Olympus Mju II, also known as the Stylus Epic in the United States, was first released in 1997. It quickly became a popular choice among photographers due to its compact size, sleek design, and impressive features. Even today, more than two decades later, it remains a beloved camera among film enthusiasts. In this Olympus Mju II review, we’ll dive into the camera’s specs, features, and performance to help you determine whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
Specs and Features of the Olympus Mju II
Olympus Mju II is a 35mm film camera with a fixed 35mm f/2.8 lens. Some of its key specs and features include:
- Compact size: The Mju II is small enough to fit in your pocket, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- Autofocus: The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, ensuring your shots are always in focus.
- Built-in flash: The Mju II has a built-in flash that pops up automatically when needed.
- Weather-resistant: The camera is weather-resistant, meaning you can use it in most conditions without worry.
- Panorama mode: The Mju II has a panorama mode that allows you to capture wide shots of landscapes and other scenes.
Performance and Image Quality
Olympus Mju II excels in many areas. Its autofocus system is quick and reliable, ensuring you’ll always get sharp shots. The camera’s metering system is also very accurate, resulting in well-exposed photos.
The Mju II’s 35mm f/2.8 lens is sharp and produces images with excellent color rendition. It performs particularly well in low light situations, thanks to its wide aperture. The built-in flash is also quite good, producing well-balanced exposures in most situations.
Overall, the image quality produced by the Olympus Mju II is excellent, especially considering its compact size.
Pros and Cons of the Olympus Mju II
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go
- Excellent image quality, especially in low-light situations
- The fast and accurate autofocus system
- Weather-resistant design
- Panorama mode allows you to capture wide shots
Cons:
- Fixed 35mm lens may not be suitable for all situations
- Limited manual controls may be frustrating for some users
- A film can be expensive and time-consuming to develop
- Some units may suffer from sticky shutter issues
Olympus Mju II Price
The price of the Olympus Mju II can vary depending on the condition of the camera and where you’re buying it from. On the secondhand market, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300. Keep in mind that the camera has become quite popular among film enthusiasts in recent years, so prices may continue to rise as demand increases. It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase.
What to Look Out for When Buying an Olympus Mju II
If you’re in the market for an Olympus Mju II, there are a few things you should look out for before making a purchase:
- Check the lens: Make sure the lens is clean and free of scratches, fungus, or haze. You can do this by shining a light through the lens and inspecting it carefully.
- Test the autofocus: The Mju II is known for its fast and accurate autofocus system, so be sure to test it out to make sure it’s working properly. You can do this by pointing the camera at a subject and half-pressing the shutter button to focus.
- Check the battery compartment: The Mju II uses a CR123A battery, which can be difficult to find in some areas. Make sure the battery compartment is clean and free of corrosion, and consider purchasing extra batteries if you plan to use the camera frequently.
- Inspect the body: Check for any signs of wear or damage to the camera body, including cracks, dents, or scratches. While the Mju II is a rugged camera, it’s still important to make sure it’s in good condition before making a purchase.
- Test the flash: The Mju II has a built-in flash, so be sure to test it out to make sure it’s firing properly. You can do this by pressing the flash button and taking a photo in a dark room.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision when purchasing an Olympus Mju II.
FAQs
While the Mju II is easy to use, its lack of manual controls may make it frustrating for some beginners. It’s probably better suited for intermediate or advanced photographers.
The Mju II works best with ISO 100 or 200 film, though it can also handle ISO 400 in certain situations.
Prices for the Mju II vary depending on the condition and where you’re buying it from. On the secondhand market, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300.
Final thoughts | Olympus Mju II Review
The Olympus Mju II is a classic camera that has stood the test of time. Its compact size, reliable autofocus, and excellent image quality make it a great choice for film enthusiasts. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more advanced cameras, its simplicity and ease of use are part of its appeal. If you’re looking for a compact film camera that produces great results, the Olympus Mju II is definitely worth considering. This Olympus Mju II review has hopefully given you a better idea of what to expect from this classic camera.
