Olympus MJU II - Is It Worth It?

Point and Shoots are in an interesting point right now. With their fairly high price points for many of the best, most worthwhile ones, and cheap ones, not really being more than a hunk of plastic, finding something in between can feel impossible. The Olympus MJU II or Stylus Epic 35mm is a really great camera, somewhere in between, giving you reliability without breaking the bank. 35mm Point and Shoot cameras can add a whole different dimension to your work, regardless of what type of photography you're doing. Do you own and point and shoot?
Keaton:
/ bazooka_mouth
#filmphotography #35mm #filmcamera

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

I think as a community we should support Pentax and MiNT as they try to produce new point and shoots for the market. So many of the good vintage point and shoots have been price gouged to the point where they're not worth it. $600 for the new Rollei 35AF by MiNT is better than $1000 for a Contax T2

[@metalfingersfilm]

Agreed! Going to put out a video about this, as I've been learning more about it!

[@C0yf1sh]

Agreed, but I still haven’t seen a solid mid-range $250 camera from literally anyone😢

[@Soarin8]

Your comments have been answered by Pentax!

[@MikeLikesChannel]

I still have my MJU II. My late grandparents bought it as a gift for my bar-mitzvah, way back in 1997 when it was a newly released camera. Back then we just knew it as a Stylus Epic. It still works just fine. I'm 40 next year and have taken photos of my own daughter with it. I tend to shoot my X100 a lot more, because film has gotten so crazy and I don't really have the time to home dev it, but yeah... it's a legendary little camera. My dad had a Mju 1 for years and years. Kodak Gold 200 at Disney, we lived in South Florida, many memories.

[@DougCunnington]

Yeah! I got mine in like 1999 or so. I gave it to my dad for 16 years, and recent got it back! It still had film in there from years ago.

[@poppysworkbench6508]

I got one of the first stylus epics as soon as they came in because I was impressed by the performance of a friends stylus. Had it sent next day air for a trip to Hawaii to my brothers wedding. Everyone was impressed with the photos including the professional photographer. My mom raved about it so much I got her one. My daughter used it on a field trip and it was stolen. Last year my mom ask if I wanted a camera back. I replied what camera... She handed me the Epic... new in box.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Awww mom loves you. I love that story! :)

[@j797s25]

I love this video, an essay type camera video but with a slide show of the actual photos taken on the camera just to take in and really decide if I would enjoy this camera. The photos are beautiful and I feel like this should be the standard style of a camera review video.

[@hunterroberts1996]

Good stuff my dude! Those landscape shots turned out great, especially for such a compact P&S! Love to see it

[@metalfingersfilm]

Thanks doggie! Appreciate you checking out the vid!

[@namvet_13e]

I still have my Olympus Stylus Epic Dlx, but I think I may sell mine soon. I am now retired but when I was working I made many trips in my job as a company software support, consulting and automation support or implementation engineer. While I usually couldn't take my camera into industrial sites, I found this was a perfect travel camera for use offsite during this travel. I loved this little camera for that. When on vacation travel or cruises, I preferred my larger camera gear but this little pocket camera definitely had its place.

[@photog12345]

I love film point and shoots. I bought several years ago before the prices went crazy. Always carry one with me when out shooting.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Agreed me too, I have a soft spot for them! What's your weapon of choice?

[@photog12345]

Stylus epic 35-170, mju2, stylus epic zoom 70, and an XA. I rotate thru them. Always on the look out for a good deal.

[@ryanbhangdia]

I enjoyed this video, nice work - I have a TC-1 and I think it is the best point and shoot for me, that I've found so far. also expensive, and it worries me to have such an intricate electronic camera of that age but it's worth it to me because I feel like I can take it anywhere and I hate those moments when I didnt bring a camera and wished I had. those moments haunt me. I also like it for the documentation of every day life, less intentional than my Hasselblad or even my M3 to a degree, and I like that it opens up that aspect of photography for me.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Really would love to try a TC-1!

[@Stealther]

I love my Olympus Infinity Stylus Epic! I also use it as a companion to my MF camera or digital M body. I can’t wait to see what the new Ricoh fixed lens camera will be like!

[@metalfingersfilm]

it's a great sidekick to those bigger bodies, for sure!

[@mattd59]

This is the first video of yours I have watched… great content, beautiful pictures. You got yourself another subscriber here and a follower on IG. What film were you shooting on this trip?

