(All pics: Lucy Lumen) A long time ago I dreamed of owning a Yashica T4 or maybe even a Contax T2.This is a shared camera dream, one that has become more like a fantasy in recent years due to the ever-increasing popularity and price of these aspirational point-and-shoot film cameras. Not having to think about any settings is also great, especially when I take it out for a walks during my lunch break. If it is a known distance such as infinity, look at viewfinder. As well as I understand it, the battery test for these cameras is, if it works the battery is good. 4. Lens: Nikon 35mm f2.8 (5 elements, 4 groups, Sonnar derivative) Shutter: 1/8s - 1/430s ISO range: 50 - 400 / 1000 Minimum focus distance: 0.8m Size: 124 x 73 x 45.5mm Weight: 346g Theres a small silver spring that has two long arms and only a couple of coils so it doesnt look like the stereotypical spring, but one arm is against the body, the two middle coils are on a post, and the other arm pushes the chrome arm that runs along the strap side of the camera to trigger the rewind. The pictures came back great as I didnt have a clue what I was doing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its possible that Nikon didnt fit a proper voltage regulator, maybe they didnt have the technical experience or opportunity to field test before release. (Nikon should be covering this re-repair even if it is outside the warranty period. The minimum distance to the subject is 80 cm. Learn how in this buyers guide. I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. Hi, I opened my camera and I am not sure what you mean by this: Inspect everything and be sure not to lose anything. It has a power switch situated around the shutter-button, you flip it to power the camera or turn it off. As time went by, though, the errors came more frequently than before. About Us . Nikon L35AF Film Camera automatically controls exposure level required for the scene. Just in case someone else is fiddling with a stuck rewind button. Apply the contact cement to the end that doesnt move. That can feel like a problem if youre used to cameras that fire but at slow speed if theres no flash charge and is another reason to get good alkaline batteries.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'35mmc_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-35mmc_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'35mmc_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',180,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-35mmc_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-180{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:25px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:25px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. There are many factors that go into pricing, including the products and packages offered. Features similar styling to the iconic F3. A version with an "autodate" function was . Nikons from that era (D40, D50, D60, etc) have a couple of things that are fairly well known to cause the dreaded 'Shutter Error" and/or locked up mirror. The rangefinder is activated when half-press, it also stores exposure information at this point. You are of-course welcome to your opinions and recommendations, that is what makes this hobby interesting, and I would never suggest you dont share. Privacy Policy. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When I press the shutter down, the self-timer light turns on and the camera freezes. If you want to see more of the shadows exposed properly you simply depress the lever beside the lens protective barrel. Removing this clip with allow you to free the power witch. It cleared on the next cycle, so I didn't get too worked up over it. Your safety is also at risk, you may get shocked and cause something fatal if you have a condition may not be aware of. I heard from other threads that you must hear a high pitched charging . I thrifted one of these bad boys and I cant seem to get the iso dial to move. I dont know what GN the little pop-up flash has but it doesnt seem to be powerful. It accepts a pair of LR44 cells to power the date-back. Not something you can fix yourself. I knew of the forums where there is a following due to the rendering of the lens by being a wide angle Sonnar design. Hi Sir Rick. Theres a spring underneath the button so be careful not to misplace it. The only difference a Nikon L35AD has compared to the base-model is its inclusion of a date-back. Thanks Eddy, this is a camera Id always wanted to try out. Not quite as bad as the Canon AF35 Autoboys from the same era theyre like Godzilla cutting up Tokyo with a giant angle grinder then cackling about it. Find out more about 35mmc here. First of all the fault aren't the batteries, they're new and fully charged. Why has this camera become one of my primary ones? I love the little focus indicator at the bottom of the viewfinder, it is heaps more fun that a boring green light for focus. It is terrible, some of the worst Ive seen. You can delay that by depressing the shutter and not releasing it until you think its safe for people to hear the camera buzz. If youve had life out of your flash recently be extra careful (fire flash first then immediately remove batteries, use non-conductive tools or google discharge capacitor for more knowledgeable advice Im a mere hacker and bodger. Glad that i came across one. What is the percentage of me being robbed of my DLSR in london? See you again in the next article, Ric. Yes, suddenly there was automatic operation in what felt like tiny cameras! It seems to linger even at smaller apertures. The L35AF3 uses a throw-away lithium pack, so there will be no issues with corrosion in the battery bay. I havent investigated the option of converting the lens on my broken L35AF for use