Canon Prima Zoom - Canon's first autofocus compact camera with zoom 📷🎞️
Released in 1988, the Canon Prima Zoom marked a turning point in Canon's history: it was the brand's first compact film camera to combine a zoom lens and autofocus. This model ushered in a new era of high-performance automatic point-and-shoot cameras , designed to make film photography even more accessible to the general public.
Also known as the Autoboy in Japan and the Sure Shot Zoom in the United States, it combines simple ergonomics, a versatile lens, and ease of use in a robust and reliable body. Its 35-70mm manual zoom provides welcome framing continuity, while autofocus and automatic exposure ensure sharp, well-exposed results without complicated settings.
Key features 📸
- 🔍 Camera type : Automatic point-and-shoot compact film camera
- 🎞️ Film format : 35 mm (24x36 mm)
- 🔭 Lens : Canon Lens 35-70mm f/3.5-6.7, manual zoom
- 🎯 Focus : Automatic autofocus
- ⚙️ Exposure : Automatic
- ⚡ Built-in flash : Yes, with automatic activation depending on the light
- ⏳ Self-timer : Yes, built-in
- 🔁 Film advance/rewind : Automatic
- 🔋 Power supply : 1 x 2CR5 battery (included)
- 🧱 Design : Compact and ergonomic, with manual zoom control
- 🏭 Origin : Canon, Japan, 1988
The combination of manual zoom and automatic zoom
Unlike many compact cameras with motorized zoom, the Canon Prima Zoom uses a manual zoom, allowing for smooth and precise control over composition. Automatic autofocus ensures fast and reliable focusing, while automatic exposure adjusts settings according to ambient light.
The 35-70mm lens offers great flexibility:
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35mm : ideal for landscapes and wide scenes
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70mm : perfect for portraits or subjects a little further away
The flash control is automatic, but a self-timer mode is also available for group photos or self-portraits.
Why choose the Canon Prima Zoom? ✔️
- 🔹 Canon's first compact camera with autofocus and zoom : a major breakthrough upon its release
- 🔹 35-70mm manual zoom : more precise control than a motorized zoom
- 🔹 Automatic autofocus : fast and reliable focusing
- 🔹 Automatic exposure and flash : maximum ease of use
- 🔹 Compact and robust : perfect for everyday use
- 🔹 2CR5 battery included : ready to use
Ideal for...
- 🎞️ Collectors and vintage film enthusiasts interested in early autofocus compact cameras
- 📸 Beginners looking for a simple device with good image quality
- 🧳 For travelers who want a compact, lightweight, and discreet camera
- 📷 Those who appreciate manual zoom for better framing control
In summary
The Canon Prima Zoom is an iconic 35mm film camera from the late 1980s. It combines the convenience of automatic functions (autofocus, exposure, flash) with the flexibility of a manual zoom, all in a lightweight and easy-to-use format. Perfect for those who want a reliable film camera that's simple to handle and offers that extra touch of manual control over framing.
A great choice for rediscovering film photography with Canon reliability and an added touch of control. 🎞️📷
