Canon Sure Shot: which model to buy used, prices and common faults
The short answer
Canon Sure Shot is the North American name for Canon's autofocus 35mm point-and-shoot film cameras, sold from 1979 to 2005 and starting with the AF35M, which has a 38mm f/2.8 lens and runs on two AA batteries.
Owners mostly say they are sharp, easy and good value: seller-tested copies were listed from $84.97 plus shipping on eBay to $315 refurbished at a US shop on October 28, 2026, but Canon Rumors warns that the motors eventually die and repairs rarely make financial sense.
- First model
- AF35M, November 1979
- Line sold
- 1979 to 2005
- Batteries
- AA, 2CR5, CR123A or CR2, by model
- Seller-tested used price
- $84.97-$315 (Oct 2026)
Built from 152 opinions from 35 pages and videos. Not yet tested by Camera Dojo. Updated .
The short version
Across 152 opinions from 35 pages and videos on 25 sites, mostly owner blogs that each cover one model, the praise is steady. All 16 comments on value are positive, 13 of 14 on ease of use are positive, and 12 of 17 on image results praise the pictures, with Casual Photophile calling the Sure Shot Tele's results SLR-quality and Mike Eckman calling the AF35M's lens razor sharp.
The complaints are about age and noise. Reliability is the weakest topic, with 9 of 15 comments negative about dead motors, broken film doors and lens covers that will not open, and controls split 8 positive to 8 negative, mostly over loud motors and fiddly flash overrides. Because the Sure Shot name covers dozens of models, check which one a review or listing is about before you buy.
Good fit if
- You want a fully automatic 35mm camera: load it, point it and press the button
- You want a sharp fixed lens for little money; the AF35M, Sure Shot 2 and Supreme all have a 38mm f/2.8
- You would rather replace a cheap camera than repair it when a motor dies
- You want AA batteries you can buy anywhere (AF35M, AF35M II, Owl) or a waterproof body (the A-1, rated to 5 m)
- You shoot DX-coded color or black-and-white film and are happy with the exposure the camera picks
Think twice if
- You want a quiet camera for street photography; owners call the AF35M, Sure Shot 2 and Ace loud
- You want manual control of exposure or focus; Sure Shots are fully automatic
- You need a camera a shop will keep servicing; owners and Canon Rumors say repairs rarely make sense
- You want the flash off by default; the Zoom XL resets it to auto at every power-on and the Supreme needs a button held down
- You plan to shoot film faster than ISO 400 in an AF35M, which tops out at ISO 400 and reads no DX codes
What owners and reviewers say, topic by topic
We sorted 152 opinions about the Sure Shot from 35 pages and videos on 25 websites and channels. Each row shows how many people raised a topic and how many of them were positive. Open a row to read short quotes, each linked to its source.
Owner voices come mostly from long-form blogs (35mmc, Casual Photophile, Mike Eckman, EMULSIVE) and five YouTube reviews, each about one model; No Reddit, Photrio or retailer reviews are among the 152 opinions because the verifier could not read them. Cameras By Max and Teddy Juras sell used cameras. Opinions mix models, so read each one as a comment on that model.
Controls and features40% positiveof 20
Controls split evenly, 8 positive and 8 negative with 4 mixed. Noise is the main complaint (AF35M, Sure Shot 2, Ace), along with fiddly flash overrides, while owners like the Ace's swivel foot, the Classic 120's mode dial and the self-timer and flash-off buttons.
“There isn't a single thing on this camera that doesn't produce a noise.”
Eclectic Adventures 2019-10Owner
“no manual exposure control, focus override, or interchangeable lens capability.”
Katya Rowny, Shoot It With Film 2026-02Owner
“Canon fitted a tactile rotary dial that makes changing modes quick and satisfying.”
Mark McMahon 2026-07Owner
“It's not nothing, but I wouldn't call this a dealbreaker for street photography.”
Torsten Kathke, 35mmc 2018-08Owner
Image results71% positiveof 17
12 of 17 comments praise the pictures, and two Casual Photophile reviews compare the Tele and Zoom XL to SLR results. The doubters point to very soft corners on the AF35M wide open and to average results from the Owl.
“Very good lens. This is subjective. But to me, the photos are nicely done.”
Richard Kraneis, What Is a Film Camera? 2011-09Owner
“The edge to edge sharpness and even exposure I achieved with both lenses is pretty amazing.”
film2photo 2023-09Owner
“The lens is razor sharp and shows a tremendous amount of detail and excellent color rendition.”
Mike Eckman 2016Owner
“For one, it does not have a super sharp lens; just a simply constructed 35mm f/3.5.”
Josh Olson, Jolson Weddings 2018-04Owner
Viewfinder and focusing69% positiveof 16
11 of 16 comments like the finders, especially the Owl's oversized one and the Tele's bright one. The 4 negatives are mostly about the AF35M, which shows no focus information and cannot focus and recompose, plus the Z135's small, dark finder.
“Compared to the Nikon, the Canon's viewfinder is just awful.”
James Tocchio, Casual Photophile 2015-02Owner
“The AF in the camera works quickly and accurately”
mfophotos, Random Camera Blog 2010-09Owner
“Nice centered viewfinder that is bright and well marked.”
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 2017-06Owner
“I love how bright the viewfinder is and the convenient placement of the buttons.”
film2photo 2023-09Owner
Price and value100% positiveof 16
All 16 comments on value are positive. Bloggers and YouTubers paid between $2 and $10 for thrift, yard-sale and estate-sale finds, and a used-camera seller calls the Supreme possibly the best value film camera of 2025.