[@woodywoodman4309]

This video jogged a memory and I went and dug through some boxes and while it's not the MJU II or Stylus Epic 35...I was right that I had a similar camera...Stylus Zoom 115 and the battery still works so I could check it out and it's operational. So I'm going to get a few rolls and shoot this in hopes it'll keep my GAS under control in this new year. I REALLY want a 'new' camera. Great video.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Oh hell yeah! Let me know how it works!

[@alexwin7588]

Just bought the same MJU, will see... Also have as a main camera Mamiya. Sometimes it is really necessary to have something very small and fast. I thought to buy Konica Big Mini F with 2.8, but it's a little bit expensive if compared with MJU 2. So, thanks for review) I like your videos ❤

[@flyingo]

For many years I looked down on “cheap” point and shoot, all electrical cameras.. until I stumbled upon a couple of Minolta “Freedom” models that I found at gargage sales for about a dollar or two per camera. They have become permanent residents of my car gloveboxes for “Oh wow! Quick, get that on film!” scenarios. I have no explanation for it but the batteries in those puppies have literally lasted through countless rolls of film and years of damn near neglection. Always reliable and always sharper images than I would imagine. Of course typing that probably just jinxed my long-lasting battery thing.. However, when I’m planning any photography, I always choose camera/film/developer combinations, and only use the P&S ones when opportunity strikes.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Huh, I gotta look into these! How much can you buy them for now, I wonder.

[@flyingo]

@@metalfingersfilm good question! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TravuProductions]

I am new to film photography, as someone who have asked which camera to look into, this was recommended to me from others. I can definitely say I am buying it after watching this! Also where was it bought or what is the drawer or storage cabinet seen at 0:08 ? Would love to have something like that for all my camera gear

[@gabgallant]

Great pics of Jerome. I had the best time there a while back. Tbh the pics you got looked just as good as what my Fujifilm Klasse W using portra 160 produced.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Thank you! I was expecting a legitimate ghost town and was a little disappointed to be honest.

[@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?

[@metalfingersfilm]

You might be getting too close. Keep in mind the cameras closest focusing distance. Are you using flash too?

[@dbanddz]

Love the way these shots look. Any other cams (new or old) that are nearly identical to this? If not where is the best place to buy this?

[@metalfingersfilm]

any "point and shoot". a charity shop should have some, just make sure the battery area isn't corroded. or Facebook marketplace/online locals.

[@joseherrera8489]

These are going for $250? I got mine in a thrift store 14 years ago for $10.

[@FranciscoAlvarezTV]

Thanks for the video. Do you recommend the original, the II, III or V (Metal)?

[@loading876]

I have an MJU III and a stylus epic that I shoot almost weekly! Just bought my sister an MJU iI for Christmas

[@metalfingersfilm]

Awesome! Is she a photographer now?

[@IDCCR]

Was it the same film stock? And developed and scanned at the same place in the same way?

[@MarkGilMTria]

I still have this camera and my mom bought it, she said it would work. What should i buy to make this camera alive again? badly need it

[@willbechler]

What's your medium format camera? Would you be able to help me? I want to shoot with an automatic for some music concerts and also self timer of myself. I want to start shooting professionally and want to get two film cameras (one for colour and one for black and white). Would this camera potentially be high quality enough for that endeavour? I am looking for high quality camera below $500. Hope you have a great day:)

[@homestudio09]

Hey, I find one on my parents house. But the diaphragm always look closed. Can someone help me (I put a new battery) ?

[@beckykoch3384]

Great Video. Love me a point and shoot. the cheaper/low quality the better. but really tho, were'd you get that shirt? Need.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Haha, goodwill bins

[@ordinaryhunter]

Great video! It looks like a ton of fun.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Thanks dude! It was a good little adventure!

[@_in_search_of_sunshine]

would you recommend the Olympus MJU II over a Tashica T3?

[@ozjef]

Probably the mju due to reliability.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

I've had that camera back in the day. I bought it new, for 250 german marks, what's about the same amount in today's dollars, for what it actually sells, what's ridiculous. I couldn't me bothered with fully automatic film P&S cameras these days. If I really have to, I'll use my wife's Mju-1...

[@lukrezialaval2406]

I am clearing the attic from my mother and stumbled across the mju III. Googled it and came across the tiktok trend (and your video). I just wonder what is the difference between a point and shoot and your every day cell phone camera? (It’s n honest question, I don’t try to be sarcastic or something)

[@raccoon.443]

I love my stylus Epic. I somehow got lucky and got the limited Burgandy edition for $100 about a year ago. its great to just hand off to someone whos never shot before and let them have fun with too.

