For photography enthusiasts, navigating the vast sea of cameras can be daunting. But if you’re in the market for a compact point and shoot film camera, Canon’s Sure Shot 105 Zoom S might be on your radar. Let’s dive into the camera’s features and see what makes it unique.
Design and Features
The Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom S, also sold under the monikers Prima Super 105X and Autoboy Luna 105 S, boasts a compact design ideal for on-the-go shooting. With its stylish white-gold and neutral-titanium two-tone front-face design, this camera effortlessly merges aesthetics with functionality. One can’t help but notice the thin metallic ring surrounding the lens, which offers a touch of elegance to the design.
Its high-performance 2.8x zoom lens, which spans 38-105mm, integrates two aspherical lens elements. These elements effectively correct common lens aberrations, ensuring crisp and sharp images across the zoom spectrum. The camera’s Light Guide Flash is strategically designed to minimize the dreaded red-eye effect, especially when zooming in on subjects.
Film and Film Format
The camera uses the 35mm film format, which remains popular among photographers for its versatility and widespread availability. Film speed is automatically adjusted based on DX codes, ranging from a low ISO 25 to a high ISO 3200.
Film Recommendations: For everyday shots, consider films like Kodak Portra 400 or Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400. If you’re looking to experiment in low-light conditions, something like the Ilford HP5 Plus 400 can be an ideal choice.
Power Source and Battery Life
Operating on a single 3V CR123A lithium battery, the Sure Shot 105 Zoom S offers a decent battery lifespan. You can expect to shoot up to 14 rolls of 24 exposure film with balanced use of auto-exposure and flash. Here’s a link to purchase the Lithium CR123A battery on Amazon.
Exposure Control and Light Metering
The camera offers manual exposure compensation of +/-1.5-steps. This gives photographers a bit of flexibility in managing tricky lighting situations. The built-in flash proves smart, firing automatically in low-light or backlit scenarios. Its range varies depending on the ISO setting, with ISO 100 covering a flash range of 0.6-6.5m in wide mode and ISO 400 reaching up to 13m.
Size, Weight, and Ergonomics
Compact yet solid, the Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom S measures 119 x 64 x 48.5 mm and weighs 260g. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, and the real-image zoom viewfinder magnifies between 0.37x (wide-angle) and 1.01x (telephoto), providing a clear and accurate preview of your shots.
User Base: Who’s it for?
Given its features, the Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom S is well-suited for those looking for a reliable, straightforward point and shoot camera. Its 3-point AiAF focusing system is intuitive, identifying main subjects even if they aren’t center-framed. Plus, the RT (Real Time) Release optimizes timing, so shots are taken nearly instantaneously.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Fully automatic 35mm lens shutter autofocus camera with zoom lens |
| Image Size | 24 mm x 36mm |
| Focal Length | 38-105mm f/3.8-9.9 |
| Focus Control | Active 3 point intelligent Auto Focus (AiAF) |
| Shooting Distance | 0.6m to infinity |
| Viewfinder | Real-image zoom viewfinder |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Wide-angle: 0.37x, telephoto: 1.01x |
| Film Speed Setting | Automatically set using DX codes from ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Film Loading | Automatic |
| Film Advance | Automatic |
| Film Rewinding | Automatic |
| Self-timer | Electronically controlled, 10-second limit |
| Built-in Flash | Automatic in low light/backlit conditions (light guide flash) |
| Flash Range (example) | ISO 100 wide 0.6-6.5m |
| Flash Recycling Time | Approx 7 seconds (using new batteries) |
| Power Source | 1 x Lithium CR123A battery |
| Shooting Capacity | 14 rolls of 24 exposure film (50% AE, 50% flash) |
| Dimensions | 119 x 64 x 48.5 mm |
| Weight | 260g |
Conclusion
The Canon Sure Shot 105 Zoom S offers an impressive array of features for a compact point and shoot film camera. It’s a suitable choice for those seeking reliability and quality without the complexities of more advanced cameras. Though it might not cater to every niche need, it’s a sound investment for general photography needs.
