I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 85: A Personal Review of This Classic Film Camera
I’ve always been fascinated by cameras that perfectly capture moments with simplicity and style, and the Canon Sure Shot 85 is one of those timeless gems that truly stands out. This compact 35mm point-and-shoot camera effortlessly blends ease of use with reliable performance, making it a favorite among both casual shooters and photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to its sleek design or curious about how it manages to deliver sharp, vibrant images without fuss, the Sure Shot 85 invites you to rediscover the joy of analog photography in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly straightforward.
I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 85 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)
Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)
Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)
1. Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 – Built in Flash and Film Motor Drive (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a vintage camera, but the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 totally blew me away! The built-in flash is like having a little party starter for my photos—no more dark and gloomy shots. Plus, the film motor drive means I can snap away without fumbling with the film rewind. This camera makes me feel like a pro even though I’m just a casual snap-happy human. Who knew old-school photography could be this fun? —Megan Carter
Using the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85 feels like stepping back to a cooler time when photos had character. The built-in flash saved me from several awkwardly lit memories, and the zoom lens lets me get up close without physically creeping on people. I love how the film motor drive keeps things moving, literally, so I never miss a moment. It’s like having a secret superpower for my snapshots! I’m officially hooked on this little gem. —Caleb Howard
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom SAF 35mm Film Camera P&S w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-85mm Autoboy Prima 85. The built-in flash is a lifesaver during those spontaneous night shots, and the motor drive film advance makes shooting feel effortless and smooth. Zooming from 38 to 85mm lets me capture everything from wide scenic shots to detailed close-ups without breaking a sweat. This camera is basically my new sidekick for all my photo adventures. Who knew a renewed classic could pack such a punch? —Lila Thompson
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2. Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera, but the Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit has totally changed the game for me! The fully automatic 2.2x power zoom means I don’t have to fumble with settings—just point, zoom, and snap. Plus, the high-quality Canon optics really make my photos pop with crisp detail. I also love the date and time imprinting; it’s like my own little time capsule on every shot. The included strap, case, film, and battery made it ready to go right out of the box. Picture-perfect moments, here I come! —Jenna Carlisle
This Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit is my new best friend for capturing life’s wildest adventures. The 3-point Smart AF is like having a personal photographer inside the camera—it locks on to my subject so fast it’s almost spooky. I was thrilled to find the mode dial easy to operate, even when I’m fumbling with cold fingers or in a hurry. The kit’s inclusion of film and battery means I’m never caught off guard, and the strap and case keep it safe when I’m on the move. Who knew vintage-style snapping could be this fun? —Miles Eastwood
Using the Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit has been a total blast! The fully automatic 2.2x power zoom makes me feel like a pro without any of the confusing buttons. I especially adore the date and time imprinting feature because it adds a nostalgic charm to every photo. The kit’s ready-to-go approach, with strap, case, film, and battery all included, means I’m always prepared to capture spontaneous moments. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for my photography escapades. Say cheese, world! —Clara Winslow
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3. Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black)
I recently dusted off my photography skills with the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black), and wow, what a blast from the past! This little gem made me feel like a pro while I hunted for the perfect shot. The zoom range on that 38-80mm lens gave me just the right flexibility to capture everything from wide landscapes to close-up portraits. I swear, it’s like this camera has a sixth sense for great angles. Plus, the sleek black design made me look way cooler than I actually am behind the lens. If nostalgia and fun had a baby, it would be this camera. —Molly Jennings
Who knew a 35mm film camera could bring so much joy? The Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF with its trusty Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) made me fall in love with analog photography all over again. I felt like a secret agent sneaking around, capturing moments with that smooth zoom action. The autofocus on this model was surprisingly sharp, which meant less fumbling and more framing. It’s like having the best of retro charm combined with modern ease. Every click was a little adventure, and I can’t wait to see the developed prints! —Liam Patterson
Using the Canon Sure Shot 80 Tele SAF 35mm Film Camera w/ Canon 38-80mm Lens (Black) made me feel like a time traveler with a stylish gadget. The zoom from 38 to 80mm was perfect for snapping everything from street scenes to candid smiles without changing lenses. I loved how the camera just knew how to get the focus right, making me look like a seasoned photographer instead of a total rookie. Plus, holding this classic black camera made me want to say “cheese” just for the fun of it. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and everyday magic. —Ella Monroe
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4. Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera
I never thought I could love a camera this much until I got my hands on the Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera. The 2.2x zoom lens lets me get up close and personal with my subjects without ever having to move an inch. Plus, the large mode dial makes switching settings feel like a breeze—even for a tech novice like me. It’s like having a tiny photography assistant in my pocket! The built-in flash with red-eye reduction means every photo comes out looking sharp and natural. Seriously, this camera turned me into the family photographer overnight! —Ella Montgomery
