Analog film cameras with self-timer [overview]

The history and functions of self-timers on analog still cameras are diverse and have evolved over time. Early mechanical cameras often did not have built-in self-timers, but it was possible to connect external self-timers. These were often powered by clockwork mechanisms that created a delay between the shutter release and the shot being taken. Often this accessory was attached to the cable release connector. This gave the photographer enough time to position himself in the picture or to avoid camera shake with longer exposure times.

Later, cameras with built-in self-timers came onto the market. In most cases, the self-timer had to be cocked. By pressing the shutter button, the mechanics ran and the recording was captured on the film material.

In analogue cameras with integrated electronics, which came onto the market later, the triggering was then triggered by an electronic signal. In the 1990s, most 35mm cameras had a built-in self-timer. The lead time, i.e. the time between the start of the self-timer and the recording, was usually ten seconds. Some models also offer the option of taking several pictures in a row.

Areas of application for a self-timer

There are many different uses for the self-timer on analogue cameras. Here are some of the most important:

Group photos

When trying to take a group photo, it is often difficult to get everyone in position before the photo is taken. With the self-timer you can put yourself in the picture after placing the camera on a tripod or a stable surface.

Self-portraits

When trying to take a self-portrait, it’s often difficult to release the camera’s shutter button in time while staying in position. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then go into the picture in peace.

Long exposures

When you want to take a long exposure, you often have to hold down the camera’s shutter button for several seconds or even minutes. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then activate the self-timer. This allows you to let go of the camera while the photo is being taken.

Avoiding camera shake

Holding the camera by hand can easily result in camera shake, which blurs the image. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then activate the self-timer. This way you can avoid camera shake and take sharp pictures.

Experimental Photography

The self-timer can also be used for experimental photography. For example, you can place the camera on a tripod and activate the self-timer before dropping the camera or exposing it to some other unforeseen event. In this way, interesting and unusual images can be created.

Model overview

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FG

The Nikon FG is a single lens reflex camera with program automatic from the 80s.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FG20

The Nikon FG20 is a single lens reflex camera. It was manufactured between 1984 and 1986.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FM

The Nikon FM is a compact camera by Nikon for the F-System from the 70s.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FM10

The Nikon FM10 is a 35mm camera for the Nikon F bayonet from the Cosina factory.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FM2

The Nikon FM2 is a 35mm camera for the Nikon F mount.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FM2/T

The Nikon FM2/T is a 35mm camera built out of titanium by Nikon.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FM2n

The Nikon FM2n is a revised SLR of the Nikon FM2 from the 80s.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon FM3A

The Nikon FM3A is a film single lens reflex camera from the 2000s.

Underwater camera
35mm

Nikon L35 AW AF

An underwater camera from the Japanese company Nikon.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon L35AF

The Nikon L35AF is the first 35mm compact camera with autofocus from the Japanese camera producer.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon L35AF2

The Nikon L35AF2 is a compact camera from Nikon with 35mm f/2.8 lens.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon L35TWAF

The Nikon L35TWAF is a 35mm camera with two focal lengths.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Nikon N50

The Nikon N50 is a single-lens reflex camera for beginners from the early 1990s for the North American market.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon RF

The Nikon RF is a simple point and shot 35mm camera made by Nikon in the 80s.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon RF2

The Nikon RF2 is a snapshot camera from the 80s and was sold also as Nikon One Touch 100.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Tele Touch Deluxe

The Nikon Tele Touch Deluxe is a compact camera for the 35mm format from the 1980s.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW Zoom

The Nikon TW Zoom is a 35mm camera with zoom lens. It was also sold as Nikon Zoom-Touch 500.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW Zoom 105

The Nikon TW Zoom 105 / Nikon Zoom Touch 800 is a 35mm point and shoot camera with zoom and flash.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW Zoom 35-70

The Nikon TW Zoom 35-70 (Nikon Zoom Touch 400) is a compact snapshot camera with zoom lens.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW Zoom 35-80

