📷 Chinon Handyzoom 5001 – An innovative compact with intelligent zoom

Introduced at Photokina in 1988 , the Chinon Handyzoom 5001 is a pioneering 35mm film camera . It is the first camera in the world to offer zoom-assisted autoframing , capable of adjusting the focal length according to the subject's distance and position in the frame . The system, based on three autofocus zones , identifies the main subject and automatically adapts the 35–70mm motorized zoom to obtain the most suitable framing.

Designed for people photography , it offers an intuitive approach, with automatic exposure , a built-in flash coupled with zoom , and numerous functions accessible via small buttons located on the back or top of the device.

✨ Main Features

• 📸 Type : 35mm motorized compact camera

• 🎞️ Film used : 35 mm (24x36 mm, classic format)

• 🔍 Lens : Chinon 35–70 mm f/3.7–6.8 Zoom (8 elements, 6 groups)

• 🤖 Autofocus : Active infrared, 3 zones, from 0.9 m to infinity

• 🔁 Film advancement : Automatic (load, advance, rewind)

• ⚡ Built-in flash : Yes, coupled with zoom, can be disabled

• 🧠 Special function : Automatic framing by programmed zoom (assisted composition)

• ⏱️ Self-timer : Yes, electronic

• 📷 Shutter : From 1/4 s to 1/300 s

• 🔋 Power supply : 1 2CR5 (6V) lithium battery

• ⬆️ ISO sensitivity : ISO 25 to 1600 (DX reading only)

• 📏 Dimensions : 146 x 70 x 78 mm

• ⚖️ Weight : Approx. 420 g

• 🛠️ Additional functions : Buttons for flash, self-timer, manual rewind, spot autofocus

🔧 Technical details

The 35–70 mm motorized zoom automatically adapts to the scene when Auto Framing mode is enabled. The system uses three detection zones to locate the main subject and adjust the lens's field of view accordingly. This feature is especially effective for portraits or scenes with a single subject in the center.

The active autofocus system operates via infrared, with a minimum range of 0.9 m. Exposure is fully automatic (AE) , managed by the internal system according to brightness and film sensitivity ( DX encoding supported only ).

The flash is integrated and follows the selected focal length (it adapts its power according to the zoom). It can be deactivated if necessary.

✅ What we like

• 📐 Automatic programmed zoom , unique for the time

• 🤖 3-zone autofocus for better subject tracking

• ⚙️ Numerous functions easily accessible (dedicated buttons)

• ⚡ Intelligent flash , coupled with zoom, can be disabled

• 📸 Intuitive use , despite the on-board technology

• 📏 Robust but still compact format , good grip

🌆 Ideal for…

• 🧍 Portrait photography , indoors or outdoors

• 🎞️ Lovers of original compacts , with rare functions

• 📷 Capture spontaneous moments , with framing assistance

• 🧪 Explore the beginnings of "intelligent" photography , in film

• 🎁 A beautiful collector's item , functional and innovative for the time

🏁 In summary

The Chinon Handyzoom 5001 is not just another film compact: it is an innovative camera that introduced an idea that was still relatively uncommon at the time - automatic framing . With its motorized zoom, 3-zone autofocus, coupled flash, and good ergonomics, it offers an original photographic experience , especially for portrait lovers.

🎞️ A unique device, for taking pictures differently... at a time when film was already starting to think for you.