NickTrop
Veteran
I got a wicked gas attack and being a sucker for "off the beaten path" cameras I stumbled upon this little Olympus point-n-shoot beauty I never heard of... $10 couldn't resist. It's the Olympus Infinity II. Weatherproof, 35mm f2.8 lens (like the Stylus Epic), macro mode(?), "black" (cause, you know, I'm a serious photographer...), clamshell design. (A bit bigger than the Stylus Epic, but I like the fact that the flash is further from the lens...) I have a feeling I stumbled upon a little sleeper, maybe. Anyway...
Almost no info on the web about this camera -- some sample pics, that's about it. No manuals. Does anyone have any insights into this thing? Specifically, what kind of battery it takes? Thanks.
Almost no info on the web about this camera -- some sample pics, that's about it. No manuals. Does anyone have any insights into this thing? Specifically, what kind of battery it takes? Thanks.
NickTrop
Veteran
What?!? A point and shooter with a 35/2.8 Zuiko that has macro mode?!?! (And weather proof, and clamshell design, and $10 clams...) See? Little flower. Macro mode. I wasn't foolin'! I know more about range finders than point-n-shooters, but I don't recall this being a common feature. Can't think of one that has it. Maybe the Stylus Epic. Dunno, never owned one.
NickTrop
Veteran
Apparently, this was sold on QVC in 1990...
"Infinity II" fully automatic 35mm autofocus lens-shutter camera. F2.8 lens. Programmed electronic shutter; focusing range 2.5ft to infinity, automatic exposure control. Self-timer. Automatic: film loading, film advance, rewind, flash. Automatic DX settings for ISO 50-3200. LED battery check in viewfinder. Weather-proof sealing system proects from water, dust and sand. Uses (1) 6 volt lithium battery (included). 1 year LMW. Dimension: 5"W x 2.5"H x 1.8"D. Weighs 7.9 oz. without battery. MAY 90 CATALOG
So I assume it's taking the ole PX28 lithium "photo" battery.
Thanks, same...
"Infinity II" fully automatic 35mm autofocus lens-shutter camera. F2.8 lens. Programmed electronic shutter; focusing range 2.5ft to infinity, automatic exposure control. Self-timer. Automatic: film loading, film advance, rewind, flash. Automatic DX settings for ISO 50-3200. LED battery check in viewfinder. Weather-proof sealing system proects from water, dust and sand. Uses (1) 6 volt lithium battery (included). 1 year LMW. Dimension: 5"W x 2.5"H x 1.8"D. Weighs 7.9 oz. without battery. MAY 90 CATALOG
So I assume it's taking the ole PX28 lithium "photo" battery.
Thanks, same...
NickTrop
Veteran
The po' man's Stylus Epic. (Have you seen the prices those things are going for lately? Crazy...) Fun thing about point-n-shooters. They made a gazillion of them... you can always for something fun/weird.
At this point, I'm obviously talking to myself, so Imma bailin'. But would love to hear from anyone who know anything about this camera.
At this point, I'm obviously talking to myself, so Imma bailin'. But would love to hear from anyone who know anything about this camera.
farlymac
PF McFarland
You made me go dig through the pile, Nick, but I don't have that model. Looks pretty much abused, so don't get your hopes up yet. Still, if the lens is anywhere close to being the same as the Epic/Miu II, you could have a jewel in the rough. I'm of the opinion though that the AF versions were reformulated, or made from different materials to hit a price point when marketing each model.
PF
PF
Taipei-metro
Veteran
Japan version Af-1 Super?
The Red Eye by Strange Artifact, on Flickr
1st sold, 1989, ￥36,800, fast flash, recycle time 1 sec
(not my photo)
The Red Eye by Strange Artifact, on Flickr1st sold, 1989, ￥36,800, fast flash, recycle time 1 sec
(not my photo)
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Unlikely - the PX-28 (originally a stack of four silver oxide button cells, the Lithium version is a late substitute) is a meter battery from the seventies, it won't drive a motor for more than a film or two. Assuming it to be a discounted AF-1 Super, it will take a CRP-2.
btgc
Veteran
AF-1 Super needs CRP2, 6V block (essentially like two couple CR123 in one case).
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
The camera in question might also be a stripped down variant of the (later, externally similar) AF-10 Super, with some features removed to match QVC's price point. That one had a combination battery holder that fit either a CR123 or two AAA. We'd really need a glimpse of the battery compartment.