The Nikon TW Zoom 35-80 is a 35mm camera with zoom lens and built-in flash. It was also offered as Nikon Zoom Touch 500s.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW Zoom 85

The Nikon TW Zoom 85 is a snapshot camera with zoom lens and was also sold as Nikon Zoom Touch 600.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW2

The Nikon TW2 is a 35mm camera with built-in flash. It was also sold as Nikon Tele Touch Deluxe.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW20

The Nikon TW20 is a 35mm camera with a dual lens. It was also sold as Nikon Tele Touch 300.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon TW2D

The Nikon TW2D is a snapshot camera from the 1980s with a data back for the 35 mm format.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon W35

The Nikon W35 / Nikon One Touch 200 is a compact 35mm camera with flash.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 100

The Nikon Zoom 100 is a camera from Nikon from the 90s with a zoom lens. It was also sold as Nikon Zoom Touch 470.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 200

The Nikon Zoom 200 is a 35mm camera with zoom from the 90s. In some markets it was also sold as Nikon One Touch Zoom.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 300

The Nikon Zoom 300 is a compact camera by Nikon from the 1990s. It was also sold under the name "Nikon Lite Touch Zoom".

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 310

The Nikon Zoom 310 is a compact camera with zoom from the 90s. It was also offered under the name "Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 70".

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 400

The Nikon Zoom 400 is a point and shoot camera from Nikon and was sold in the 90s. In addition it was also marketed as Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 80.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 500

The Nikon Zoom 500 / Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 105 is a zoom camera for snapshots from the 1990s.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 600

The Nikon Zoom 600 is a 35mm camera with 38-110 mm Zoom. It was also sold as Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 110.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 700VR

The Nikon Zoom 700VR is a compact camera with vibration reduction from the 90s. It was sold also as Nikon Zoom Touch 105 VR.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Nikon Zoom 800

The Nikon Zoom 800 is a compact camera from Nikon with 3,4x zoom.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus AZ-200 Super Zoom

A compact camera with zoom from Olympus.

Twin-lens reflex camera
120

Olympus Flex A 2.8

The Olympus Flex A 2.8 is a twin-lens reflex camera from the Japanese manufacturer from the 1950s.

Twin-lens reflex camera
120

Olympus Flex B I

The Olympus Flex B I is a twin-lens reflex camera from the 1950s.

Twin-lens reflex camera
120

Olympus Flex B II

The Olympus Flex B II is a twin-lens reflex camera manufactured by Olympus from 1953 to 1955.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus FTL

The Olympus FTL is a 35mm camera. It is a single lens reflex camera. The company Olympus built the camera from 1971 to 1972.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus M-1

The Olympus M-1 is the first camera of the Olympus OM system.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus O-Product

The Olympus O-Product is a very unusual compact camera from Olympus.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-1

The Olympus OM-1 is the first model of the renamed Olympus OM system.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-1 MD

The Olympus OM-1 MD is a revised version of the original OM-1.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-10

The Olympus OM-10 is an entry-level model of Olympus' OM system.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-10 FC

The Olympus OM-10 FC is a North American model designation for the Olympus OM-10.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-10 QD

The Olympus OM-10 QD is a version of the OM-10 with a data back.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-101 PF

The Olympus OM-101 PF is an SLR camera from the late 80s, which didn't really catch on.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-1n

The Olympus OM-1n is a 35mm SLR camera and the successor of the Olympus OM-1 MD.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-2

The Olympus OM-2 is a 35mm SLR from the OM series.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-2 S

The Olympus OM-2 S is the American product name for the Olympus OM-2 SP 35mm SLR by the Japanese company.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-2 SP

The Olympus OM-2 SP is the latest revised version of the OM-2.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-20

The Olympus OM-20 is a SLR camera for 35mm film and the successor of the Olympus OM-10.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-2000

The Olympus OM-2000 is an SLR camera built by Cosina for the Olympus OM bayonet.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-2n

