Cameras,  Reviews

Nikon L35AF – Pikaichi

Nikon L35AF

The Nikon L35AF, commonly known as Pikaichi, is a compact autofocus camera.  It is not called that because it is a Pokémon. The name Pikaichi means “Top Notch” in Japanese according to the Nikon website. It was coined due to the quality of the lens design by the Nikon team.

Compact cameras are very popular as I write this. Some of it has to do with celebrity usage, but in reality, it is the convenience factor which drives the popularity. Most people do not want to carry a big camera around but do like to have something which takes good quality photographs. Enter the 1980-1990’s and you see the heyday of compact camera design, where there were a lot of high quality options, especially in the 90’s.  The L35AF was early in the 80’s, but that does not discount it as a premier quality camera.

Look at the scooters! |Nikon L35AF | Ilford HP5 Plus 400 @ EI 800
Look at the scooters! |Nikon L35AF | Ilford HP5 Plus 400 @ EI 800

This camera is larger than other popular compacts, not really a pocket camera.  It is a matter of preference as some people prefer the small form factor, or like me, others prefer something a little substantial to hold.  This is a well made camera.  It does have a couple of weaknesses, but overall you can tell it has had some decent workmanship put into it.  

The reputation the L35AF has gained though, is through the quality of the lens.  Nikon went big with this lens, in the sense that they used some of their tried and trusted techniques, dipping into their strengths.  Interestingly, rather than the usual Tessar style design this lens has a Sonnar design.

Alien Abduction! |Nikon L35AF | Kodak Portra 400
Alien Abduction! |Nikon L35AF | Kodak Portra 400

I had been wanting a L35AF for quite a while, but never seemed to find a deal which would be quite right.  I came across this copy online where the seller was selling a Nikon F65 (N65 in North America) with a kit lens for the ridiculously low price these sell for now.  Next to it was sitting the L35AF and was being thrown in for free!  To say I hit BUY quickly is an understatement.  Then I crossed my fingers and hoped it was working. Luckily, both cameras work perfectly.

The L35AF has become my go-to camera over the months that I have had it.  It is a camera I have become very attached to.  When I am wanting a compact camera, where I do not want to think about process much, it tends to be on top of my list.  Why has this camera become one of my primary ones?  Let’s find out a bit more about it and I’ll then explain why.

Hidden ice cream van | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Tri-X 400
Hidden ice cream van | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Tri-X 400

Some other automatic compacts which have been reviewed here include the Nikon Lite.Touch 140 Zoom, the Canon Sure Shot 70 Zoom, and the Canon Sure Shot A1.

History

In the late 1970s the compact camera market started its trajectory into being the dominant camera form factor in terms of sales volumes.  All the major manufacturers were selling them. As a form factor, some very unique designs were being manufactured. About this time, the market started maturing, with an established set of features.

Between the pillars | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Tri-X 400
Between the pillars | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Tri-X 400

Nikon came to the automatic compact camera market quite late compared to most the other manufacturers.  Koichi Wakamiya completed the optical design of the lens at the end of 1981.  The L35AF made an appearance in 1983 and was the first of a line of cameras coined the L series.  This included the L35AD (autodate) and led into the .Touch series.  There was even a waterproof version in 1986, the L35AWAF.

The L35AF was produced for 2 years until 1985 which is when the L35AF2 was released.  Overall the L series continued for about 6-7 years, but that does not take into account the overall .Touch series.

Fog in Auckland | Nikon L35AF | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800
Fog in Auckland | Nikon L35AF | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800

Initially there was some concern and rumours that the lens on this camera was not manufactured by Nikon. It was because it did not carry the Nikkor branding.  This was unfounded and incorrect. In fact Nikon went back to one of its most iconic lenses for inspiration, the 105mm f/2.5 original Sonnar.  It was modified and adapted to a wide angle.  Technically this was not suited for this focal length, but Mr. Wakamiya was able to adapt it to great success.

In recent years the Nikon L35AF has gained a bit of a cult status.  As most compacts in that period utilised Tessar style lenses, the L35AF has a unique look to it.

