The Nikon L35AF

[cameron.knight]

I have slowly filled out different categories of cameras in my collection.

In my opinion, the Nikon F3 is the best film SLR in the world. So I've stopped looking at SLRs all together. (Ok, maybe the occasionally R6)

The Bronica SQ system is the best bang-for-buck medium format SLR camera, so until I pay off my house and my student loans, I'm not looking at Hassys or any other MFSLRs.

I think I MAY have found the best point-and-shoot camera ever. So my search may stop for awhile.

The L35AF is just sooooooo good. I have three just in case one or two break. I have those dumb auxiliary lenses, and never use them. I have an original Nikon case. I even found the perfect lens hood - inverted and ventilated, causes no vignetting.

Does anyone else have any thoughts or feelings about the camera? Do you have any suggestions for some other point-and-shoot camera I might need to try before I make my decision?

After two years of shooting with these things, I'm just still so impressed.

Here's a pic from my most recent roll. It was the Fuji 400 B&W, Neopan I think.

 

[Dirk]

I have not used one in about 25 years, so can't say if it's "the best". The lens is pretty darn good, from the pictures I've seen on the web. Others that have great lenses are the Ricoh's of that period, such as FF3 and FF90 (35mm 3.2 and 35mm 2.8, respectively) and the Yashica T3 and T4 with their Zeiss lenses. Those are just some the AF cameras that come to mind...

 

[farlymac]

I like mine. Finally scored one with the case for $5 in a junk shop. You can do nice panoramics with it. Here's a three panel stitching.


Fulton Lofts 2 by br1078phot, on Flickr

PF

 

[driver]

My minty copy has the common film counter issue that I can't seem to sort out. I've had the top cover off and all "looks" well underneath :bang:.

I do have the waterproof all weather version that works fine though . . . .😀

The lenses on these P&S bargains are world class.

 

[Harlee]

If my memory serves me correctly, isn't the flash automatic? I personally like to have control over the camera's flash and be able to fire it using my own discretion not the cameras! But I'll admit the lens is good. I have a mint one which I rarely use!

 

[Contarama]

I have one that when you put the battery in it it gets so hot you can't really hold it in your hand. I'm afraid of it! LOL

Paid $1 for it though. It is a shame because it is in great shape.

 

[ironhorse]

If I remember correctly, if you hold the flash down and don't let it pop up it won't fire. It was a great camera that I used in the 1980's at the recommendation of a New York Times photographer.

 

[cameron.knight]

Yeah, you can hold the flash down and it turns it off. There's also a backlight compensation switch, too. And thanks for reminding me of the all-weather version. I need to keep an eye out for one.

I like that it has a filter thread for a lens hood, and I really like the focusing mechanism because it seems very accurate and let's you easily put your subject out of the middle of the frame.

 

[p.giannakis]

I have used quite some p&s compacts - see my "cameras" section on my blog. The L35AF is one of the best compact I've ever tried. The only one I like better is the Fuji DL Supermini. The lens on the Nikon is excellent, check here.

 

[reiki_]

I don't think many of the people browsing for p'n's options realize that it has a relatively decent focus indicator and also a cool feature that it won't wind film if you keep the shutter button pressed after taking a picture (cause I read a lot of folks complain about how loud it is).

 

[wakarimasen]

I have one with the original one touch case. Nice lens (with vignetting) but it eats batteries unfortunately.

 

[Austintatious]

I need to use mine more often. They do look nice with a lens hood.


Nikon L35AF & vented hood by carlosyashinon, on Flickr

Take nice photos too !


Self Portrait by carlosyashinon, on Flickr

 

[Kent]

I agree to the OT. The L35AF is a great cam with an amazing lens.
And since you can get one of those almost for free, it offers fantastic value! 😉

 

[PatrickCheung]

I've been wanting to pick one up for a while now, but never did for some reason... maybe I'll do that now 🙂

Any leads as to where you can get one for cheap? Ebay seems to offer them for around $20-30... but with shipping close to $20 (living in Canada sucks sometimes).

 

[Kent]

Have a little patience. You surely will find one for under US$10 after a while.