Olympus Mju ii 4 Year Review - Before You Buy

Having owned the Olumpus Mju ii for nearly 5 years when this video was recorded, I decided that I might have some insights to offer.
I hope that what I have said is somewhat useful, or at least inspires conversation!
For more work:
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Intro and Outro Prod. Lim0

[@RyanBounedara]

I like to imagine that you get a 'new' camera and are like.. this is going to make for a great video. In 5yrs.

[@willysheepskin]

Ahaha xpan review coming in 5 years! - Jk wish I had an xpan

[@RyanBounedara]

@@willysheepskin "It's 2027, and I've had the Xpan for 4yrs now. Luckily, I was able to grab it back in 2023 for the low, low price of $14k USD, unlike it's current gatherings on eBay at around $254k USD." "While I have you, Fuji has also discontinued their last remaining film stock."

[@gunnarelgersma5215]

@@RyanBounedara hhahahah

[@dylan.thissen]

Without a doubt the best review off the mju ii out there, all the others don't emphasise the problems it has enough :) Hoping the hype beast will becomes a regular part of the reviews :D

[@willysheepskin]

Thanks Dylan! I reckon he’ll become a fixture from this point onwards haha!

[@samfindon03]

The light seals are woeful, I’ve had an identical problem and am apprehensive to ‘fix’ it. Having said that, it’s great fun and some of my favourite photos I’ve taken of friends and family have been using this camera. You do a great job if fairly assessing these things and not overhyping anything. We all appreciate your originality and fairness :)

[@willysheepskin]

Yeah man the seals are such a bummer, my mom watched this though and my parents are into sailing so she suggested that black marine sealant might actually be something one could mould neatly into the seal area - it’s malleable and rubbery but firm once it’s set which is quite similar to the actual seals so it might be worth looking into haha! Otherwise some cheeky tape maneuvers are the only option available. I actually realised as I was going through my archive today that I’ve shot more 35mm on my mju this year than any other camera haha! I always have it on set with me and have a stack of cool bts shots that it’s worked great for. The downsides are a bummer but not so bad that it can’t be enjoyed if you already have one or come into one cheaply! Very glad that the way I go about things is appreciated though, and honored that you choose to watch them haha!

[@samfindon03]

@@willysheepskin Black marine sealant, I’ll look into getting a hold of some of that and giving it a go, thanks a lot William

[@reinescheepers]

Therapist: Hypebeast Will isn't real, he can't hurt you Hypebeast Will: 4:52

[@willysheepskin]

Ahahahahah

[@clairescheepers]

Once again immaculate editing, highly entertaining and brutally honest. 10/10 👌

[@willysheepskin]

Thank you kindly!

[@MrTomLegit]

Your point about the thrift store point is EXACTLY how I found mine. I didn't even know what it was, but I saw small and olympus and grabbed it for $2.50

[@przemekkwilosz4471]

I think the lcd screens tends to fade due to too putting too much pressure while turning the flash off, the button is very close to the screen and it's very likely to put that pressure on the screen.

[@_RPJ_]

The review I never knew I needed! I haven't belly laughed like that in ages 😂 Thank you Will.

[@willysheepskin]

Thanks Robert! Always glad to entertain haha!

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

I bought mine in Saudi Arabia in 1998, its almost like new, I haven't tried it with a film for ages so hoping the light seals are still good! I have a Zeiss Ikon Contessa LK, A Minolta Himatic 7, a Minolta XD-11, all fantastic to use. My Digital are Fuji's X-E3 and X-T10.

[@aristoioannidis7490]

One of your best Will. Your alter ego is so kool.

[@willysheepskin]

Thanks Aristo! He’ll be back when the time is right hahah

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

0:00 oh nice didn't know that you are Australian. I really like that you make such long-term reviews. If you have a camera for a month like many other KZbinrs is definitely not enough to make a good review of a camera. 4:50 perfect streetphotography outfit. 😆

[@willysheepskin]

G'day mate! Let's put another shrimp on the barbie ahah! Very inconspicuous street photography outfit that would be indeed ;). Glad that you enjoy the long term things! Shall run out of them someday but trying to pace myself for now!

