Olympus Stylus Epic DLX f2.8 aperture and rare Panoramic Mode

Also know outside of the U.S. as the Olympus Mju II although not identical. It seems hundreds of YouTube film camera fans have put this at the top of their point and shoot film camera lists. And why not? It's an extremely well designed, very compact point and shoot camera weighing in at 130 grams with the battery. One of the smallest 35mm film camera. It has a fast 35mm f2.8 lens, just like the Contax T3 which can sell for several thousand dollars. The camera is rare; it came out at the very beginning of the digital point and shoot era so the production numbers are very low.

My Olympus Stylus Epic is in gem condition with virtually no signs of use.

Olympus Stylus Epic DLX, a compact film camera that has garnered quite a following among photography enthusiasts.

Olympus Stylus Epic DLX: A Miniature Marvel

Overview

The Olympus Stylus Epic DLX, also known as the Olympus μ[mju:]-II in some regions, was introduced in the early 1990s. It belongs to the Stylus (μ) series, which was renowned for its sleek design, weather resistance, and high-quality optics. Here's what makes the DLX stand out:

1. Design and Build:

   • The Stylus Epic DLX is a pocket-sized point-and-shoot camera. Its minimalist design features smooth lines, a clamshell cover, and a robust metal body.
   • The camera fits comfortably in your hand and slips easily into a pocket or bag.

2. Lens:

   • The DLX boasts a fixed 35mm f/2.8 lens. This lens is sharp, fast, and perfect for everyday photography.
   • The 35mm focal length provides a versatile field of view, suitable for landscapes, street photography, and environmental portraits.

3. Autofocus System:

   • The camera's autofocus system is surprisingly quick and accurate for its time. It uses a passive multi-beam system to lock onto subjects.
   • The focus range spans from 0.35m (1.15 feet) to infinity.

4. Exposure Control:

   • The Stylus Epic DLX operates primarily in automatic mode. It sets the aperture and shutter speed automatically based on the available light.
   • The camera's exposure compensation feature allows you to adjust exposure by up to ±2 EV.

5. Film Loading and Rewinding:

   • Loading film is a breeze: open the back, drop in the 35mm film cartridge, thread it through the take-up spool, and close the back.
   • The camera automatically advances the film after each shot and rewinds it neatly into the canister when you're done.

6. Flash:

   • The built-in flash pops up when needed. It's effective for fill-in flash or low-light situations.
   • You can also force the flash to fire even in bright conditions.

7. DX Coding:

   • The DLX reads DX codes on film canisters to determine the film's ISO (ASA) rating. It supports ISO 50 to 3200.
   • If you're using non-DX-coded film, the camera defaults to ISO 100.

8. Viewfinder and LCD:

   • The real-image viewfinder is small but surprisingly clear. It displays focus indicators and exposure information.
   • There's no LCD screen; everything you need to know is visible through the viewfinder.

9. Battery and Power:

   • The camera runs on a single CR123A lithium battery. These batteries are widely available and provide excellent longevity.

10. Sample Images:

    • The Stylus Epic DLX produces sharp, contrasty images with vibrant colors.
    • Its lens quality is impressive, especially considering its compact size.