SamsungMaxima Zoom 140
Autofocus Compact
The story
Released into the last full decade of mass-market film, before APS and digital fought over the leftovers, the Samsung Maxima Zoom 140 is a autofocus compact built around a Samsung 38–140mm f/4.5–10.5. For context, a long-zoom plastic-fantastic from the mid-'90s Samsung lineup.
Specifications
- Format
- 35mm
- Year
- 1996
- Lens
- Samsung 38–140mm f/4.5–10.5
- Min. focus
- 0.8 m
- Flash
- Built-in multi-mode
- Battery
- 1× CR123A
Notable features
- 3.7× zoom lens
- Auto macro
- Multi-mode flash
- Self-timer
Shooting it today
The Samsung 38–140mm f/4.5–10.5 is the convenience play: a single optical formula that handles groups, snapshots and tighter portraits without ever leaving your hand. Film supply is a non-issue: any 35mm cassette from any lab works. A single CR123A lithium cell powers everything including the motor; still cheap and stocked at most camera shops. The built-in flash will fire whenever the meter decides it should, so learn the override before your first night out. Minimum focus is 0.8 m, close enough for a coffee cup or a face but stops short of true macro. A quirk worth flagging up front: sold under various names worldwide including AF Zoom 1450. The zoom range covers the obvious bases: groups at the wide end, half-length portraits at the long end, no lens changes ever.
Who it's for · Verdict
Quietly underrated, the Samsung Maxima Zoom 140 is the kind of camera people brag about owning five years from now and ten times the price.
Fun facts
- §1A long-zoom plastic-fantastic from the mid-'90s Samsung lineup.
- §2Sold under various names worldwide including AF Zoom 1450.
Field note
Rain cancelled the hike, so the Maxima Zoom 140 and I went hunting reflections in the city instead. I never left my chair — the Samsung 38–140mm f/4.5–10.5 on the Maxima Zoom 140 covered everything from the awning to the bell tower. The Maxima Zoom 140 came through the week in better shape than my sunburn did.
Creative field note — inspired by this camera's character, not based on real events.
Find one
Most copies turn up second-hand on eBay. We've linked a saved search so you can see current listings.
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