Do you like film cameras? If you want to keep one close at hand for spur of the moment snapshots, you might try a the Olympus Infinity Junior 35mm film camera. In 2011, I was lucky enough to find one of these treasures in one of Tallahassee, Florida’s excellent Goodwill Thrift Stores.
Around the world, the Olympus Infinity Jr was also known as the Olympus AF-10 Super or Super Picasso Mini (in Japan). It is a small fully automated point and shoot camera. Exposure control, focus, flash activation, and film advance all handled by the camera. All of this automation makes the Infinity Junior very convenient for taking snapshots. The Olympus Infinity Jr even has a clamshell case that slides over the lens when the camera is not in use. The hard plastic does a great job of protecting the lens and it’s nice not to have to fuss with a lens cap. You don’t even need a camera case for this camera. All it really needs is a generously sized front pocket. While some vintage cameras require hard-to-find batteries, the Olympus Infinity Junior is happy with two AAA batteries.
If you are used to the ongoing mega-zoom competition among digital cameras, you might be concerned that this vintage camera lacks zoom capability. It has a fixed focal length (f/3.5) lens. So, if you want a close up, you’ll have to walk right up to your subject. Since the camera has a self-timer, you can even get right in the picture with your subject. I found the fixed focal length to be an interesting mental challenge. Without a manual, I remain unsure of how to use the focus lock feature on this camera that proves so useful on my Canon AF35M II SureShot Autoboy II.
Since this camera is fully automated, the photographer has to focus on composing the scene in the viewfinder. If you’ve ever taken pictures with a digital camera when the sun is behind you, you’ll appreciate having a real viewfinder. You simply don’t have to worry about the sun’s glare making an LCD difficult to see. Of course, as one member of film-photography.org reminded me, you shouldn’t look at the sun through a viewfinder because it is a magnifier. It was a timely reminder as I do like shooting sunsets.
When I tested the Olympus Infinity Junior with a roll of expired Kodak 400 film, it provided excellent photographs. The little camera even handled some difficult lighting situations very well. For example a brilliantly reflective glass office building turned out only slightly over-exposed. Deeply shaded cypress trees against a white sand background also produced very good results. The Olympus Infinity Junior is simply a very competent film camera.
Although many film photographers like the quirkiness of lomography or antique cameras with metal cameras covered in rich leather, there is something nice about having a mature, reliable, and thoroughly modern film camera. This camera is certainly an example of how you can save money with a retro lifestyle. The Infinity Junior takes excellent pictures, fits in a front pocket, and costs less than $10 at most thrift stores or online auction sites.
Sources:
“Acquisition: Olympus Infinity Jr.”, JJ Lee, theshuttergoesclick.blogspot.com.
“Olympus AF-10 Super”, Camerapedia.
Other articles by this contributor:
Six Reasons to Try a Film Camera – Again
Seven Magnificent Cameras to Save Film Photography
Vintage Camera Review: Minolta SRT-201 35mm Film SLR Camera