The Olympus OM-2n is a revised version of the Olympus OM-2.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-30

The Olympus OM-30 was the first OM camera with autofocus function.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-4

The Olympus OM-4 was introduced in the 1980s as the successor to the popular OM-2 / OM-2n.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-4 T

Olympus OM-4 T was the model name of the OM-4 Ti on the American market.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-4 Ti

The Olympus OM-4 Ti is the latest revised version of the Olympus OM-4.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-40 Program

The Olympus OM-40 Program is the last two-digit OM camera and comes with a program automatic.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-707

The Olympus OM-707 is an autofocus SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer Olympus.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-77 AF

The Olympus OM-77 AF is a 35mm SLR camera and identical to the Olympus OM 707.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-88

The Olympus OM-88 is a model name for an SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer Olympus.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-F

The Olympus OM-F is the North American model of the OM-30 35mm SLR camera.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-G

The Olympus OM-G was the model name of Olympus' OM-20 SLR for the American market.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Olympus OM-PC

The Olympus OM-PC was the model designation of the OM-40 Program in the North American market.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus OZ 110 Zoom

The Olympus OZ 110 Zoom is a snapshot camera with zoom lens for the Japanese market.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Superzoom 110

The Olympus Superzoom 110 is a point-and-shoot camera. It was also sold as Olympus Infinity SuperZoom 3000.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus SuperZoom 3000

The Olympus SuperZoom 3000 is a camera from Olympus for the North American market with a zoom lens.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip 201

The Olympus Trip 201 is an automatic camera from the 1990s for the 35mm format.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip 301

The Olympus Trip 301 is a compact camera with a built-in flash and self-timer from the 1990s.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip 505

The Olympus Trip 505 is a 35mm camera for quick snapshots.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip 601

The Olympus Trip 601 is a 35mm camera for quick snapshots with a built-in flash.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip AF 21

The Olympus Trip AF 21 is a compact 1990s entry-level camera with built-in flash and autofocus.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip AF 31

The Olympus Trip AF 31 is a compact camera from the Japanese company Olympus with a built-in flash and self-timer.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip AF 4000

The Olympus Trip AF 4000 is an entry-level compact camera with autofocus and flash for 35mm format.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip AF 51

The Olympus Trip AF 51 is a compact camera with built-in flash and self-timer for the 35 mm format.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip AF 61

The Olympus Trip AF 61 is a simple point-and-shoot camera with autofocus, flash and self-timer.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip AF Mini

The Olympus Trip AF Mini is a point-and-shoot camera for quick snapshots with a built-in flash for the 35 mm format.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip XB3

The Olympus Trip XB3 is a 35mm camera with an integrated flash and an extra-large viewfinder from 1996.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip XB401

Die Olympus Trip XB401 ist eine Kompaktkamera mit Selbstauslöser und integriertem Blitz für das Kleinbildformat.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Olympus Trip XB41 AF

The Olympus Trip XB41 AF is a lightweight compact camera from 2000 with a self-timer, autofocus and integrated flash.

Rangefinder camera
35mm

Olympus XA

A small 35mm camera with rangefinder and sharp lens.

Viewfinder camera
35mm

Olympus XA2

A member of the XA series by the Japanese company Olympus.

Viewfinder camera
35mm

Olympus XA3

A compact camera by Olympus.

Viewfinder camera
35mm

Olympus XA4

A compact camera from the XA series with a 28 mm lens from the 1980s.

Snapshot camera
35mm

Panorama AF 300

A simple camera for 35mm film.

Single lens reflex camera
35mm

Pentacon FBM

The Pentacon FBM is an SLR camera from the late 1950s from the GDR.

Single lens reflex camera
120

Pentacon Six

The Pentacon Six is an East German single lens reflex camera for medium format film and is the predecessor of the Pentacon Six TL and the successor of the Praktisix.