Why the Nikon L35AF "One Touch" Is a Top P&S

The "One Touch" is the L35AF2. There is some dispute as to whether it has the same lens as the original L35AF. In my experience, there is less vignetting with the second version.
 
I would think, especially reading how Mr. Wakimiya worked to correct the close-range aberration fluctuation of this 35mm lens & how well the lens performs on even this model camera I'd say it's the same type lens. Really the only difference I see is the model One Touch I have is it reads the ISO of the film canister & no option to overide the system, which I've never been a big fan of.
 
I think on the first camera, Nikon really wanted to make something that consumers and pros alike would take to. The second model reflects market reality in that not only was DX installed, but the filter ring was removed from the lens, and an automatic cover introduced. All features that cater to the consumer that didn't care to learn how to take a photo. Still, fine lenses on either model.

PF
 
I have the 2 and 3 but I've never stumbled across the 1.

Embarrassingly I've never actually got around to running a whole roll through either, I really should put that right.
 
I was just looking at some 30 year old shots taken with a similar camera, a Minolta Hi-matic AF2 which I carried for years. They are so good, especially on Kodachromes, that I was marveling with my family at how good the camera/lens was. Then I saw this post, and the picture of the Nikon in the article. Wow! That lens looks the same as the 38mm/2.8 on the Hi-matic. Go look at them, all the lettering, the ASA window and control - everything. I wonder....
 
I"ve mentioned this before, but for collectors of this sort of camera, Nikon made an underwater version of the L35 AF which works quite nicely both under and over the water, and is mighty tough. Mine does not seem to vignette all the time. ed. to add: I think the flash vignettes, not the lens.

nikon l35 above water.jpg

nikon l35 underwater.jpg
 
A lot of very modest point and shoot cameras from the 70's foward have excellent optics. The humble Konica C35 comes to mind as well as the Olympus Trip 35. Most of these had 4 element designs, but were very good image wise. Olympus also had a 5 element design in the 35RC but with a longer 42mm focal length. The Petri Color 35, now a cult camera, has a great little lens. When I was doing my own B&W work on a regular basis I was amazed at how good that lens was.
 
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