“I found mine at an estate sale for $10, and quickly nabbed it up.”
Eclectic Adventures 2019-10Owner
“eBay auctions for this model regularly finishing at under a tenner”
Tom Perry, EMULSIVE 2019-09Owner
“I picked the camera for a few dollars at the Ann Arbor Recycle/Reuse Center”
mfophotos, Random Camera Blog 2010-09Owner
“going roughly in the hundreds (I think I paid $120 for mine) I would say yes, it is worth it.”
Katya Rowny, Shoot It With Film 2026-02Owner
Reliability today33% positiveof 15
Reliability is the weak spot: 9 of 15 comments are negative, about dead motors, broken film doors, a worn shutter-button contact and lens covers that will not open. 5 comments call their cameras reliable, one after over a year of use, and Canon Rumors says the rewind or zoom motor is usually what dies.
“And then just like that, it broke.”
Jeremy Strange, 35mmc 2019-03Owner
“Over time that paint wears down and fades, rendering our big red button useless”
t0o0tz.com 2021-01Owner
“it fires fine when it doesn't have film in it but if I load a roll of film it wont fire.”
Flickr: Canon Sure Shot group 2017-06Owner
“I've been using it for over a year now with next to no issues”
Eclectic Adventures 2019-10Owner
Ease of use93% positiveof 14
Ease is the most consistent praise: 13 of 14 comments are positive, from the Supreme's half-press-and-shoot routine to the Ace's all-automatic operation. The one mixed comment likes the WP-1's simplicity but not its auto flash.
“because the auto-focus system is actually pretty amazing.”
James Tocchio, Casual Photophile 2015-02Owner
“what I didn't expect was just how easy and fun it would be to shoot with”
Jeremy Strange, 35mmc 2019-03Owner
“Loading film is simplified by a Quick Load System that works really well.”
Flynn GraphicsOwner
“I can't imagine using any other film camera. It's everything I need and more,”
Lenses75% positiveof 12
9 of 12 comments praise the lenses, with the Z135 zoom and the Sure Shot 2's 38mm f/2.8 called very sharp and the AF35M's 48mm filter thread a bonus. The 2 negatives are about the slow f/4.5 lenses on the EX and Owl.
“it doesn't have a very good lens either. With an f/4.5 maximum aperture, it's slow for a start, but it's also quite soft.”
Hamish Gill, 35mmc 2020-12Owner
“the background blur is often smoother than many competing point-and-shoots”
Mark McMahon 2026-07Owner
“the lens of the SURE SHOT Z135 is the sharpest of any compact zoom I have ever used”
Tom Perry, EMULSIVE 2019-09Owner
“The lens is fantastically sharp, and it has the strangest and coolest flare I have ever seen.”
Eclectic Adventures 2019-10Owner
Build quality82% positiveof 11
9 of 11 comments praise the build, and one seller says Supremes were built like tanks. The Classic 120 draws both praise for its solid feel and a shrug at its plastic build, and one video notes the motor noise.
“it fits very nicely in my hands and feels solid.”
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 2017-06Owner
“with large controls that are easy to operate even with wet hands”
Katya Rowny, Shoot It With Film 2026-02Owner
“It's made of aluminum that feels solid and is yet "cool to the touch".”
Richard Kraneis, What Is a Film Camera? 2011-09Owner
“Build quality is very good and the feel and chunky size of the camera leave no doubt in my mind”
Tom Perry, EMULSIVE 2019-09Owner
Light meter and exposure80% positiveof 10
8 of 10 comments praise the automatic exposure, including Casual Photophile on the AF35M and Canon Rumors on the Ace. The 2 negatives are the WP-1's flash firing in daylight and a slowest shutter speed of 1/40 second on the Prima Sure Shot.
“Left in auto mode, the flash will fire, potentially overexposing the shot.”
Katya Rowny, Shoot It With Film 2026-02Owner
“it's one of the best metering systems found in a vintage compact.”
James Tocchio, Casual Photophile 2015-02Owner
“the autoexposure sensor was bang on in some trick lighting situation”
film2photo 2023-09Owner
“The auto exposure systems works incredibly well with or without the built in flash.”
Mike Eckman 2016Owner
Batteries and power50% positiveof 10
Opinions split by battery type. Owners like the AF35M's ordinary AA cells, while the 2CR5 and CR123A models draw complaints about hard-to-find cells and fiddly battery covers (3 negative and 2 mixed out of 10).
“Not a discontinued battery by any means but good luck finding one at your local CVS.”
t0o0tz.com 2021-01Owner
“I popped in two new AA batteries, and the camera worked right off the bat.”
mfophotos, Random Camera Blog 2010-09Owner
“which is still readily available (I just purchased one for $7 with free shipping).”
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 2017-06Owner
“Probably best to buy a couple online, one to use and one as backup, as I haven't seen it in the shops.”
Mike Hannon, 35mmc 2020-02Owner
Size and weight50% positiveof 8
Size depends on the model, with 4 positive, 2 mixed and 2 negative comments. The Tele, Tele Max and Prima Sure Shot are praised as easy to carry, while the Zoom XL is too big for a pocket and one owner finds the AF35M heavy.
“Just a tad noisy, and heavy”
mfophotos, Random Camera Blog 2010-09Owner
“It sits somewhere in the middle, in the Goldilocks zone where portability merges with usability.”
James Tocchio, Casual Photophile 2023-06Hands-on review
“The camera is large for a point and shoot”
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 2017-06Owner
“The camera does fit easily in a pants pocket, though it is very much the shape of a brick and can be a tad awkward.”
