Category Archives: Autofocus

Autofocus camera stuff

Canon Sure Shot Megazoom 105 Review – Zoomba Class ?

Like the name everything is big about this camera (aka Prima Zoom 105 or Autoboy zoom 105). But this bulky early 90s zoom compact has acquired a bit of reputation as a sharp shooter. But does it live up to the hype ? Continue reading Canon Sure Shot Megazoom 105 Review – Zoomba Class ?

Zooming into the 90’s ?- Pentax Zoom 90 Review

Pentax arguably gave the world the first AF Zoom compact with their IQZoom series. But how do cameras like the Zoom 90 bear up in the 21st century and even against their own 90’s successors the Espio  series  ? Continue reading Zooming into the 90’s ?- Pentax Zoom 90 Review

Hidden bargains of the second hand camera market – Guest Post by Hamish Gill

I recently found a Samsung ECX1 in a pawnbrokers in town for £2.99. I do a little circuit of a few of these shops as well as the charity shops if I’m ever in town with a little while to spare. Once in a while something I’ve been watching out for on eBay appears and I’m forced to snap it up. The Samsung ECX1 is just one of those cameras. It’s also the type of camera I think of as a bit of hidden bargain. Continue reading Hidden bargains of the second hand camera market – Guest Post by Hamish Gill

10 total Point and Shoot Cameras of all Time

My recent fling with The Konica C35 AF got me thinking about what true point and shoots (P&S) there out there. By that I mean a P&S where all the user does is hit the shutter button and possibly wind on – there is no need or ability to set any other controls once the camera was loaded.

Goko UF
Goko UF – not in the running per se but a good example of cheap P&S from 1980’s

Here is my thought on 10 examples. Continue reading 10 total Point and Shoot Cameras of all Time

Konica C35 AF – 1st Roll Impression

If you’ve followed my blog you’ll have seen me mention this Ground breaking but now relatively obscure 70’s compact.

Konica C35 AF
Konica C35 AF. The world’s first commercially produced AF camera

The reason why this compact is so important is obvious by the name. This was the world’s first commercially produced Auto focus camera. Continue reading Konica C35 AF – 1st Roll Impression

Samsung AF 105 XL – Shape of things to come

In 1998 Samsung weren’t exactly the obvious name for a camera.  Whereas these days Samsung and Japanese competitors Panasonic & Sony are often top dogs at photoshows, back in ’98 they were better known for non camera stuff.  Samsung’s modest range of compact point and shoots including this one were hardly stars of 1998 Photokina show in an era still dominated by Japanese marquees.

Samsung AF 105XL
Samsung AF 105XL late 90’s AF 35mm compact

But the AF 105 XL (aka Fino 105 AF) perhaps illustrate why the sands were shifting Continue reading Samsung AF 105 XL – Shape of things to come

Minolta AF-E II Review – Poundland Challenge Camera No 14

Minolta made some of the most iconic cameras of the 20th Century including the fantastic Hi-matic series that even made it into space. But is this fixed focal length AF compact from the 80’s (aka as the Freedom 200 in the US) launch ready or space junk.

Minolta AF-EII 35mm AF fixed focal length camera
Minolta AF-EII 35mm AF fixed focal length camera

Continue reading Minolta AF-E II Review – Poundland Challenge Camera No 14

Konica Z-up 80 : Poundland Challenge Camera No 10

This perhaps is the oddest looking purchase of the Poundland Challenge so far. This 1988 zoom AF in RC Limited guise looks like a digital Bridge camera that were popular a few years back. But this all singing and dancing device turn out to be a golden gate or a bridge too far ?

Konica Z-up 80RC Limited
Konica Z-up 80RC Limited, 35mm Zoom AF compact from 1988

Continue reading Konica Z-up 80 : Poundland Challenge Camera No 10

Pentax Espio AF Zoom Review : Poundland Challenge Camera No 8

This Camera has been my ‘can’t believe it’s not butter’ moment of the Poundland Challenge. It turned up with a pack of other cameras as s 99p Job lot. Whilst others have made that job lot quite a good deal this was the hidden cracker. But why has this AF zoom compact so impressed me.

Pentax Espio
Pentax Espio AF Zoom 35mm compact

Continue reading Pentax Espio AF Zoom Review : Poundland Challenge Camera No 8