[@FullaEels]

found a mju 3 in the scrap at my work, fished it out and it appears to work perfectly. not had any film cans developed yet though

[@skywithoutend]

the catchiest song is back! gonna be stuck in my head again

[@willysheepskin]

I shall bring it back soon again just to get it stuck in your head haha!

[@nrphototube]

Found one for 2€. Well, it's the limited version, but anyhow. I tried to check for light leaks from the lens by jamming it in the open position (take the battery out when snapping the shutter, don't jam it manyally). It looks tight. Don't know about the back seal. Just shot a roll with it and now waiting for the results. Exiting!

[@pogolas]

So what happened?

[@pdtech4524]

Brilliant cameras! Good advise on how to find a cheaper one! I paid £10 for my mju II zoom 170 although that was years ago, just as digital photography was getting more popular, these little 35mm point and shoot cameras were very cheap back then as nobody wanted them anymore! I also have the original mju I bought new in the 1990s from Argos, they really are going for crazy prices now!! 😳

[@justinconnaher8868]

Comprehensive review, and those upside down sequences 😆 thanks Will!!!

[@willysheepskin]

Haha gotta make use of the scaffolding that’s up in my lounge currently lol! Thanks for stopping by once more Justin!

[@justinconnaher8868]

@@willysheepskin I really enjoy the informative nature, comedy, and variety of shots your intros have. And, the music with the bells periodically-brilliant timing. This video was crazy useful, and packed with info. I was contemplating this camera, but had reservations. Now I’m not particularly interested. I hope that’s what you were hoping to do….offer you experience and let ppl decide for themselves. 👏

[@willysheepskin]

@@justinconnaher8868 That's exactly the hope I have with these! Not to tell anyone what to do, just to offer insights and allow folks to make informed decisions for themselves that aren't just based on the hype haha! Super glad that the way I put things together comes across nicely as well haha! I'd look into an Olympus XA, similarly pocketable but with a lot more going for it than the mju in my eyes

[@justinconnaher8868]

@@willysheepskin Fantastic. Funny enough, I bought an mju:II new, but lost it over 20 years ago. 😞 it worked great when new 😆

[@gunnarelgersma5215]

Best review ever. I said it. Olympus XA gang here.

[@willysheepskin]

Ah thanks Gunnar! The XA is awesome, I had an XA2 for a while and then used a friends XA and was so bummed about the XA2 that I sold it but never got around to buying an XA haha, when the Mju dies I reckon I'll do the right thing and get an XA

[@thespecialist6831]

YOU GOTTA TRY A CANON TELE6 , it’s a canon point and shoot that takes half frame shots and that’s actually pretty rad but , the clam shell door opens and the lens comes out EVERY TIME YOU PRESS THE SHUTTER. You’ll never complain about the mju Ii again.

[@willysheepskin]

Ahahaha wow I’m always keen to gain some perspective, I’ll have a look see if anyone I know owns one lol! #SHEEPSQUAD ;)

[@ZeptonicScientist]

Lmao that hype beast intro cracked me up, I picked up a MJU III zoom 115 for £0.5

[@willysheepskin]

Was fun to film haha! Yer a legend for getting a zoom for a steal like that, I got my coverless one for like £4 but it doesn't have a cover so not truly a legendary steal haha!

[@kylixltd2637]

0.26 // that grainy fish tank in the wilderness ... WOW !!

[@willysheepskin]

Thank you! Was a very special scene!

[@SoKoLDS]

The Mju ii is so overrated for what it is. I'm glad you covered all the issues. I love your camera reviews, keep it up my mans. Would love to see you review the Canon sure shot sleek, since its a similar small camera from that era.

[@andrasgyimesi2513]

Best camare, you just have to learn how to use it😉

[@jonathanforlee1961]

I'm dying hahaha. Welcome hypebeast will!!

[@willysheepskin]

Hahah I'm sure he'll return at some point!

[@olgamarsay8483]

An excellent, informative and eloquent review. Also highly entertaining 👌

[@willysheepskin]

Thank you! I’m glad that you enjoyed it!

[@llitm.7761]

You have a real Monty Python voice, i love it!

[@willysheepskin]

Ahaha honored to hear it!

[@mayasarembock8739]

This is my favourite comment ever

[@RRsalin]

Man, this is the camera I had at age 11. The price today is so detached from reality. Good that I still have it in a drawer

[@PentusFtw]

You're so right about the mju ii. I picked one up for $5.00 a month ago at the local thrift. Not the best condition but the photos are fire.

