James Tocchio of Casual Photophile has written a very enjoyable review inNikon L35AF Japans Pikaichi Point and Shoot. Compact cameras are very popular as I write this. Shutter speed, focus and aperture are set automatically. but do give these simple things a try first, Contribute to 35mmc for an Ad-Free Experience-, frustrating experience with a Nikon L35-AF, How I Removed a Cracked, Stuck-On Lens Filter By Frank H. Wu, Fixing an Ailing Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B SLR By Dave Powell, Fixing a detached rewind lever on a Petri Color 35, http://theshuttergoesclick.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/nikon-l35af-shutter-release-and-onoff.html, Discovering the professional scan - Guest post by Frank Lehnen, Ricoh R1 Review (Rollei Prego Micron) An overlooked achiever - by Benn, Camera, Lens, Film and Peripheral Kit Reviews. L35s are also a very sociable camera, they hate dark cupboards. Can I become a pro photographer in India if I tried? Its difficult to adjust it but I will show you how its done later. You may destroy it and waste your camera. The front cover is a bit more tricky to remove since thee left-side is has 2 clips that has to be disengaged first. Id appreciate it more if the display shows numbers instead because the icons could mean anything. The battery compartment is also on the bottom, with the camera powered by two AA batteries. 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. By I can say that that this version is robust and has none of the issues that you describe. This was unfounded and incorrect. Easy to fix but does mean dismantling and being very careful around the flash capacitor. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. And the L35AD model is a Nikon L35AF with a quartz date imprinting back. Need a quick gift to give your loved one this holiday season? Most of the original L35s are very persnickety about power supply. Its battery door design is MUCH better, too. Its possible that Nikon didnt fit a proper voltage regulator, maybe they didnt have the technical experience or opportunity to field test before release. The Nikon L35AF, commonly known as Pikaichi, is a compact autofocus camera. Youll have to adjust the dial yourself and see how high it goes because theres no visual indication apart from that. The internal mechanisms were where cuts in quality were made, plastic drive train gears, membrane shutters, etc. Disengage the flash by its lock, it should charge the capacitor if its exhausted. Glass photo prints are an unusual and beautiful way to display your photos. Theres also a self-timer lever, a mandatory feature for all compact cameras. Remember this so you could expose your subjects better, have them move instead in order to get a better reading. This is the capacitor, careful when touching anything close to this thing as it will definitely give you a shock. 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. I started getting these "shutter error, press shutter release" messages. Their supply of Nikon L35AF has been depleted because youngsters all want them. Unloading is initiated by a two step button/switch process at the bottom of the camera, next to the tripod thread. The button still pops up, so I don't think it's a spring problem. 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! The Nikon L35AF; an affordable alternative to overpriced compacts? I agree that the second L35AF2 version has the Tessar lens. My L35AF had a lot of corrosion around the area where the rewind mechanism is located, so it got stuck. It is a very easy camera to use. The on/off switch is considered one of the cameras weaknesses as it has been reported to break by some users. and our It appears that the camera will retain what it saw at the time you half-press the button, locking focus and exposure settings. Best of all, you can get gorgeous prints without breaking the bank! If you take a minute to look at the two models, the design language of the Nikon L35AF and Konica Hexar AF are remarkably alike. Thanks Frank and yes, it is a noisy one. I have a NIKON D5000 AND D3100. If it wont rewind, look at the bottom-right part of the camera and see if anything is jammed. You do a half press on the button to set focus, and then look through the viewfinder, which has a charming focus indicator with a swinging lever and little icons depicting . Its capable but its lack of resolving power made it appear less than what it shouldve been. This will help me to continue to host this . (Nikon should be covering this re-repair even if it is outside the warranty period. These cookies do not store any personal information. The L35AF has become my go-to camera over the months that I have had it. Nikon L35AF Film Camera automatically controls exposure level required for the scene. There are frame markings for parallax compensation, a focus spot and focus distance information indicator. Remove the circlip to free the button. Free shipping for many products! Either way later models seem much more forgiving. Technically this was not suited for this focal length, but Mr. Wakamiya was able to adapt it to great success. 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. It cleared on the next cycle, so I didn't get too worked up over it. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The L35AF became a constant companion every day including business trips to New Zealand. From memory there were a couple of extra screws and some protective tape to lift around the flash to get at the right place. Thank you for the great story behind your camera, I love to hear these. Free shipping for many products! The camera youll see here is the Nikon L35AD but its also applicable for the Nikon L35AF, too. I heard from other threads that you must hear a high pitched charging . Very bad built quality, cannot recommend this camera at all. Press the lever for the ND filter to move the tiny, smoky film over the slit to alter the meters reading. The L35AF offers more of the same at a fraction of the price and (ignoring the noise factor), with much greater convenience. In order to test the camera install some good batteries and secure the cover with tape. 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. I am also glad the article inspired you to take the L35AF out again! The L35 was a 35 mm P&S camera and should not have cost you more than $10. Manage Settings I've had to do research to figure out what the heck my camera was, as the camera body itself simply says 'Nikon One Touch.'. I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. I put the two batteries in the camera (with no film)and turned it on and the light meter seemed to work. You are right, the second (and third) versions of this camera were good upgrades on an already good camera and address some of the issues. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. When I am wanting a compact camera, where I do not want to think about process much, it tends to be on top of my list. One fix for the dreaded Nikon "Shutter Error" Jul 16, 2010 2 A couple months ago, I started to have problems with my camera. Mirrorless Cameras. It is terrible, some of the worst Ive seen. I assume that the earlier models only have provision for ISO400 but the later ones will go up to ISO1000. It has a lever to the side of the front barrel, you depress it in backlit situations in order to force a +2.0 reading which is helpful. I cleaned it out with zippo lighter fluid + rubbing with a very small file. It even survived getting soaked in a rain storm. Despite that, I still think that its one of the best compacts in its time. . What I dont understand is it shows a barrel-type profile in some of my photos but some exhibit a slight pincushion-type one. This wheel can be accessed on many Nikon cameras by removing the floor plate . Authorized Photo Service Reply Reply with quote Reply to thread Complain OP Missouri_Skies Forum Member Posts: 53 5 out of 5 . The Nikon L35AF is a perfect example. Now check the batteries after you have pressed the shutter release button again. If it doesnt charge quickly, sounds weak or doesnt charge at all then thats another that needs to be looked-into. 05.04.2020 Tony It's 2020 and the price of the Nikon L35AF is rising. Rubbing the battery contacts with vinegar. 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. Most people do not want to carry a big camera around but do like to have something which takes good quality photographs. Interestingly, rather than the usual Tessar style design this lens has a Sonnar design. That, along with the Nikon & a Minolta AFZ, are probably my favourite point and shoots. Here is the problem. Its a handsome camera, the body shell was designed by no other than Giorgetto Giugiaro himself so it incorporated some of his design philosophies that you could see in a Nikon F3. First of all the fault aren't the batteries, they're new and fully charged. I must of read somewhere before the trip to buy a yellow filter as its supposed to help with mono film. Hi, I opened my camera and I am not sure what you mean by this: Inspect everything and be sure not to lose anything. The minimum focus distance is 80cm. Just rewind the film in the camera and have it developed and printed. Its an impressive camera considering that its Nikons first fully-automatic compact camera. The Nikon L35AF is a compact 35mm camera. It feels like there is something solid blocking its path because it will go down a little bit and then stop. The reputation the L35AF has gained though, is through the quality of the lens. This is a labor of loveand I intend to keep it that way for as long as I can. Do those features still hold up? They are even cheaper because nobody cares to look for them. It is still a very useable high IQ camera. 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. If you find this manual useful, how about a donation of $3 to: M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829-1701. and send your e-mail address so I can thank you. The meter appears to be quite good for its time. . I can hear the flash power up if I hold it next to my ear; that's it.</p>. Even if you did, it doesnt look bad at all and is actually quite tolerable. A filter with 46 mm thread can be used. It isthatimportant! If you want to see more of the shadows exposed properly you simply depress the lever beside the lens protective barrel. Money isnt my prime motivation for this blog and I believe that I have enough to run this but you can help me make this site (and the companion facebookpage) grow. 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. Cookie Notice But the first version had an increase to ISO 1000 during mid-production. Those were the days when the future felt around the corner through these cameras. Check what the lens actually sees by using. So they simplified the lens used in the original - both lens designs certainly seem to take great photos, but I'm guessing the original one is the better . Apply the contact cement to the end that doesnt move. I dont know which spring this refers to. There was never a run of L35AF2s with the Sonnar lens to my knowledge. It is motorized and has auto-focus and auto-exposure features. There is no direct influence on shutter speed and aperture. Another thing thats interesting here is how the stars look, its ugly due to the shape of the iris. It is Nikon's first compact automatic camera with an autofocus. Hi Richard, thanks for the in depth review. 