But in any case, the camera will use some fairly readily available battery type. Battery standardization did not end until the flat-pack proprietary lithium battery age somewhere in the late nineties, so there are almost no film cameras that take a proprietary battery - and the only standard batteries that have entirely vanished (for other reasons) are the mercury cells used on light meters until the early to mid seventies (much earlier than this camera).
btgc
Veteran
Right, almost. Fuji TW-3 P&S needed 2/3A lithium battery, yet it were supposed to be replaced by technicians (soldered into circuit?). De facto it is standard size, but...yes, standard. I can even order it for almost eur9. So TW-3 doesn't qualify as camera running on Unobtainium batteries.
NickTrop
Veteran
Awesome! I know I came to the right place. Glad I didn't spring for the battery! Yeah -- it's a beater. But I couldn't. resist. Eh - $10. No biggie if it's a paperweight. Hope not but won't be crushed. Now I have GAS for an AF-1 in good condition!
Thanks for the info all! Most knowledgeable group on the subject of photogear on the internets. I knew I came to the right place.
Thanks for the info all! Most knowledgeable group on the subject of photogear on the internets. I knew I came to the right place.
NickTrop
Veteran
Not sure if it's a "discounted" AF 1. It seems like it's the next model, the "AF 1 Super" which Taipei-metro posted. They're identical. This is a post on a Flickr thread that was discussin the AF-1, Infinity II:
"This [AF-1] is a really nice camera with a really good lens, but the 'un-defeatable' flash is annoying. The next model was called the Infinity II here in the US and it's an improved version of the original Infinity, or AF-1 outside of the US. The Infinity II has a flash that can be turned on or off, or set to auto. It still has the nice f/2.8 lens although the Zuiko name has been dropped. The body is also a bit more rounded and overall the camera looks better. This family of cameras were sleeper stars in my opinion, and I've gotten some really amazing shots with them."
So, I'm assuming that the AF 1 = Infinity, AF 1 Super = Infinity II.
https://www.flickr.com/groups/compact35/discuss/72157608511669208/
"This [AF-1] is a really nice camera with a really good lens, but the 'un-defeatable' flash is annoying. The next model was called the Infinity II here in the US and it's an improved version of the original Infinity, or AF-1 outside of the US. The Infinity II has a flash that can be turned on or off, or set to auto. It still has the nice f/2.8 lens although the Zuiko name has been dropped. The body is also a bit more rounded and overall the camera looks better. This family of cameras were sleeper stars in my opinion, and I've gotten some really amazing shots with them."
So, I'm assuming that the AF 1 = Infinity, AF 1 Super = Infinity II.
https://www.flickr.com/groups/compact35/discuss/72157608511669208/
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Late to this party, sorry. I have this exact model. A thrift store find, as well. Mine has a battery diagram on the inside of the door, and specifies "CR-P2 or DL223A, 6V".
Unfortunately I have no idea where my sample shots are.
Unfortunately I have no idea where my sample shots are.
NickTrop
Veteran
Correct. Still can't find a manual (even on Olympus' site) but the AF-1 takes the CRP-2. I'm going to assume they use the same battery and order. (How many 6v lithium cells can there be?)
Thanks again!
NickTrop
Veteran
Battery confirmed! Thanks! What did you think? I think this will assume the esteemed role of "car beater" (if it works).
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
I probably only ran one roll through it, I went through a phase at one of the local thrift stores. I think I picked up three or four Olympi over a few months and in its defense, the Infinity II was the only fully functional one in the bunch.
Anyway, I wear glasses and the finder didn't give me enough eye relief, and it's clunky for a P&S camera. So it was shoved into a drawer. Also, I find 35/2.8 quite easy to scale focus, and I have a stable of Minox 35s...
Anyway, I wear glasses and the finder didn't give me enough eye relief, and it's clunky for a P&S camera. So it was shoved into a drawer. Also, I find 35/2.8 quite easy to scale focus, and I have a stable of Minox 35s...
jamesj
Well-known
Barely saw this thread
Here is the Infinity S I picked up at the goodwill awhile ago. fun camera, has a 3.5 lens, bad thing about it is you never know if the flash will fire. It always seems to go off even in bright daylight.
Here is the Infinity S I picked up at the goodwill awhile ago. fun camera, has a 3.5 lens, bad thing about it is you never know if the flash will fire. It always seems to go off even in bright daylight.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
As I see it it goes AF-1, AF-1 Mini, Infinity Stylus or µ-I and then finally the panorama version of the µ-I in 1992, then the µ-II in '97 followed by the panorama version.
