The Fuji Zoom Cardia Super 115 MR is a fully automatic compact camera for the 35mm format introduced in 1994 by the Japanese manufacturer Fuji Photo Film Co. (now Fujifilm).
The camera belongs to the manufacturer's established Cardia series and was designed for photographers seeking an easy-to-use yet versatile point-and-shoot camera with a wide focal length range. The Cardia series was mainly sold in Japan.
Features and Optics
The heart of the camera is the integrated Fujinon Zoom zoom lens with a focal length range of 38 mm to 115 mm. The lens offers a maximum aperture of f/6.3 in the wide-angle position and f/12.7 in the telephoto setting.
Exposure control is fully automatic via a programmed auto-exposure system that independently determines the appropriate combination of aperture and shutter speed. The electronically controlled shutter covers a practical range, typically from fast exposures to longer times for twilight shots. Film speed is detected automatically via the DX coding of the loaded film cartridge.
Focusing is achieved by an active infrared autofocus system, which is intended to provide reliable focusing even in difficult lighting conditions. The camera has a focus lock (AF-Lock) that is activated by half-pressing the shutter button.
In addition to standard autofocus, the model offers special focus modes for different shooting situations. These include a close-up mode (macro) for subjects at close range, a landscape mode that locks focus at infinity and disables the flash, and a snapshot mode (Snap) that prefocuses at a fixed distance for faster shutter response.
Features and Special Functions
A defining feature of the Fuji Zoom Cardia Super 115 MR is the panorama function, activated via the mechanical slide switch labeled “Panorama One-Touch” on the front. When activated, masks inside the camera swing in front of the film channel, cropping the negative at the top and bottom to simulate the typical wide panoramic format in the viewfinder and on the developed image.
The camera is equipped with a built-in zoom electronic flash that adapts to the selected focal length range. Via the keypad on the top of the body, the user can choose between various flash modes, including auto flash, red-eye reduction, fill-in flash for backlit shots, and complete flash deactivation. The built-in electronic self-timer also allows delayed shots and can be programmed for up to three consecutive exposures.
On the back of the camera is the control unit typical of date backs, with the Mode, Select, and Set buttons. These allow setting the current date or time to expose this information directly onto the negative if desired. Film transport is fully motorized.
Fuji uses a prewind system in this model, in which the entire film is first pulled onto the take-up spool after the film cartridge is loaded. On each shot, the film is then transported back into the cartridge. This system protects already exposed shots from accidental light exposure if the camera back is opened prematurely.
Body and Power Supply
The ergonomically shaped body is made of black plastic and features a grip bulge on the right side for a secure hold. On the top of the body is a clear liquid crystal display (LCD) that shows the number of remaining exposures, battery status, the selected focus mode, and flash settings. Next to the viewfinder eyepiece, a diopter adjustment is integrated to adapt the viewfinder to the photographer's eyesight.
The camera's power supply is provided by long-lasting CR123A lithium batteries (eBay / Amazon*) that are inserted into a compartment on the bottom of the camera.
Films for the Fuji Zoom Cardia Super 115 MR
What films does the Fuji Zoom Cardia Super 115 MR need? Films of the 35mm format are used. The 35mm format is the most common film format. Therefore, some manufacturers still produce for this format.
The Ilford XP2 Super* is a well-known 35mm film for black-and-white photography, while the Kodak Gold 200* could be an option for color photography. Test reports confirm that both films are suitable for a wide range of shooting situations and deliver good results.
