The Panasonic C-300EF, also known as the National C-300EF, is a 35mm point-and-shoot camera designed for use with 35mm film. It was probably sold mainly in the 1980s.
A very similar model is the Panasonic C-310EF, which differs mainly in the flash activation: on the C-300EF, the flash turns on automatically in low light, while on the C-310EF it must be activated manually.
Technical characteristics
The camera has a fixed lens with a focal length of 38 mm and a maximum aperture of f/5.6. The focus is fixed and cannot be adjusted, nor can the distance to the subject.
The C-300EF has no built-in light meter and offers hardly any setting options. Only the film speed can be switched between ISO 100 and ISO 400. The shutter speed is constantly set at 1/50 second.
A built-in flash powered by two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) provides sufficient lighting. The batteries are only used for the flash. The other functions are all mechanical and do not require electricity.
Film selection and development
The Panasonic C-300EF is designed to use 35 mm films, which can still be produced and developed today. So you can of course still use the 35 mm camera and take pictures with it without any problems.
Popular options are the Ilford Delta 400* for black and white photography and the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color photography. Color films are developed using the C-41 process, which is offered by many photo labs and drugstores.
The camera’s negatives have a format of 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is transported manually using a thumbwheel for advancing and a crank for returning the film material to the cartridge.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Thumbwheel |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 38 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/5.6 |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/50 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Estimated value / Used price | 29,25 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 31,86 Euro (33.55 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 31,61 Euro (33.55 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Panasonic C-300EF
What type of film does the Panasonic C-300EF use?
It uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white, which are readily available and developed even today.
Does this point-and-shoot camera have autofocus?
No, the Panasonic C-300EF has a fixed focus lens, meaning you cannot adjust the focus or the distance to the subject.
How is the flash activated?
The flash activates automatically in low-light conditions. Unlike the similar C-310EF model, it doesn't require manual activation.
What is the shutter speed of the camera?
The shutter speed is fixed at 1/50th of a second. There are no adjustable settings for shutter speed.
What kind of battery does the built-in flash require?
The integrated flash is powered by two AA batteries. The rest of the camera's functions are purely mechanical and don't need power.