Nikon L35AF / L35AD
Introduced in 1983, the L35AF was Nikon's first compact, "point-and-shoot" camera to feature autofocus... though, the L35AF is so much more than that. Retrospectively, much of the technology of the 80s can be a very hit-and-miss kind of list, but the L35AF sits most certainly on the "hit" side of things.
The L35AF is a camera that beautifully combines speed, ease of use, and simplicity with superb quality, in both the camera body and lens. The bulk of the L35AF's reputation revolves around its excellent five element 35mm f/2.8 lens, which was designed by Koichi Wakamiya and helped earn the L35AF the nickname of "Pikaichi" or "Top Notch" in Japan. The fact that Nikon was able to cram a five element lens, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, into this small camera is a marvel in itself. Known for producing very sharp images with nice contrast and a mild darkening at the corners, many photographers have gravitated toward L35AF cameras specifically for this look. Additionally, the lens has a pretty fast autofocus system that, while not overly sophisticated, has proven to be reliable and consistent. There is even a handy scale in the viewfinder to show you which distance the camera is focusing.
Other key features of the L35AF include a built-in meter, whose sensor sits within the filter ring of the lens, so feel free to use almost any filter you'd like with the camera without fear of skewing the meter. There is also a built-in, pop-up flash, motorized film advance, backlight compensation, self timer, and manual ISO dial with a max setting of ISO 1,000.
Nikon would also release an L35AFD, which has an auto-date feature for imprinting the date onto the exposed frame.
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