Eclectic Adventures 2019-10Owner
Repairs and servicing33% positiveof 3
Only 3 comments, and the advice leans toward replacing rather than repairing: Canon Rumors says buying another working camera is cheaper, and a Flickr member warns a broken plastic part can end the job. One owner fixed a dead Supreme shutter button with tin foil.
“there'll probably be some irreparable little plastic part that makes it all for naught.”
Flickr: Canon Sure Shot group 2017-09
“Anything can be repaired, but in the case of this list, it's more affordable to just buy another working camera.”
Canon RumorsHands-on review
“Cut out a small square of tin foil, just large enough to fit safely under the shutter button.”
t0o0tz.com 2021-01Owner
PositiveMixedNegative
Which Canon Sure Shot models to look for
Canon's museum lists the AF35M of November 1979 as the first Sure Shot, and the line ran until 2005. The same camera usually has a different name in each region: Sure Shot in North America, Autoboy in Japan, and in Europe the AF35M for the first model and names such as Prima for later ones (one collector site says it has never found an AF35M actually marked Sure Shot). Canon's museum lists the Supreme as the Autoboy 3 in Japan and the Top Shot in Europe, Asia and Oceania, so search every name when you shop.
The models below are the ones owners write about most. Reviewers praise the sharpness of the f/2.8 cameras (AF35M, Sure Shot 2, Supreme, Tele) and of the Z135 zoom, while most later zooms have slower lenses, such as f/4.5-10.9 on the Classic 120. The WP-1 is not in the table because our sources give no release date; it is a CR123A model sold as rain and splash resistant, not for swimming.
| Model | Released | Lens | Battery | Why look for it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF35M (Sure Shot) | Nov 1979 | 38mm f/2.8 | 2 x AA | The original; sharp lens and a 48mm filter thread, but you set ISO by hand |
| AF35M II (Sure Shot 2) | Apr 1983 | 38mm f/2.8 | 2 x AA | Same idea refined; one owner calls the lens fantastically sharp |
| Supreme | Jun 1986 | 38mm f/2.8 | 1 x 2CR5 | DX coding and half-press focus; European camera of the year 1986 |
| Tele | Oct 1986 | 40mm f/2.8 and 70mm f/4.9 | 1 x 2CR5 | Two fixed lenses, so no zoom motor to fail |
| Ace | Oct 1988 | 35mm f/3.5 | 1 x 2CR5 | Canon Rumors praises its meter but calls it noisy |
| Zoom XL | Sep 1989 | Zoom | 1 x 2CR5 | Matched an SLR zoom in one test; too big for a pocket |
| Max | Sep 1991 | 38mm f/3.5 | 1 x CR123A | Lens retracts fully; reads DX film from ISO 25 to 3200 |
| Tele Max | Sep 1991 | 38mm and 70mm f/6 | 1 x CR123A | Two lenses on a switch; focuses down to 0.65 m |
| Owl | Mar 1994 | 35mm f/4.5 | 2 x AA | Huge, bright viewfinder; slow lens |
| A-1 | Apr 1994 | 32mm f/3.5 | 1 x CR123A | Waterproof down to 5 m (about 16 ft) |
| 60 Zoom | Mar 1995 | 38-60mm in four steps | 1 x CR123A | Much quieter than the AF35M |
| Z135 | Mar 1996 | 38-135mm | 2 x CR123A | Called the sharpest compact zoom by one reviewer |
| Classic 120 | Sep 1999 | 38-120mm f/4.5-10.9 | 2 x CR2 | Diopter dial and neutral color; reliability is hit and miss |
| 80u | Apr 2003 | 38-80mm f/4.7-9.4 | 1 x CR2 | A late model; Canon Rumors estimates $25-75 |
Canon's museum gives the Tele Max wide lens as f/3.5 in its spec line and f/3.8 in its description; either way it is slower than the f/2.8 models.
Sources: global.canon, flynngraphics.ca, flynngraphics.ca, canonrumors.com, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, shootitwithfilm.com, eclecticadventures.co, casualphotophile.com, gabethinks.wordpress.com, emulsive.org
How to use a Canon Sure Shot: battery, film, focus and flash
Every Sure Shot sets exposure and focus for you, so using one well comes down to the right battery, loading the film properly and knowing how your model handles focus and flash. The 1979 AF35M works differently from the later models in a few places.
- 1
Fit a fresh battery of the right type
Check the battery table below for your model. Always try a fresh battery before deciding a thrifted camera is dead, because a flat battery looks exactly like a broken camera.
- 2
Load the film
On the Supreme, Max, Tele Max and other later models, open the back, line the film leader up with the mark and close the door; the motor winds to frame 1. On the AF35M, push the leader into the slotted take-up spool, close the door and press the shutter a couple of times to reach frame 0. Our film loading guide covers the basics.
- 3
Check the film speed
The Supreme and Max read the DX code on the cassette, so there is nothing to set. The AF35M cannot: set the speed on the ring around the lens, from ASA 25 to 400, and change it every time you switch film. If your model is not one of these, check its manual.
- 4
Focus on your subject
On most later models, put the center of the frame on the subject, half-press to focus, recompose and press fully. The AF35M focuses only when you press all the way, so 35mmc and Mike Eckman both describe using the self-timer lever's pre-focus position to hold focus.
- 5
Respect the closest focus distance
Closer than 0.65 m on the Tele Max or 0.8 m on the Owl, the camera cannot focus. The Supreme's finder has a near-distance warning lamp, and a Cameras By Max reviewer still missed focus on a couple of close subjects.