[@willysheepskin]

Congrats on the deal! Hope you score more haha!

[@GreenlifeFin]

Yessss! Finally something that makes sense and is true. Thank you!

[@aaryalouise6391]

As Yashica T4 is at 450-500€ here right now, I was looking for a cheaper 35mm alternative. Having watched your video, I'll not go for that 240€ Olympus Mju II. Thanks !

[@darkNtin]

i got my mju ii 2 years ago for $100, which i thought was overpriced as well. I think i put about 5-6 rolls through it over a 2 month span before it bricked on me. have been too afraid to buy point and shoots for more than $40 since...

[@willysheepskin]

Ah sorry to hear that man, they are indeed known to brick as well, I cut out a bit where I talked about that for the sake of time lol! The one I'm using now is probably on its last legs though it keeps tweaking out and skipping frames and making weird sounds, sigh. They're fun but there are loads of other fun cams out there for less money that won't hurt as much if they brick! I got given an olympus trip 35 a while ago which is off to a strong start since it doesn't have electronics and there are no silly rubber lens seals to cause issues haha!

[@alpaktuna]

Great vid! Quick q though...what's your opinion on the OM-1?

[@willysheepskin]

Thanks Alp! I haven’t actually used the OM-1 , but I owned a OM-10 briefly and I found it to be really nice and fun to use. It’s also super small for an slr and the zuiko lenses are great!

[@Nightwatch1986]

The om-1 is a great camera. Smallest/lightest 35mm SLR out there. Completely manual, easy to use and very reliable. The zuiko lenses are awesome. Most of my work was shot with the OM-1. @_kennethtakacs

[@gaterkj]

I got extremely lucky and found my mju ii zoom at savers for $5 with a random hard drive included. its served me great for the last year or so and I hope it keeps working. anyway, loved this video and you're growing so fast!!!

[@willysheepskin]

Daaang that's awesome! The perfect way to pick one up haha, with a hard drive to boot! I hope it keeps working for you too, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! And yeah it's super lovely that more folks are choosing to stop by for sure!

[@bennmurhaaya8518]

It also has a spot metering capability, if you press both buttons at the same time. It's an amazing camera for somebody who's not aware of existence of Minolta TC-1 or even stuff like Fuji Cardia line. I have few pictures out of the camera that I like and one made it into my book but looking back, it's actually more of a lucky accident that I happened to take that picture. For the price today... you can buy much more decent combo. Not as pocketable but much more realiable.

[@willysheepskin]

Dang I feel like I read about that ages ago and forgot it existed until now haha! Thanks for pointing that out Benn! It can for sure make lovely photos especially taking into account it’s size, but you can definitely get more bang for your buck these days haha! My favorite photos I’ve made with it are actually also what I’d call lucky accidents, and it’s cool how those can happen with the mju, but I’d prefer to be in charge of just how lucky and accidental they are with a camera that responds instantly to the shutter button lol! Do you have images from your book online? Would be keen to check em out

[@bennmurhaaya8518]

@@willysheepskin I liked that about minolta TC-1, where a halfpress of a shutter button would bring the lens to focused position so there would not lag between you actually pressing the shutter and camera taking the picture. Fuji Cardia Mini Elite OP also does that I think (btw cool camera to check out, after I went through two minoltas I settled on this plastic gem with 28mm/45mm double lens) I have a picture in a video where I present the book, you can just about see it here www.murhaaya.com/book/01/ on 2:47 timestamp... I will send you that picture on instagram if you don't mind.

[@definingslawek4731]

I was stoked reading this thinking I'll be able to satisfy my itch for a small 35mm film camera with the tc1 you mentioned for less than the 250 dollar going rate of the olympus... But wow they're pricey

[@royce3859]

Not sure if you are aware but the MJUii also has a spot meter if you hit both buttons on the back at the same time, using the spot meter as well as 400 speed film usually ensures mine doesn't default straight to the slowest shutter speed and widest aperture. You're dead right about the inflated cost! I love my MJUii but not because it is any kind of super camera, which it clearly isn't because it's just a standard point and shoot with a decent lens and an annoying flash. No, I love mine because it's sentimental, bought new in the year 2000 when everything was awesome. I keep thinking I should sell mine and make about a 300% profit on the price I originally paid (even with inflation and cpi increases over the last 20 years!)...it's sentimental but if some people are willing to pay $500 or $600 (aussie dollars) for one then I could push my sentimentality down into that cold dark place occupied by my lust for bitcoin....mwahahaha!

