Canon AF35M and AF35ML...Any Tips?

camera.bear

camera.bear

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A week ago I found a Canon AF35M in good condition in a thrift store. I cleaned it up and it is ready to go.

2946861081_9c186536c1.jpg


Since then, I have been reading on the Sure Shot cameras and I decided to pick up a Canon AF35ML and do a shoot out of these 2 cameras. The AF35ML should be here in a few days.

Does anyone have any experience using these cameras and advise on what to watch out for when using them? Tips and Tricks?
 
The AF35ML is a good camera with a fast lens.

NYC nightclub photographers used to use them for nighttime shooting in dark clubs.

Both of these cameras use sort of crude AF with only a few steps.

Nothing to really have to know except set the ASA, point and shoot. Good sharp little lenses.
 
I've got a AF35M. It's very basic and in my usage the pictures were very average. I did previously own the AF35ML and it's got great glass making up it's lens. It clearly outperformed the AF35M. Having said that, the AF35ML's motor wind is about the loudest I've ever encountered. It was too loud and therefore too annoying for me so I sold it. It does take excellent pictures though. Matt Denton gives a little info about it.
http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/canon_af35ml.html
 
I've used both of them and like both of them. The lenses on both cameras are very sharp. I'm presently looking at what looks to me to be a very nice AF35M but I haven't bid on it yet. I presently have 3-4 MLs, and just 1 of the 35M. I've found that you can keep the MLs working properly by utilizing a small squirt of contact cleaner in and round the rotary switch on the back and working it a few times as well as a small squirt around the shutter button.

The only problem I've had with the ML is that you need to check the icon when you focus it, much depends on what you have to focus on. It may show a portrait icon rather than a scenic icon. I simply refocus on something else at the same range. It ML's lens is very sharp if you have it on the proper focus icon. Actually, both have a sharp lens.
 
camera.bear said:
... and advise on what to watch out for when using them? Tips and Tricks?
Click to expand...

Take due care when closing the back. The plastic "hook" on the back that engages the latch on the body to hold the backpanel closed is an extremely poor design. The hook is completely exposed and unsupported. In the years I ran camera stores the majority of AF35Ms that were brought in for repair had this hook snapped off. The only repair is to replace the back.

Otherwise, its a reasonably solid little camera with a rather good lens. Not quite up to the lens on the competing Nikon, the original L35AF which had an intellegently designed back latch.
 
The slow speed warning beep of the 35ML is annoying, but I found out how to stop it:

The silence of the cam
The "Caterpillar sound" of the advance motor can´t be cut off, unfortunately!

Beside that I´m not sure whether the icons in the finder of the 35ML only show the rough distance and the cam can focus in more accurate steps. The manual speaks about zone focus symbols and claims that the camera can focus a vast majority of subjects properly. I shot some rolls without really caring about the icons and got mostly correct focussed pictures.
 
petronius said:
Beside that I´m not sure whether the icons in the finder of the 35ML only show the rough distance and the cam can focus in more accurate steps.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure it has more steps than just 3. Ricoh FF-70 and 700 also show only three distances but manual states it has more steps..will look up...FF-700 has "10 focusing zones" so I think Canon also has more than just 3.
 
One trick to hide the noise is to hold the shutter button down after taking the shot, then put the camera inside your jacket before releasing the shutter button. Me, I don't care. I want people to know I'm using an old school film camera.

PF
 
While in the Ukraine during one cold winter a couple years back, I carried a ML inside my jacket and took it out to focus and shoot. The B&W pics came out really well, giving a certain look of old pics taken 20-30 years ago, or older. I really like the fact that you can utilize 48MM filters on the ML, and while browsing some lens hoods on Ebay, I found a rectangular rubber filter with a built in 1A filter which was made specificially for the ML. I wasn't aware that one existed. While you can use a 48MM round lens hood, I found that it interferes with the AF sensors to accurately AF. The rectangular ones don't affect the focusing. You never know you might find while just browsing around the internet. I suppose a rectangular screw on filter would also work.
 
Used to have one as well. It's a very nice cam and a good lens.
Gave my copy away (but still have the Nikon L35AF which is pretty similar).
 
Harlee said:
While in the Ukraine during one cold winter a couple years back, I carried a ML inside my jacket and took it out to focus and shoot. The B&W pics came out really well, giving a certain look of old pics taken 20-30 years ago, or older. I really like the fact that you can utilize 48MM filters on the ML, and while browsing some lens hoods on Ebay, I found a rectangular rubber filter with a built in 1A filter which was made specificially for the ML. I wasn't aware that one existed. While you can use a 48MM round lens hood, I found that it interferes with the AF sensors to accurately AF. The rectangular ones don't affect the focusing. You never know you might find while just browsing around the internet. I suppose a rectangular screw on filter would also work.
Click to expand...

Found a Vivitar one on Sunday, while searching for 48mm stuff. Don't know if it's rubber or metal, as the seller didn't specify.

PF
 
camera.bear said:
A week ago I found a Canon AF35M in good condition in a thrift store. I cleaned it up and it is ready to go.

2946861081_9c186536c1.jpg


Since then, I have been reading on the Sure Shot cameras and I decided to pick up a Canon AF35ML and do a shoot out of these 2 cameras. The AF35ML should be here in a few days.

Does anyone have any experience using these cameras and advise on what to watch out for when using them? Tips and Tricks?
Click to expand...

I got mine last year, also from a thrift store. Took some time to get used to the method of focusing and recomposing, using the self-timer lever, which is the one real tip you need to know for this camera. Otherwise it takes great images.

~Joe
 
I have the 35AF M and find that it ttakes superb photos and handles into the light shots far better than my pentax af35m in fact I have a 35AF ML on the way, looking forward to trying it out
 
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