And to confuse things there's the various Trip versions and the AF-10 and so on. There's probably more but those are what I've had and used. The AF-1 Mini seems to be the nicest small-but-non-µ-I/II and the bigger AF-1 takes a more than decent picture.
I'd love to know how the lenses were made up and so on...
Regards, David
As I see it it goes AF-1, AF-1 Mini, Infinity Stylus or µ-I and then finally the panorama version of the µ-I in 1992, then the µ-II in '97 followed by the panorama version.
And to confuse things there's the various Trip versions and the AF-10 and so on. There's probably more but those are what I've had and used. The AF-1 Mini seems to be the nicest small-but-non-µ-I/II and the bigger AF-1 takes a more than decent picture.
I'd love to know how the lenses were made up and so on...
Regards, David
NickTrop
Veteran
So -- I got lucky yesterday, when I came home from work both the camera and the (correct -- thanks again, all) battery -- yes, it takes the CR P2 6v lithiun, had arrived in the mail (much faster than expected -- three days, I think). The camera is in much better condition than the pics posted, which were from the online auction I bought the camera from. The scratching isn't nearly as evident. Apart from the wording etched into the top of the camera, I'd call it near-mint. Based on build quality, I'd say this was an upmarket point-n-shooter. It's well made and definitely has a bit of heft to it. I loaded it up with battery and some BW400CN and it snapped into action. Film loaded, LCD activated, ready to go without a hitch.
I'll post a full review here after I run a roll or two through it. However, here are some intitial impressions:
Good
- Weatherproof
- f2.8 Tessar (probably the 4/4 "Unar" varient, as the faster 2.8's often are in point-n-shooters. That's just a guess.) No "Zuiko" marking -- not sure if that means anything.
- Plastic, of course, but good build quality. Good "weight" not to light, not too heavy...
- Clamshell design, which does double duty as the on/off switch
- Continuous shoot mode (four frames) "I think". Pretty sure it has this feature, but I didn't try it as I didn't want to waste the frames.
- Full flash control -- auto, fill, off, and "macro"*
- Lens does not protrude outside the camera body. No whirring focus motor, the camera, therefore --
- is on and ready to go instantly.
- Olympus ESP Quick Flash system = fast 1 second recycle time.
- The flash is set off to the right of the lens so this "should" theoretically reduce the degree of "red eye" (this, I've read, is an issue with the Stylus Epic -- a concession to compactness. The flash is right above the lens -- too close, results in a lot of severe red eye shots when the flash is used...)
* I'm not sure, but doubt, that this camera has a true "macro mode", despit the universal "flower" emblem. My guess is that this just powers down the flash when close in.
- Very fast autofocus. Instantaneous. I can not speak to accuracy as I haven't had any rolls processed yet.
- DX range from 100-3200
The Bad
- VERY sensitive shutter release. Too sensitive. More so than other cameras I've owned. This will take some getting used to. You have to be careful when setting focus by 1/2-pressing the release. I took around 5 shots last night, two were by accident when I was just trying to 1/2-press the shutter.
- The camera doesn't seem to tell you when you're too close-in for focus. The "focus" light always seems to engage, unlike the Yashica T3 I have which flashes if you're out of the camera's focus range.
- Film advance motor as noisy as any other point-n-shoots. Noisier than the Yashica T3 I own.
- There is no "silent mode" like the Yashica T3, whereby you can delay the film advance motor by keeping the shutter release depressed. (The film advance motor engages upon release...)
- The camera doesn't remember your flash mode shot to shot, and resets itself to auto (like many others)
- This is a "neck dangler" not a pocket camera.
- No +/- exposure -- in backlighting you'll have to use the flash.
- No manual ISO setting
______________
Overall, this camera meets my requirements for a viable/usable point-n-shoot. which are:
1. An f2.8 lens. (Can't do f3.5 -- too slow. Sorry.)
2. Weatherproof
3. Ability to turn off the flash.
4. Inset fixed lens that doesn't protrude outside the camera body
5. "Instant on".
6. Strong preference for a "clamshell" design or similar where the "lens door" acts as an on/off switch.
I like point-n-shoot cameras but my criteria for owning/using them is pretty strict. Given its build quality and the other nice features it has, if the picture quality meets my expectations -- no reason to think that it won't, as Olympus, I'm sure, can bang out a decent, coated Tessar design. Preliminary, then, I'd say this camera is a "sleeper"/"score". Bottom line? $10 well spent. (Okay, around $30 with shipping and the battery...)
