Mamiya 135 AF 35mm camera w/ case (serial 1022364) | film🎞tested

Better known for their professional medium format cameras, Mamiya made a few very nice 35mm point-and-shoots like this 135 AF (first released in 1980). It's comparable to some of the better quality auto-focus compacts of its era like (e.g the Minolta Hi-Matic AF2). The 135 AF features a sharp 4-element 38mm f2.8 lens (threaded to accepts 46mm filters). The viewfinder gives a low light 'shake warning' when it's appropriate to switch on the flash (you can also use the flash to fill in shadows or to properly expose backlit subjects).

The 135 AF's manual has a detailed description of how its AF works and how to achieve the best results (even if you just use it thoughtlessly, you'll get mostly good results, but understanding how its focus works can help you avoid blurry photos) :

"The Mamiya 135 AF uses an electronic rangefinder automatic focusing system whereby a light metering cell working in conjunction with two separate mirrors aligns two images as one to produce a focused image. Although it will give you perfect focus with most subjects virtually every time, with subjects having very low contrast and subjects with interrupted patterns such as a plain wall, blanket, smooth water, or exceptionally narrow subjects, or subject having fine stripes, etc., there will be occasions when it will mis-focus.
As an extra precaution, when shooting subjects where the contrast is very low use the focus lock as an added assurance of sharp focus. In this instance, first, focus on a bright or high contrast object at the same distance of your subject and lightly depress the shutter release button to engage the lock. Then, without taking your finger from the shutter release button, place your original subject in the focusing frame and take the picture. In this way, the focus lock lets you overcome the problem of low contrast subjects." 

Battery information

The camera is powered by 2 ordinary AA alkaline batteries (not included). Rechargeable or lithium batteries cannot be used. 

Mamiya didn't give a battery life estimate but notes

Condition notes

The camera is in very good cosmetic condition (see photos) and is working perfectly. It was tested with film and it delivered sharp, correctly exposed photos. The included original case shows considerable wear from age (see photo).

Manual

https://www.cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_135_af.pdf

Specifications

• Lens: Mamiya-Sekor 38mm f/2.8; 4 elements in 3 groups; accepts 46mm filters
• Type: Automatic focus and automatic exposure 35mm viewfinder camera with built-in electronic flash
• Focussing: Automatic focusing activated by shutter release; range 4 ft. (1.2m) to infinity; focus lock function
• Shutter: Electronically controlled programmed AE shutter; speed range from 1/8 sec. to 1/450 sec.; minimum aperture f/17
• Exposure system: Fully automatic with CdS sensor; range EV 6 (1/8 sec., f/2.8) to EV 17 (1/450 sec., f/17) at ASA 100; film speed range ASA 25 to 400
• Viewfinder: Bright frame type with parallax correction mark, automatic focus aiming frame, zone focusing marks, subject distance pointer, magnification 0.5X, and camera shake warning lamp
• Film advance: Single stroke lever with 120° wind angle; double exposure prevention; automatic resetting exposure counter
• Flash system: Built-in automatic exposure flashmatic system; guide number 14 (ASA 100·m); range 4 ft. (1.2m) to 16 ft. (5m); daylight synchro flash possible
• Flash recycling: Approx. 6 sec. to 8 sec. with fresh batteries
• Number of flashes: Approx. 250 per set of alkaline batteries (tested by continuous discharging at 30 sec. intervals until recycle time reaches 30 sec.)
• Power: Two 1.5V AA-size alkaline batteries for all functions (exposure, focus, and flash)
• Size: 132(width) x 75(height) x 56(depth) mm
• Weight: 330g without batteries
• Caution: Auto-focus may mis-focus on very low-contrast subjects, fine stripes, or plain surfaces; use focus lock on a high-contrast object at the same distance for assurance