Name/Title
Camera, 35 mmEntry/Object ID
2014.036.0001Description
In the early 90s, Canon thought it would be a good idea to try something different. It turns out it wasn’t such a good idea. The Photura
Marketed June 1990
Original Price 64,500 yen (w/case, remote control, and close-up unit)
Fully automatic autofocus camera in an unusual cylindrical shape. The 35-105mm zoom lens has 10 elements in 9 groups. Power zooming is done with a lever. There is a direct viewfinder and a zoom lens cover which also has a built-in, powerful flash with Guide No. 12 to 25 (at ISO 100 in m).
Drop-in film loading makes it easy. Film take-up is S shaped. The active AF system with 3-point Smart Autofocus prevents incorrect focusing.
The close-up unit enables macro photography from 0.55 m to 0.8 m.
The Photura (marketed also as the Epoca and the Autoboy Jet, in Europe and Japan respectively) looks like a camcorder, but does much less. Don’t get me wrong, it does some things well for a non-SLR auto-focus camera; one-handed operation, decent flash built in to the swing-open lens cover, 3x zoom, and auto-loading is also beneficial at times. The tripod mount and timer also increase its versatility.
However, and it’s a big however, there are a few reasons this model was only sold for a few years before it disappeared. The padded hand strap and the added shoulder strap give the sense that you’re cradling a precious instrument, yet the bulky size and loud “power” zoom make it look and sound like a cheap toy. The small viewfinder, while offering the option of viewing from the top or from the back, doesn’t seem to be as large as it could have been, considering the bulk of the 1-1/2 pound camera.Collection
Camera Collection