I won't like it as much as my Yashica T3, however. I regard that as a brilliant camera and the closest a camera company has ever come making the prefect stealth street shooter, at any price point, due to its NA (new angle) scope/waist-level finder, weatherproofing, clamshell(esque) on/off design, T* coated 2.8 Zeiss Tessar, and "stealth" film motor advance feature, and non-protruding/inset lens that focuses silently and instantly in any/all lighting conditions, including pitch black (IR focus). (I would literally sell an M3 if one was handed to me and buy several of these... Call me crazy, but that's what I'd do...)
I'll post a full review here after I run a roll or two through it. However, here are some intitial impressions:
Good
- Weatherproof
- f2.8 Tessar (probably the 4/4 "Unar" varient, as the faster 2.8's often are in point-n-shooters. That's just a guess.) No "Zuiko" marking -- not sure if that means anything.
- Plastic, of course, but good build quality. Good "weight" not to light, not too heavy...
- Clamshell design, which does double duty as the on/off switch
- Continuous shoot mode (four frames) "I think". Pretty sure it has this feature, but I didn't try it as I didn't want to waste the frames.
- Full flash control -- auto, fill, off, and "macro"*
- Lens does not protrude outside the camera body. No whirring focus motor, the camera, therefore --
- is on and ready to go instantly.
- Olympus ESP Quick Flash system = fast 1 second recycle time.
- The flash is set off to the right of the lens so this "should" theoretically reduce the degree of "red eye" (this, I've read, is an issue with the Stylus Epic -- a concession to compactness. The flash is right above the lens -- too close, results in a lot of severe red eye shots when the flash is used...)
* I'm not sure, but doubt, that this camera has a true "macro mode", despit the universal "flower" emblem. My guess is that this just powers down the flash when close in.
- Very fast autofocus. Instantaneous. I can not speak to accuracy as I haven't had any rolls processed yet.
- DX range from 100-3200
The Bad
- VERY sensitive shutter release. Too sensitive. More so than other cameras I've owned. This will take some getting used to. You have to be careful when setting focus by 1/2-pressing the release. I took around 5 shots last night, two were by accident when I was just trying to 1/2-press the shutter.
- The camera doesn't seem to tell you when you're too close-in for focus. The "focus" light always seems to engage, unlike the Yashica T3 I have which flashes if you're out of the camera's focus range.
- Film advance motor as noisy as any other point-n-shoots. Noisier than the Yashica T3 I own.
- There is no "silent mode" like the Yashica T3, whereby you can delay the film advance motor by keeping the shutter release depressed. (The film advance motor engages upon release...)
- The camera doesn't remember your flash mode shot to shot, and resets itself to auto (like many others)
- This is a "neck dangler" not a pocket camera.
- No +/- exposure -- in backlighting you'll have to use the flash.
- No manual ISO setting
______________
Overall, this camera meets my requirements for a viable/usable point-n-shoot. which are:
1. An f2.8 lens. (Can't do f3.5 -- too slow. Sorry.)
2. Weatherproof
3. Ability to turn off the flash.
4. Inset fixed lens that doesn't protrude outside the camera body
5. "Instant on".
6. Strong preference for a "clamshell" design or similar where the "lens door" acts as an on/off switch.
I like point-n-shoot cameras but my criteria for owning/using them is pretty strict. Given its build quality and the other nice features it has, if the picture quality meets my expectations -- no reason to think that it won't, as Olympus, I'm sure, can bang out a decent, coated Tessar design. Preliminary, then, I'd say this camera is a "sleeper"/"score". Bottom line? $10 well spent. (Okay, around $30 with shipping and the battery...)
I won't like it as much as my Yashica T3, however. I regard that as a brilliant camera and the closest a camera company has ever come making the prefect stealth street shooter, at any price point, due to its NA (new angle) scope/waist-level finder, weatherproofing, clamshell(esque) on/off design, T* coated 2.8 Zeiss Tessar, and "stealth" film motor advance feature, and non-protruding/inset lens that focuses silently and instantly in any/all lighting conditions, including pitch black (IR focus). (I would literally sell an M3 if one was handed to me and buy several of these... Call me crazy, but that's what I'd do...)
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Fingers crossed for your negatives, seeing as you're invested a bit more than I thought. Meanwhile, I located my test shots, but they're from a family event, I won't post them here. My scanning and PP skills are mediocre at best, anyway.