I was initially skeptical of the Olympus Mju-II (Infinity Stylus Epic in the US), viewing it as just another run-of-the-mill '90s compact camera. My preference had always been for the classic designs of earlier decades, with my favorite cameras including the Hasselblad 500 (1957), Nikon FM2 (1982), and Leica M6 (1984). I felt that '90s camera designs, with a few exceptions like the Mamiya 7 (1995) and Canon EOS 1N (1994), were a step down from their predecessors. I even assumed the Mju-II wouldn't be as good as the original.
My opinion changed the moment I picked it up. Within 30 seconds, I realised how wrong I was. The Mju-II feels and looks right, with proportions that are a marked improvement over the original. Its build quality and minimal design carry the unmistakable hallmarks of a Yoshihisa Maitani ethos. It's easy to see why it has become a favourite among film photographers, deserving of all the hype it receives—much like the Mamiya 7.
A Unique Aesthetic and Creative Capabilities
The Mju-II's appeal goes beyond its design; it's a creative tool that offers a unique shooting experience. Its sharp 35mm f/2.8 Zuiko lens is a perfect match for a go-anywhere camera. It produces images with a signature aesthetic—a perfect blend of sharpness and a subtle, dreamy quality that digital cameras often struggle to replicate. This "character" comes from the inherent grain and imperfections of film, offering a refreshing contrast to the sterile, pixel-perfect world of digital photography.
The f/2.8 aperture is a significant advantage over the slower lenses found on many other compacts. This wide aperture allows for:
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Exceptional Low-Light Performance: The lens lets in plenty of light, so you can shoot in challenging conditions like dimly lit bars or at dusk without relying solely on the flash.
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Pleasing Bokeh: Although not a dedicated portrait lens, the fast aperture can create a pleasingly shallow depth of field, allowing you to isolate your subject and achieve a soft, blurred background.
The camera's autofocus system is also more sophisticated than it appears. It uses a fast and accurate multi-beam system, but its real creative power lies in its "focus and recompose" capability. By half-pressing the shutter, you can lock focus on your subject, then move the camera to recompose the shot with your subject off-center. This simple feature is a key creative tool, allowing for more dynamic and thoughtful compositions.
The "Party Flash" Look
One of the Mju-II's most distinctive features is its direct and powerful flash. Unlike the subtle fill-flashes of modern cameras, the Mju-II's flash can be used to create a bold, graphic look known as "party flash." This results in strong contrast between the subject and the background, giving images a raw, authentic feel that evokes a sense of nostalgia for '90s photography.
The Olympus Mju-II's popularity is no accident. It's a great camera that delivers a uniquely creative and rewarding shooting experience. Its sharp lens and hands-on feel offer a refreshing break from the automated, filtered world of digital photography.
Much like the Mamiya 7, the Mju-II has a level of hype that is completely deserved.
