NikonL35AF (Pikaichi)

The Nikon L35AF (Pikaichi) is a product of the first wave of motorised, beeping, infrared-focusing pocket cameras that made parents finally retire their rangefinders — a autofocus compact paired with a Nikon 35mm f/2.8. Some backstory: Nikon's first ever autofocus compact — they called it 'Pikaichi' (top-notch).

Format

35mm

Year

1983

Lens

Nikon 35mm f/2.8

Min. focus

1.0 m

Flash

Built-in pop-up

Battery

2× AA

The Nikon 35mm f/2.8 is the everyday-light specialist — not a low-light hero, but contrasty, sharp and honest at every aperture. Film supply is a non-issue: any 35mm cassette from any lab works. It runs on common AA batteries — you can resurrect one on a Sunday afternoon with whatever the corner shop has in stock. The built-in flash will fire whenever the meter decides it should, so learn the override before your first night out. Minimum focus is 1.0 m, close enough for a coffee cup or a face but stops short of true macro. Something that catches new owners off guard: that 5-element f/2.8 lens is the reason this camera has a cult following. The 35mm field of view sits halfway between observer and participant; it suits anything where you want the viewer to feel in the scene.

The Nikon L35AF (Pikaichi) has its fans for a reason, but it's no longer a secret — set a strict budget, hold out for a clean copy, and don't overpay for a famous name. File away for later: Ken Rockwell once called it 'the best point-and-shoot ever made.'.

• §1Nikon's first ever autofocus compact — they called it 'Pikaichi' (top-notch).
• §2That 5-element f/2.8 lens is the reason this camera has a cult following.
• §3Ken Rockwell once called it 'the best point-and-shoot ever made.'