Olympus Recalls Film Cameras for Overheating, Poses Burn Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Olympus America Inc., of Melville, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 1.2 million Olympus-Brand 35mm Film Cameras in the U.S. A defect with the flash circuit in these cameras can cause it to smoke and overheat when the camera is turned on. This poses a possible burn hazard to consumers.

Name of Product: Various Olympus-Brand 35mm Film Cameras

Units: About 1.2 million (in the U.S.)

Manufacturer: Olympus America Inc., of Melville, N.Y.

Hazard: A defect with the flash circuit in these cameras can cause it to smoke and overheat when the camera is turned on. This poses a possible burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Olympus America Inc. has received 21 reports of camera or flash circuitry overheating in the U.S. with no reports of injuries.

Description: The recall includes the Infinity Twin, AF-1 Twin, Infinity Zoom 200 series, AZ 200 series, and Quantary Infinity Zoom 222 Olympus-brand 35mm film cameras. The model name is printed on the face of the camera. These cameras have a built-in flash.

Sold at: Department, electronic and camera stores, and mail-order retailers nationwide from January 1989 through December 1995 for between $220 and $365.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these cameras and contact Olympus for information on receiving the free repair for this defect.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Olympus at (800) 480-1247 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's Web site at www.olympusamerica.com.

Consumers should stop using these cameras and contact Olympus for information on receiving the free repair for this defect.

Olympus America Inc. has received 21 reports of camera or flash circuitry overheating in the U.S. with no reports of injuries.