- 6
Decide on the flash
On the AF35M, pop the flash up by hand and wait for the ready light; it takes about 8 seconds to recharge. The Zoom XL resets the flash to auto every time you switch it on, and on the Supreme you hold a tiny button on the base while you shoot to keep the flash off.
- 7
Rewind at the end of the roll
On the AF35M, rewinding is not automatic: press the release button on the bottom, then run the motor rewind with the switch on the top plate. Expect noise: Mike Eckman says people within about 20 feet will hear every AF35M frame.
Sources: yashicasailorboy.com, global.canon, mikeeckman.com, global.canon, 35mmc.com, 35mmc.com, global.canon, global.canon, camerasbymax.co.uk, casualphotophile.com
Which battery does a Canon Sure Shot take?
It depends on the model, and the battery is the first thing to check before you buy. The AF35M, AF35M II and Owl run on two ordinary AA cells, so a dead battery on a trip is a corner-store fix. Most later models take a lithium cell: a 6V 2CR5, a 3V CR123A or a 3V CR2.
The 2CR5 is still made but is not always on the shelf; one Supreme owner warns not to count on finding one at your local CVS, so buy a spare online. It is a keyed 6V block that fits only one way, and the similar-looking CR-P2 is a different shape. The AF35M manual says not to use NiCd rechargeables, according to Mike Eckman. Our film camera battery finder covers other cameras.
| Battery | Models | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 x AA (1.5V) | AF35M, AF35M II, Owl | Sold everywhere |
| 1 x 2CR5 (6V lithium) | Supreme, Tele, Ace, Zoom XL, Zoom S | $6.49 Panasonic; $14.95 Energizer EL2CR5 |
| 1 x CR123A (3V lithium) | Max, Tele Max, A-1, WP-1, Sleek, 60 Zoom, 80 Tele, 85 Zoom; the Z135 takes two | $5.95 for a Panasonic 2-pack |
| CR2 (3V lithium) | Classic 120 (two), 80u (one) | $6.95 for a Panasonic 2-pack |
Do not drop a rechargeable 16340 (RCR123A) into a CR123A camera without checking: it peaks around 4.2V against 3.0V for a CR123A and can damage electronics built for 3V.
Sources: global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, yashicasailorboy.com, t0o0tz.com, en.wikipedia.org, mikeeckman.com, batteryjunction.com, batteryjunction.com, batteryjunction.com, batteryjunction.com, orbtronic.com
Best film for a Canon Sure Shot
HP5 PlusAny DX-coded 35mm film works in models that read the code and set the speed themselves, such as the Supreme (ISO 50 to 1600) and the Max (ISO 25 to 3200). Reviewers and owners have shot Kodak Gold in an EX, Kodak ColorPlus 200 in a Classic 120, Fuji Superia X-Tra 400 in a 60 Zoom and Ilford HP5 in a Sure Shot M, all with good results.
The AF35M and AF35M II top out at ISO 400, and the AF35M reads no DX codes, so ISO 400 color negative is the ceiling and you set its ring by hand (our film ISO explainer covers why that matters). One Sure Shot 2 owner shoots Kodak Portra 400 at EI 320 or 200 for extra shadow detail.
Sources: global.canon, global.canon, camerasbymax.co.uk, markmcmahon.me, gabethinks.wordpress.com, 35mmc.com, mikeeckman.com, global.canon, eclecticadventures.co
What to check before buying a used Canon Sure Shot
The line ended in 2005, so even the newest Sure Shot is over 20 years old, and every one depends on small motors and electronics. A few checks matter more than cosmetics. Our guide to where to buy used film cameras covers sellers and testing in general.
- 1
Search every name
Look for Sure Shot, AF35M, Autoboy and Prima listings, and regional model names such as Top Shot for the Supreme, so you see every copy of the model you want.
- 2
Open the battery door first
Look for corrosion on the terminals and a door that closes. Eclectic Adventures' $10 estate-sale Sure Shot 2 had corroded terminals but was otherwise in great condition, and the same writer later bought an untested one for under $30 after checking its terminals; it has worked for over a year.
- 3
Test with a fresh battery
Ask the seller to confirm the camera powers on, the lens cover opens and the shutter fires. On a Flickr group, one owner has two Sure Shots whose lens cover will not open, which means they cannot be switched on.
- 4
Check the lens
Shine a light through it and look for haze, separation or fungus. EMULSIVE's Z135 reviewer says fungus reports show up on used listings.
- 5
Fire the shutter and the flash
Teddy Juras, an eBay seller, checks that the shutter button works, the flash charges and fires, the viewfinder is clean and the lens door opens easily.
- 6
Open the film door gently
Film-door latches are a weak point: sand can seize the A-1's plastic latch, the WP-1's latch is known to break, and one thrift-store AF35M's door broke after a few openings.
- 7
Prefer a seller who tests and takes returns
Terms vary: Cute Camera Co. gives 60-day returns, Brooklyn Film Camera gave its refurbished WP-1 a 3-month warranty, and Procam sold a Z135 as-is and non-returnable.
