Canon Sure Shot Z135 (1996)
At 265 grams and packing a 38–135mm zoom, this compact point-and-shoot was Canon’s answer to photographers who wanted reach without bulk.
Overview
The Canon Sure Shot Z135 isn’t just another plastic-bodied film camera from the mid-90s — it’s a high-grade outlier in Canon’s Z series, built with a feature set that bordered on prosumer at the time. Released in 1996, it stands out for one bold spec: a 38–135mm zoom lens, a rare range for an autofocus compact. That 3.6x optical zoom gave users real compositional flexibility, especially compared to the fixed 35mm or 38mm lenses common in most point-and-shoots. The lens opens to f/3.5 at the wide end, though the maximum aperture at full telephoto isn’t documented, leaving owners to rely on its programmed exposure system and flash assist in lower light.
Autofocus is handled by an Ai active auto-focus system, reportedly combining infrared and passive detection for faster, more reliable lock-on — a step up from basic passive systems that struggled in dim conditions. The focus range extends from 0.6 meters to infinity, making it competent for both close-ups and distant shots. Framing is done through a real-image viewfinder, which includes an autofocus frame and a green confirmation lamp, a small but crucial detail that reassures the user the shot is in focus before firing. While not as bright or accurate as an SLR’s finder, it’s typical of the era’s higher-end compacts.
Operation is fully automated. Film loading, advance, and rewind are all motorized, with DX coding automatically detecting ISO 50–1600 film. Shutter speeds run from 1/40 to 1/250 second via a programmed electromagnetic shutter, with exposure fully managed by the camera’s AE system. There’s no indication of manual override options in the documentation, meaning photographers surrender full control to the camera’s internal logic. A built-in flash fires automatically in low-light or backlit scenes, with a stated range of 0.7 to 3.5 meters at ISO 100 and a recycling time of approximately 2.5 seconds. The self-timer is present but not detailed beyond its existence.
Powered by two AA alkaline batteries, the Z135 is rated for approximately 20 rolls of 24 exposures under mixed use (50% flash), tested at 20°C. At 133 x 72 x 49.5mm and 265 grams without batteries, it’s compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket, though the zoom lens adds noticeable heft to the front. Owners report it feels solid in hand, a testament to its positioning as a premium model in the Sure Shot lineup.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Product type | 35mm point-and-shoot film camera |
| Lens | 38mm f/3.5 |
| Lens | features a Canon 38-135mm |
| Focusing | Autofocus |
| Focus Control | Ai active auto-focus system |
| Autofocus Range | 0.6 m to ∞ |
| Viewfinder | Real-image finder with autofocus frame and green lamp |
| Shutter | Programmed electromagnetic shutter |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/40 sec. – 1/250 sec. |
| Exposure Control | Programmed AE |
| Film Speed Setting | Automatic setting of DX-coded film (ISO 50–1600) |
| Film Loading | Auto loading |
| Film Advance | Automatic film advance |
| Film Rewind | Automatic rewind |
| Flash | Built-in flash |
| Flash Modes | Auto flash (fires automatically in low-light and backlit conditions) |
| Flash Range | 0.7m – 3.5m (at ISO 100) |
| Flash Recycling Time | Approx. 2.5 sec. |
| Self-Timer | Built-in self-timer |
| Power Source | Two 1.5V AA alkaline-manganese batteries |
| Battery Life | Approx. 20 rolls (24 exposures, 50% with flash, at 20°C) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 133 x 72 x 49.5mm |
| Weight | 265g (without batteries) |
Historical Context
The Canon Sure Shot Z135 arrived in 1996 as part of Canon’s “Z” series, a line marketed as high-grade point-and-shoots. It was sold under multiple names globally: Prima Super 135 in Europe and Autoboy S (Super) II in Japan, reflecting Canon’s regional branding strategy. At a time when most compact cameras offered fixed focal lengths, the Z135’s 38–135mm zoom was a significant differentiator, targeting enthusiasts who wanted more creative control without carrying an SLR. Its release coincided with the peak of 35mm film popularity, just before digital began its slow ascent.
Collectibility & Value
There is no documented current market price for the Canon Sure Shot Z135. However, user reviews on Photography Review give it a 4.2 out of 5 from 26 reviewers, with one noting its focal length and Best Shot Dial as standout features. Common issues among Sure Shot models, such as film loading failures, have been noted in online searches, suggesting potential reliability concerns with aging units. Replacement batteries and basic maintenance are covered in user manuals available online, including one hosted at manualslib.com. No specific failure modes unique to the Z135 are documented in the fact sheet.
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