Olympus AF-1 Twin – Two fixed focal lengths, no half measures

Olympus AF-1 Twin – Two fixed focal lengths, no half measures

The Olympus AF-1 Twin isn't just any point-and-shoot camera. It dates back to a time when Olympus liked to experiment—for example, here, two fixed focal lengths in one body. Instead of a zoom, you get 35mm for everyday use and wide-angle, plus 70mm for portraits and close-up shots. Switching? At the touch of a button. And yes, it works surprisingly quickly.

The camera was launched in the late 1980s and is part of the well-known AF-1 series, which Olympus significantly advanced back then. What makes it special is that it's splash-proof (back then, they called it "All Weather") and quite robust. It's no wonder many of them still work reliably today.

Technical details in plain text

  • Two lenses: 35mm f/3.5 and 70mm f/6.3

  • Focus: Autofocus with lock (half-press shutter button)

  • Flash: built-in, with auto mode and red-eye reduction

  • ISO: Automatic DX coding, ISO 50–3200

  • Shutter speeds: 1/15s to 1/750s

  • Film transport: motorized, automatic forward and backward

  • Power: 2x CR123A lithium batteries

  • Weight: around 270 g

  • Weatherproof: yes, but not submersible

How she is doing

The camera is quick and easy to use. Load the film, close the lid, and off you go. The autofocus works reliably, as long as you're not shooting at dusk. Switching between the two lenses works at the touch of a button, making it particularly interesting for people who like a smooth change in angle of view but don't like a motorized zoom.

In good light, the AF-1 Twin delivers sharp, high-contrast images. The 35mm is pleasantly wide, while the 70mm appears a bit shallower, but is great for portraits or objects at medium distance.

Conclusion

The Olympus AF-1 Twin is a clever piece of technology—for anyone who wants more than just a focal length but isn't into zoom gimmicks. It's easy to use, weatherproof, reliable—and above all, it does what it's supposed to. It's not a cult classic like the mju II, but it's definitely underrated.

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