This was the world’s first Lens-Shutter 35mm autofocus camera at the time. It used a triangulation system with a near-infrared emitting diode (IRED).
The active AF system had the IRED emit a near-infrared beam so its reflection was received by a pin photo diode.
When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the IRED emits a near-infrared beam on the subject. The beam reflected by the subject was received by the pin photo diode. A triangulation was thereby created in the same way as with an optical coincidence rangefinder. The lens draw is adjusted automatically to match the subject distance for focusing. The near-infrared beam also enabled focusing under low-light conditions, making the camera a hit product. The name “Autoboy” became synonymous with AF compact cameras.
| Name: | Canon AF35M / Sure Shot |
| Manufacturer: | Canon Japan |
| Made in: | Taiwan |
| N°: | B30293 |
| Production Date: | 1979 |
| Type: | 35mm Lens-Shutter autofocus camera with program EE and built-in flash |
| Series: | Sure Shot Series |
| Picture Size: | 24 x 36 mm |
| Normal Lens: | 38mm f/2.8 (4 elements in 3 groups) |
| Lens Mount: | FD mount |
| Focus: | Triangulation system with near-infrared beam. Prefocus enabled. |
| Shutter: | Electronically-controlled programmed shutter and aperture. EV 6 (f/2.8 at 1/8 sec.) – 17 (f/16 at 1/500 sec.). Built-in electronic self-timer. |
| Dimensions & Weight: | 132 x 77 x 54 mm, 405 g |
| Production Period: | 1979 - |
| N° Produced: | |
| Original Price: | 42,800 yen, 2,000 yen (case) |
| Index Price (Approx.): | 530 EUR |
| Avg Ebay Value: | 80 EUR |