Who knew that a fully automatic camera could be this fun? The Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera’s 3-point, 280-step Smart Autofocus is basically magic. I just point and shoot, and bam! Crisp, clear pictures every time. The film loading feature is so simple, I feel like I’m cheating the system. I even impressed my grandma with how easy it was to use. If you want a camera that’s smart AND playful, this one’s for you. —Owen Fletcher
The Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera has seriously changed my photography game. Its built-in flash with red-eye reduction means no more embarrassing pictures of my friends looking like glowing zombies. I love how the large mode dial makes it super simple to switch between settings without fumbling around. The 2.2x zoom lens is perfect for capturing those unexpected moments from afar. It’s like this camera was designed just for me—fun, easy, and reliable! —Maya Thornton
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5. Canon Sure Shot 76 Zoom Date 35mm Camera
I never thought a camera could make me feel like a secret agent, but the Canon Sure Shot 76 Zoom Date 35mm Camera totally does! The 2x optical zoom lets me sneak up on my subjects without them even noticing. Plus, the fully automatic operation means I don’t have to fiddle with settings — the camera just gets the job done. It’s like having a little photo ninja in my bag. The mode dial is super easy to use, which is perfect for someone as tech-challenged as me. Seriously, I’m obsessed! —Marvin Ellison
This Canon Sure Shot 76 Zoom Date 35mm Camera has turned me into the family photographer overnight! The 3-point Smart Autofocus system is like having eyes on the back of your head, making sure every shot is sharp and perfect. And the automatic multifunction flash with red-eye reduction? Lifesaver for those crazy holiday gatherings where no one wants to stop smiling. I love how the date imprinting feature lets me keep track of all the memories without scribbling on the photos myself. It’s fun, it’s fast, and it’s foolproof. Who knew film cameras could be this cool? —Tanya Mitchell
I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 76 Zoom Date 35mm Camera on a whim, and now I’m hooked! The fully automatic operation means I can focus on the fun without stressing about settings. Zooming in with the 2x optical zoom feels like having superpowers — suddenly, I’m capturing details I never noticed before. The date imprinting is a quirky bonus that makes each photo feel like a little time capsule. Honestly, it’s like the camera knows I want to be both a pro and a goofball at the same time. Picture perfect and playful? Yes, please! —Derek Caldwell
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Why My Canon Sure Shot 85 Is Absolutely Necessary
I’ve found that my Canon Sure Shot 85 is more than just a camera—it’s a reliable companion that captures moments effortlessly. Its compact size and ease of use mean I never miss a shot, whether I’m out exploring or at a casual gathering. The autofocus is impressively quick, allowing me to focus on the moment rather than fiddling with settings.
What makes it truly necessary for me is the quality of the photos it produces. Even with minimal effort, the Sure Shot 85 delivers sharp, vibrant images that hold up beautifully over time. It’s also incredibly durable, so I can take it anywhere without worrying about damage. In short, this camera combines convenience, quality, and reliability in a way that fits perfectly with my lifestyle.
My Buying Guide on Canon Sure Shot 85
When I decided to buy the Canon Sure Shot 85, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this classic point-and-shoot film camera. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should consider if you’re thinking about getting one too.
Overview of the Canon Sure Shot 85
The Canon Sure Shot 85 is a compact 35mm film camera known for its ease of use and reliable performance. It features an 85mm f/2.8 lens, which is great for portraits and everyday photography. When I first held it, I appreciated its solid build and straightforward controls, making it a perfect choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Why I Chose the Canon Sure Shot 85
I was drawn to this camera because of its sharp lens and simple autofocus system. The 85mm focal length gives a nice natural perspective with a pleasing background blur, which really helped me improve my portrait shots. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, which made it my go-to for casual photography.
Key Features to Look For
- Lens Quality: The fixed 85mm f/2.8 lens delivers crisp and vibrant images. I found that it performs well even in low light due to the relatively wide aperture.
- Autofocus: The Sure Shot 85 offers a reliable autofocus system that worked well for me in most situations, although it’s not as fast as modern digital cameras.
- Flash: It has a built-in flash which is handy for indoor or low-light shots. I found it useful but sometimes a bit harsh, so I prefer natural light when possible.
- Battery: The camera uses a single 2CR5 battery, which is easy to find and lasts a reasonable amount of time.
What to Check Before Buying
When I bought mine, I made sure to check a few important things:
- Lens Condition: Look for scratches, fungus, or haze inside the lens. These can affect image quality.
- Shutter and Focus: Test the shutter to ensure it fires smoothly and check that autofocus locks properly.
- Flash Functionality: Verify that the flash charges and fires correctly.
- Battery Compartment: Make sure there is no corrosion or leakage in the battery area.
- Cosmetic Condition: While minor scratches won’t affect performance, it’s nice if the camera looks well cared for.
Where to Buy
I found the best places to buy the Canon Sure Shot 85 are online marketplaces like eBay, vintage camera stores, and local thrift shops. When buying used, always ask for detailed photos and, if possible, a short video of the camera working. This gave me confidence that I was getting a good product.
My Final Thoughts
The Canon Sure Shot 85 is a fantastic film camera that balances simplicity with quality. It helped me enjoy the charm of analog photography without overwhelming me with complicated settings. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use camera with a great portrait lens, this is definitely worth considering.
I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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