Olympus Recalls Film Cameras for Overheating, Poses Burn Hazard

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2006
Release #06-112

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 480-1247
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Note: Olympus' August 2006 recall adds two camera models

Olympus Recalls Film Cameras for Overheating, Poses Burn Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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