Sources: canonrumors.com, eclecticadventures.co, yashicasailorboy.com, flickr.com, emulsive.org, teddyjuras.com, casualphotophile.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, casualphotophile.com, cute.camera, procam.com
Canon AF35M vs Sure Shot Supreme
| AF35M (1979) |  Sure Shot Supreme (1986) | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | November 1979 | June 1986 |
| Lens | 38mm f/2.8, 4 elements in 3 groups | 38mm f/2.8, 4 elements in 4 groups |
| Battery | Two AA | One 6V 2CR5 lithium |
| Film speed | ISO 25-400, set by hand | ISO 50-1600, read from the DX code |
| Focus | Infrared autofocus on full press; pre-focus with the self-timer lever | Half-press to focus, then recompose |
| Flash | Manual pop-up, guide number 14, about 8 s to recharge | Fires automatically in low light and backlight, guide number 8; hold a small base button to keep it off |
| Price, Oct 28, 2026 | $99.99 tested at Coastal Film Lab (sold out); $99.99 plus $39.14 shipping on eBay | $84.97 plus $47.09 shipping on eBay; $249.99 restored at Cute Camera Co. |
Pick the AF35M (1979) if
- You want AA batteries you can buy anywhere
- You want 48mm filters or accessory lenses
- You like the original 1979 design and do not mind setting ISO by hand
Pick the Sure Shot Supreme (1986) if
- You want the camera to read the film speed for you
- You want to half-press to focus and recompose
- You shoot film faster than ISO 400
Sources: global.canon, global.canon, mikeeckman.com, 35mmc.com, 35mmc.com, coastalfilmlab.com, ebay.com, ebay.com, cute.camera
Known problems and what fixing them costs
These are the faults owners and sellers report most, with US repair rates where a shop publishes them; no US shop lists a Sure Shot-specific price.
Film advance, rewind or zoom motor dies
Raised in 4 opinions
- How you notice
- The shutter fires but the film stops advancing, or the roll will not rewind. A 35mmc reviewer's AF35M II stopped advancing mid-roll and never worked again, and one blogger got one working Classic 120 out of three.
- Fix
- Try a fresh battery first. If the motor is gone, Canon Rumors and Jolson Weddings both say buying another working Sure Shot beats paying for labor, and Brooklyn Film Camera says it is not offering full repairs on electronically complex cameras right now.
- Typical cost
- Brooklyn Film Camera lists $80-120 for freeing a stuck film advance, and Precision Camera and Video in Austin quotes a $150 tune-up for most film cameras; neither publishes a price for a Sure Shot motor. Brooklyn also says that for many cameras under about $200, a repair costs more than a tested, warrantied replacement. A tested Supreme was listed on eBay for $84.97 plus shipping on October 28, 2026.
Sources: 35mmc.com, whatisafilmcamera.com, canonrumors.com, jolsonweddings.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, precision-camera.com, ebay.com
Supreme shutter button does nothing
Raised in 2 opinions
- How you notice
- The camera powers up and the self-timer fires, but the big red shutter button does nothing. One owner traced it to worn conductive paint under the button.
- Fix
- His hobbyist fix: remove the battery and film, take out three screws, lift the back and put a small square of tin foil under the shutter button pad. This is one blogger's method, not a Canon procedure.
- Typical cost
- A few cents of foil if you do it yourself. Brooklyn Film Camera lists $80-120 for a stuck shutter repair on film cameras in general.
Sources: t0o0tz.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com
Film door latch breaks (A-1, WP-1, AF35M)
Raised in 2 opinions
- How you notice
- Casual Photophile warns that opening an A-1 with sand in the latch can seize the plastic latch and break the camera. A thrift-store AF35M's film door broke after a few openings, and the WP-1's back latch is its known weak point.
- Fix
- Keep the latch clean and dry and open it gently. On a WP-1, look for a copy with the latch already replaced, and keep a cheap one away from water.
- Typical cost
- Brooklyn Film Camera sold a refurbished WP-1 with a new printed latch for $315; it lists minor parts such as battery doors at $80-150 plus the part. As-is WP-1 listings on eBay ran $100.00 to $200.00 on October 28, 2026.
Sources: casualphotophile.com, casualphotophile.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com, ebay.com
Corroded battery terminals or a damaged battery cover
Raised in 1 opinion
- How you notice
- No power and the motor does not run. The AF35M's battery flap is described as flimsy, and the Classic 120's screw-in cover is hard to refit and easy to ruin with a coin.
- Fix
- Clean the terminals and fit a fresh battery of the right type. On the Classic 120, turn the cover with the plastic tool on the strap rather than a coin. Check the door closes before you buy.
- Typical cost
- Brooklyn Film Camera lists minor parts replacement such as battery doors at $80-150 plus the part. Eclectic Adventures' $10 estate-sale Sure Shot 2 had corroded terminals but was otherwise in great condition.
Sources: mikeeckman.com, whatisafilmcamera.com, eclecticadventures.co, brooklynfilmcamera.com
Lens cover will not open, or the camera will not fire with film loaded
Raised in 4 opinions
- How you notice
- On a Flickr group, one owner has two Sure Shots whose lens cover will not open, so they cannot be switched on, and another's A1 fires without film but not with a roll in it. A Zoom S owner sometimes gets a film-not-loaded warning on a properly loaded roll.
- Fix
- Fit a fresh battery and reseat the film; the Zoom S blogger suspects the DX reader or old electronics. None of these threads shows a confirmed fix, so buy from a seller who film-tests.
- Typical cost
- No shop publishes a price. Brooklyn Film Camera's cheapest repairs, $80-120 for a stuck shutter or unjamming, already cost more than the $19.99 to $39.99 asked for untested or for-parts Sure Shots on eBay on October 28, 2026.
Sources: flickr.com, flickr.com, yashicasailorboy.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com
AF35M flash does not fire
- How you notice
- The flash has to be popped up by hand and takes about 8 seconds to charge. An eBay buyer wrote that the first flash shot often will not fire unless the flash has charged,.