[@willysheepskin]

I think I knew about the spot meter function at some point but it faded from memory because I never used it haha! Shan't forget now though thats for sure. So awesome that you've had yours since 2000! I hope this one manages to keep ticking for that sort of timespan haha! I understand the conundrum of sentimentality vs profit haha, I often wonder if I should sell my Mamiya 7 since the prices are obscene now, but it's very special to me so likely never will. Although if you can trade the Mju for bitcoin go for it ahah!

[@royce3859]

@@willysheepskin mate I honestly don't know if the spot meter function is worth it....open the camera...press the function button twice to turn off the flash....press both buttons together to get the spot meter....it didn't work and some other random function is switched on...close the camera...repeat the process...spot meter worked this time.... oh that guy sitting half in the sun and half shade for that perfect high contrast spot metered black and white street shot that is going to make me as well known as Sean Tucker has moved because I spent so long stuffing around with buttons.... 🤣 🤣 🤣. I think that's why so many MJUii shots on unsociable media are of flowers and buildings....nice stationary objects 😂

[@definingslawek4731]

What was the original market price? I couldn't find when searching for it, I was wondering if something like this costed more or less when it was made

[@capturethee]

I don't even care about the camera anymore. The different sitting placements got me, haha.

[@willysheepskin]

Ahah I'm glad you liked the switching!

[@charliipresley]

How are you guys focusing with this camera? I get so many out of focus shots compared to other point and shoots. Especially when i shoot people. Should i stop putting the crosshairs on the eyes and maybe aim for the shirt or a more contrasty spot?? Since it is 2.8 or slower i know if don't need to focus on face but i think it is habit. Any advice?

[@Geoooooooo91]

I recently overpaid for a Nikon 28Ti... mostly because it has a physical switch to always keep the flash off by default 😆

[@willysheepskin]

A friend of mine got one of them aaages ago before the prices had gotten too crazy, such lovely cameras - and the price is at least vaguely justifiable because it is fairly robust and the dials are so gorgeous. The physical switch is of course the main buying point though lol! I think his developed an issue where it wouldn't turn off without removing the battery, but hopefully that's not too common!

[@russelllindsay2702]

Hey man, I had one of these. It was my camera from end of high school (early 2000s) to about 2008 or so after which I got an iPhone and just never used it before. It sat in the top draw of my desk at my mum’s house and I knew it was there, just never used it. Only recently I’ve discovered via social media that these cameras are cool again and have these massive following. Can’t believe it. I think I threw mine out or took it to a charity shop when I had a clean out at some stage. Now I’d like it back! Not to sell but to use, because it was nice, that’s why I chose it back in the original day. Crazy! Irony. Hope I can find one as you say that’s just ended up in a charity shop. The current internet prices are outrageous.

[@castillomn971]

I really hope to see Hype Beast Will makes more appearances on the channel 💎

[@willysheepskin]

He shall return haha!

[@Alex-po7oq]

Found mine in a charity shop, was £80 so not next to nothing but fully functional and if it’s worth £200+ I’m all for it

[@willysheepskin]

That's still a great score! Well done!

[@ricedumplings3767]

I'm looking for a point and shoot too, your video is very helpful. Btw, your intro is faster than before, is it because you are hanging upside down? lol

[@willysheepskin]

Ahah that is probably exactly why!

[@driandemeneghi]

I bought one but is without guide. And I can’t understand the led that are coming out when I press half way the button

[@someonewithsomename]

Do you have anything to say about Yashica T4 before I buy one?

[@willysheepskin]

I’ve never shot one! I’ve had a couple of mates own them though and I think the same plastic build delicacy issues would apply, the little lens cover thing has also gotten stuck on someone I knows cam but besides that I don’t know much haha! I would be more inclined to buy a point and shoot with a zeiss lens though just based off of brand recognition, although you could probably score a Nikon f3 for around the same price which is a much more robust and capable camera - just obviously not a point and shoot haha! At the end of the day I just make these reviews to give people an informed opinion rather than just succumbing to the hype, and I reckon you’d be very happy with your t4 purchase so long as it works as expected upon arrival!

[@someonewithsomename]

@@willysheepskin Thanks for the detailed reply! I own Nikon F2 and in love with that. Just looking for a point and shoot now to carry around all the time.

[@MJL7557]

The auto focus is very hit and miss in my experience.

[@markozamurovic3155]

I got one yesterday. I haven't tested it with film yet, but I found focusing indoors and in any darker light conditions unusable. The green light keeps blinking, so it won't take the shutter. Outdoors it shoots perfectly fine. I also tried spot metering with little to no improvements. Is this normal behavior?

[@definingslawek4731]

I've been thinking of picking up a film point and shoot for more vibey photos alongside my digital work on shoots, you suggested that there's better available for less, what would you point me to?

[@ethantolentino8187]

Which point and shoot would you recommend?

[@willysheepskin]

The olympus trip 35 is all mechanical and has a great lens! No built in flash but besides that a lovely old school point and shoot with great results

[@Metrodragon]

Hey Will do you have Tipps on how to spot decent film cameras that are lying around in those sale bins at camera stores? I always check them out but I haven't hear of most of the models so I am always unsure if they are any good. Are there any signs or should I just google the model there on the spot and see if it is any good?

[@willysheepskin]

I reckon an on the spot google is always a good call for the more obscure stuff! Carrying a variety of batteries that work in old point and shoots with you can be a good strategy too to test that they’re doing what they’re meant to - like cr123’s and other old point and shoot batteries

[@Metrodragon]

@@willysheepskin Thanks, the Tip with the batteries is really smart

[@chigazoop]

weird, mine take a picture the exact moment I press the shutter button, but the lcd is literally blank, can't see anything on mine😂

[@willysheepskin]

Hahah the Mju giveth and the Mju taketh away!

[@asherhodara389]

I have been carrying my mju panorama with me all the time. Definitely easier than trying to fit the RB in my pocket. I wish you could set it to start in the flash mode you want to. #sheepsquad #sheepsquadworldwide

[@willysheepskin]

That would make so much sense and open me up to shooting much more stuff with it haha! A pocket rb would be glorious, the mam7 or 6 is probably the closest I’ll get though!

[@deadbones23]

Any suggestion for an alternative easy quick shot camera?

[@Schneeeulenwetter]

really great video!! thank you

[@saffy9267]

What was the black and white film you shot on called??

[@WoolyColdie]

Huh never heard most of those issues before, I have 2 mju's for like 7 years now. My first one, the back window port popped out, just taped it back on and it lost the half click too. However still shoots fine. Found my second mju at a thrift store and that one was my literal go to camera for 5 years, I shot so many punk gigs, backpacking trips and whatever on it and never had an single issue with that one surprisingly. I no joke probably put 45 rolls thru that camera and it's still a dream thankfully. But they are definitely hellllllaaaaa overpriced now lol, I would buy the zoom 80 instead if i had to get another olympus when my breaks.

[@willysheepskin]

Dang man that’s awesome! It’s weird I hear an equal amount of stories like yours to ones that mirror mine, maybe the quality control was poor or certain runs of the cameras used slightly different materials or something because I’ve only ever had bad luck with the ones I’ve tried out. Their potential is great if only the ones I got my hands on would stop leaking haha! I’ve put like 15 rolls through the one I have currently and it’s motor is already causing issues. I’ll keep using it until it dies for sure though and then probably pick up a better zoom too haha!

[@chronicfish]

What is your thought on leather light seals? I found a seller on ebay that sells them precut for the Lomo LCA..but I'm a bit weary. Should I be?

[@willysheepskin]

Hmmm I don't think I've actually used anything with leather seals, I know rope/ string ones can work a treat if they're sized nicely but I guess if people sell leather ones they must work to some extent!

[@chronicfish]

@@willysheepskin thanks!

[@iainlaurence]

thrift store camera finds are the best

[@willysheepskin]

As are the ones given to you by family! I’ve been speaking to a guy who’s dad gave him a Mamiya 7 with a full set of lenses that he used to use professionally haha, so dreamy

[@Minolta_Andy]

I've owned a couple of these over the years and sold them on. Last weekend I was lucky enough to find one in super mint condition at a charity shop for the bargain price of £4 with a matching case too. It's now loaded with UN54 and will more than likely be sold in a couple of months. For me personally, a small rangefinder costing around £50 is always going to produce a better image.

