📷 Chinon Auto GL-S – A simple and practical film compact

The Chinon Auto GL-S is a compact camera released in the 80s, designed to be easy to use on a daily basis. It works with 35 mm film , requires no manual adjustments , and advances the film automatically. Its lens is fixed, which means it does not zoom, but it is suitable for most common situations: landscapes, portraits, family moments...

With its built-in flash that activates automatically when the light is low, its simple ergonomics and its sliding shutter to protect the lens , it is a good choice for those who want to get into film photography without complicating their lives.

✨ Main Features

• 📸 Camera type : Compact 35 mm automatic

• 🎞️ Film used : 35 mm (classic format, always easy to find)

• 🔍 Lens : 35mm fixed, f/4.5 aperture

• 🧠 Focus : Fixed (no need to focus, everything is sharp from ~1.5 m)

• 🔦 Built-in flash : Yes, activates automatically in low light

• 📏 Film Recognition : Reading DX encoding (automatic ISO)

• ⚖️ Weight : 200 grams

• 🔋 Battery : 1 3V lithium battery

🔧 Technical details

The 35mm lens is a classic for compact cameras. It offers a fairly wide angle of view, making it ideal for most scenes. It doesn't zoom, but this type of lens is often easier to use and allows for sharp images in good lighting conditions.

Exposure is automatic : the camera measures the light and sets the aperture and shutter speed to ensure the photo is correctly exposed. No manual adjustments are required, making it perfect for beginners.

The flash is built into the camera and fires when it gets dark. It's not adjustable, but it's enough to illuminate a close subject, such as a person or an object indoors.

The film transport is motorized , meaning that the camera advances the film automatically after each photo, which avoids having to do it by hand.

✅ What we like about this model

• Very easy to use : aim, press, that's it.

• Lightweight and compact : easily fits in a pocket or small bag.

• No focusing required : everything is sharp from a certain distance.

• Convenient automatic flash for dark scenes.

• Classic 35mm film , still widely available today.

🌆 In what situations should it be used?

• 🧳 When traveling : for quick and easy souvenir photos.

• 🎂 With family or friends : to capture spontaneous moments.

• 🌇 Outdoors, during the day : the fixed lens works very well with natural light.

• 📷 To get started in film photography : it's a camera that allows you to focus on framing without getting lost in the technique.

🏁 In summary

The Chinon Auto GL-S is a small, simple, and effective film camera. It's suitable for anyone who wants to take photos without worrying about settings. It's comfortable to hold, easy to carry, and captures decent-quality images, as long as there's enough light.

🎞️ A good starting point for those new to film photography or looking for a compact camera for easy outings.