Camera type

35mm compacts

Compacts, also called point-and-shoots, put a fixed lens, automatic exposure and usually a built-in flash in a body that fits a pocket. Simple ones use fixed focus. Later ones add autofocus and motorized film advance and rewind, and the best have sharper, faster lenses. Konica's C35 AF of 1977 was the first autofocus camera. A motorized compact can't do anything without its battery, so check which cell it takes. They suit anyone who wants film with them everywhere and is happy to let the camera choose the settings.

7 cameras we cover.