[@pogolas]

I am curious. Which £50 rangefinder, has better lens than mju?

[@prodbyhella8051]

How can i get my pictures on the phone or laptop

[@sporemind2592]

What is f2.8????

[@sincemayiv]

was expecting hypbeast will to be wearing the stüssy tee

[@willysheepskin]

Dang what a missed opportunity actually! The closet is covered in tarps this week though cus of the roof repair so I had to make do with what I’d already taken out and what was in the jacket cupboard!

[@Toumakawa]

quite happy that I’m using my parents barely used mju zoom 140, wouldn’t want to pay ebay prices for that one

[@willysheepskin]

Nice that's the best way to come into owning one haha!

[@aidanhowgate5437]

I know a light leak fix that solved the problem

[@simons_pics]

Nice !

[@willysheepskin]

Cheers!

[@euphoriousgroove]

I found this camera in my attic in mint condition, thank god I found it so I didn’t have to pay 300$ for it nowadays 😂

[@Dahrenhorst]

I really don't understand the point of film point & shoots (no pun intended). Everything you can do with a point & shoot you can do with a digital camera at least as well, and much, much cheaper. Plus you get your pictures instantly and can distribute them easily. With many modern digital cameras you can even simulate the film look, if it is that why you are using the film camera. With the mju II, you are even in the price range of decent digital point & shoots. I also shoot film, but if I do so, I use medium or large format. What you can achieve with those formats cannot be simulated digitally, at least not for a reasonable amount of money. A few weeks ago I bought a box with vintage Olympus gear for cheap. There was a working mju II in it. I just finished a test roll with that camera without any problems and am curious how this will turn out, because that will determine the price I'll put it on the market for.

[@willysheepskin]

I see your point for sure! I like using the point and shoots for non serious stuff or behind the scenes images, and then printing and experimenting with them in my darkroom. If the negatives weren't the draw for me though I'd probably just use my phone or a digi point and shoot! Congratulations on your Olympus find though, always great to hear about people scoring deals haha!

[@MrGORILLAWRENCH]

Brutal :D

[@willysheepskin]

Brutal but honest!

[@eraserone1]

honestly rarely come across these issues you brought up about these, which helped me not spend 250$ on this lmfao

[@willysheepskin]

Forreal man maybe I just have the worst luck with cameras but I pretty much only describe issues I've personally had when using the cameras I review so it's a very honest look at them and their downfalls haha

[@jameslidgard]

Me, you and Mew too

[@willysheepskin]

Me , you and a suspiciously shaped tractor carburettor

[@Felhasz007]

I think the mju makes you even slow down the process by lagging that shutter 😅 Say my hi to hyperbeast Will 😁

[@willysheepskin]

Who needs large format when you can have a mju ahahah! Hypebeast Will says waddup waddup!

[@infinitesmall]

william nilliam

[@willysheepskin]

billiam

[@thedrspod]

i got one for free without a scratch on it

[@pain6154]

🔔☑️

[@willysheepskin]

Absolute legend

[@pain6154]

@@willysheepskin locked in 🤝

[@whizkid235]

This guy talks like Stewie from family guy

[@russelllindsay2702]

Hey man, I had one of these. It was my camera from end of high school (early 2000s) to about 2011 or so after which I got an iPhone and just never used it before. It sat in the top draw of my desk at my mum’s house and I knew it was there, just never used it. Only recently I’ve discovered via social media that these cameras are cool now and have this massive following. Can’t believe it. I think I threw mine out or took it to a charity shop when I had a clean out at some stage. Now I’d like it back! Not to sell but to use, because it was nice, that’s why I chose it back in the original day. Crazy! Irony. Hope I can find one as you say that’s just ended up in a charity shop. The current internet prices are outrageous.

[@willysheepskin]

Ahhh bummer that it got thrown out haha! Hopefully if it went to a charity shop it made someone else very happy lol! I wish you the absolute best of luck in scoring one for next to nothing, the internet prices really are nonsensical at this point haha!