Canon AS-6
Released in 1986, the Canon AS-6 ( aka- Aqua Snappy) is a budget water camera that can dive to 10m. The feature list is not very extensive. There is a flash, controlled by an easy to spot lever on the top. ISO is DX read for 100 or 400 film only. Focus, exposer, film advance, and rewind. All powered by two AAA batteries.
The AS-6 is not the most advanced beach camera or point and shoot, but it is a decent take-along camera. Think of it as an ok point and shoot in a sturdy case that you don’t have to worry about around water. The lens is a 35mm f4.5, so the flash will come in handy if you hope to get any shot out of the sun.
My Take:
I love a good beach camera, especially one that runs on AA or AAA batteries. The build feels solid and makes me think the 10m rating would be fine (I did not push it, but got a swimming a way shot of one of my local sea turtles from a kayak). The image quality was decent and operation is simple. When you are swimming, kayaking, playing in the water, etc., having a quick point and shoot can be just enough.
I enjoyed the AS-6. Not as much as the Canon Sure Shot A1 but more than the Minolta Weathermatic Dual 35. Take it to the beach, get in the water the AS-6 can take it. Do remember to clean and check the seals first.
Lens: Canon 35mm f4.5
Film: Kodacolor 200
