Canon AF35M AF Issue

[brofkand]

Hello everyone,

I have a Canon AF35M that I bought from a thrift store. The flash fires, the film advances, etc., but the AF does not work. It is constantly focused to infinity.

I am wondering if anyone has any experience with this camera, and any pointers as to if this is an issue worth fixing or should I just look for a different 35MM P&S?

 

[wblynch]

Are you sure it isn't focusing? Did you run a roll through it yet?

I just got an AF35ML which should be very similar and the lens doesn't move. I think it's internally focusing.

 

[brofkand]

It does focus, as in the lens moves in and out between exposures, but there is a scale inside the viewfinder that tells you where the lens focused during the last exposure.

It always points to the mountain, never anything in between, no matter where the subject was.

I have run a roll through it, but every exposure is focused to infinity.

Any ideas? I only paid about $2 for it from a thrift shop, so it isn't a big loss, but the camera has a good lens in it and when the subject was at infinity the results were excellent.

Thanks!

 

[BobD]

These cameras (early AF P&S types) are great little shooters but they used plastic internal parts (such as gears) which do wear out or break in time. Probably best to search out another one that wasn't used much and works.

 

[wblynch]

It does focus, as in the lens moves in and out between exposures, but there is a scale inside the viewfinder that tells you where the lens focused during the last exposure.

It always points to the mountain, never anything in between, no matter where the subject was.

I have run a roll through it, but every exposure is focused to infinity.

Any ideas? I only paid about $2 for it from a thrift shop, so it isn't a big loss, but the camera has a good lens in it and when the subject was at infinity the results were excellent.

Thanks!

Yeah, I know that indicator. My ML has it also. I did some reading last night and I guess the ML has a different, but similar, focusing system than the M and M2.

There are two little 'rangefinder' type windows that the focusing system looks out of. You might try cleaning them and see if that helps...

 

[wblynch]

Well brofkand,

Your post got me thinking so I loaded up some black and white film into that AF35ML I recently received only to find mine doesn't focus either.

The difference is mine only focuses close up. 2-4 feet. Everything else is a blurry mess. No infinity focus...

It seems the auto exposure isn't working right either.

I'm wondering if something is jammed or is it because the camera hasn't been exercised in maybe 20 years that things are just stiff?

I did notice that one has to take his time, press the shutter release 1/2 way to get focus confirmation before tripping the shutter.

An interesting camera with its f1.9 lens that, in my case and maybe yours, we'll never get to realize.

 

[brofkand]

My exposure is working fine, it just won't focus on anything but infinity. I guess I'll open it up and see what may be going on. I thought about the camera being stiff and needing exercise, but the lens moves in and out when it's powered up just fine. It also moves in and out during exposure. The AF sensing area just won't work.

If you get yours to work, I'd love to know how!

 

[wblynch]

i will fix it or break it trying !!