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The Canon AF35ML was released in July of 1981. This camera was not a replacement
for the AF35M, the original Sure Shot. It was a camera aimed more at enthusiasts
than at the snap shooters; it cost 5000 Yen more at 47,800. Although Canon does not
claim it, this camera’s 40mm f/1.9 lens is commonly held to be the fastest lens on any
35mm point and shoot camera of this era if not of all time. There were three version
of this camera that looked identical. The first version of the AF35ML has an ISO
range of 25 – 400. The second has the ISO range extended to 1000. And in
September 1983, Canon released a version with a date imprinting feature on the
camera’s back.
The Canon AF35ML / Super Sure Shot is a fully automatic camera with program EE and
built-in flash. The cameras 40mm f/1.9 lens is paired with an electromagnetic
programmed shutter with a range from EV 4 (f/1.9 at 1/4 sec.) to 17 (f/18 at 1/400 sec.).
There is also a built-in electronic self-timer. The AF35ML’s auto focus system uses a
linear CCD array for triangulation of subject distance. Along with a different focusing
system, the camera has a new layout for the controls and different indicators in the
viewfinder. The viewfinder is a reversed Galilean type with projected frames. Within
the image area are the auto focus frame, in-focus LED indicators for near, medium,
and far distances, and parallax correction marks. Instead of a camera shake warning
light, the AF35ML has a beeper to indicate that the flash should be used.
With the new controls, come new ways to use the cameras features. Pre-focus /
Focus-lock are now accomplished by pressing the shutter release HALFWAY. This
allows the photographer to set the focus and then reframe the shot to achieve the
best composition. This is also useful for low contrast subjects that the camera may
have trouble with. The photographer focuses on an object the same distance from
the camera and then reframes the shot. Holding down the shutter button provides
continuous shooting up to the end of the roll of film. Another new control is the
mode selector on the rear of the camera. There are four positions; battery check,
off, on and self-timer. All of which are self explanatory.
Using this camera was a simple, easy and an enjoyable experience. While the
camera does not offer any manual control of exposure, it does offer the thoughtful
photographer a number of shooting choices. The camera beeps to warn of camera
shake, but it does not prevent you from taking the picture. Placing the camera on a
tripod will help prevent camera shake and allow for available light pictures.
Conversely, the camera allows the flash to be popped up for fill flash in daylight or
back lit pictures to ensure that the subject is properly lit. As mentioned, pre-focus
allows the subject to be composed off center when it is suitable.
Although some have complained that this camera’s focus system was not as accurate
or reliable as the near-infrared beam system used in the original Sure Shot, I had no
problems with mis focused or out of focus pictures. Duly, it can be noted that Canon
did return to the near-infrared beam in the upgraded AF35M II / Sure Shot II. I liked
the feel and performance of this camera and look forward to using it again.
Click the picture below to see examples from this camera on my Flickr.com site.
for the AF35M, the original Sure Shot. It was a camera aimed more at enthusiasts
than at the snap shooters; it cost 5000 Yen more at 47,800. Although Canon does not
claim it, this camera’s 40mm f/1.9 lens is commonly held to be the fastest lens on any
35mm point and shoot camera of this era if not of all time. There were three version
of this camera that looked identical. The first version of the AF35ML has an ISO
range of 25 – 400. The second has the ISO range extended to 1000. And in
September 1983, Canon released a version with a date imprinting feature on the
camera’s back.
The Canon AF35ML / Super Sure Shot is a fully automatic camera with program EE and
built-in flash. The cameras 40mm f/1.9 lens is paired with an electromagnetic
programmed shutter with a range from EV 4 (f/1.9 at 1/4 sec.) to 17 (f/18 at 1/400 sec.).
There is also a built-in electronic self-timer. The AF35ML’s auto focus system uses a
linear CCD array for triangulation of subject distance. Along with a different focusing
system, the camera has a new layout for the controls and different indicators in the
viewfinder. The viewfinder is a reversed Galilean type with projected frames. Within
the image area are the auto focus frame, in-focus LED indicators for near, medium,
and far distances, and parallax correction marks. Instead of a camera shake warning
light, the AF35ML has a beeper to indicate that the flash should be used.
With the new controls, come new ways to use the cameras features. Pre-focus /
Focus-lock are now accomplished by pressing the shutter release HALFWAY. This
allows the photographer to set the focus and then reframe the shot to achieve the
best composition. This is also useful for low contrast subjects that the camera may
have trouble with. The photographer focuses on an object the same distance from
the camera and then reframes the shot. Holding down the shutter button provides
continuous shooting up to the end of the roll of film. Another new control is the
mode selector on the rear of the camera. There are four positions; battery check,
off, on and self-timer. All of which are self explanatory.
Using this camera was a simple, easy and an enjoyable experience. While the
camera does not offer any manual control of exposure, it does offer the thoughtful
photographer a number of shooting choices. The camera beeps to warn of camera
shake, but it does not prevent you from taking the picture. Placing the camera on a
tripod will help prevent camera shake and allow for available light pictures.
Conversely, the camera allows the flash to be popped up for fill flash in daylight or
back lit pictures to ensure that the subject is properly lit. As mentioned, pre-focus
allows the subject to be composed off center when it is suitable.
Although some have complained that this camera’s focus system was not as accurate
or reliable as the near-infrared beam system used in the original Sure Shot, I had no
problems with mis focused or out of focus pictures. Duly, it can be noted that Canon
did return to the near-infrared beam in the upgraded AF35M II / Sure Shot II. I liked
the feel and performance of this camera and look forward to using it again.
Click the picture below to see examples from this camera on my Flickr.com site.
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| Phoenix, Arizona Photography Enthusiast Specializing in Portrait, Landscape and Fine Art Photography |