Scooter on skate ramp | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Scooter on skate ramp | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100

Camera Specifics

The Nikon L35AF is a leaf shutter, auto focus, auto exposure 35mm compact camera sold in the early 1980s.  It was manufactured with a full metal body, covered in black plastic with a moulded grip.  A textured panel is on the other side of the camera, framed by the very classy red stripe.

The lens is a 35mm f/2.8 modified Sonnar design. It comprises of 5 elements in 4 groups. The minimum focus distance is 80cm. There is a 46mm filter thread, which is a bonus on a compact camera.  This copy has a UV filter fitted.  

Nikon L35AF

The film ISO/ASA setting is controlled by a textured ring around the lens itself, which is inside the filter thread.  ISO range available is 50 to 1000.  The fully automatic CdS light meter also resides inside the filter thread, which allows for metering with a filter attached.  It is capable of exposures from EV 6 to EV 17. That equates from 1/8 sec. with f/2.8 through to 1/430 sec. with an aperture of f/17.5 respectively, with the ISO set to 100. 

On the left of the lens is the backlight switch for the metering.  This adds roughly 2 stops of exposure.  On the front right top corner is the self timer lever.  

The flash is located on the left side and is fixed in place.  It has a guide number of 10 (ISO 100, m) and has a range of 0.7m to 2.5m through to 4.0m depending on the film speed.

Nikon L35AF

On top of the camera is the on/off switch and shutter release button.  The on/off switch is considered one of the camera’s weaknesses as it has been reported to break by some users.  Next to the switch is the frame counter, under a clear window.

On the back of the camera is the flash readiness indicator.  Also, under a very handy thumb grip is a little window with a red stripe which moves when film is advanced.  This helps confirm there is film and it is advancing.  The viewfinder according to the manual is a Reverse-Galilean Albada-type bright frame viewfinder (what a mouthful!).  It has 85% coverage with 0.52x magnification.  

There are frame markings for parallax compensation, a focus spot and focus distance information indicator.  The latter is presented as a person, two people, a group of people and a mountain for infinity.

Nikon L35AF

Loading film is by opening the back, inserting the 35mm cartridge and pulling out the film leader to the red mark.  Closing the back, press the shutter button and watch the window show you the film is advancing.  Frame advance is automatic after each frame is taken.

Unloading is initiated by a two step button/switch process at the bottom of the camera, next to the tripod thread.  The L35AF rewinds the film, but leaves the little leader out, which is fantastic if you would like to try and do some double exposures. 

The battery compartment is also on the bottom, with the camera powered by two AA batteries.  The cover of the compartment is the second weak spot of the camera, in that it is well known to break off or just not close.

Balloons in the city | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Balloons in the city | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200

The Experience

I got the Nikon L35AF as a bonus when I bought another camera.  I knew of the forums where there is a following due to the rendering of the lens by being a wide angle Sonnar design.  Putting all that together, I was quite excited to load it up and start using it.

The first roll I used was Kodak Pro Image 100, a film at the time I had to specially order as it was only available for the South American market but still inexpensive.  Loading the film was quite easy.  I wish I could say the same about the batteries.  They insert easily enough, but the compartment feels like it can open or break very easily and takes a bit of effort to get it to stay in place.  I put a spot of duct tape to as a precaution and have not had an issue since.

Lounging in the city | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Lounging in the city | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100

The first results with that film reinforced what I had read.  The sharpness is fantastic, though it does have some drop off as you move from the centre of the frame.  I was hooked on this camera.  The L35AF became a constant companion every day including business trips to New Zealand. 

There is quite distinct vignetting, a by-product of a lens design not really aimed at wide angle.  For me though, it really adds to the look.  It is not specifically strong and has a subtle graduation, but if you are looking for edge to edge constant exposure, this may not be to your taste.

It is a very easy camera to use.  I love the little focus indicator at the bottom of the viewfinder, it is heaps more fun that a boring green light for focus.  Not having to think about any settings is also great, especially when I take it out for a walks during my lunch break.  

