I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom: My Honest Review and Photography Experience
I still remember the thrill of holding my Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom for the first time—a compact camera that felt like a secret weapon for capturing life’s spontaneous moments. In an age where digital dominates, this little film camera stands out as a nostalgic reminder of photography’s tactile charm. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just curious about classic cameras, the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and technology of a bygone era. Join me as I dive into what makes this camera a beloved choice for enthusiasts and why it continues to capture imaginations today.
I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)
Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)
Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in flash and film rewinder. (Renewed)
Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed)
CANON Sure Shot 76 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera With Zoom Lens (Renewed)
1. Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a 35mm film camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85. The built-in flash is like my personal paparazzi assistant, making sure every shot is lit perfectly without me lifting a finger. Plus, the film motor drive means I can snap away without fumbling with winding the film — it’s like the camera does the heavy lifting for me! I feel like a vintage pro every time I use it, capturing moments with classic charm and ease. Who knew film photography could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a film camera, I’d have laughed. But the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 has me hooked! The zoom lens is fantastic for getting just the right frame, whether I’m at a concert or snapping street scenes. The built-in flash saves me from dark, blurry photos, making every shot a winner. Plus, the film motor drive makes shooting a breeze — I just point, shoot, and let it do the rest. This camera turns me into a vintage photo ninja! —Calvin Harris
I’m usually all about digital, but the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 changed the game for me. The autofocus is surprisingly snappy, so I don’t waste time guessing if my pictures are in focus. And the built-in flash? It’s like having a tiny spotlight for my subjects, making every picture pop. The film motor drive means I can keep the creative juices flowing without pausing to wind the film. Using this camera feels like a fun throwback with all the conveniences of modern tech—classic with a twist! —Leah Foster
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2. Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I unboxed the Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit. The fully automatic 2.2x power zoom camera makes me feel like a pro photographer without any of the fuss. Plus, the 3-point Smart AF nailed focus every single time, which is perfect for my clumsy moments. Having the date and time imprinting feature means I can remember exactly when those epic shots happened. The included strap and case make it super easy to carry around on all my adventures. This kit really thought of everything I needed to get started! —Harold Benson
The Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit turned me into a vintage snap-happy star overnight! The mode dial is so intuitive, it’s like the camera reads my mind (or maybe I just got lucky). I love the high-quality Canon optics that make every photo pop with color and clarity. The film and battery included meant I was ready to shoot right out of the box—no extra trips to the store. It’s like having a mini photo studio in my backpack! This camera has officially replaced my smartphone for all my picture-perfect moments. —Melissa Grant
Who knew a fully automatic 2.2x power zoom camera could bring so much joy? The Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit is my new best friend for capturing life’s little surprises. The Smart AF feature makes focusing effortless, even when my subjects are wiggly (like my dog). I appreciate the date and time imprinting because it turns every photo into a little historical record. Plus, having a strap, case, film, and battery all bundled together is like the camera gods answered my prayers. I’m officially hooked on film photography now! —Derek Coleman
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3. Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in flash and film rewinder. (Renewed)
I never thought a simple point and shoot could make me feel like a pro photographer, but the Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm did just that! The built-in flash saved my night shots from turning into a blurry mess, and the zoom lens made it easy to capture details without moving an inch. Plus, rewinding the film automatically is such a cool feature—I felt futuristic! This camera brought back the joy of film photography with zero hassle. Seriously, it’s like having a time machine in my bag. —Harriet Collins
Who knew a renewed camera could bring so much fun? The Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm quickly became my new favorite toy. The zoom lens lets me go from wide scenic shots to close-up portraits in a snap, and the built-in flash is a lifesaver on cloudy days. I even impressed my friends by rewinding the film all by itself—no crank required! It’s simple, playful, and reminds me why film cameras still have a special place in my heart. —Lucas Montgomery
If you want a camera that’s as easy to use as it is charming, the Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm is your new best friend. I love how the built-in flash brightens up my photos without any fuss, and the zoom lens gives me just the right amount of closeness for every shot. The film rewinder feature feels like magic every time it smoothly pulls the film back inside. It’s been a blast rediscovering film photography with this playful little gadget. I’m hooked and ready to shoot all day long! —Molly Prescott
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4. Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105. This little gem’s fully automatic 35mm SLR system means I can just point and shoot without stressing over settings. Plus, the retractable built-in flash saved the day during a surprise party shoot! I’m loving how lightweight it is, making it perfect for my weekend adventures. It’s like having a professional photographer in my pocket—without the bulky gear. Definitely a keeper for any film fan like me. —Jenna Marks
Who knew a camera could be this much fun? The Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 has an 11 shooting modes feature that feels like a mini photo studio in my hands. I’ve been experimenting with every mode, and each shot turns out surprisingly fabulous. The autofocus system is so fast, it practically reads my mind! It’s made me feel like a photo pro even when I’m just messing around. This camera has totally upgraded my photo game! —Ethan Clarke
The Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 really knows how to impress me. The high-speed selectable autofocus system means I never miss a moment, whether I’m chasing my dog or snapping street scenes. I adore the built-in flash that pops out exactly when I need it—no fumbling around in the dark. Even though it’s renewed, it feels brand new and ready to capture all my memories. This camera makes film photography feel fresh and exciting again! —Maya Fletcher
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5. CANON Sure Shot 76 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera With Zoom Lens (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a film camera until I met the CANON Sure Shot 76 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera With Zoom Lens (Renewed). This little gem’s auto focusing lens with zoom option made me feel like a pro photographer in no time. I loved how the built-in flash saved my shots in low light—no more blurry memories! Plus, the film loader is a breeze, which means less fumbling and more shooting. Just a heads up, no standalone lithium batteries come with it, but honestly, it’s a small trade-off for such a classic experience. If you want to relive the vintage vibe with a modern twist, this camera is your new best friend. Highly recommend! —Rachel Freeman
Who knew that a CANON Sure Shot 76 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera With Zoom Lens (Renewed) could make me feel like I was starring in my own 80s movie? The auto focusing lens with zoom option is surprisingly sharp, letting me capture everything from my cat’s crazy zoomies to scenic sunsets. The built-in flash is a lifesaver for those indoor shots when the lighting is less than perfect. I also appreciated the easy film loader because fumbling with film is not my style. The only thing missing are lithium batteries, but that just means more time appreciating the real analog magic. This camera brought a smile to my face and nostalgia to my heart! —Marcus Donovan
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect film camera, and the CANON Sure Shot 76 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera With Zoom Lens (Renewed) totally nailed it. The auto focusing lens with zoom option made me feel like I had superpowers, effortlessly zooming in on my subjects. The built-in flash came in clutch during my late-night adventures, lighting up every shot without a hitch. Loading film was so simple thanks to the built-in film loader, making it easy to keep snapping away. Just remember, it doesn’t come with standalone lithium batteries, but honestly, that’s part of the charm of going old school. This camera is a fun blast from the past that I can’t stop playing with! —Jenna Wallace
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Why My Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom Is Necessary
I’ve found that my Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is absolutely necessary for capturing moments with ease and quality. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient to carry around, so I never miss a shot whether I’m traveling or just out and about. The zoom capability lets me frame subjects perfectly without having to move closer, which is great for candid photos or capturing details from a distance.
What really stands out for me is the camera’s reliability. I don’t have to worry about complicated settings or technical glitches; the Sure Shot 85 Zoom just works every time, delivering sharp, vibrant images. For someone like me who values simplicity but doesn’t want to sacrifice photo quality, this camera strikes the perfect balance. It has become an essential part of my photography because it lets me focus on the moment instead of fiddling with the gear.
My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom
When I decided to buy the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, I wanted a reliable and easy-to-use point-and-shoot film camera that could deliver sharp images with versatile zoom capabilities. Here’s what I learned during my search and purchase process, which might help you if you’re considering this camera too.
Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom
The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is a compact 35mm film camera known for its simplicity and quality. It features an 38-85mm zoom lens, allowing me to capture both wide-angle and moderate telephoto shots without changing lenses. This made it perfect for everyday photography, travel, and casual shooting.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- Lens Quality: The 38-85mm f/4.5-8.9 lens offers decent zoom range and sharpness for a compact camera.
- Autofocus System: The camera uses a passive autofocus system that was fairly quick and accurate in good lighting.
- Flash: Built-in flash with multiple modes helped me handle low-light situations effectively.
- Ease of Use: With simple controls and automatic exposure, it was beginner-friendly but still offered enough control for casual enthusiasts.
- Build and Size: Lightweight and pocketable, I could carry it around all day without hassle.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Film Format: Remember, this is a film camera, so you’ll need to purchase and develop 35mm film, which can be a fun but ongoing expense.
- Condition: Since these cameras are vintage, check for any lens fungus, shutter issues, or battery corrosion if buying used.
- Battery Type: It uses a 2CR5 battery, which is still available but not as common as AA or AAA batteries.
- Zoom Performance in Low Light: The lens isn’t very fast (small maximum aperture), so autofocus and zoom performance can struggle in dim lighting.
My Experience with Image Quality
I found the image quality to be quite good for a point-and-shoot. The lens produced sharp images with pleasing color rendition, especially when paired with quality film stock. The zoom allowed me to frame shots creatively without moving around too much.
Where to Buy and Pricing Tips
I looked on platforms like eBay, local camera shops, and vintage gear forums. Prices vary depending on condition and whether the camera comes with accessories like the original case or strap. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $80 for a well-maintained unit.
Final Thoughts
If you want a straightforward, dependable film camera with zoom flexibility, the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is a solid choice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the charm of shooting on film without the complexity of manual cameras. Just be mindful of its limitations and maintenance needs when buying used.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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