Leading Digital Camera Manufacturer Expands Commitment to Professionals

Melville, New York, October 1, 2003 - Olympus America Inc. today announced the launch of the world's first global professional support program for professional photographers. Olympus Global Professional Services (GPS) will begin supporting photographers this October with the launch of the world's first 100% all-digital interchangeable lens SLR system: the Olympus E-1 with Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses™. The program will provide comprehensive support to registered GPS professionals in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Korea, with other countries expected to be added in the future.

"Olympus Global Professional Services means that, for the first time, a photographer will be able to buy a professional camera in New York and get service for it in Paris," said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Olympus America Inc. "The launch of this program in conjunction with our Digital SLR System shows the depth of our commitment to the professional photography market." Other examples of that commitment include Olympus sponsorships of the U.S. Open, 7th on 6th Fashion Week, and a series of professional digital photography exhibitions.

Olympus Global Professional Services will offer registered Olympus GPS professionals expedited repairs, toll free technical support, loaner equipment for testing and special assignments, and warranty service in all participating countries. Photographers will also be able to access a dedicated Olympus Global Professional Services website featuring a database of Olympus professional digital photography products, an online magazine, and a gallery for participating pros.

A toll free number with English language support will be available in all countries. In addition, Olympus will assign each professional a unique user ID number to facilitate tracking and coordination of repairs.

The launch of Olympus Global Professional Services is timed to coincide with the first shipments of Olympus E-1 Digital SLRs, Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses, and E-Accessories in October. Developed with extensive input from professional photographers, the Olympus Digital SLR System is an uncompromising realization of the full benefits of pure digital technology, with body and lenses designed to perfectly match the image sensor. The E-1 with Digital Specific Lenses offers powerful advantages in terms of image quality, durability, speed, and camera and lens size.

Olympus Global Professional Services is open to qualified professional photographers and there is no fee to participate. Photographers will be able to register online or download an application to send in via regular mail.

About Olympus
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing optical-digital product solutions for health care and consumer segments. The company leverages R&D investment in technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines that include:

• digital and film cameras, and digital voice recorders;
• minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical endoscopes;
• advanced clinical and research microscopes;
• chemistry-immuno analyzers and lab automation systems.