Nikon · 35mm compact · From 1983
Nikon's first autofocus compact came out in 1983, and in Japan it got the nickname Pikaichi, meaning top notch. It was an immediate hit for its tough build and strong specs, and it has since become a cult classic. The lens is the draw, a 35 mm f/2.8 with five elements in four groups and a 46 mm filter thread. One reviewer found it very contrasty and sharp into the corners, with noticeable darkening at the edges. Exposure is fully automatic, from 1/8 s at f/2.8 to 1/430 s at f/17.5. You set film speed by hand on a ring around the lens, and it runs on two AA batteries. There's a backlight lever beside the lens, and the built-in flash pops up in low light with no off switch.
The variants
Early cameras set film speed from ISO 50 to 400, later ones from 50 to 1000. The L35AD is the same camera with a date-imprinting back.
One repair write-up calls the L35AF very fussy about power. Corroded battery contacts or weak cells cause dead or erratic shutters, and stuck film advance motors turn up too.
Buying guide
We'd buy the L35AF titled tested from a Japan dealer at $267 delivered, or the $108 US one titled tested if you'd rather risk less money. There are at least 125 for sale, and most ask $300–380 delivered, mostly Japan dealers quoting their own Near Mint grades. It won't fire without its two AA batteries, and corroded battery contacts are the usual cause of a dead or erratic shutter, so ask for a close photo of the compartment. ISO1000 in a title means a later camera that sets film speed up to 1000, while early ones stop at 400. Skip the two US listings sharing one plain title, and leave the for-parts bodies to people who want a donor.
$107.60est. delivered
The lowest delivered L35AF titled tested, from a US seller, about $190 under the band. Tested is the seller's word, so ask for a video of it firing five or six times on fresh AAs.
Nikon L35AF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera - Tested
$267.20delivered
Titled tested, with free shipping from Japan, so $267 delivered puts it under the band. The same seller lists an identical one for $377.
Nikon L35AF Pikaichi 35mm f/2.8 Point & Shoot Film Camera Tested Japan
$324.99delivered
A later ISO 1000 camera titled tested, from a US seller with free shipping, mid band at $325. You skip the long trip from Japan.
Nikon L35AF 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera ISO 1000 Pikaichi Tested f/2.8
$46.65est. delivered
Titled for parts or repair at $47 delivered, a donor for an L35AF with a bad motor or contacts. The title says to read the description, so find out what's wrong before you offer.
Nikon One Touch L35AF Point and Shoot 35mm Film Camera - For Parts Repair - READ
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$107.60est. delivered
$99.00 + $8.60 shipping
Buy It Now$99.00
Good buy
Titled tested. Ships from the US.
Seller: phapy
100% positive
Used$267.20delivered
$267.20 · free shipping
Buy It Now$267.20
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
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Good buy
Titled tested, free shipping from Japan. The same seller asks $377 for an identical title.
Seller: japanese-collection-market
100% positive
Used$324.99delivered
$324.99 · free shipping
Buy It Now$324.99
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Titled tested, later ISO 1000 camera. Free shipping from the US.
Seller: kamerarevivals
100% positive
For parts$46.65est. delivered
$34.95 + $11.70 shipping
Buy It Now$34.95
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Project piece
Titled for parts or repair. Read the description for the fault.
Seller: granitestateflipper
100% positive
![READ ISO1000 [US 1Yr Wty] Nikon L35 AF Pikaichi 35mm Film Camera From JAPAN J534](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2PIAAeSwW0ZqyHZM/s-l500.jpg)
Refurbished$249.99delivered
$249.99 · free shipping
Buy It Now$249.99
Our take
Listed refurbished, with a 1-year US warranty per the title. Later ISO 1000 camera, from Japan.
Seller: nagomi-japan-camera
100% positive
![[Near Mint w/Strap,Cap] Nikon L35 AF L35AF Pikaichi 35mm Film Camera Tested](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Ay4AAeSw7bpqw0TD/s-l500.jpg)
Used$319.98est. delivered
$269.99 + $49.99 shipping
Buy It Now$269.99
Our take
Dealer grade Near Mint, titled tested, with strap and cap. Ships from Japan.
Seller: blue_rebirth_japan
100% positive
Used$313.49est. delivered
$299.99 + $13.50 shipping
Buy It Now$299.99
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Another seller uses this exact title. Compare photos before you pay.
Seller: granite1250
100% positive
Used$464.46est. delivered
$450.00 + $14.46 shipping
Buy It Now$450.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Check the seller
Same title as another seller's, and the top ask here at $464 delivered.
Seller: martoradic_0
100% positive
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