The Chinon Auto 3001 is a 35mm camera. It belongs to the compact camera group and was built in Japan. A variant of the model was also marketed in Germany as the “Revue 900 AF Multi“. The technology of the Auto 3001 was additionally used for the “Kodak S1100 XL“. The body of the camera is black.
The 35mm photo camera comes with a fixed focal length lens. A sliding door protects the lens from damage. 35mm is the focal length of the lens. The largest aperture of the camera is f/2.8, and the optics are composed of four elements in four groups. The photo camera has an advanced autofocus system with 16 focus zones. There is also an automatic macro mode. The closest focusing distance is 60 cm in this mode and 90 cm otherwise.
The Chinon Auto 3001 has a built-in light meter. It can be used with films from ISO 50 to ISO 1600. The camera reads the ISO value via the DX code on the cartridge. If there is no DX code, ISO 100 is set. The 35mm camera has automatic exposure control and sets aperture and shutter speed automatically.
The Chinon Auto 3001 has a built-in flash. The photo camera has a thread for a tripod and a self-timer. The self-timer has a lead time of ten seconds.
The dimensions of the Chinon Auto 3001 are, according to the manual, 13.1 x 7.1 x 4.7 cm. Power is supplied by a CR P2 battery (eBay / Amazon*). A display on the top shows, among other things, the status of the battery and the number of pictures taken. The film is automatically rewound by the 35mm camera.
Films for the Chinon Auto 3001
What is needed for the Chinon Auto 3001 is 35mm film. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified from almost any developing vendor. A good film choice is the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for black and white images.
The development process for color film is the C-41 process. This process is offered by almost every photo lab. Most drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color film. The black and white film must go into a black and white developer for optimal results. This form of development is offered by many professional photo labs.
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 | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 4 elements in 4 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/250 to 1/45 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 50 to 1600 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes, Self-timer function with 10 seconds lead time |
| Power supply | 1x CR-P2 battery |
| Size | 13,1 x 7,1 x 4,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.16 x 2.80 x 1.85 inches |
| Estimated value / Used price | 190,27 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 9 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 222,50 Euro (240.29 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 270,25 Euro (292.25 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 187,69 Euro (202.41 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Chinon Auto 3001
Is this camera easy to use for beginners?
Yes, the Chinon Auto 3001 is a point-and-shoot camera with automatic exposure, making it very user-friendly. It has automatic focusing and film advance, simplifying the photography process.
What kind of film does the compact camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, readily available from most photography suppliers. You can use both color and black and white films.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, it has a built-in flash for low-light situations. This is useful for capturing images even when there isn't enough ambient light.
How does the focusing system work on this 35mm camera?
The Chinon Auto 3001 has an autofocus system with 16 focus zones. It also features an automatic macro mode for close-up shots.
What is the lens like on the device?
It has a fixed 35mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This is a versatile focal length suitable for many types of photography.