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). I found this to be quite handy in being able to see what was just outside the frame and prepare for someone walking into it. Open the back door by pressing a small button on the back-door and see if they are any internal damages to light seals, backdoor, pressure plate and cartridge chamber Turn on camera and press the shutter speed if it is working properly (Click here to hear how shutter click should sound - Starts at 4:15 min) #1 I just got a very nice condition Nikon L35AF for $1 at an estate sale with the original case. Hello! Hi Fred, did you manage to clean your viewfinder? Seriously, even a little barely visible corrosion on the battery contacts or any variance in the voltage from cheap or rechargeable batteries that wouldnt affect most cameras is enough to make it grumpy. The name Pikaichi means Top Notch in Japanese according to the Nikon website. What Are The Common Faults Of The Nikon L35AF Camera? A version with an "autodate" function was . Maintaining this requires resources and a lot of time. The L35AF was early in the 80s, but that does not discount it as a premier quality camera. I put the two batteries in the camera (with no film)and turned it on and the light meter seemed to work. If youre a Nikon shooter, that means investing in the right Nikon Landscape lens for your imagery. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Also, if you're in a dark area the flash will pop up.</p>. What grease exactly should I use and where do I apply it so it works again? Whatever the reason, fixing slow wind-on motors, a failure to wind beyond a particular frame or a completely stuck shutter usually means opening them up and googling for detailed repair instructions but I did get one will it/wont it shutter going by repeatedly sitting it near a radiator or under a bright hot halogen lamp for a few hours then shaking it then putting it in the fridge and reshaking, shooting the shutter a few times between each cycle. I have been shocked numerous times and I never learn my lesson. Stick a toothpick here to keep the shutter from closing. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. This included the L35AD (autodate) and led into the .Touch series. Heres another example that implies that the autofocus, focusing and metering modules communicate. So out of character was this move that Nikon tried to instead market this camera as "suitable for women." That really hurt to type. InCamera Geekery: The Nikon L35AFis a profile of the L35AF on Japan Camera Hunter. starkjonny.sj: Hello flickr-user! It accepts a pair of LR44 cells to power the date-back. Custom size canvas prints are a great addition to your home or office. It was unscientific trial and error and on a beater of a camera that was more or less unusable probably wouldnt have done it otherwise. That equates from 1/8 sec. If you want to buy me a beer or a roll of film then that would be great,too! . 7 6 6 comments Best Add a Comment So the solution to work around the problem is take picture, hold the shutter button, then release the . It has a lot of useful information, it will be beneficial for you to read this. Its plastic chassis is tough and the back is made from metal. Operate it ang see if it works, the film should advance without problems and the viewfinder display should also indicate the correct distance. Its slow, winding takes about a second or so and rewinding is a lot slower compared to a Nikon F4. Nikon produces camera, camera lenses, microscopes, binoculars, measurement instruments, spotting scopes, and rifle scopes. Run a test-roll with it if youre allowed to test it before you buy it. Thanks! The entire apparatus is powered by two AA alkaline batteries. Enter 1979's Nikon EM, Nikon's very first attempt at a truly consumer-grade 35mm SLR. The lens in both makes this line very special. Buy another one and make sure it's in good working order. Nikon didn't screw around here: the lens is a FIVE element f/2.8, which is just about as sharp as my 17-35mm f/2.8 AF-S that cost me 150 times as much, without a body! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Between its striking boxy looks, the great results from the reliability of the exposure meter and the look from this lens, this is a camera I can recommend anytime! It has a power switch situated around the shutter-button, you flip it to power the camera or turn it off. Contrast, color, and all the rest are excellent in these well-lit situations. Its also coupled to the iris module, ensuring accurate exposure within the 4m-range. once in my experience) a dodgy connection between the flash and the rest of the circuitry caused an erratic shutter. So, it probably didn't surprise anyone that Nikon took their sweet time to release their first fully automatic compact camera with autofocus when the original Nikon L35AF debuted in 1983. Thank you so much for this article. Not even the quietest (not even close). Great little classic. 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. They insert easily enough, but the compartment feels like it can open or break very easily and takes a bit of effort to get it to stay in place. This adds roughly 2 stops of exposure. It has to supply enough current to keep the shutter open, and can't do it. 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. Loosen the screws of the lens and adjust its focus.