- Fix
- Pop the flash, wait for the ready light, then shoot. If it never charges, use the camera in daylight or look for another copy.
- Typical cost
- $0 for the wait. For a real flash fault no shop publishes a Sure Shot price; Brooklyn Film Camera's cheapest repairs run $80-120, close to the $99.99 asked for a tested AF35M on eBay on October 28, 2026.
Sources: mikeeckman.com, ebay.com
Autofocus misses close subjects
Raised in 1 opinion
- How you notice
- Soft or out-of-focus frames when the subject is nearer than the minimum distance. A Cameras By Max reviewer missed focus on a couple of close subjects with a Supreme.
- Fix
- Stay beyond the minimum focus distance (0.65 m on the Tele Max, 0.8 m on the Owl, 0.45 m on the A-1 above water) and watch the viewfinder lamps before you press.
- Typical cost
- $0; it is technique.
Sources: camerasbymax.co.uk, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon
Haze or fungus inside the lens
- How you notice
- Hazy, low-contrast pictures, or visible haze, separation or fungus when you shine a light through the lens. EMULSIVE's Z135 reviewer says fungus reports show up on used listings.
- Fix
- Inspect the lens before paying and skip hazy copies; no source we found prices a repair for a compact's fixed lens.
- Typical cost
- Precision Camera and Video lists lens fungus removal at $78.50-228.50 and Brooklyn Film Camera lists a lens CLA at $125-165 for lenses of 50mm and below, both for lenses in general, not Sure Shot quotes, so ask a shop before assuming it will open a fixed compact lens.
Sources: emulsive.org, teddyjuras.com, precision-camera.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com
Photos taken with a Canon Sure Shot (AF35M and later models)
Photos taken with Canon Sure Shot cameras, shared on Wikimedia Commons under free licenses.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul, 1994Photo: Holly Cheng, CC BY-SA 3.0 
Mississippi River at Memphis, around 1985Photo: md. childress, CC BY 3.0
What a Canon Sure Shot (AF35M and later models) costs today
Shop-tested or restored Sure Shots were listed at $93 to $315 at US film labs and camera shops on October 28, 2026, depending on model. Active eBay listings ran from $19.95 for a Tele Max with a dead flash to $200.00 for a WP-1, before shipping.
Brooklyn Film Camera (New York)
Refurbished, 3-month warranty, WP-1 with a new film-door latch, fresh battery
$315.00
See listingCute Camera Co. (Texas)
Restored, 60-day returns, Sure Shot 85 Zoom, batteries included
$269.99
See listingCute Camera Co. (Texas)
Restored, 60-day returns, Sure Shot Supreme, fresh batteries included
$249.99
See listingCute Camera Co. (Texas)
Restored, Sure Shot Telemax
$249.99
See listingCute Camera Co. (Texas)
Restored, Sure Shot 60 Zoom
$229.99
See listingCute Camera Co. (Texas)
Restored, Sure Shot 76 Zoom
$189.99
See listingBellows Film Lab
Used, seller-tested, Sure Shot Telemax
$167.00
See listingBellows Film Lab
Used, seller-tested, Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF
$137.00
See listingCoastal Film Lab
Used, film tested (sold out), Sure Shot Max
$129.99
See listingCoastal Film Lab
Used good, film tested (sold out), Sure Shot AF35M
$99.99
See listingBellows Film Lab
Used, seller-tested, Sure Shot Zoom-S
$93.00
See listingProcam
Used, as-is, non-returnable, Sure Shot Z135 Caption (sale price)
$49.99
See listingeBay (active listing)
Tested working, Sure Shot WP-1, plus $36 to $75 shipping
$100.00 to $200.00
See listingeBay (active listing)
Tested by seller, AF35M, plus $39.14 shipping
$99.99
See listingeBay (active listing)
Film tested, case and strap, Sure Shot Supreme, plus $47.09 shipping
$84.97
See listingeBay (active listing)
For parts, untested, AF35M, plus $29.79 shipping
$39.99
See listingeBay (active listing)
Untested, Sure Shot Classic 120, plus $36 to $38 shipping
$19.99 to $34.99
See listingeBay (active listing)
Flash not working, Sure Shot Telemax Date, plus $190.61 shipping
$19.95
See listing
Prices checked on October 28, 2026. They move every week, so treat them as a range, not a quote. KEH, MPB, B&H and Adorama blocked our price checks and eBay sold listings could not be read, so these are asking prices, not sold prices. Some eBay sellers ship from overseas and charge $190 or more for shipping. Canon Rumors' August 2026 estimates run $25-75 for an 80u and $150-250 for a Tele.
Video reviews worth your time
CANON SURE SHOT OWL REVIEW (2022)
The Canon Sure Shot Owl is an affordable and accessible starter film camera featuring an exceptionally large viewfinder, though its optical quality and lens speed are mediocre.
$2 Film Camera in the Rocky Mountains - Canon Prima Sure Shot Point & Shoot Camera Test & Review
The reviewer is thoroughly impressed by the Canon Sure Shot Prima's image quality, waist-level viewfinder, and compact design, declaring it an exceptional value.
Canon Sure Shot Max (film) - Short review - eng
The Canon Sure Shot MAX is a well-built, compact 35mm point-and-shoot camera with a coated lens and handy flash controls, despite noisy motor operation.
Photo Review with the Canon Sure Shot Telemax 35mm Film Camera | Do we like it or do we love it?
The reviewer considers the Canon Sure Shot Telemax an affordable, durable, and reliable point-and-shoot camera that consistently delivers sharp, vibrant film photos.
