The Chinon 35FA Super is a compact camera. The 35mm camera was produced by the Japanese manufacturer Chinon. The model was also available on the market under the name “Bauer 35 AF Motor”. A similar model is the Chinon 35FA II.
A fixed lens is installed in the camera. 35 mm is the focal length of the lens. The largest aperture of the camera is f/2.8. With these characteristics, it is well suited for everyday shooting or even traveling. The lens is built up of four elements in three lens groups. Focusing is facilitated by a built-in autofocus. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 100 cm. The closest focusing distance is the minimum distance to the subject for a sharp image.
The 35mm photo camera is equipped with a built-in light meter. It is designed to shoot film with sensitivities ranging from ISO 50 to ISO 400. These can be selected in 1/3 increments. In addition, you can set the ISO 1000 value. Besides the ISO value of the film, you don’t have to set anything. The camera has an automatic exposure control. The aperture and shutter speed are set automatically 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 an ISO 100 film. The camera comes with 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.
There was also a version of the Chinon 35FA Super with a data back. This allows the recording time to be imprinted in one corner of the images. So the shooting time can be easily determined afterwards. However, the calendar only goes to the year 2019. For the clock, two LR44 batteries (eBay / Amazon*) are also needed.
Films for the Chinon 35FA Super
The Chinon 35FA Super is designed for 35mm film. The film is automatically spooled by the built-in motor to the next free area after each photo. The number of photos already taken is displayed on the back. When the end of the film is reached, the film is automatically wound back into the cartridge. Only when this step has been completed may the camera back be opened and the film taken for development.
Possible films for the Japanese still camera that can be purchased today are the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Kodak T-Max 400*. Both films are well suited for everyday use and can convince test reports. 35mm films are still produced today and can be developed in most laboratories.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 3 groups |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 50 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash range | 1 to 4,2 Meter / 3.28 to 13.78 Feet |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x AA batteries |
| Size | 13,3 x 6,9 x 4,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.24 x 2.72 x 1.85 inches |
| Weight | 315 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 38,75 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 25,71 Euro (27.06 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 27,79 Euro (29.22 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 38,05 Euro (41.13 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Chinon 35FA Super
Is the Chinon 35FA Super a difficult camera to use?
No, it's quite easy to use. It has automatic exposure, meaning you don't need to adjust settings manually. Just point and shoot!
What kind of batteries does this compact camera need?
The Chinon 35FA Super uses two standard AA batteries for operation. If you have the version with the data back, it also requires two LR44 batteries for the date and time function.
Does the camera have a flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash with a range of 1 to 4.2 meters, depending on the film ISO. This is sufficient for most everyday situations.
How do I focus the lens on this 35mm camera?
The Chinon 35FA Super has autofocus, so you don't need to manually adjust the focus. The autofocus system makes focusing easy and convenient for everyday photography.
What type of film does the camera take?
It uses standard 35mm film. The camera automatically advances the film after each shot and rewinds it at the end of the roll. Common films like Kodak and Fuji are compatible.