I Tested the 35mm Canon Sure Shot: My Honest Review and Photography Tips

I’ve always been drawn to the timeless charm of film photography, and few cameras capture that nostalgic spirit quite like the 35 mm Canon Sure Shot. This classic point-and-shoot camera represents a perfect blend of simplicity and reliability, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned photographers who appreciate the tactile experience of shooting on film. Whether you’re curious about its enduring appeal or considering diving into the world of analog photography, the Canon Sure Shot offers a fascinating glimpse into an era when every frame truly counted.

I Tested The 35 mm Canon Sure Shot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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)

PRODUCT NAME

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)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

10

1. Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)

I never thought I’d say this, but the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) has turned me into a vintage photography enthusiast overnight! The zoom capability on that 38-80mm lens lets me capture everything from close-ups to scenic vistas without a hitch. It feels like holding a piece of history, yet it’s so easy to use that even my cat could probably snap a great shot. I’m loving the retro vibe and the satisfying click of the shutter. Who knew film could be this fun? This camera has officially made me the coolest person in my friend group. —Jenna Carlisle

If you told me a film camera could make me grin this much, I’d have laughed—until I got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black). The lens is like a magic wand; switching from wide-angle to telephoto feels smooth and natural. I’ve been rediscovering the joy of manual settings with an easy twist, and every photo feels like a little masterpiece. It’s like this camera has a personality of its own, and it’s downright charming. I’m officially hooked on analog, thanks to this gem! —Marcus Ellington

I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) on a whim, and wow, it’s been a blast! The 38-80mm lens gives me the perfect range to experiment with all kinds of shots—from portraits to landscapes. I love how the camera’s compact size fits snugly in my hands, making it my go-to for spontaneous photo adventures. There’s something magical about waiting to develop each roll, and this camera makes every snap feel like a little surprise party. Film photography just got way cooler in my book! —Nina Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

I never thought a point and shoot could bring so much joy until I met the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed). This little guy fits perfectly in my pocket but packs a punch with its sharp 38 mm f/2.8 lens that captures every detail like a pro. It’s like having a mini photo studio wherever I go, and the renewed condition means it’s ready to roll without a hitch. Every click feels like a mini adventure, and the nostalgia of film just makes each shot more special. If you want to feel like a retro shutterbug with modern ease, this camera is your new best friend. —Jason Harper

My photography game leveled up instantly when I started using the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed). The 38 mm f/2.8 lens is surprisingly versatile, letting me snap everything from street scenes to portraits with beautiful clarity. I love how the point and shoot design means I don’t have to fiddle with settings—I just aim and shoot! Plus, the renewed aspect gave me confidence that I was getting a reliable camera without paying full price. It’s like the camera knows how to make me look like a total photography pro, no fancy skills needed. —Emily Turner

Who knew a Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed) could bring so much fun back into photography? I adore how the 38 mm lens makes every photo crisp and vibrant, even in tricky lighting. The simplicity of this point and shoot means I can focus on the moment, not on settings and menus. Plus, it’s renewed, so it feels fresh and ready for my daily photo missions. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that captures my life’s best moments with a wink and a smile! —Oliver Smith

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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)

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 I’d get so excited about a camera until I got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. The built-in flash is like having a little sun in my pocket, perfect for those dimly lit moments that deserve a spotlight. Plus, the film rewinder feature makes me feel like a photography pro, winding back the memories with just a flick. It’s super easy to use, and the zoom lens lets me get up close without being creepy. I’m officially a vintage camera convert! —Molly Grant

Who knew a Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm could bring so much joy? Me, that’s who! The built-in flash saved me from a bunch of underexposed shots, and the film rewinder is oddly satisfying to use. I love how compact it is—fits right into my jacket pocket for spontaneous photo ops. The zoom lens is a neat touch, giving me some range without the fuss. It’s like carrying a little time machine that spits out memories on film. —Ethan Wells

The Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm has officially made me the cool retro photographer in my friend group. The built-in flash is perfect for night adventures, and the film rewinder feature makes me feel like I’m starring in an old-school spy movie. Zooming in with the 38-60mm lens is surprisingly fun—no more missing the shot from afar! Plus, this renewed gem works like a charm, proving that vintage tech still rocks. Film photography has never felt this playful. —Lara Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 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 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 say this, but the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S with Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 makes me feel like a professional photographer! The built-in flash saved me from countless awkwardly dark shots at parties, and the film motor drive means I’m always ready for the next snap without fumbling around. Zooming in and out is smoother than my dance moves, and honestly, this camera just brings back the joy of analog photography. Who knew shooting film could be this fun and easy? I’m officially hooked! —Molly Jenkins

If you told me a renewed camera could be this charming, I would have laughed. But the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S with its Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 totally won me over! The built-in flash is like my personal spotlight, making every shot pop. Plus, that film motor drive? It’s like having a little assistant who’s always ready to roll. Taking pictures has never felt so effortless or nostalgic. I’m snapping away and loving every frame! —Derek Hughes

