Chinon 35FS-A
A compact 35mm autofocus camera with built-in flash and electronic exposure control
Overview
The Chinon 35FS-A is a 35mm film compact camera featuring autofocus and a built-in flash, designed for straightforward point-and-shoot use. Manufactured by Chinon, it uses a programmed electronic shutter and CdS cell for exposure control starting from EV6.6. The camera includes a Galilean viewfinder with a red LED indicating underexposure and a green LED confirming autofocus lock. It captures images in the standard 24 x 36mm picture format on 35mm film.
Specifications
| Lens | 3 element / 3 group lens |
| Viewfinder | Galilean viewfinder with red LED for underexposure and green LED for AF confirm |
| Shutter | programmed electronic shutter |
| Exposure Control | CdS cell exposure control from EV6.6 |
| Autofocus System | infrared autofocus system |
| Film Type | 35 mm film |
| Picture Format | 24 x 36mm |
Context
The Chinon 35FS-A was introduced as a highly advanced compact camera for 35mm film, combining autofocus and built-in flash in a portable design.
Market
One unit was listed for sale at $185.00, while another auction had a starting bid of €1. A user reported reviving a Chinon 35FS-A after removing corrosion from old batteries, indicating battery corrosion as a known issue. A service manual for the Chinon 35FS-A and 35F-II cameras is available for purchase.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.