📷 Fujifilm DL-312 Zoom – A simple, versatile and well-designed film zoom
Released in the mid-90s, the Fujifilm DL-312 Zoom , also known as the Discovery 312 Zoom , is a compact film camera designed for simplicity and versatility. This model is distinguished by its Fujinon 38–120 mm zoom lens and a convenient film loading system called Drop-In Loading : you insert the film, close the back, and the camera does the rest.
With its autofocus , built-in flash , pre-programmed shooting modes (night, landscape, panorama) and simple CR123A battery power , it's a perfect camera for beginners or users looking to take film photos without complications.
✨ Main Features
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📸 Type : 35mm automatic compact camera
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🎞️ Film used : 35 mm (standard)
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🔍 Lens : Fujinon 38–120 mm zoom, 7 elements (including 2 aspherical)
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🧠 Focus : Autofocus with more than 600 zones
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⚡ Built-in flash : Automatic, with red-eye reduction
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🎛️ Modes : Auto, night, landscape, panorama
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📽️ Movie loading : Drop-In Loading (automatic loading after insertion)
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📤 Forward/rewind : Motorized
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🔋 Power supply : 1 CR123A lithium battery (3V)
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📏 Dimensions : A little bulky, but still compact
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⚖️ Weight : ~300 g (with battery)
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📎 Japanese Name : Zoom Cardia Super 312 Date (Date Version)
🔧 Technical details
The Fujinon 38–120 mm lens covers a wide focal range, allowing you to photograph both wide scenes (landscapes, groups of people) and more distant subjects . Optical quality is there with EBC (Electron Beam Coating) treatment and two aspherical lenses to limit distortion.
The autofocus is based on an active infrared detection system, with more than 600 focus points . The viewfinder adapts to the selected focal length to help with framing. The automatic flash manages light well, with an anti-red-eye mode for portraits.
The Drop-In loading system is a real plus: simply insert the film, pull the leader strip a little, and close. The device takes care of the loading and rewinding. Simple, fast, and efficient.
✅ Highlights
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Convenient 38–120mm extended zoom for multiple types of photography
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Easy movie loading (Drop-In Loading)
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Automatic flash with red-eye reduction
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Useful shooting modes for different situations
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Reliable autofocus , even in low light
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Easy to use , everything is automated
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Good build quality , despite a somewhat massive size
🌆 Ideal for…
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🧳 Travel or walks , thanks to its versatile zoom
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👫 Portraits and scenes of life , indoors and outdoors
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🌄 Landscapes , with the dedicated mode
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🌙 Night scenes , with night mode
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🧼 A first approach to film photography , without the hassle
🏁 In summary
The Fujifilm DL-312 Zoom is a very complete automatic film camera for its time. Its 38–120 mm zoom , fast focusing , built-in modes and simple loading system make it a truly practical everyday camera. It is a little larger than some compacts, but remains easy to carry and very simple to use.
🎞️ A good device for those who want to get started in film photography with a reliable, complete model without technical difficulties.
