Bauer 35 AF Motor

The Bauer 35 AF Motor is a compact camera. The 35mm camera was sold in Germany under the brand name “Bauer” and produced by the Japanese manufacturer Chinon. The model was also available on the market under the name “Chinon 35FA Super“.

A fixed lens is built into the camera. The focal length of the lens is 35 mm. The widest aperture of the camera is f/2.8, which makes it well suited for everyday shooting or even traveling. The lens consists of four elements in three lens groups. Focusing is facilitated by a built-in autofocus. The closest focusing distance of the lens is 100 cm. The closest focusing distance is the minimum distance to the subject for a sharp image.

The 35 mm photo camera is equipped with a built-in light meter. It is designed to shoot film at sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 400. These can be selected in 1/3 increments. In addition, you can set the value ISO 1000. Apart from the ISO value of the film, you do not have to set anything. The camera has an automatic exposure control. The aperture and shutter speed are automatically set on the snapshot camera. They cannot be changed manually.

The built-in flash provides sufficient light. The flash range is specified as 1 meter – 4.2 meters. This range refers to photos taken with ISO 100 film. The camera has a thread for a tripod. A self-timer is also built in.

The camera weighs 315 grams. The dimensions are 13.3 x 6.9 x 4.7 cm. Normal batteries are used for taking pictures. Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are needed. Of course, you can also use rechargeable batteries here.

There was also a version of the Bauer 35 AF motor with a data back. This allows the recording time to be printed in one corner of the images. So the shooting time can be easily determined afterwards. However, the calendar only goes up to 2019. The clock also requires two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Bauer 35 AF Motor

The Bauer 35 AF Motor is designed for 35mm film. The film is automatically spooled to the next free area after each photo by the built-in motor. The number of photos already taken is displayed on the back. When the end of the film is reached, the film is automatically rewound into the cartridge. Only when this step is completed can the camera back be opened and the film removed for development. If the camera is opened before this, all photos taken so far may be lost.

Possible films for the Japanese still camera that can be purchased today are the Kodak Gold 200* and the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both films are well suited for everyday use and can convince in test reports. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories.