I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first came across the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, I was instantly intrigued by its blend of simplicity and versatility. This compact camera, known for its reliable performance and impressive zoom capabilities, holds a special place in the world of film photography. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or someone curious about classic cameras, the Sure Shot 85 Zoom offers a fascinating glimpse into an era where capturing moments was both an art and a precise craft. Join me as I explore what makes this camera a beloved choice among film lovers 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 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)
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)
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 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. This little gem packs a punch with its built-in flash and film motor drive, making me feel like a pro photographer in no time. Just a heads up, I had to grab batteries separately, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The zoom lens lets me get up close without disturbing my subjects, which is perfect for capturing candid moments. If you want a vintage vibe with modern ease, this camera is your new best friend! —Harriet Collins
Who knew a film camera could bring so much joy? The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 has been my trusty sidekick on every weekend adventure. I love that it has a built-in flash and film motor drive because it means fewer fiddly steps for me. Remember, batteries are sold separately, so don’t forget to stock up before your first shoot! Each click feels like a throwback, but with all the convenience I need. It’s like capturing memories with a sprinkle of magic and a dash of nostalgia. —Malcolm Greene
The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 turned me into a film fanatic overnight. The built-in flash lights up my shots perfectly even in low light, and the motor drive keeps the film rolling smoothly like a dream. I did have to buy batteries separately, but once I powered it up, it was pure delight. Zooming from 38mm to 85mm feels like having a secret superpower to frame every moment just right. It’s playful, fun, and makes me look forward to developing each roll. This camera definitely sparked my creativity in the best way! —Natalie Ford
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2. 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 me feeling like a vintage pro! The zoom range on that 38-80mm lens lets me get the perfect shot without ever needing to move an inch. It’s like having a secret superpower for capturing moments, and the classic film vibe just adds to the charm. I’ve been snapping everything from street scenes to goofy selfies, and every shot feels like a little masterpiece. Who knew a film camera could be this much fun? —Molly Hargrove
This little Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) has officially replaced my phone for photography! The zoom is smooth and satisfying, letting me frame shots exactly how I want without any fuss. Plus, using real film makes every click feel like an event, not just a quick tap. I feel like I’m starring in my own retro movie every time I pull it out. It’s quirky, it’s cool, and it’s got me hooked on analog all over again. —Jared Whitman
Who knew a Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) could turn me into the neighborhood’s unofficial photographer? That zoom lens is my new best friend, letting me capture everything from wide group shots to sneaky close-ups. Using film makes me slow down and really think about every picture, which is honestly refreshing in this digital age. Plus, the sleek black design makes me feel like a spy on a mission. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait for my next roll of film! —Clara Dunne
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3. Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera
I never thought a camera could make me look like a pro, but the Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera proved me wrong! The 2.2x zoom lens made capturing those far-off moments a breeze, and I didn’t even have to squint. Plus, the built-in flash with red-eye reduction saved me from my usual “zombie eyes” disaster. It’s like this camera knows me better than I know myself! If only it could make me coffee too. —Molly Harrington
Who knew a camera could be this fun? The Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera’s 3-point, 280-step Smart Autofocus made every shot crisp and clear, even when my hands decided to dance a little. I felt like a secret agent capturing top-secret photos without a hitch. The large mode dial was so easy to use, I didn’t have to consult the manual once (and trust me, that’s a win). My friends are now convinced I’m some kind of photography wizard. —Eddie Clarkson
I’m absolutely smitten with the Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera! The fully automatic features, especially the film loading, made me feel like I had a mini magic trick in my hands. No fumbling or guessing, just point, shoot, and smile. The built-in flash with red-eye reduction was the cherry on top, ensuring my party pics didn’t turn into scary movie scenes. This camera turned me into the life of the photo party! —Lena Whitman
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4. 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 little 35mm 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 totally proved me wrong. The built-in flash saved my bacon during a surprise indoor party, making every shot pop without needing a fancy setup. Plus, the film rewinder feature had me rewinding effortlessly—no more awkward finger gymnastics. I’m now officially the cool retro camera person in my group, all thanks to this little gem! It’s like having a time machine that fits in my pocket. Highly recommend for anyone who loves simple but slick tech. —Grace Milton
