Back to Basic - 35 mm film Compact Camera (Olympus µ[mju:]ZOOM 140)

Name: curious_tan

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Product:	Olympus µ[mju:]ZOOM 140
Date:	26/07/06 (1302 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Compact. easy to use and no need for computers to download photos

Disadvantages: film developing is a little bit expensive

**OVERVIEW – About Olympus
Prior to the digital technology majority of our cameras (either SLR- single lens reflex or automatic/compact) are using film processing to develop the images taken. Several brands and models are available in the market to provide high-quality images using the 35 mm films, both colored and black and white exposures. One of them is OLYMPUS.

Briefly, Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. established in 1919 under the name of Takachiho Seishakusho (Japan) until 1921 when the firm formally used ‘Olympus’ as the official trademark. Olympus is the first optical firm to produce the world first microscope, gastrocamera, and the microcassette recorder. Today, Olympus is one of the leading global companies to provide state-of-the art roll films and digital camera formats. The first semi roll film series started in 1936 and the 35mm roll film model in 1948.

**INTRODUCTION – Olympus Mju 35mm film series
The Mju 35 film series started its production in 1991 which is popularly known in the US as “Stylus / Stylus Epic” to the present. The zoom base models are: Zoom 70 (35-70mm/F4.5-6.9), Zoom 105 (38-105mm/F4.5-8.9), Zoom 115 (38-115mm/F4.5-9.7), Zoom 140 (38-140mm/F4-11), Zoom Wide 80 (28-80mm/F4.5-8.4), II Zoom 80 (38-80mm/F4.5-8.4).

Prior to my Olympus IR-500 digital camera (2005 model, £130), I’m still using my Mju Zoom 140 deluxe which I bought (A$200) in Australia and heavily used during my 2003 winter vacation in the UK and Europe. However, my first unit was on the same series (Mju 70 at 40,000 Yen) which I bought in Japan in 1999. In other words, I have been a loyal user of Olympus for the past 7 years; and at present, the Mju Zoom 140 model is my back-up unit in case my IR-500 will run of battery and memory storage.

**Mju ZOOM 140 deluxe FEATURES and SPECS
Manufactured in 1998, this model has the following basic features: Built-in 38mm - 140mm 3.7X zoom lens; weatherproof metal body for carefree use on rainy day; quartz date or time imprinting; functions such as spot metering, night scene and various flash mode; ultra-compact and extravagant design; Panoramic picture size option; Olympus zoom 140; Full-automatic 35 mm auto-focus lens-shutter camera with built-in 38-140mm zoom lens.

**EXPERIENCE with Mju Zoom 140 deluxe
1.Image/Photo Processing and Quality
For almost 3 years of using it, this model provided me admirable photos of my travel and interesting subjects. Since it is a film developing, resolution is not a problem for image enlargement. With the current improvement in developing, I was able to restore my image in CD and at the same time having the negatives for safe-keeping. However, it is recommended to have a dust and scratch-free film holder for better future re-copying. I also used scanner for alternative option for re-copying and storing; unfortunately, the quality is not 100% good as of the original.

2.Shooting Modes
Unlike other models/brands, this unit can take images in “panoramic” orientation, especially good for landscapes (beach, mountains, etc.) without any computer manipulation for printing. With the same macro or tele-photo principle, this unit could also take images from afar due to its zoom lens feature. Similar to digital unit, it has also the basic modes for shooting such as red eye removal, night time/in-door and even no-flash mode for outdoor location. It has also a focusing knob (fine tuning) for blurred images in most cases in close-up shooting. For night mode, however, the photos are blurred, so I suggest, just use the flash and the red eye removal option.

It has a built-in timer control for personal shots within 2-3 meters away from the unit. I also found out that the remote control of my old Mju 70 model can be used in this unit as well. It has a built-in flash which is very sensitive for possible breakage especially if you hold the camera carelessly. The other feature of this unit that other digital compact cameras do not have is the “tripod socket” where you could attach your portable tripod when you are taking fast moving objects (spanning) to eliminate hand shaking.

3. Battery
The battery is non-rechargeable CR123A Lithium battery. It lasts at least 8-10 rolls of 36 exposures. I always remove the battery from the camera unit if Im not using it for a long time. In so doing, it somehow extends the life of the battery. Using the zoom lens to its maximum level will take a lot of battery power, thus it is recommended to put it in the normal mode while not in use. It has also an indicator screen for the number of exposures used and the battery life.

**HIGHLIGHTS
Since it is an old model, it is not be available in the camera stores, however, it is available in e-bay and other on-line services and the cost is more affordable from digital one. It is highly recommended for people who do not have access to computers and digital printing. Film exposure is still convenient for excellent quality photos compare to digital imaging, particularly for digital units having less than 3.1 megapixels. This model is also suitable for young adults who have interest in photography. It is one of the finest Mju 35 mm film series models (for back-up) that make photography an interesting undertaking. Lastly, ideal for shooting subjects like animals that are housed in a cage or there is obstruction (bars screen) and you could possibly move the lens inside the cage and you can take photos with the animals perfectly without the cage shown in the picture.

IN CONCLUSION, this review is not sufficient to show the performance of this model, without showing the real (scanned) photos using this camera; unfortunately, I can not include it in my review. Maybe someday dooyoo could provide us the option to include images to support our reviews on cameras.

Summary: A finest Mju 35mm film compact camera for non-digital users

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