How to USE a CANON Sure Shot Supreme 35mm Film Camera - BATTERY & LOAD Film
The Canon Sure Shot Supreme is a simple, easy-to-use 35mm point-and-shoot film camera that offers excellent value when found secondhand.
Specifications
Original AF35M (1979): lens and exposure
- Filter thread
- 48mm, takes filters, hoods and accessory lenses
AF35M: focus, flash and power
- Flash recycling
- About 8 seconds
AF35M: body and launch
- Size
- 132 x 77 x 54 mm
- Weight
- 405 g
Questions people ask about the Sure Shot
Is a Canon Sure Shot a good camera?
For a cheap, fully automatic 35mm camera, most owners and reviewers say yes. Mike Eckman calls the AF35M's lens razor sharp, and Casual Photophile says the Sure Shot Tele makes SLR-quality photos. The catch is age: Canon Rumors says a Sure Shot will die eventually, usually at the rewind or zoom motor, though you may get years of trouble-free use, so buy a tested copy.
Sources: mikeeckman.com, casualphotophile.com, canonrumors.com
What year did the Canon Sure Shot come out?
The first Sure Shot, the AF35M, went on sale in November 1979, according to the Canon Camera Museum. Canon sold it as the Sure Shot in North America, the AF35M in Europe and the Autoboy in Japan, and the Sure Shot line ran until 2005.
Sources: global.canon, flynngraphics.ca, flynngraphics.ca
What is a Canon Sure Shot camera worth?
It depends on the model and whether it has been tested. On October 28, 2026, untested, for-parts or faulty copies listed on eBay at $19.95 to $39.99, tested ones from $84.97 plus shipping, and US shops that test or restore asked $93 for a Zoom-S at Bellows Film Lab up to $315 for a refurbished WP-1 at Brooklyn Film Camera.
Sources: ebay.com, ebay.com, ebay.com, bellowsfilmlab.com, brooklynfilmcamera.com
Which Canon Sure Shot is the best?
There is no single winner. Canon Rumors lists the Ace among its favorites for its accurate meter, Casual Photophile says the two-lens Tele puts cult-favorite compacts to shame, and EMULSIVE found the Z135 the sharpest compact zoom its writer had used. For the classic f/2.8 look, the AF35M and Supreme share a 38mm f/2.8 lens.
Sources: canonrumors.com, casualphotophile.com, emulsive.org, global.canon
What battery does a Canon Sure Shot use?
It depends on the model. The AF35M, AF35M II and Owl take two AA cells; the Supreme, Tele, Ace and Zoom XL take one 6V 2CR5; the Max, Tele Max, A-1, WP-1, Sleek, 60 Zoom, 80 Tele and 85 Zoom take one CR123A, and the Z135 takes two. The Classic 120 takes two CR2 and the 80u one.
Sources: global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon, global.canon
What is the best film to use with a Canon Sure Shot?
In models that read the DX code, such as the Supreme and Max, any DX-coded 35mm film works because the camera sets the speed itself; reviewers report good results with Kodak Gold, Fuji Superia X-Tra 400 and Ilford HP5. The AF35M reads no DX codes and tops out at ISO 400, so use ISO 400 or slower and set the ring by hand.
Sources: camerasbymax.co.uk, gabethinks.wordpress.com, 35mmc.com, mikeeckman.com
Is the Canon Sure Shot waterproof?
Most models are not. Canon rates the Sure Shot A-1 waterproof down to 5 m (about 16 ft), while the WP-1 is only weather-resistant against rain and splashes and is not meant to go underwater. Canon Rumors says the A-1's seals should be well checked before you take one in the water.
Sources: global.canon, shootitwithfilm.com, canonrumors.com
When did the Canon Sure Shot Telemax come out?
The Canon Camera Museum dates the Sure Shot Tele Max to September 1991; it was also sold as the Autoboy Mini T and the Prima Twin S. It switches between two fixed lenses, 38mm and 70mm f/6, and takes one CR123A. The older Sure Shot Tele, from October 1986, has 40mm f/2.8 and 70mm f/4.9 lenses and takes a 2CR5.
Sources: global.canon, global.canon
What people compare it with
The other classic early autofocus compact, often reviewed beside the AF35M; Casual Photophile calls the Canon's viewfinder awful next to the Nikon's, and a 60 Zoom owner finds both much louder than his camera.
The cult-favorite pocket compact reviewers measure Sure Shots against; Casual Photophile said in 2023 that a Sure Shot Tele cost about $150 less.
One Sure Shot Ace owner calls the Yashica T series arguably the better and more expensive camera.
Konica C35 AF
Wikipedia calls it the first mass-produced autofocus camera, from November 1977, two years before the AF35M, with a passive focus system.
Every source behind this page
Read them yourself. How we pick and count them is in our methodology.