Big umbrella | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Big umbrella | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200

Film after film, I have been impressed with the results.  The hit rate with the focus is actually really good for such an early auto focus camera.  Exposure has been very consistent.  The meter has been able to handle most conditions including fog in the morning. I have used the backlight compensation on a couple of occasions, and this has also helped in the strong sunshine in Sydney during the day when shooting upwards.  

The viewfinder is bright and has quite a bit of room around the frame marks.  I found this to be quite handy in being able to see what was just outside the frame and prepare for someone walking into it.  Pre-focusing by half-pressing the shutter release works quite well too. The button is very easy to feel where it is focus locking, which is a relief as some cameras I struggle to find it and accidentally shoot the frame when I am not ready.

Overpass | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Overpass | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100

The Nikon L35AF may not be the most advanced compact camera.  It is not the smallest.  Not even the quietest (not even close).  But for some reason it has become the compact that I have become most attached to.  I reach for it whenever I have an occasion for a compact which I want to rely on.  Between its striking boxy looks, the great results from the reliability of the exposure meter and the look from this lens, this is a camera I can recommend anytime!

Cycle reflections | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Cycle reflections | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
L: Street Furniture | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800 – C: Food delivery | Kodak Ultramax 400 – R: Foggy construction | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800, All: Nikon L35AF
L: Street Furniture | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800 – C: Food delivery | Kodak Ultramax 400 – R: Foggy construction | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800, All: Nikon L35AF
Construction passage | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Construction passage | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Abandoned chair | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Abandoned chair | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Cruise ship | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Tri-X 400
Cruise ship | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Tri-X 400
Phone call | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Phone call | Nikon L35AF | Silberra Ultima 200 Panchrome 200
Holden | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Holden | Nikon L35AF | Kodak Pro Image 100
Fog, Princes Wharf, Auckland | Nikon L35AF | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800
Fog, Princes Wharf, Auckland | Nikon L35AF | Ilford HP5 Plus @ EI 800

Related Links

James Tocchio of Casual Photophile has written a very enjoyable review in Nikon L35AF – Japan’s Pikaichi Point and Shoot

35mmc have a great quick read in The Nikon L35AF – a mini review  – by Giacomo Zema.

In Camera Geekery: The Nikon L35AFis a profile of the L35AF on Japan Camera Hunter. 

For a review of a camera which is a direct and close descendant of the L35AF read Mike Eckman’s review of the Nikon One.Touch AF3.

[kofi]

16 Comments

  • Bas

    Very bad built quality, cannot recommend this camera at all. Weak spots: battery compartement door, on/off switch and may I add also the pop-up flash. Also used a L35AW AF and that one is much better built and nicer to use, its lens is not 5 elements though… Actually most impressed by another brand ‘first’ compact AF camera from 1983: the Fujica DL100, which has a sturdy battery door, better on/off switch, and a flash that doesn’t automatically pop up all the time.

    • Theo

      You are of-course welcome to your opinions and recommendations, that is what makes this hobby interesting, and I would never suggest you don’t share.
      But I do have to disagree with you. Apart from the battery door (which is a known weak point), I do not see an issue with the on/off switch. With the flash, compacts from the 1980’s well into the 2000’s had flash auto on as standard, which while annoying, you cannot point to one specific camera and say it is a build issue.
      You did mention the one thing that really attracts people to this camera, the lens. In the end it is the lens which produces the results, and why this camera is fully recommended. The Fujica DL100 is also a nice camera, but it does not have the same lens, so does not stack up for my part. I still use my L35AF and it is always the results which make me smile.