[@iloveweezer69]

thats so cool! trevor wisecup was told me about a burgundy olympus but I had no idea what he was talking abt, I gave him my grey one. I think I might buy a burgundy as a replacement thats my favorite color! cheers

[@metalfingersfilm]

wtfffff, I didn't even know there was a Burgundy one. exactly, I like to throw a roll in it during Christmas and see what my nieces and nephew and get, haha.

[@mosesp6200]

At least in germany the prices of p&s are dropping - i guess because film prices are rising so much and not many can effort it to shoot film. On a good day on ebay you get a mju 2 for 120-150 € and a yashica t4 for like 200 €.

[@metalfingersfilm]

sheesh, time to look into a T4!

[@mosesp6200]

Definetly! Even saw some T5 for about 300 € - and bought myself a T4 yesterday for 220 €

[@jasonzayas5487]

My question is... other than the mask, what'd the difference between the MJU I and the MJU panoramic? Both have that 35mm f3.5.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Honestly I'm not sure, I tried goggling it too and couldn't find much. My guess is the paoramic has some setting to shoot some type of panoramic photo? Maybe uses two frames? haha I have no idea, sorry dude.

[@jw48335]

A pocketable rangefinder like the Vivitar 35ES costs $50 and has a FAR better lens. With zone focusing and knowledge of hyper focal distance a RF is as fast, if not faster, for shooting speed. The area where I do see relevance is weather sealing. Weather sealing is rare on film cameras. The Canon WP-1 and Konica DD have slots in my collection for exactly that - rain? Need small? WP-1. Need 40-60mm? Cold weather? Bigger OK? DD. I've owned three of the Olympus pointers, all primes. I don't dislike them, but 2 of 3 died, and the third acquired a light leak. The viewfinder is sad too, making them annoying to use, at least IMO. I think it's a solid approach using MF as primary with a pocketable 35mm. But I just think a $300 die-at-any-moment, often light-leak-unfixable P&S is something to avoid in the face of better options.

[@StrayWithMe]

I totally agree, no one should spend $300 on a point and shoot. I got my Olympus stylus in a $10 lot with four other working point and shoots 🙌

[@metalfingersfilm]

I'm always hunting for cameras in estate sales, but never find anything crazy!

[@metalfingersfilm]

Yep, still trying to find that happy medium for price point, quality, and durability!

[@StrayWithMe]

I found the lot on Ebay, untested so it was a little gamble but I figured if it was only one that worked, $10 wouldn't be that bad haha @@metalfingersfilm

[@Maracanazo50]

Hey bro, I really think your tattoos are cool. Would you be able to tell me the name of your tattoo artist or shop for the bulk of your arm tattoos? I’m in NYC so I’m hoping it’s nearby!

[@metalfingersfilm]

@@Maracanazo50 it was back in Wisconsin, easy street tattoo. But it’s east coast American traditional. Luckily, you’re in the Mecca in NYC, haha.

[@Tax_Collector01]

I used one when I was a kid and now I don’t know where it is.

[@yung_steezin9755]

Nice vid dude, what film did you use?

[@Amphibax]

Really liked my MJU just a simple way of shooting and perfectly small and pocketable but sadly I dropped it. Now it stopped working but with how high the prices are I'm not getting another one. Those small electronic c.ameras can just fail at anytime for its not worth the risk

[@metalfingersfilm]

Yeah, I could agree with that. Sadly, with more breaking, many of these P&S will really only continue to get higher.

[@carantsan]

If I get a P&S camera, how can I have the photos digital to have them on my PC?

[@metalfingersfilm]

film or digital?

[@carantsan]

@@metalfingersfilm Film!

[@wintrymix]

You can have the negatives scanned at time of development or you can get prints and scan them yourself.

[@namvet_13e]

If you can get the negatives back when you get your film developed you can scan them on any scanner that will scan transparencies. I have an Epson V550 that will do that and there are many film scanners, both used and new, that will scan either negatives or slides.

