In the realm of 35mm film cameras, Canon has always been a notable player. Among their lineup, the Canon Photura 135, known in Europe as the Epoca 135 and in Japan as the Autoboy Jet 135, is particularly intriguing. Released in 1992, this camera, with its unique design and impressive features, has made waves in the photography community. Let’s explore the depths of this camera to understand why.
Design and Features
Straight off the bat, the Canon Photura 135 (Caption) stands out due to its peculiar design. This design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s intertwined with the camera’s features. For instance, the built-in powerful flash ensures you don’t miss any shots in low-light conditions. Moreover, the ability to add captions and dates sets this model apart, allowing photographers to personalize their images. The Photura 135 is part of Canons well known Sure Shot Series.
Film and Film Format
The Canon Photura 135 is designed for 35mm film, the most popular film format, offering both versatility and quality. If you’re wondering which films to use, we recommend:
- Kodak Portra 400: Ideal for portraits and outdoor scenes, offering vibrant colors.
- Ilford HP5 Plus: A reliable choice for black and white photography, known for its fine grain.
- Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400: Great for all-round photography with consistent results.
Interestingly, the Japanese version also offers a panorama feature, broadening the scope of your creativity.
Power Source and Battery Life
This camera relies on a 6V 2CR5 lithium battery. Durable and long-lasting, this battery ensures you won’t run out of power in the middle of a shoot. To keep your camera always ready, you can purchase the battery here on Amazon.
Exposure Control and Light Metering
The Photura 135 offers a range of exposure controls, accommodating different lighting scenarios. With an electromagnetic programmed shutter and aperture, photographers get a range of exposure options. The camera’s EE system, using a composite SPC for full-auto program EE with 3-zone metering, ensures accuracy across a range of EV 2.35 – 18.6 (ISO 100). Its flexibility to work across film speeds from ISO 25 – 3200 makes it adaptable to various film types.
Size, Weight and Ergonomics
Weighing in at 700g (with battery) and with dimensions of 100×74×170mm, the Canon Photura 135 is relatively compact for its feature set. The camera’s ergonomics, such as the direct zoom viewfinder and the ability to switch between eye-level and low-angle zoom finder, make it user-friendly and adaptable to different shooting scenarios.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| AF System | 3-point Smart Autofocus with near-infrared beam. Prefocus enabled. Close-up warning provided. |
| Lens | 38-135mm f/3.2-8 (10 elements in 9 groups). Power zoom lever provided. |
| Shutter | Electromagnetic programmed shutter and aperture. Remote-control switch provided for CAPTION mode only. |
| Viewfinder | Direct zoom viewfinder. Eye-level finder magnification: 0.35x – 1.14x. Low-angle finder magnification: 0.21x – 0.68x. |
| EE | Composite SPC for full-auto program EE with 3-zone metering. Metering range of EV 2.35 – 18.6 (ISO 100). |
| Built-in Flash | Guide No. 14 – 30 (at ISO 100 in meters). Fires automatically in low-light and backlit conditions. |
| Autodate Feature | Year, month, day imprinting. English caption can be freely rewritten in English (CAPTION model only). |
| Power Source | One 6 V 2CR5 lithium battery. |
| Film Loading & Advance | Drop-in film loading. Automatic film advance with built-in motor. Film advance speed: 1 fps. |
| Frame Counter | Two-digit display with 7-segment LCD. |
| Film Rewind | Automatic rewind with built-in motor. Midroll rewind enabled. |
| Dimensions & Weight | 100 |
Conclusion
The Canon Photura 135 (Caption) is a testament to Canon’s ingenuity and dedication to the 35mm film community. From its unique design to its robust features, it holds a special place in the world of photography. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, this camera has something for everyone. Give it a shot, and you might just find your next favorite photographic companion.
