Olympus AZ-1 Zoom

The Olympus AZ-1 Zoom, released in the late 1980s, was one of the first compact cameras to feature a built-in zoom lens. It carries a 35-70mm f/3.5-6.7 lens and offers a range of automated features including autofocus and auto-exposure. The camera is notable for its distinct, somewhat bulky industrial design and its sophisticated-for-the-time macro mode. It uses a CR-P2 battery to power its motorised zoom and film transport systems. We pay close attention to the motorised zoom mechanism on the AZ-1, ensuring it moves smoothly without grinding. The battery contacts are inspected for leaks from old lithium cells. We check the accuracy of the active infrared autofocus system and ensure the flash recycling time is consistent. As these cameras rely heavily on early electronic circuits, we verify that all LCD segments are visible and the film transport functions correctly under load.