[@sowhatbridge5055]

I bought my MJU II for 10 euros on a flea market, what a find lmao

[@randallstewart1224]

I agree that a P-n-S camera is a good balance with medium format where the MF is along for the serious photography and the P.S is there for social snapshots. For me, that is/was a Pentax 67 kit and a T2 (bought when T2s were sold for a rational price). Where I depart is over paying $300 for a piece of junk like a XA, Muj I or II. If all you are doing with the little 35mm is scan images to digital to use on phones, post on YT, or whatever, why waste the money on a camera originally designed to fail after a few years of snapshots, mounting a lens which is limited to a really nice 3x5 from Walmart? After using my T2 for a few years, with the related cost of film, processing, scanning, etc., I concluded that there is no positive answer to that question, so I cut out the middle men with a Canon Sureshot 8-meg digital the size of a pack of cigarettes. I paid $175 new, and you can today buy a sack of 'em for $50 each. IMO, using film in a cheap 35mm with a crappy lens, like his little Olys, is a hypster fetish. Then, you also have to consider if your real goal is a good quality photo on 35mm which can be enlarged to a good-looking print, a lightweight SLR from the 1980s or 90s, plus a couple of prime or zoom lenses is still very portable and costs no more than a Mju II. True, you cannot put it in your pocket and sit on it, but then you have to make some sacrifice for your art, right.

[@metalfingersfilm]

hypster fetish, hahaha. Agree with you about the XA being junk, but imo, this feels much different, and the images look much better than the XA by comparison. Definitely a ticking time bomb, so to speak. Trying to find a happy medium between quality, price, and durability.

[@neharai828]

Does this camera have adjustable settings? ISO ? Thank you

[@namvet_13e]

No, it automatically sets the iso film speed by reading the DX code on the film cartridge. If there is no code found it defaults to ISO 100.

[@ThePhotoDept]

another excellent video

[@metalfingersfilm]

another excellent comment

[@inesbaier]

Oh man! Es ist so wahr! Nichts anderes brauchst du! Tolle Reisen!

[@Overexposed1]

Great vid!

[@metalfingersfilm]

Thanks for watching, homie!

[@StepsAndStoness]

Imma need a bunker for all the point n shoot camera's I keep finding...

[@metalfingersfilm]

Where you snagging them? Anything crazy notable?

[@StepsAndStoness]

@@metalfingersfilm The Minolta Freedom Zoom & the Yashica t2 are the main go-to ones. But I have an addiction.. and someone's gotta bring home those lost lonely boys left in Savers! 🤣

[@dbanddz]

What type of film did you use? Do you have the exact name? Does it matter?

[@metalfingersfilm]

I love portra and color negative film, but black and white is cheaper, in general. different film means different colors, grain, darkness in shadows, etc.

[@Stargate_Project]

Amazing video 👍👍👍

[@metalfingersfilm]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mya.phoenix]

Will ever films have lower prices???

[@thedarkslide]

I got the pleather version. Skip the XA2, just go for the real thing and get the XA.

[@metalfingersfilm]

Honestly, seems to be a pretty split crowd from what I can tell

[@owenmckee4053]

Definitely over-hyped. Good cameras, but I regularly see similar such as the Espios from Pentax sell for a few quid on eBay.

[@christophertaylor87]

Hold up! I could sell my Mju II that I found at Goodwill for close to $300 😳

[@3c3c3c]

Mju 2 is king of the normie p&s. Feels like every upper middle class hipster with a mullet has one of these Mju’s. On other hand, Yashica T4/5 with its incredible sharpness or T2 with its photos that have the Leica look are much better in my opinion

[@metalfingersfilm]

Really trying to get my hands on a T4/T5 for a video and compare it with the T2!

[@ozjef]

Huh? T4s go for way more. 400 for a minty one whereas mju 2 goes for around 200. Quality isn’t 2x as good. Olympus also made way more of these so that’s naturally why you see them used more often due to existing floating supply.

[@MaxPenelope-w4j]

Hall Maria Walker Brenda Martin Barbara

[@jerrykovis5417]

hahaha, some of the popular PNS are a overpriced fad items that became way overhyped by influencers.

[@metalfingersfilm]

sadly, definitely the case. my T2 sobs in the corner.

[@wintrymix]

That's the case for a lot of merchandise, both mainstream everyday items like water bottles, obscure things that most people don't need like Kindle remote control page turner. And 90s film cameras apparently. I had such a hard time finding a quality product that was reasonably priced, in new condition, that had any sort of review anywhere online. Because once something is "discovered enough" for a review, it blows up in popularity. And I was hesitant to try something without any form of review. Anyway, I ended up getting a Canon Owl PF (automatic from 2000) for $50 new and a Fuji FZ-5 (fully manual from 1989) for $10 in like new condition. Can't wait to try them.