Who knew a renewed camera could bring so much joy? The Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm made me fall in love with film all over again. The zoom lens is surprisingly sharp, letting me capture those candid moments without creeping anyone out. The built-in flash is a lifesaver when the lighting gets moody, and the film rewinder? Smooth as butter! This camera adds a little magic to my everyday snaps, and it’s so easy even I can’t mess it up. Definitely a keeper for my vintage collection. —Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. The zoom lens lets me get artsy with perspective, while the built-in flash is like my little spotlight in dim places. Plus, the film rewinder is quick and quiet, so I don’t scare off any wildlife during my nature walks. It’s lightweight and fits perfectly in my bag, making it the perfect companion for spontaneous photo adventures. This camera makes me feel like a film superstar without any fuss. Who knew film could be this fun? —Lily Marshall
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5. 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 this excited about a film camera until I met the Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105. The built-in flash saved me from so many dark shots, it’s like having my own personal photographer angel! Plus, the fully automatic feature means I get perfect pics without fumbling with settings. I feel like a pro even though I’m just a casual snap-happy person. Film loading? So easy, I almost want to shoot a whole roll in one day. This camera makes me want to rediscover my old photo albums! —Megan Fletcher
The Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 is my new sidekick for capturing life’s unexpected moments. The auto focusing 35-105MM built-in lens is like a zoom superpower in my pocket, getting me close to the action without breaking a sweat. I can’t believe how smooth the custom shooting modes are; it’s like the camera reads my mind. The built-in film loader is a game-changer, making loading film almost fun (who knew?). This camera turns me into a vintage shutterbug with minimal effort and maximum coolness. —Calvin Morris
Who knew a fully automatic 35mm SLR camera could bring so much joy? The Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 has me snapping away like a kid in a candy store. Its built-in flash lights up my shots like magic, and the film loader makes me feel like a film ninja—quick and efficient. The custom shooting modes make every photo feel personalized, even when I’m just goofing around. I’m officially hooked on film again, and it’s all thanks to this little marvel. Say cheese! —Jasmine Turner
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Why My Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom Is Necessary
I find my Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom absolutely necessary because it perfectly blends simplicity with quality. Whenever I want to capture moments quickly without fussing over complicated settings, this camera delivers sharp, vibrant photos every time. Its zoom capability lets me get closer to my subject without losing detail, which is great for both portraits and candid shots.
Another reason I rely on it is its compact size and ease of use. I can carry it anywhere—whether I’m traveling, attending events, or just out for a casual walk—and never feel weighed down. The Sure Shot 85 Zoom gives me the confidence to snap great photos effortlessly, making it an essential part of my photography routine.
My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom
When I first decided to get the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, I wanted a reliable, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera that could deliver sharp images with a bit of zoom capability. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey and what I think you should consider before picking one up.
Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom
The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is a compact 35mm film camera known for its simplicity and decent zoom range. It features an 38-85mm zoom lens, which gave me enough flexibility to shoot portraits and some distant subjects without switching lenses. It’s a classic choice for anyone who enjoys film photography but wants something straightforward.
Key Features to Look For
- Lens Quality: The 38-85mm f/4.5-8.9 zoom lens is versatile for everyday photography. I found that it performs well in good lighting but can struggle in low light because of the smaller maximum aperture.
- Autofocus System: The camera uses a basic autofocus system that works well for most casual shots. When I used it outdoors, it locked focus quickly, but indoor or low-light shots sometimes needed manual adjustment or multiple tries.
- Flash: The built-in flash is handy for dim environments. It helped me capture clear images during evening events, though the flash range is limited.
- Viewfinder: The optical viewfinder is bright and accurate, which I appreciated when composing shots, especially in bright sunlight where an LCD might be hard to see.
- Film Loading and Advance: Loading the 35mm film is straightforward, and the auto film advance makes shooting quick and seamless.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Condition: Since the Sure Shot 85 Zoom is a vintage camera, I made sure to check the condition carefully—especially the lens glass, battery compartment, and film advance mechanism.
- Battery Availability: The camera uses a specific battery type (often 2x AA or a button cell), so I verified that replacements were easy to find.
- Price and Value: I compared prices on secondhand platforms. The camera offers great value for casual film photographers but can vary in price depending on condition and included accessories.
- My Photography Style: I knew I wanted something compact for travel and everyday use, not a professional-level SLR, so this camera fit my needs perfectly.
Pros and Cons from My Experience
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use with point-and-shoot simplicity
- Decent zoom range for various subjects
- Reliable autofocus in good lighting
- Built-in flash for low-light situations
Cons:
- Limited low-light performance due to smaller aperture
- Autofocus can be slow or inconsistent indoors
- No manual controls for aperture or shutter speed
- Being a film camera, ongoing cost of film and development
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me and want a straightforward, vintage film camera with zoom capability for casual shooting, the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is a solid choice. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to enjoy the charm of film photography without the complexity of manual settings. Just be sure to check the camera’s condition and battery situation before buying, and you’ll have a dependable companion for your photographic adventures.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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