In 1999, Canon released the Sure Shot 76 Zoom, a camera that would find itself marketed under different names across the globe. Known as the Autoboy Juno 76 in Japan and the Prima Zoom 76 in other regions, this model was not just another camera on the shelf. It was a reflection of Canon’s consistent effort to provide quality point & shoot options for everyday photographers. Let’s delve into its features and see how it holds up today.
Design and Features
Canon’s Sure Shot 76 Zoom had a distinct design. The lens retracted completely, ensuring a flat body, which gave it a sleek appearance. White gold trim and metallic lens rings contributed to an undeniably premium feel. It’s evident that user convenience was a priority, as indicated by the large real-image viewfinder. This design made it easy to use, even for those wearing eyeglasses. Furthermore, the oversized mode dial controlling the five shooting modes ensured functionality wasn’t compromised for style.
Film and Film Format
As a fully-automatic 35mm lens-shutter AF camera, the Sure Shot 76 Zoom captured images at a size of 24 x 36mm. If you’re looking to use this vintage beauty, there are several films you could consider:
- Kodak Portra 400: Known for its fine grain and natural colors, this film is versatile for various shooting conditions.
- Ilford HP5 Plus 400: For those fond of black and white photography, this film offers a rich grayscale with good contrast.
- Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400: An affordable option, this film gives vibrant colors and is suitable for outdoor photography.
Power Source and Battery Life
The camera operates on one CR123A 3V lithium battery. With a new battery, it’s estimated to shoot approximately 17 rolls of 24-exposure film, assuming 50% flash usage. That’s a reasonable capacity, though it does necessitate keeping spare batteries on hand if you’re an avid shooter. For your convenience, batteries can be found on platforms such as Amazon.
Exposure Control and Light Metering
The exposure control range varies based on the shooting mode, with distinctions between wide-angle and telephoto settings. The built-in flash is set to automatically activate in low-light situations, and its efficiency varies depending on the chosen ISO setting. For instance, with an ISO 100 setting, the flash range in wide-angle extends from 2 to 15.2 ft, whereas in telephoto, it’s from 2 to 8.2 ft.
Size, Weight, and Ergonomics
The camera’s dimensions are practical at 121 x 68 x 45 mm, making it relatively compact for its time. Models without the date feature weigh 225 g, excluding the battery. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry around, an essential feature for a point & shoot camera.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Fully-automatic 35 mm lens-shutter AF camera with built-in zoom lens |
| Image Size | 24 x 36mm |
| Lens | Canon 38-76mm f/4.2-7.8 lens |
| Focusing | Active AiAF |
| Focusing Distance | 0.6m(2.0ft.) to infinity |
| Shutter | Combination aperture and program electromagnetically driven shutter |
| Viewfinder | Real-image zoom viewfinder |
| Film Loading | Automatic |
| Film Advance | Automatic with mid-roll rewind possible |
| Frame Counter | Counts up during film advance and counts down during film rewinding |
| Self-Timer | 10 sec. delayed shutter release timer with operation displayed on the LCD panel |
| Film Speeds | ISO 25-3200, set automatically in 1-stop increments using DX codes |
| Built-in Flash | Built-in flash fires automatically in low-light conditions |
| Flash Recycling Time | Approx. 5 seconds (with new battery) |
| Shooting Mode Selection | Using mode dial |
| Power Supply | One CR123A 3V lithium battery |
| Dimensions | (W x H x D): 121 x 68 x 45 mm |
| Weight | Models without date: 225 g (excluding battery) |
Conclusion
The Canon Sure Shot 76 Zoom is a representation of Canon’s commitment to producing quality cameras for the everyday photographer. With its mix of simplicity, functionality, and compact design, it remains a noteworthy entry in the world of film cameras. For those looking to delve into vintage photography or relive memories, this camera is worth considering.
