Fujica Auto-5 (1980)
A zone focus compact camera from Fujica, released in 1980, with fully automatic operation and built-in flash.
Overview
The Fujica Auto-5 is a 35mm point-and-shoot film camera released by Fujica (a brand of Fuji Photo Film) in 1980. It's a zone focus compact with a lot of automation: autowinder, auto-loading and auto-return. The lens is a fixed Fujinon 38mm f/2.8, and there's a built-in flash. Exposure and focusing are automatic, so it's easy to use. The body is plastic, but it's noted for solid build quality and reliable performance.
Specifications
| Focusing system | zone focus |
| Automation | Apart from focusing, it is fully automatic, with autowinder, auto-loading, auto-return, auto… |
| Lens | Fujinon 38mm f/2.8 |
| Lens construction | 4 elements/4 groups |
| Shutter speed range | 1/8sec F2.8～1/500sec F16 |
| ISO range | 50 - 400 |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Dimensions | 135 x 84 x 53 mm |
| Weight | 356g |
| Flash | Built-in Flash |
| Original price | JPY37,000 |
Design
The Fujica Auto-5 is a zone focus compact with a plastic body that feels more solid than plastic usually does. It has a fixed Fujinon 38mm f/2.8 lens and fully automatic operation, built for casual photographers.
Context
The Fujica Auto-5 came out in 1980, part of a wave of fully automatic compact cameras aimed at the consumer market. The Fujica Auto-7, released in 1981, belongs to the same product family timeline, which suggests a planned sequence of automated models.
Market
Listed prices for the Fujica Auto-5 vary: €95 (sale), $125, and local sales around $20 CAD. Some listings sell it in bulk (3 for $60), which points to modest collector interest and easy availability on the secondhand market.
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