Prinz Saturn 35 Auto 40mm f2.8 Zone Focus 35mm Film Camera Soft Case Tested

Description

The Prinz Saturn 35 Auto is a classic 1970s compact 35mm zone-focus film camera produced for Dixons UK. Featuring a fast Prinz Autocell 40mm f/2.8 glass prime lens, it incorporates a selenium light meter ring surrounding the lens barrel for battery-free automatic exposure operation. Features intuitive pictogram zone-focusing symbols (Portrait, Group, Mountain), manual aperture overrides for flash photography, cold shoe accessory mount, PC sync port, bottom thumbwheel film advance, and fold-out rewind crank. Complete with protective black soft pouch case and wrist strap.

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good

Cosmetically in very good pre-owned vintage condition showing light handling marks, surface scuffs, and minor outer paint wear on the metal baseplate. Shutter fires smoothly across aperture settings, zone focus control ring turns properly, and aperture ring moves smoothly. Selenium light meter responds to light changes. Rear thumbwheel film advance and bottom rewind crank operate as intended. Viewfinder and 40mm f/2.8 optical glass elements are clean and clear, free from fungus, haze, or scratches. Interior film chamber is clean. Fully tested and operational.

Included

• Prinz Saturn 35 Auto 35mm Camera
• Black Soft Leatherette Zip Case
• Attached Carrying Wrist Strap

Key Features

• Fast Prinz Autocell 40mm f/2.8 glass prime lens
• Battery-free selenium cell light meter automatic exposure system
• Pictogram zone-focusing system (Single Portrait, Couple, Group, Landscape)
• Manual aperture selection ring (f/2.8 to f/22) for flash synchronization
• Top-mounted hot shoe / cold shoe with PC sync socket on front body
• Manual film wind via ergonomic rear thumbwheel and fold-out top rewind crank
• Manual ISO/ASA film speed selector around the front lens element

Collector's Notes

Manufactured during the peak of 1970s Japanese compact camera design, the Prinz Saturn 35 Auto (a rebadge of Japanese compacts like the Cosina 35 Compact / Sedic 35) offers a similar shooting experience to iconic selenium-metered cameras like the Olympus Trip 35. Thanks to its selenium cell system, the camera requires no batteries to operate in automatic mode, making it an extraordinarily reliable and fun choice for street and travel film photography.

Keywords

Prinz Saturn 35, Prinz Saturn Auto, 40mm f2.8 Lens, Zone Focus Camera, Selenium Meter Film Camera, Vintage 35mm Compact, Olympus Trip Alternative, Tested Film Camera