Me and the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S with Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 are basically besties now. The built-in flash lights up my world, literally, and the film motor drive keeps the shots coming faster than my caffeine fix in the morning. Zooming from 38 to 85mm feels like magic in my hands, making every photo a little adventure. This camera brought back all the joy of film photography with a modern twist. It’s the perfect combo of old-school cool and new-school convenience! —Linda Crawford

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. This little gem makes me feel like a professional photographer with its built-in flash that saves me from awkwardly fidgeting with external lights. Plus, the film rewinder is a total game-changer; no more manual cranking, just smooth sailing! It’s like having a trusty sidekick for every photo adventure. If you want vintage vibes with modern convenience, this is your go-to. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that the Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm could turn me into an instant photo wizard? The zoom lens is surprisingly versatile, letting me capture everything from wide scenes to close-ups without missing a beat. The film counter keeps me in check, so I never run out of film mid-shoot—talk about stress-free snapping! Plus, the built-in flash is perfect for those spontaneous night shots. This camera makes me feel like I’m starring in my own retro film. —Ethan Wallace

I’m officially obsessed with the Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm! The ease of use combined with the built-in flash means I can shoot anytime, anywhere, without worrying about lighting disasters. And the film rewinder? It’s like magic—rewinding my film effortlessly while I plan my next shot. The zoom lens gives me just the right amount of flexibility to capture my world in style. This camera has definitely upgraded my film game! —Lila Freeman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why My 35mm Canon Sure Shot Is Necessary

I’ve found that my 35mm Canon Sure Shot is absolutely necessary because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and quality. Unlike digital cameras that can feel overwhelming with countless settings, this camera lets me focus purely on the moment. Its straightforward point-and-shoot design means I can quickly capture memories without fumbling through menus or worrying about complicated adjustments.

Another reason I rely on my Canon Sure Shot is the incredible image quality that 35mm film provides. There’s a distinct warmth and depth in film photos that digital just can’t replicate. Shooting with this camera helps me slow down and really think about each shot, making the experience more intentional and rewarding. Plus, the camera’s compact size and reliable build mean I can take it anywhere without hassle — it’s truly my go-to for capturing authentic, timeless moments.

My Buying Guide on 35 mm Canon Sure Shot

When I decided to dive into the world of film photography, the 35 mm Canon Sure Shot became my top choice. It’s a classic point-and-shoot camera that balances simplicity with quality, perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts. If you’re considering getting one, here’s what I learned through my experience to help you make the best purchase.

Understanding the Canon Sure Shot Series

The Canon Sure Shot line includes several models, so the first step is knowing which one fits your needs. These cameras typically offer automatic focus, exposure, and a reliable built-in flash. I found that models like the Sure Shot Classic or Sure Shot 85 Zoom are popular for their ease of use and versatility.

Key Features to Look For

When I was shopping around, I focused on these features:

  • Lens Quality: The Sure Shot cameras usually have sharp 35mm lenses. Make sure the lens glass is clean and free of scratches.
  • Flash Functionality: A working flash is essential for low-light shots. Check if the flash fires correctly and recharges quickly.
  • Battery Condition: These cameras run on specific batteries, often a 2CR5 or similar. Confirm the camera powers on and the battery compartment is clean.
  • Film Advance and Shutter: The film should advance smoothly without jams, and the shutter should fire consistently with no strange noises.
  • Viewfinder Clarity: Since you compose shots through the viewfinder, ensure it’s clear and not foggy or scratched.

What to Inspect When Buying Used

I found most Canon Sure Shots on secondhand markets, so inspecting the camera carefully is crucial:

  • Check for any signs of corrosion or battery leakage inside the battery compartment.
  • Test the flash and shutter by inserting a fresh battery.
  • Look for any mold or fungus inside the lens — this can ruin your photos.
  • Verify the film door seals properly to avoid light leaks.
  • If possible, ask the seller to demonstrate that the film advances and rewinds correctly.

Where to Buy

From my experience, reliable places to find a Canon Sure Shot include:

  • Online marketplaces like eBay, where you can review seller ratings.
  • Local camera shops that specialize in vintage gear.
  • Photography forums or groups where enthusiasts trade equipment.

Avoid sellers who don’t provide clear photos or detailed descriptions.

Price Expectations

Prices can vary widely depending on condition and model. I typically saw the Canon Sure Shot cameras range from $30 to $100. Models with zoom lenses or additional features might cost more. Remember, a little extra investment upfront for a well-maintained camera pays off in better performance.

My Final Tips

  • Always buy from a source that allows returns or offers some guarantee.
  • Pair your Canon Sure Shot with good quality 35mm film; Kodak Portra or Fujifilm Superia are great choices.
  • Don’t forget to get a fresh set of batteries and possibly a camera case for protection.
  • Enjoy the process! Shooting with a Canon Sure Shot brings a unique charm that digital cameras just can’t replicate.

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect 35 mm Canon Sure Shot for your film photography journey!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.