Designed as a 35mm camera and produced by Canon, the Canon A35 Datelux is a rangefinder camera. It was introduced in October 1977. The new price in the 1970s was 36300 yen in Japan.
The lens of the camera cannot be changed. The focal length of the lens is 40 mm. The maximum aperture of the camera is f/2.8. The optical system consists of four lens groups with five elements.
This camera does not have an autofocus function, so the focus settings must be made manually. The camera has a rangefinder system which helps to determine the distance to the subject. The minimum distance to the subject must be 80 cm.
A meter is integrated in the camera for exposure measurement. The light meter enables the use of films with a sensitivity of 25 to 400. The exposure is set automatically by the camera technology.
The built-in flash provides sufficient light. The flash pops up on the top of the camera. The flash is powered by an AA battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Measuring 12.2 x 7.5 x 6.1 cm, the Canon A35 Datelux weighs 540 grams. It is powered by two 1.35 V mercury batteries.
A special feature is the data back. This allows the recording time to be imprinted on the images. This function was popular at the time, as an analogue camera naturally had no EXIF data, as is the case with digital cameras today.
Films for the Canon A35 Datelux
Of course you can still use the Japanese camera. According to the instructions, the Canon A35 Datelux needs 35mm film to take pictures. There is still a wide range of film material for colour and black and white pictures in this format.
A good film for colour pictures with the rangefinder camera is the Kodak Portra 400* and for black and white pictures the Kodak T-Max 100*. It is reported that both films are well suited for everyday use and perform well in reviews. You can of course also use films from other suppliers.
The negatives of the Canon A35 Datelux have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is wound manually for the next picture. There is a quick-release lever for this purpose. The return transport is done manually with a crank. A frame counter shows the number of pictures taken.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Quick release lever |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Lens design | 5 elements in 4 groups |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | Yes |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x 1.35 V mercury batteries |
| Size | 12,2 x 7,5 x 6,1 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.80 x 2.95 x 2.40 inches |
| Weight | 540 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 98,19 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 124,00 Euro (134.22 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 114,30 Euro (123.39 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon A35 Datelux
What type of camera is the Canon A35 Datelux, and what is its focusing mechanism?
The Canon A35 Datelux is a rangefinder camera, meaning it uses a rangefinder system to determine focus. It lacks autofocus; focus is adjusted manually.
Does this classic camera have interchangeable lenses?
No, the Canon A35 Datelux has a fixed 40mm f/2.8 lens. It's not possible to change lenses on this model.
How does the light meter in the Canon A35 Datelux function, and what film speeds does it support?
The built-in light meter automatically sets the exposure. It's compatible with films ranging from ISO 25 to ISO 400.
What is the unique feature of the Canon A35 Datelux's data back?
Its data back allows you to imprint the shooting time onto the film, a popular feature for analog cameras before the era of digital EXIF data.
What are the dimensions and weight of this rangefinder?
Measuring 12.2 x 7.5 x 6.1 cm, the Canon A35 Datelux weighs 540 grams. It's a relatively compact and lightweight 35mm camera.