Olympu mju-1 (mju-2) help needed

[Dan_Porst]

Hello,

when I half press shutter button, I expect lens to extend to focus, but I only get light near viewfinder. Only when I fully press shutter button does the lens fully extend and shutter fires.
Also, I do not get lights from focus assistance lamps (viewed from external digital camera that can capture this spectrum).

I picked up this banged up camera and would really like to restore it.

Please help!
Daniel

 

[Rodchenko]

That's how it works, I'm afraid. I find the added delay something I can live with, though it can be frustrating in street work.

 

[nongfuspring]

Have you shot a roll with it? If it comes out fine, then great, if not, then buy another one. They're dirt cheap and not worth fixing, you should be able to get one for less than $20.

I don't remember mine too clearly since I only used it for a couple of rolls (I didn't like it) but I think the lens only moves after the shutter button has been fully depressed.

 

[btgc]

Mine after years of use give up prefocusing, I had to purchase parts camera and replace tiny oval shaped spring under release button.

 

[Ranchu]

That's how it works, but I don't know if your IR focusing is working. Get three (mju 1) feet from a wall and point it at the wall and fire it, note how far the lens moves out. Turn around and point it at a far wall and do the same. It shouldn't come out nearly as far. If that's the case, test it with film.

 

[pvdhaar]

Also, I do not get lights from focus assistance lamps (viewed from external digital camera that can capture this spectrum).

Can't see it on mine either, but still works as a charm. It would have to be very dark to not have ambient overpower the IR beam, plus, if it is actually very dark, the Mju-I activates the red front LED which also overpowers the IR beam..

 

[lynnb]

I buy Mjus from charity stores for $5 each. Cheaper to buy another than repair, if you do find there's a problem with it.

 

[btgc]

I think film Mjus don't have to have AF assist as it employs near-IR beam to focus and that thing is invisible to naked eye.

 

[pvdhaar]

I think film Mjus don't have to have AF assist as it employs near-IR beam to focus and that thing is invisible to naked eye.

Correct, the red LED in front is not a focus assist. Primary function is to signal self timer action. Why Olympus decided to light it when ambient is low is not entirely clear to me; the Mju-I manual states that it does so, but not why. Maybe as an extra provision for red-eye reduction on top of what the flash setting can do, maybe as a helper light to see what you're focusing on.. who knows?

 

[Dan_Porst]

Thank you very much!
This is what I wanted to hear.
Will try focusing to near and far object and measure lens extension, but I believe everything is OK!