Canon AF35M
Introduced in 1979, The Canon AF35M was an automatic autofocus camera that helped anyone become a photographer. The AF35M was also known as the Autoboy in Japan and the Sure Shot in the US markets.
Several cameras claim the title as the first automatic, autofocus camera, what the AF35M brought to the game was a sophisticated focus system that used a near-infrared emitting diode (IRED) and a triangulation focus method that worked like a rangefinder to determine focus distance. The lens was then automatically adjusted to match.
ISO is set on the lens (up to 400 on mine). The flash is activated with a slide on the front of the camera. The system will give you a light to warn of low light, but you have to manually engage the flash. It will still take the shot in low light without a flash. That and the IRED focus make the AF35M as decent low light camera.
My Take:
The AF35M was followed by the AF35ML that had a faster lens. On paper I should like the ML better but there is something pleasing about the very plain and simple AF35M. It is not the fastest lens or the quietest camera, but it is a solid bit of late ‘70s tech that still feel nice to shoot. This is not a premium compact but it is a usable camera.
In the hand the AF35M is about the size as a Leica M body. Much lighter but about the same size. It has a quality feel and performed well for me. The images were good even on the expired FujiColor 100 I used. There were some spots on the negatives but they are due to the age of the film or the processing not the camera.
One odd thing is that you get an indication in the viewfinder after the shot to tell you the focus distance. Information I would have preferred before I take the shot. This is an automatic camera and if you use it that way, you should be pleased. Focus is centered with a complicated way to lock the focus to re-frame the shot using the self-timer lever. I found it strange so I didn’t bother with it. If you want all that control use a camera designed for more control. With the AF35M, don’t over think it, just aim and shoot.
Lens: Canon 38mm f2.8
Film: Expired FujiColor 100
