympus OM mount, part of Olympus's macro system for high-magnification close-up work. It was intended for use on a bellows to photograph small subjects at and above life size rather than as a general lens. It served as a slower, more economical companion to the 38mm f/2.8 in the OM macro range.
This is a manual-focus Olympus OM macro lens with a 38mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/3.5, marked Macro. Short macro optics of this kind mount on a bellows or extension system to achieve high reproduction ratios with a flat, corrected field. The verifiable specifications are the 38mm focal length, f/3.5 maximum aperture and manual-focus OM macro design; magnification range, mount thread and weight are omitted rather than guessed.
A 38mm macro is well matched to moderate high-magnification close-ups, offering practical working distance and even flat-field sharpness on a bellows. It is used for insects, botanical subjects, small objects and copy work where edge-to-edge detail is important. Its slower aperture keeps it compact and affordable while covering the same close-up territory as the faster version.
This macro lens is uncommon on the used market and appeals mainly to close-up specialists, so it is priced accordingly. Inspect the elements for haze and fungus, confirm the aperture blades are dry and clean, and check that any bellows or adapter hardware is present since it does not mount conventionally. Verify the intended mounting method before purchase. It can be used on mirrorless for close-up work with a suitable bellows or extension setup.