Chinon Auto 2001 (1987)

At the flick of a sliding lens cover, it powers up like a forgotten robot ready to shoot.

Overview

Marketed as a compact, easy-to-use camera for casual photographers, it embodies the mid-to-late 1980s wave of autofocus fixed-lens compacts that prioritized convenience over manual control. Designed with a rectangular profile and a sliding lens cover, the camera activates when the lens is exposed and powers down when covered—a simple but effective power-saving feature noted by owners. It uses a newly designed 35mm f/2.8 lens with a four-element, four-group optical construction, delivering a standard field of view suitable for everyday snapshots. The camera automatically handles film winding and exposure, aiming to minimize user input while maintaining reliable performance.

Autofocus is achieved via an active infrared system with a range from 33 inches to infinity, a common method for budget-friendly cameras of the era. A notable feature is the cancelable auto focus memory lock, which allows users to focus on an off-center subject, lock focus, and reframe before taking the shot—a small but meaningful concession to compositional flexibility. The viewfinder is an inverted Galilean type with an integrated autofocus frame, providing basic framing and focus confirmation. Film speed is set automatically via DX coding, supporting ISO 50 to 1600, which gave users flexibility in film choice without needing manual input.

Despite its utilitarian purpose, the Auto 2001 has attracted quiet attention from collectors and film enthusiasts drawn to its clean design and functional simplicity. It represents a transitional moment in camera technology, bridging the gap between fully manual SLRs and the fully automated point-and-shoots that would dominate the 1990s.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Chinon
Model	Auto 2001
Camera Type	35mm camera
Picture Size	24 x 36 mm
Lens	Chinon 35mm f/2.8
Lens Construction	4 elements in 4 groups
Aperture Range	f/2.8 to f/18
Focusing System	Automatic active infrared focusing system from 33" to infinity
Focus Feature	cancelable auto focus memory lock; allows subject to be positioned
Finder	Inversed galilean finder with AF frame
Film Winding	Automatic
Film Speed Settings	50-1600 DX ISO
Battery Life	About 5 years if yearly 12 rolls of 24 exposure films are taken with 50% flash pictures

Key Features

Sliding Lens Cover with Auto Power Control

The rectangular design includes a sliding lens cover that doubles as the camera’s power switch. When the cover is retracted, the camera powers on and becomes ready to shoot; when closed, it shuts down. This design eliminates the need for a separate power button and conserves battery life, a practical feature that aligns with the camera’s point-and-shoot ethos.

Cancelable Auto Focus Memory Lock

The infrared autofocus system includes a memory lock function that can be canceled by the user. This allows for focus-and-recompose techniques, where the photographer locks focus on an off-center subject and then reframes the shot. While basic by modern standards, this feature provided a degree of creative control uncommon in entry-level autofocus cameras of the time.

DX-Coded ISO 50–1600 Film Compatibility

The camera reads film speed automatically via DX coding, supporting a wide range from ISO 50 to 1600. This broad sensitivity range enables use in varied lighting conditions without manual adjustments, making it adaptable for both indoor and outdoor photography with commonly available film stocks.

Historical Context

The Chinon Auto 2001 shares a close relationship with the Kodak VR35 K14, which is documented as a rebranded and slightly modified version of the same camera. Sources indicate that Chinon acted as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for Kodak, producing the technical core of the VR35 K14 under a different shell and branding. While the two models share internal specifications and functionality, they differ in external design, reflecting Kodak’s branding strategy in the point-and-shoot market. This practice was common in the 1980s, with Japanese manufacturers often supplying hardware to Western brands.

Collectibility & Value

The Chinon Auto 2001 appears in collector valuation resources and is occasionally listed for sale on online marketplaces and forums. Listings often describe units as “for parts or not working,” with one noting “Battery Terminal Clean” as a reason for malfunction—suggesting that corrosion or poor contact may be a recurring issue. A replacement battery cover (part number 1631BOCS1018A) is available as a new spare part, indicating some level of ongoing support or aftermarket interest. While not a high-value collectible, its presence in price guides and spare parts markets suggests a niche following among those restoring or using vintage point-and-shoots.