  • Andy Clad

    I have an LF35AF and it’s remembered as the camera I used to shoot my 1st black and white film at the Emirates cable car going over the Thames to the London O2. The pictures came back great as I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I must of read somewhere before the trip to buy a yellow filter as it’s supposed to help with mono film. Those were probably some of the best exposed pictures I’ve ever had back from a high st lab (Boots at Woolwich I recall). In fact I put the phone down and spent 45 mins finding the 6×4 prints and went down memory lane for another half hour. That was one of the days where my ex Mrs could be such a lovely person. Anyway, getting back to the real world !! I now have probably over 60 film cameras, which all work. This has now given me an excuse to load up the LF35AF (Yep still got it), with some ORWO-UN54 and go and shoot some images. I’ve found the trusty yellow filter too. This camera doesn’t feel the same for me without that in place.
    Reading some of the other comments on here. I have a Fuji DL300 and that is a fine compact. That, along with the Nikon & a Minolta AFZ, are probably my favourite point and shoots. I’m a big 60s/70s rangefinder fan and generally grab one of those for a pleasurable film photography experience.
    Cheers all..

    • Theo

      Thank you for the great story behind your camera, I love to hear these. I am also glad the article inspired you to take the L35AF out again!
      It is one of my favourite compacts and the results also give me a real uplift.

  • Charles E

    Based on the comments offered by other online reviews, yours is a really enjoyable, hype-free read on what is becoming a mythical beast of a camera. I am a fan because it just feels right in my hands and, if the price of film was not a factor, it makes me want to take more photographs, more often. The ergonomics are fantastic and this model (rather than the AF2 which succeeded it), doesn’t feel as plastic/fragile as a lot of P&S camera of this era. For all the negative comments I’ve read, we shouldn’t forget that the L35AF is nearly 40 years old. It will fail but when working, the images these plastic 1980s cameras make, provides a compelling reason to treasure them and keep them working (your “Abandoned Chair” picture showcases this point for me). I haven’t investigated the option of converting the lens on my broken L35AF for use on another camera but from what I have read, there is an afterlife for this amazing Sonnar design. For that visually pleasing, yet imperfect “analogue” look, collectors of mechanical rangefinder cameras, like myself, can pay dearly for Leica and L39 mount glass based on similar lens designs. The L35AF offers more of the same at a fraction of the price and (ignoring the noise factor), with much greater convenience. Thanks again for your review and keep shooting/enjoying the Nikon.

    • Theo

      Thank you for the kind words on the review. I try to live with a camera for an extended period rather than run a quick film through it, to get a real feeling for it and this helps me cut away from the hype.
      The camera itself is one of my favourites, as you would have been able to see, and hope mine keeps working. That is why even though it is not broken, I do use some tape on the battery cover to ensure it stays ok.
      The lens is something really special on the L35AF and has it own look. It just a shame they don’t produce cameras like it quite the same any more.

  • Ed

    I bought the second version with the extended ISO range to 1000 but with the same Sonnar lens when it first came out in the early 80’s and have used it for my fishing trips before digital. I can say that that this version is robust and has none of the issues that you describe. It even survived getting soaked in a rain storm. Though it has a plastic covering, the interior is all metal. It is still a very useable high IQ camera.

    • Theo

      You are right, the second (and third) versions of this camera were good upgrades on an already good camera and address some of the issues. The lens in both makes this line very special.

  • Bas Noordermer

    I mean 5 element… the later versions used a 4 element Tessar design again, which are fine lenses just give a bit different character to the images. What is nice about the third version is that the automatic flash can be cancelled just by pushing a button, it also has ‘macro’ (70cm) and the autofocus has many more steps then the original.

  • Ed

    I agree that the second L35AF2 version has the Tessar lens. But the first version had an increase to ISO 1000 during mid-production. It’s this version I’m referring to and is identical to the original camera including the Sonnar lens and the ability to take filters.

    • Theo

      That was my understanding too, which when referring to lens I indicated both, not all three.
      Bas, you are correct that they moved to a tessar, but like Ed I understood there was a run of L35AF2s with the Sonnar. I might go and do some refreshed detective work and look at clarifying in the article.

  • Ed

    To clarify, there was a run near the end of production of the original L35AF that had the ISO increased to 1000, but kept the Sonnar lens/filter thread and L35AF name. There was never a run of L35AF2’s with the Sonnar lens to my knowledge.