The Canon Top Shot is an analog compact camera for the 35mm format, released in 1986. Sold under this name on the European continent, it belongs to a well-known series of fully automatic cameras of that era. In Japan, the model was known as the Autoboy 3.
The model combines simple operation with technical features designed to make everyday photography easier. Its ergonomic design differs from the typical boxy shapes of the time with rounded lines and a slanted grip. This grip allows for stable handling with one or two hands and prevents fingers from covering the viewfinder.
On the front, a sliding protective cover shields the lens from damage and also serves as the main switch to turn on the camera.
Optical performance is based on an integrated Canon lens with a focal length of 38 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The construction consists of 4 lenses arranged in 4 groups.
For automatic focusing, the camera uses an active infrared autofocus system with triangulation measurement. This system works continuously from 0.55 m to infinity. By half-pressing the shutter button, the focus can be locked to freely compose the subject in the frame.
The viewfinder is an inverted Galilean viewfinder with a magnification of 0.45. Inside the viewfinder, there are frame lines for image boundaries, parallax compensation marks for close-ups, and two LEDs. A green LED indicates successful focus, while a red LED warns of too close a distance or indicates the flash is ready.
Exposure control is fully automatic via an electromagnetic shutter. The system covers a range from EV 6 at f/2.8 and 1/8 second to EV 17 at f/16 and 1/500 second.
A sensor reads the film speed via the DX code automatically, supporting ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600. Films without proper coding are set to ISO 100 by default. A small LCD on the back of the camera shows the current frame number and battery status.
The built-in flash has a guide number of 8 at ISO 100. The system automatically decides when to use the flash, activating it in low light or strong backlight for fill-in. If flash is not desired, it can be manually disabled by pressing a small rubber button on the bottom of the camera while releasing the shutter.
For self-timer shots, which offer a delay of about 10 seconds, the camera has a button on the top.
According to the manual, the dimensions of the Canon Top Shot are 13.2 x 7.1 x 5 cm, and it weighs 315 grams. Power is supplied by a 2CR5 battery (eBay / Amazon*). The battery compartment is secured with a screw on the side of the camera, so a small screwdriver is needed for battery replacement.
Films for the Canon Top Shot
The Canon Top Shot uses 35mm film. The 35mm format has played an important role in the history of photography, and some manufacturers still produce films for this format today.
Great 35mm films for color or black-and-white photography are Kodak Portra 400* and Ilford Delta 400*. Many other manufacturers also produce films for this format.
Film transport is fully motorized. After loading the film and closing the back, the film is automatically advanced to frame 1. After each shot, it advances automatically. When the end of the film is reached, the camera starts rewinding automatically.
There is also a small recessed button on the bottom of the camera that can be pressed with a pointed object to manually trigger rewind before the end of the film.
