Another point-and-shoot? While the question might not make sense for some people, for others, there needs to be a more substantive answer than just "yes." So if your friend (you know, the one who needs a better answer) asks you why the Canon AF35ML, it's best to be prepared with an answer.
The Canon AF35ML was released in 1981 as a follow-up and slightly upgraded version to the Canon AF35M. The first of these cameras was no slouch in itself with a 38mm f/2.8 lens, but the 1981 version bettered that with a 40mm f/1.9 lens. In addition to the faster lens, Canon added filter threads to the lens housing so any 48mm filter could be used. As the light meter was located behind those threads, the camera's meter worked just fine regardless of any filtering. A new, faster lens, with filter capability, however, would not be enough on its own to warrant a new model.
The AF35ML also featured a new, more accurate auto-focus system. Instead of the infrared system used on the earlier versions of Canon's point-and-shoot, the newer Charged Coupling Device (CCD) system provided faster focusing in situations where there is better contrast.
One thing that didn't change from the earlier AF35M was the award-winning design. The waffle-style plastic on the grip almost gives the sensation that the camera is holding on to you. Add to that a viewfinder which gives the user framing and focus information, and you have a very portable, very viable, incredibly sharp little camera.
If the Canon AF35ML fell short on any specification, it was that the fastest shutter speed on the camera was just 1/400th of a second. With faster speed film, the shutter speed limit could cause an issue, but to avoid that, the user can just shoot 100 ASA film.
So, another point-and-shoot? Absolutely! Just make it something worthy of what's in the rest of your bag.
ar/js
Canon AF35ML
We are torn over the Canon AF35ML. On the one hand, it has a 40mm f/1.9 lens which may just be the fastest lens found on an automatic, point-and-shoot camera. On the other hand, it seems like the rest of the camera's design was a bit of an afterthought. The fast lens is great and would seem to indicate a proclivity for low-light photography, except that the auto-focus system tends to get rather balky in low light. Most early models only had ISO dials up to 400. The AF system is interesting in that it uses a passive linear CCD array (like the Contax G2) instead of an IR beam like most other AF cameras. There are LED indicators inside the viewfinder to notify you of which of the three zones - near, mid, or far - the camera is choosing. But this system really does seem to struggle in darker conditions, which is where you would want to use a f/1.9 lens the most. There is also a bit of an obnoxious beep that triggers when the camera detects too slow a shutter speed required, again popping up often in low light... Perhaps this is a good daytime camera, loaded with fine grained 100 speed film - maybe a roll of Ektar or FP4?⠀