135compact.com 35mm ultra compact cameras Canon Prima Tele (Sure Shot Multi Tele, Autoboy Tele 6) and Date
The
Canon Sure Shot Multi Tele, Prima Tele in Europe, (Autoboy Tele 6 in Japan)
was a
very successful twin-focus camera, launched in 1988. A Date version was
also available. An outstanding feature is that it can shoot in half
frame mode as well, the focal length equivalent is 50mm and 85mm, and
as most half frame it's portrait mode. Its main features are:
35 mm f/3,5 wide angle lens, 3 lenses, 3 groups, or 60 mm f/5,6 Tele lens, 6 lenses, 6 groups, min. focus 0.63m, 0.4m in macro flash mode Shutter speeds 1/60s-1/250s, B mode up to 4s Size 133x71x50, Weight 280 gr. DX code ISO 50 - 3200, auto wind, AE, self-timer, flash on, half frame (only to be chosen at film loading)
Some pictures of the Prima Date model:
Front.. Strap
Front. The camera is always closed, the lens only comes out for the photo and retracts immediately. Flash guide no. is 15/100 ISO.
The protection pushed aside. Do not obstruct the lens! Back
view. Viewer and focus confirm/flash charge lamp. Slider off/on to wide or tele mode. Film type window. Film counter, set to half frame, so "x2" is visible. Date imprinting off.
The date back has a lot of features, dates from 1970 to 2029 (!). It
can imprint the date, the hour or the frame count. It can count the
time elapsed since the last photo or any given date. It can tell you
the date you loaded the film and it can be used as interval timer for
multiple photos.
Seen
from above. Flash on and B timer button. Mid roll rewind and timer
button. The third button is pressed by the optional Tele attachment. Shutter release.
To choose a mode, first press the mode button and hold it. Then half
press
the shutter release, wait for the light, keep it pressed and release
the mode button. Then fire the shutter completely. You have to follow
these instructions, otherwise it won't work. In B mode the flash won't
fire. So real night photos are possible.
Makro flash
mode: If you go closer than 60cm, the ready lamp will blink when you
half press the shutter. You can override this warning up to 40cm, the
camera goes into a special mode, it will use flash and you should get a
sharp photo nevertheless. Seen
from below. Tripod socket. The battery compartment is taped. Its lid is a weak point. Takes a 2CR5 battery.
A typical 1980/early 1990 camera.
Some pictures of a Sure Shot model:
Front. It lacks the clear cover of the viewer/flash unit. the cover is
prone to cracks and heavy scartches, the camera works well without.
Top.
Back. Just a counter. The 2x for half frame only appears when film is loaded.
Bottom. Battery compartment and tripod mount.
Film
compartment open. Full frame setting. The little yellow lever top left
of the film plane switches the format, so this is only possible before
film loading.
Half frame setting.
Stylish original case and strap.
This
camera is very easy to use. You slide the switch and push the
shutter button,
that's all. Autofocus is very reliable. There are no features except
flash on, B shutter and self timer. All the rest is automatic. It has
very
good
lenses, hence good picture quality. No slow shutter speeds, but a B
mode for night
photos. It's not small and light. Point and shoot as
basic and good
as possible.
The half frame possibility is a unique feature. Seen today's film
prices, more people want half frame cameras. As far as I know there is
only the Konica AA 35 which has autofocus as well. So both cameras are
quite expensive.