on another camera but from what I have read, there is an afterlife for this amazing Sonnar design. It was coined due to the quality of the lens design by the Nikon team. Im pretty excited. Less typically (ie. Check out this list of awesome gifts for photographers! Here is the problem. How to turn off the grid on the Nikon D3100? Richard Haw's Classic Nikon Repair and Review. On-line camera manual library. Apply the contact cement to the end that doesnt move. I dont know which spring this refers to. Change the seals with new ones if theyre dry or corroded. Cheers Wyatt. This is a labor of loveand I intend to keep it that way for as long as I can. The L35AF is a simple auto everything camera but you can at least prevent the flash from firing by pushing it down once it pops up. Custom size canvas prints are a great addition to your home or office. Now check the batteries after you have pressed the shutter release button again. If it had been done correctly in the first place the shutter wouldn't be having this problem within such a short period of time.) Just rewind the film in the camera and have it developed and printed. This Point and Shoot Camera lets you focus on your subject better, and click crisp and sharp images. You can also support this site, it helps me offset the cost of maintenance and hosting. More generally if you have the flash up it always wants to fire and wont let you shoot till its charged. Ive recently acquired an L35AF with the same issue, very clean otherwise. This is typical for electronic cameras so I hate working on these, I like to work with manual cameras because of this. I have been shocked numerous times and I never learn my lesson. The flashs GN is unknown but the user manual said that the flash is only able to give accurate exposures up to 4m at most. So the problem is that i can't press the shutter / the shutter button is totally stuck. Disengage the flash by its lock, it should charge the capacitor if its exhausted. Problem: The L35AF won't turn. Can the Nikon D3100 charge through the computer? After taking it apart and fidgeting with the shutter, I was seeing the same thing shown in this thread's video: nikon one touch l35af - shutter button won't go down all the way. If it were mine, I'd open it up to see if anything obvious had fallen out of place, which is the most likely cause. The L35AF was Nikon's first compact camera with autofocus. There is no problem with attaching a lens filter.tiny scuffs from normal use. Great little classic. AD stands for Auto Date (currently referred to as QD) Digital SLR Cameras. It was therefore also the first in the L series. Or, if you want it working, look into sending it to an authorized service center for a refurb. The designers were so proud of it that Nikon nicknamed this the pikaichi or number-one. Delicious, fun, a bit quirky. So the solution to work around the problem is take picture, hold the shutter button, then release the . Loading film is easy, you simply put the leader above the spool and close it and let the camera do its job winding to the 1st frame. Hi Richard, thanks for the in depth review. Most other places would charge you $7.50 for a electronic copy. Thank you so much for this article. Thanks in advance! Anyway, getting back to the real world !! Do not flush it with lighter fluid though. The viewfinder has a scale with icons to display which distance the camera is focusing at. Does it just involve carefully resoldering it? One fix for the dreaded Nikon "Shutter Error" Jul 16, 2010 2 A couple months ago, I started to have problems with my camera. On the back of the camera is the flash readiness indicator. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It was an immediate hit thanks to its robust design and excellent specification. Reading some of the other comments on here. You could take it in for repair but honestly it won't be worth it. Later models have ISO up to 1000. Weak spots: battery compartement door, on/off switch and may I add also the pop-up flash. IF, however, you wish to entertain yourself tampering and tinkering with it Go ahead and have fun. Mirrorless Cameras. A second thought. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. . Another thing thats interesting here is how the stars look, its ugly due to the shape of the iris. Thats where the contacts and levers for rewinding is located, at least parts of it. The meter appears to be quite good for its time. This wheel can be accessed on many Nikon cameras by removing the floor plate . Film is advanced and rewound automatically. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. How does the shutter button come off when disassembling the camera? Ive found the trusty yellow filter too. The exposure is set automatically by the camera. This might be because they use more metal components than most and so are more prone to seizure after years of inactivity. Rubbing the battery with vinegar really worked. I have a Fuji DL300 and that is a fine compact. I love how the front looks. I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. The lens in both makes this line very special. I bought the second version with the extended ISO range to 1000 but with the same Sonnar lens when it first came out in the early 80s and have used it for my fishing trips before digital. It will fail but when working, the images these plastic 1980s cameras make, provides a compelling reason to treasure them and keep them working (your Abandoned Chair picture showcases this point for me). It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I have an LF35AF and its remembered as the camera I used to shoot my 1st black and white film at the Emirates cable car going over the Thames to the London O2. (LogOut/ To clarify, there was a run near the end of production of the original L35AF that had the ISO increased to 1000, but kept the Sonnar lens/filter thread and L35AF name. You may destroy it and waste your camera. The human-icon corresponds roughly to 1m and the one with 3-humans is probably around 3m and the mountains mean infinity according to my experience with it. Do this a few times until the button works as expected. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The flash is located on the left side and is fixed in place. It usually only does this for the first shot after you turn it on. nikon,lens repair,lens maintenance,nikon repair, Review: Lomography LomoChrome Purple100-400, Review: Lomography LomoChrome Metropolis 100-400 (TokyoEdition), Repair: Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8(Zebra). I opened up the battery compartment and allowed the battery to come out slightly and put it back in a gain and hey-presto! I came across this copy online where the seller was selling a Nikon F65 (N65 in North America) with a kit lens for the ridiculously low price these sell for now. What I dont understand is it shows a barrel-type profile in some of my photos but some exhibit a slight pincushion-type one. Its a handy camera for travel photography, Id imagine that this is the actual purpose of this camera. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. It will prevent you from firing it when the flash is deployed. Its nonsense since the icons inside do not mean much, a human, 2-humans, 3-humans and a mountain range. A funny old camera. I put the two batteries in the camera (with no film)and turned it on and the light meter seemed to work. Going back to its conception, this was made in order to give Nikon something to sell in this part of the market. We have 1 Nikon L35 AF manual available for free PDF download: Instruction Sheet . The only reliable way to get a working capacitor is to salvage one from another camera. The theory being that the temperature change is just enough to slightly expand and contract the components to release microscopic grubbiness. It's all due to the reliable Copal shutter inside these cameras. More Nikon Manuals . once in my experience) a dodgy connection between the flash and the rest of the circuitry caused an erratic shutter. I went to go shoot the shutter and it wouldn't fire, the auto focus only went to the first icon in the viewfinder but . It just a shame they dont produce cameras like it quite the same any more. Copyright 2005 - 2023 PhotographyTalk, Inc. All Rights Reserved, www.japancamerahunter.com/2016/05/camera-geekery/, Canon Rebel T5i Review: An Oldie But a Goodie. The name Pikaichi means Top Notch in Japanese according to the Nikon website. I assume that it was shot with a tiny aperture judging by how much depth-of-field we have and how bright the scene is, I was also shooting with a box-rated ISO400 film, too. I have a film roll that I use for testing, I ran it and made sure that everything works. Also read what I wrote about thetoolsthat youll need to fix yourNikkors. Works fine now! Thanks Frank and yes, it is a noisy one. Those were the days when the future felt around the corner through these cameras. The Nikon L35AF may not be the most advanced compact camera. The film only advances AFTER you take the picture and release the shutter button. InCamera Geekery: The Nikon L35AFis a profile of the L35AF on Japan Camera Hunter. Someone on this forum may have done that and be able to advise on specifics. Read my article on how to change light seals so you will know how its done. It takes a couple of minutes to look for one in the unorganized heap of old, junk cameras, that is if they still have any in the shop. The battery door is a bit flimsy on most plastic-bodied cameras from the 1980s and the L35 is no exception if your shutter is temperamental even with new and powerful alkaline batteries try pressing on the battery door and retesting if that makes a difference either shim the batteries with a bit of folded tinfoil or build up the contacts themselves with a few drops of solder . I've had two L35AF's but never experienced that problem. Hamish had a frustrating experience with a Nikon L35-AF. Other manufacturers made early-advances with their all-automatic cameras and Nikon had to join the race in order to show them who was the boss back then. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. You may like it depending on how much you pay for your coffee and how many letters its name contains. When I clicked the shutter button down, the shutter clicked but the button stays down. My guess is they knew there was an issue though because the manual has an atypically specific section on battery selection. So Eddy, you might have opened a can of wormsI was just asked on facebook for a guide to opening the camera up to get inside , Hee hee I used this guide when I opened my first one:http://theshuttergoesclick.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/nikon-l35af-shutter-release-and-onoff.html. Autofocus seems to be adequate for amateur use but it could miss occasionally if youre not careful. With the release button located on the top panel surrounded by the on/off switch and a hand grip on the right side of the camera, the Nikon SLR L35AF is comfortable to hold and maneuver. The only advantage to the 17-35mm AF-S is a lack of corner falloff (darkening) and closer focusing. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I put the two. This helps confirm there is film and it is advancing. Nikon L35AF 3 Pikaichi RARE 35mm f/2.8 Lens | FILM TESTED | TOP10 of the best Point & Shoot film cameras ad vertisement by RetrostShop Ad from shop RetrostShop RetrostShop From shop RetrostShop. Enter 1979's Nikon EM, Nikon's very first attempt at a truly consumer-grade 35mm SLR. Looking forward on how to clean a foggy viewfinder too! A Nikon L35AF warming up under a halogen light. The Nikon L35AF is something the size of an ice cream sandwich. It should not blink slightly, look weak or have any unusual properties. About this time, the market started maturing, with an established set of features. Hi Fred, did you manage to clean your viewfinder? I am also glad the article inspired you to take the L35AF out again! When replacing the front cover be sure to align the slot of the ISO-dial to its corresponding post. Closing the back, press the shutter button and watch the window show you the film is advancing. Also used a L35AW AF and that one is much better built and nicer to use, its lens is not 5 elements though Actually most impressed by another brand first compact AF camera from 1983: the Fujica DL100, which has a sturdy battery door, better on/off switch, and a flash that doesnt automatically pop up all the time. Content contributor - become a part of the worlds biggest film and alternative photography community blog. There is a 46mm filter thread, which is a bonus on a compact camera. How much does professional photography cost? L35s are also a very sociable camera, they hate dark cupboards. Run a test-roll with it if youre allowed to test it before you buy it. The fully automatic CdS light meter also resides inside the filter thread, which allows for metering with a filter attached. I don't hear any noise like from the flash charging. The button is very easy to feel where it is focus locking, which is a relief as some cameras I struggle to find it and accidentally shoot the frame when I am not ready. The Nikon L35AF is a perfect example. 46mm UV Protection Filter Available Here - https://amzn.to/3y2Jx3CIn this video I cover the specs of various models of the Nikon L35AF camera, some tips on h. If its old, expect issues. The front and rear lenses shouldnt be removed, they were forced-fit and they couldnt be removed easily. More than Canons, Olys or Ricohs of the same vintage I think. I would appreciate it if you just leave out your nameordetails like your countrys name or other information so that the donations will totally be anonymous. . Nikon's first AF, AE 35mm (135) format lens-shutter camera, offering 35mm f/2.8 lens and 9 fully automatic features. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. To clean the viewfinder extract this screw and remove the cover. Loosening the screws of the lens will enable you to adjust its focus. You can refresh the grease of the ISO-dial if you want to. You did mention the one thing that really attracts people to this camera, the lens. Best of all, you can get gorgeous prints without breaking the bank! Notice that it creates 4-sided-stars with an elongated profile. #1 I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. There are cases when it did not give me what I expected of it but that has more to do with difficult situations where I was using this at its near-limits. Theres no information about the shutters range but its assumed that it wont go very-fast and it doesnt support long-exposures either. I shot this by focusing on the lantern and then recomposing my frame. Manage Settings Just in case it was a partially cocked shutter wind on problem. Change). The battery compartment is also on the bottom, with the camera powered by two AA batteries. Also, under a very handy thumb grip is a little window with a red stripe which moves when film is advanced. Stick a toothpick here to keep the shutter from closing. This is a simple camera but its not easy to diagnose it. It even survived getting soaked in a rain storm. Maybe trying a really small amount of light watch oil under the metal to make sure it's not sticking to the brass plate under it. This site earns around $1.10 a day, its totally reliant on views. Stick a toothpick to the hole described earlier. I found out that the power switch is pretty loose but I don't think that's the error because i opened it up and bridget the switch. Heres another example that implies that the autofocus, focusing and metering modules communicate. Thanks! All photographs and text appearing on 35mmc.com are the exclusive property of the named author (except where stated otherwise) and are protected by copyright. The first roll I used was Kodak Pro Image 100, a film at the time I had to specially order as it was only available for the South American market but still inexpensive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site relies heavily on traffic and clicks, downloading my work will prevent me from earning a few more cents! Its easy to misplace, Id advice applying a bit of contact cement to it so you wont lose it. Its not easy to discharge this without peeling the capacitor off from the chassis. Essilor vs Carl Zeiss which one is better? The latter is presented as a person, two people, a group of people and a mountain for infinity. So I popped new battery's in it! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Nikon L35AF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera. Here is a link to its user manual. The lens is a 35mm f/2.8 modified Sonnar design. Today, Ill introduce to you something that represents this social phenomenon, it was something that people forgot but kids these days remind us of what used to be precious and how photography is supposed to be enjoyed. I am a fan because it just feels right in my hands and, if the price of film was not a factor, it makes me want to take more photographs, more often. Focus on something and depress the shutter button. but do give these simple things a try firstif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'35mmc_com-box-3','ezslot_0',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-35mmc_com-box-3-0'); A stuck or unreliable shutter could be caused by any number of mechanical or electronic problems, especially if theres any evidence of past moisture damage, but it is worth a quick check of the battery contacts first. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The only way I can get it to stop is by taking the batteries out. Determine if the rangefinder is off or inaccurate, adjust if needed. If the screen of your Shutter release disabled. As a form factor, some very unique designs were being manufactured. This link really helped. Not even the quietest (not even close). Ive tried cleaning the contacts and using new batteries. Click sharper images with the Nikon L35AF Film Camera. In the late 1970s the compact camera market started its trajectory into being the dominant camera form factor in terms of sales volumes. It has a real hinge and a ballpoint pen is needed to open it. Maybe I am just seeing optical illusions but if I were to choose, Id say that its more of a shallow barrel-type one. The first results with that film reinforced what I had read. Then I crossed my fingers and hoped it was working. I must of read somewhere before the trip to buy a yellow filter as its supposed to help with mono film. This appears to be a nice, sharp photo but I can easily tell that the resolving power just isnt there. All our Contributors have an ad-free experience for life.Sign uphere. I am actually amazed by how many youngsters are into film photography these days. Its reliable in most cases so you could predict what youll get to see once the roll has been processed. How Much Does Professional Photography Cost? NIKON L35AF One-Touch 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera PARTS/REPAIR ONLY Powers On (58) C $168.58 C $23.22 shipping SPONSORED Nikon L35AF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera - Missing Battery Door - READ C $148.38 C $22.73 shipping SPONSORED READ [MINT] Nikon L35 AF Pikaichi Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera From JAPAN N363 C $404.73 C $47.22 shipping It's easy! Even if you did, it doesnt look bad at all and is actually quite tolerable. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I try to live with a camera for an extended period rather than run a quick film through it, to get a real feeling for it and this helps me cut away from the hype. There are lots of more serious reasons why things might go wrong but its definitely worth checking the above (especially the battery bits) before opening or giving up on an L35AF. Cookie Notice HOW TO SOLVE NIKON D3100 SHUTTER PROBLEM | NIKON D3100 REPAIRING | ADNAN CAMERA INFO How to solve Canon 600D Card Problem | Card slot repair | Canon EOS 6. Alien Abduction! Theyre cheaper not because many people desire the Nikon L35AF more due to name-value. Got a broken l35af and thought i can fix it (have done a few repairs before) but in this case i don't really know how i can fix this camera. What is nice about the third version is that the automatic flash can be cancelled just by pushing a button, it also has macro (70cm) and the autofocus has many more steps then the original. I shot this scene because I knew that it would look exactly like this and I was right. The Nikon L35AF is a leaf shutter, auto focus, auto exposure 35mm compact camera sold in the early 1980s. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Nikon L35AF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera at the best online prices at eBay! I fixed this problem by cleaning it and greasing it lightly. Nikon L35AF Shutter Button Problem iKokomo 4 8 23 Jan 2018 10:19PM Like 0 I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. Before removing anything apply a drop of alcohol to the edges of the lenses to dissolve the seals. It is a good thing because it keeps the industry alive and the appreciation for older equipment ensures that the little mom-and-pop shops selling used cameras stay open. with an aperture of f/17.5 respectively, with the ISO set to 100. Spherical aberration can be observed in this photo around the overblown areas of the scene despite this being shot at a smaller aperture. This is how the iris looks like, an elongated-diamond. This camera doesnt feel the same for me without that in place. is it something that i can fix by opening the camera up? Which Sony Compact Camera is Best for Travel Photography? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. A textured panel is on the other side of the camera, framed by the very classy red stripe. Nice write-up and thank you for sharing this link. The second issue is that sometimes after taking the photo, the camera wont advance the reel and Ill have to take the batteries out for a bit then put them back in for it to finally advance. I really want to fix it since I have a roll in there that I don't want to waste. Trigger the flash by covering the meters window with your finger and see if it fires once the ready-light is lit. Most of the original L35s are very persnickety about power supply. The original L35AF lens used five elements in four groups, while the AF2 and AF3 used four elements in three groups. I took it apart and didn't see anything off inside. For more information, please see our That could be stuck half way through its cycle. The ergonomics are fantastic and this model (rather than the AF2 which succeeded it), doesnt feel as plastic/fragile as a lot of P&S camera of this era. The camera has a 35mm, five element lens. Releasing it will cause the film to advance. "Pikaichi" L35AF 35mm f/2.8. It appears to fire from around 1/250s to 1/30s judging from the sound that it makes but dont quote me on that. All the major manufacturers were selling them. Technically this was not suited for this focal length, but Mr. Wakamiya was able to adapt it to great success.