Canon
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The Canon AF35M (Autoboy) is a fully automatic 35mm point‑and‑shoot film camera introduced in 1979, notable for being one of the first consumer models with passive infrared autofocus. It combines a fixed 38mm f/2.8 lens, program auto‑exposure, motorized film handling and a unique pre‑focus self‑timer for focus‑and‑recompose shooting.
Pros
Current
$258.90
Average
$298.27
Lowest
$258.90
Highest
$299.98
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Cons
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Best For
Film photography beginners, street and travel shooters who need a lightweight, fully automatic 35mm camera, vintage camera collectors interested in early autofocus technology, and casual users who prioritize ease of use over manual control.
Not Ideal For
Low‑light or indoor photography, macro work, users who want manual aperture or shutter control, and professionals seeking advanced creative flexibility.
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers highlight the AF35M as a pioneering camera that brought passive IR autofocus to the mass market, noting its clever pre‑focus self‑timer as a useful workaround for the single focus point. While the lens sharpness and compact build are praised, critics point out that the autofocus is rudimentary and struggles in low‑light conditions, and the lack of any manual exposure control limits creative use.
What Users Say
Everyday users appreciate the camera’s ease of use, sharp image quality, and ultra‑compact size, often commenting that it still performs reliably after decades. Common complaints focus on the autofocus’s difficulty in dim environments, the absence of manual controls, the awkward pre‑focus lever, and relatively quick battery drain when the flash is used frequently.
Common Complaints
Autofocus failures in dim light or through glass, lack of manual exposure settings, awkward pre‑focus lever operation, and fast battery drain with frequent flash use.
What People Are Saying
“Takes sharp, well-exposed photos with zero effort.”
“Love the pre-focus trick—lets me control composition.”
“Super compact and easy to throw in a bag.”
“Still works perfectly after 40+ years with fresh batteries.”
“Autofocus fails in dim light or through windows.”
“Wish it had manual controls for creative flexibility.”
“The pre-focus lever is awkward—easy to miss.”
“Battery drain can be fast with frequent flash use.”
How It Compares
vs. Canon AF35ML (1981)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose the AF35M for a slightly faster shutter and classic status; choose the AF35ML if lens speed is a priority.
vs. Pentax Espio 140 (1998)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Pick the AF35M for vintage film experience and superior lens quality; pick the Espio 140 for a modern zoom and lighter carry.
vs. Olympus mju‑II (1997)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Select the AF35M if you value classic autofocus history and a sharp fixed lens; select the mju‑II for a lighter, more contemporary point‑and‑shoot.