Show all 79 sources
Manuals and references 44
- bellowsfilmlab.com: Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera
- bellowsfilmlab.com: Canon Sure Shot Telemax 35mm Point & Shoot
- bellowsfilmlab.com: CANON Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Film Camera
- brooklynfilmcamera.com: Film Camera Repair Cost
- brooklynfilmcamera.com: Canon Sure Shot WP
- cute.camera: Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom
- cute.camera: Canon Sure Shot 76 Zoom
- cute.camera: Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom
- cute.camera: Canon Sure Shot Supreme
- cute.camera: Canon Sure Shot Telemax
- en.wikipedia.org: List of battery sizes
- flynngraphics.ca: The Sure Shot Series
- flynngraphics.ca: Canon AF35M User Manual
- global.canon: Sure Shot
- global.canon: (New) Sure Shot/(New) Sure Shot QD
- global.canon: SURE SHOT SUPREME
- global.canon: SURE SHOT TELE/TELE QD
- global.canon: SURE SHOT ACE
- global.canon: SURE SHOT ZOOM XL
- global.canon: SURE SHOT TELE MAX
- global.canon: SURE SHOT MAX
- global.canon: SURE SHOT Owl
- global.canon: SURE SHOT A-1
- global.canon: SURE SHOT 60 ZOOM
- global.canon: SURE SHOT 80 TELE
- global.canon: SURE SHOT Z135
- global.canon: Canon Camera Museum
- global.canon: SURE SHOT Zoom 85/Date
- global.canon: SURE SHOT CLASSIC 120/CAPTION
- global.canon: Sure Shot 80u
- procam.com: * USED * Canon Sure Shot Z135 Caption 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera - [AS-IS] at PROCAM | Shop Camera, Photo & Video Equipment | In-Stock, Lowest Prices. Same Day Shipping
- batteryjunction.com: Energizer EL2CR5-BP 1500mAh 6V Lithium Primary (LiMNO2) Photo Battery
- batteryjunction.com: Panasonic 2CR5 1400mAh 6V Lithium Primary (LiMNO2) Photo Battery - 1 P
- batteryjunction.com: Panasonic CR123A - 2 Piece Retail Card
- batteryjunction.com: Panasonic CR2 - 2 Piece Retail Card
- coastalfilmlab.com: Canon Sure Shot AF35M 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera
- coastalfilmlab.com: Canon Sureshot Sure Shot Max 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera
- ebay.com: Canon Sure Shot Supreme 35mm Compact Film Camera for sale online
- ebay.com: Canon Sure Shot Telemax 35mm Compact Film Camera for sale online
- ebay.com: Canon WP1 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera for sale online
- ebay.com: Canon Sure Shot Classic 120 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera for sale online
- ebay.com: Canon AF35M 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera for sale online
- orbtronic.com: Comparing CR123A Non-Rechargeable and 16340 Rechargeable Batteries
- precision-camera.com: Precision Camera & Video
Independent blogs 25
- Casual Photophile: A Day at the Beach with the Canon Sure Shot A1
- Casual Photophile: Canon Sure Shot Zoom XL Review
- Casual Photophile: A 35mm Point-and-Shoot Sleeper
- 35mmc: Canon Sure Shot Supreme Review
- 35mmc: Canon Sure Shot Zoom XL Review
- 35mmc: Canon Sure Shot EX - A Mini
- What Is a Film Camera?: Canon Sure Shot Classic 120 Review
- Jolson Weddings: The Best Automatic 35mm Camera // Canon Sure Shot Ace
- Eclectic Adventures: Canon Sure Shot/Autoboy Review
- Cameras By Max: Camera Review: Canon Sure Shot EX - 35mm Point and Shoot
- Cameras By Max: Camera Study: The Canon Sure Shot Supreme
- Gabe Writes About...: Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom Review
- Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris: Canon Sure Shot Zoom S
- Shoot It With Film: Canon Sure Shot WP-1 Review
- Mark McMahon: The Canon Sure Shot Classic is my Favourite Film Point and ...
- Teddy Juras: Canon Sure Shot Supreme Battery + Film Camera Review
- t0o0tz.com: Fixing My Canon Sure Shot Supreme
- Mike Eckman: Canon AF35M (1979)
- 35mmc: Canon AF35M Review - Making Mere Adequacy Intriguing - by Torsten Kathke
- 35mmc: Canon Sure Shot Max Review - Eat Your Liver Yashica T4! - By Mike Caputo
- Casual Photophile: Canon AF35M vs Nikon L35AF - Camera Review
- 35mmc: Canon SureShot Autoboy (AF35M II) Review - by Jeremy Strange
- Random Camera Blog: Random Camera Blog: A Canon in A Minor
- film2photo: Camera Review: Canon Sure Shot Tele 35mm Compact Film Camera
- Flynn Graphics: Owl
Video reviews 5
- The Old Camera Guy: CANON SURE SHOT OWL REVIEW (2022)
- Jimmy Meatwhistle: $2 Film Camera in the Rocky Mountains - Canon Prima Sure Shot Point & Shoot Camera Test & Review
- Old Little Film Cameras: Canon Sure Shot Max (film) - Short review - eng
- Rafee: Photo Review with the Canon Sure Shot Telemax 35mm Film Camera | Do we like it or do we love it?
- Teddy Juras: How to USE a CANON Sure Shot Supreme 35mm Film Camera - BATTERY & LOAD Film
Editorial reviews 3
Forums 2
Keep reading
Film cameras
The best point-and-shoot film camera for most people is the Olympus Mju II, about $250-$600 used. Eight picks from $34.99 to $2,000, prices checked Oct. 2026.
Film cameras
Nikon L35AF guide: what 140 owner and reviewer opinions say, $307-$550 with a warranty in October 2026, common faults, film, batteries and how to use it.
Film cameras
Olympus Mju II (Stylus Epic) guide: what 110 owner and reviewer opinions say, $399.99-$814 dealer listings in Oct 2026, common faults, film and battery tips.
Film cameras
Where to buy film cameras used in the US: KEH, MPB, B&H, local shops, eBay and thrift, with warranties, October 2026 prices and a checklist to test one.
Film cameras
The best film camera for beginners is usually a used Canon AE-1 Program or Pentax K1000. Compare 8 picks, October 2026 US shop prices and what to check first.
.jpg){kind=link}
