Nikon L35AF Review After 2 Years.
When I picked up the Nikon L35 AF two years ago, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from a 80s point-and-shoot camera. Today, I can confidently say it, it was a good choice. By no means is it perfect but it’s one of those cameras you can just throw in the bag for a quick flight somewhere and take good shots a long way and know it’ll be good. It’s a bit boxy but compact and it’s been called a pocket SLR by many and easy to see why.
First off, the build quality is great. There are a few niggles like the battery door but owning this you’ll know to be careful as it’s thin piece of plastic. That said, despite its age, the L35 AF feels solid and reliable in hand, a testament to Nikon and how they built cameras in the past. The design is a perfect blend of retro charm and functional ergonomics, making it a pleasure to use. The simplicity of its layout means you're not bogged down with settings and dials—just pure, straightforward shooting.
The 35mm f/2.8 lens is the real star of the show. It's remarkably sharp and produces images with a beautiful, almost vintage quality. The lens handles light impressively well, offering excellent clarity and contrast. This has made the L35 AF my go-to for street photography and casual outings, where quick, candid shots are key.
Autofocus, which was a novelty when the camera first came out is surprisingly reliable. While it's not lightning-fast by today's standards, it locks onto subjects with a satisfying accuracy, rarely missing a beat. This has allowed me to capture spontaneous moments that might have been lost fiddling with manual focus on other vintage cameras.
In terms of usability, the Nikon L35 AF excels with its intuitive interface. The viewfinder is bright and clear, providing a good field of view and aiding in precise composition. The shutter button has a satisfying tactile response, and the film advance lever operates smoothly, enhancing the overall shooting experience. Loading film is straightforward, with clear indicators ensuring you get it right every time. The camera's relatively quiet operation is a bonus, especially for candid street photography.
Another standout feature is the built-in pop-up flash. It's powerful enough to illuminate scenes in low light without overpowering them, adding just the right amount of fill to enhance detail. The automatic ISO adjustment also ensures that exposures are well-balanced, regardless of the lighting conditions. The flash can be manually activated, giving you control over when to use it, which is a thoughtful touch for a point-and-shoot camera.
Battery life is another area where the L35 AF shines. It runs on two AA batteries, which are easily available and inexpensive. Over the past two years, I’ve found that a fresh set of batteries lasts for many rolls of film, making it incredibly convenient for long trips or extended shooting sessions. This longevity is a significant advantage over many other vintage cameras that require more obscure battery types.
The camera’s size and weight strike an excellent balance between portability and usability. Weighing in at about 365 grams, it feels substantial enough to offer stability during shooting but light enough to carry around all day without fatigue. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit easily into a small bag or even a large coat pocket, reinforcing its nickname as the "pocket SLR."
In the two years I've used the Nikon L35 AF, it has never failed to impress. Its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results with minimal fuss has made it a constant companion in my photography adventures. If you're a fan of film photography or simply appreciate the elegance of a well-designed camera, the Nikon L35 AF is a delightful piece of history that's well worth experiencing.