Morning at Le Train Bleu: The Olympus Mju-II Strikes Again

After flaunting my Olympus Mju-II around the sunny Canary Islands and Parisian streets at night (check out those two blogposts if you want to find out more about my Olympus mju-ii performance in different lighting conditions) I decided to take it for a spin in a more sophisticated setting: the legendary Le Train Bleu in Paris. This time, I teamed up with the fabulous Parisian blogger, Melodie Bance (IG @melodiebance), for a morning shoot that promised elegance, charm, and a touch of that unmistakable film magic. Spoiler alert: the Mju-II didn’t disappoint.

Morning Glory with the Mju-II

Morning Light Love Affair: Forget the golden hour—morning light is where it’s at. As the soft rays spilled through the grand windows of Le Train Bleu, the Mju-II’s 35mm f/2.8 lens gobbled it up, delivering sharp and vibrant shots that made me fall in love with this camera all over again.

The Scratchy Saga: Here’s the twist: the Mju-II wasn’t done with its diva behavior just yet. During this shoot, the camera still had a minor issue with scratching the film, which is visible in some of the attached photos. But like a true underdog story, this problem mysteriously disappeared in subsequent shoots. So, consider these scratches as the camera’s signature flair—an extra dash of vintage character.

Picture-Perfect Performance: Who knew this little ’90s gem could handle indoor photography with such finesse? The automatic exposure and autofocus were on point, capturing Melodie and the restaurant’s opulent decor with crystal-clear precision. The Mju-II proved it’s not just a pretty face; it’s got substance, too.

Tips for Mju-II Morning Magic

If you’re thinking of capturing some indoor morning magic with your Olympus Mju-II, here are a few tips to help you get those picture-perfect shots:

Embrace the Natural Light: Morning light is soft and flattering, so place your subjects near windows making sure they face the light to make the most of it. Your Mju-II will thank you.

Overcome Film Scratches: Dealing with film scratches? Fear not. While waiting it out as I did might not always be the solution, there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue. Consider giving your vintage camera a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to the film path and rollers. Sometimes, a simple maintenance routine can work wonders and improve the camera's performance.

Play with Angles: Le Train Bleu’s stunning interiors were the perfect playground for experimenting with angles. Don’t be shy—move around and get creative with your compositions. During this shoot we practically tried out all the tables, to the surprise of waiters and personnel.

Trust the Camera: The Mju-II’s automatic settings are surprisingly reliable. Let the camera do its thing and focus on capturing the moment. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Final Thoughts

The Olympus Mju-II continues to prove why it’s a beloved cult classic. Whether basking in the morning light at Le Train Bleu or soaking up the sun in the Canary Islands, this little camera delivers time and time again. It’s quirky, charming, and undeniably fun to use.

For a glimpse of the magic, check out the "mju photo examples" from my morning shoot with Melodie Bance. Each photo captures the essence of Parisian elegance and the timeless allure of film photography—even with those quirky scratches.

So, if you’re on the fence about diving into the world of film, let the Mju-II be your guide. It’s compact, cool, and oh-so-reliable. Happy shooting!

To kick things up a notch, on that very same day, I opted to shoot a roll of film with my trusty Canon EOS 33, the professional workhorse in my arsenal. My intention? A head-to-head comparison of these two camera titans, allowing me to gauge their performance side by side.

Armed with a roll of black and white film, I set out to capture Le Train Bleu through Canon's 50mm 1.8 lens. But alas, it was a bad focus day for my Canon, resulting in unexpectedly soft and dreamy photos. Surprisingly, the Mju-II outshone it with its sharper images, proving that sometimes, even the underdog can steal the show. While my Canon may have had a hiccup in focus, the ethereal quality of the images adds an unexpected charm to the collection.

It goes to show that even in the world of professional photography, the Mju-II holds its own as a reliable and versatile companion.

And who wins this comparison in your opinion?