Olympus Introduces the Ferrari Speed View 8x21 Binoculars Inspired by Stylish, Compact Design of Formula One Racecar.

MELVILLE, N.Y. -- Precision Optics Deliver Crisp Images; Ultra-lightweight, Slim, Foldable Form Provides Maximum Portability

Olympus, one of the main sponsors of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team, proudly announces the Ferrari Speed View 8x21 binoculars, the first Olympus binoculars to be officially sanctioned by Ferrari S.p.A. Trackside at a Formula One race, at a concert, or while bird-watching, users of the Ferrari binoculars will appreciate the excellent image quality provided by Olympus high-performance optics as well as features designed to maximize comfortable viewing. These lightweight and stylish binoculars in striking "Ferrari Red" fold up compactly for pocket portability.

"As a major sponsor of the Ferrari F1 Team since 2003, Olympus has already released two very sought-after digital camera models bearing the revered Cavallino Rampante emblem. Now, right in time for the start of the new F1 season, these new binoculars with 8x magnification power are set to get the hearts of sports lovers racing again," said Naoki Tai, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "Developed in close cooperation with Ferrari, the binoculars are a true style statement and feature specially prepared carbon fiber design accents. The goal of both Olympus and Ferrari was to achieve a superb level of quality and technology."

Stylish Design Inspired By Formula One Racecar 

The Ferrari Binoculars in 8x21 magnification have an ergonomic, contoured design and an attractive "Ferrari Red" finish, making them both easy on the eyes and easy to handle. With an ultra-compact form, they can be whipped out to bring distant objects into sharp focus at a moment's notice. In addition, a special red and black presentation box includes an exclusive case and neck strap printed with the Ferrari logo.

Intelligent Design

Olympus high-index BaK-4 roof prisms and aspherical lens elements deliver crisp images from edge to edge, and fully multi-coated lenses maximize brightness and contrast. Their close focusing capability makes them ideal for use in theaters, at concerts and while birding.

The Ferrari binoculars also offer superior eye protection with Olympus special optical materials that reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays. Staring at objects for long periods of time is both safe and comfortable.

Designed to Do More

The Ferrari Speed View binoculars feature an inventive double-axis folding mechanism that allows the lenses to fold into the body, making them even physically smaller in size and therefore more compact and portable. Weighing only 6.9 ounces, the new Ferrari binoculars are light enough to take anywhere - expanding the horizons of all who use them.

People with less then perfect vision will rejoice when using the new Ferrari binoculars, because a built-in dioptric correction adjusts to each user's individual eyesight to ensure that viewers will always see action clearly.

The Ferrari binoculars offer long eye relief and the twist-up or down eyecups make adjustments a breeze. The binoculars' "eye relief" allows users to see the entire field of view even when wearing glasses, whether they are prescription lenses or sunglasses. With or without glasses, users of the Ferrari binoculars will experience a new level of enhanced performance and comfort.

Availability

The Ferrari Speed View 8x21 binoculars will be available in April 2005. They include an Exclusive Case and Neck Strap printed the Ferrari trademark, Eye Caps, Instruction Manual and One Year Warranty.

U.S. Pricing:

8x21 - Street Price: $199.99

Review units and high-resolution images of the Ferrari Binoculars are available from Mullen Public Relations. Contact Michael Bourne 650-210-9857 or [e-mail]. For more information contact Chris Sluka, senior public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., Two Corporate Center Dr., P.O. Box 9058, Melville, NY 11747-9058, ph: [phone] [phone], Fax: [phone] or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies that have revolutionized product design and functionality across diverse consumer and professional product lines. These include:

--Digital and film cameras

--Professional SLR Imaging Systems

--Digital and Microcassette recorders

--Digital Music Players

--Personal Photo Printers

--Digital Print Kiosks

--Digital Video Projectors

--Digital Media

--Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.