*¹ It is not a lens/flash model identity function, it is the firmware version. Most lenses are at a different level of firmware. Public firmware versions are numbered 1.0, 1.1, etc. Real firmware version is four digits hence 1004 appears as 1.0 on the initial firmware display and 1102 appears as 1.1.

*² It's been confirmed that all of 'page one' are firmware versions, the main camera firmware being top of the list.

*³ MU or U position on list is camera dependent; eg it is listed second on E-300.

NB: The first letter of two letter codes is deleted in other cameras; MU = U; MB = B etc.

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The first four digits of the MCS number are the model code of the camera:-

E-1 = 4001

E-300 = 4007

E-500 = 4011

E-330 = 4016

E-510 = 4046

E-520 = 4067 - thanks to Jonas Hajek

E-400 = 4023

E-410 = 4038 - thanks to Michiel van Dijk

E-420 = 4060

E-450 = 4060 - thanks also to Jonas Hajek (coincidence the 450 is same model code as 420?)

E-30 = 4073 - thanks to Miguel de No, from Spain

E-3 = 4031

E-620 = 4080

The next digit is the year it was built. The next two digits are the month of the year it was built. For example "710" indicates October 2007. * Thanks to Joe R in Florida.

NOTE: I have two E-1's, one bought in UK serial number 5000118XX that displays the MCS code (4001)310 - October 2003; the other was sourced from US serial number 140081XX that displays the MCS code (4001)310 - also October 2003. Please note the different enumeration of the serial numbers, presumably for different continents.

My attention has been drawn to some recent posts on DP Review that call into question the accuracy of this page. This page has been scrutinized by an Olympus technician well versed in the codes and their meanings. While he amended one or two previous errors he made no comment on the date coding. Please make sure you read the correct line on page 3 - the MCS line. The three figures immediately after 4001 (for E-1) will indicate the year and month the camera was built. If you have a MCS line that cannot be interpreted please email me the details so I can investigate further. This will be more constructive for the whole Olympus community than simply endeavouring to trash the accuracy of the information posted here. You can email me here.

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NB: These codes are recorded in 4 digit hexadecimal x 5 occasions; latest occurrence assumes top position. Clear by pressing OK (not advised)

Olympus technicians look here to see what error(s) the camera has recorded.

OTHER OLYMPUS DSLR's

Some of the screens change from model to model so this requires some interpretation by the examiner. I only have true information about E-1 service screens although it is assumed others will follow the basic format.

Here are the four service screens you will see on the E-500.

The E-330 is the same as E-500 except Screen 2 sequence is R S C U V L

The E-400 is the same as the E-500 except Screen 1 where the sequence is B U C A L F M

The E-3 has the same Screen 1 as the E-400

The E-3 has a different Screen 2 with this sequence: R S C U V B L.

READERS NOTES:

NOTE 1: A reader pointed out that E-1 counters are re-set when firmware is upgraded or when camera is returned for service. Thanks Dane. My own recent observations are different. In April 2006 I upgraded an E-1 from version 1.0 to 1.4 and noted with interest that the counters on page 2 where maintained. This particular E-1 (US sourced) was new in 2004 but had been virtually unused showing shutter actuation count of less than 400 before upgrading.

E500/E-400 FURTHER HIDDEN SCREENS FOUND:

This information has come from Chris Mancrief of the UK; thanks Chris, I had not seen this hack before.

Accessing the TEST screen to select ISO ranges beyond menu/button choice.

1. Turn on your E500 (this method does not work with E-1 or E-3 or E-330, but does so with the E-400)

2. Open the card cover door - you will see the warning as in screen 1 above.

3. Press PLAY & OK buttons simultaneously.

4. Press UP; DOWN; LEFT; RIGHT and then press the SHUTTER. If you now press any of the 4-way buttons you will see pages 1 to 4 on the LCD. Press the UP button to go to Page 1.

5. Continue by pressing UP; LEFT; DOWN; RIGHT in sequence and end by pressing DOWN again. This will enter page three; it looks the same but is actually the test mode access page.

6. Now press EXPOSURE COMPENTATION ; RIGHT; DOWN; SHUTTER; OK in sequence. This screen is shown:

7. To change the variables of PRG (255 in all) and ITEM (500 in all) use the 4-way controller as normal.

For example set PRG to 10 and ITEM to 18 allows use of ISO 3200. Set PRG to 10 and ITEM to 0 allows use of ISO 50. It's possible to use many ISO numbers by changing ITEM variable from 0 to 20

9. To save your selection press the OK button and the SET screen will be displayed for 2 seconds showing your choice.

To exit simply close the CF door. In case of ISO alteration the set ISO number will be correct in the INFO screens after exposure but is shown as AUTO ISO in the menu screen for ISO change. The set ISO number will remain until you change the ISO setup via the MENU.

If the button combination outlined in step 6 above does not work try this combination : EXPOSURE COMPENSATION; METTERING: DOWN; SHUTTER, OK in sequence too.

All we require now is some altruistic Olympus technician to release the code variables so we can thoroughly test our E-500/E-400's and see just how the company has restricted them. As said above this sequence does not work for the E-1. I am positive it will be possible if the correct sequence is known.

TEST IMAGES at (NORMALLY) UNSELECTABLE ISO

I tried the E-500 at both ISO 50 and ISO 3200: Here's what I found:

Hand-held, ZD 17-45 @ 45mm, f=5.6, 1/5th second. ISO 50

Hand-held, ZD 17-45 @ 45mm, f=5.6, 1/320th second. ISO 3200

TARGET: Printed wall chart, indoors artificially lit, OM1 is 3.5" across, distance approx 10 feet.

Wow! That's a noisy image. The loss of detail is dramatic. Even with the best noise removing software this image would be featureless when cleaned up.

Please Note: These images are for demonstration only. They are GIF's and not for serious study. I may do some contemplative comparisons when I have more time.

So there you have it. I'm grateful to Chris for pointing the out E-500 hack (subsequently found to work on E-400). The test pages will be available for all other models IF we knew the button sequence. I've not found any other hidden pages or codes but I'm sure they're in there - after all this is a computer.

If you have found any additional screens or know the default codes please contact me here.