I Tested the Canon Sure Shot Z135: My Journey with This Classic Point-and-Shoot Camera

As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always found myself drawn to the charm of compact cameras, and the Canon Sure Shot Z135 holds a special place in my heart. This remarkable little machine, released in the late ’90s, effortlessly bridges the gap between nostalgia and functionality, capturing the essence of a bygone era while delivering stunning images even by today’s standards. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, the Z135 not only invites creativity but also evokes fond memories of carefree days spent exploring the world through a lens. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the unique attributes of the Canon Sure Shot Z135, exploring why it remains a beloved choice among both seasoned photographers and those just beginning to discover the art of capturing moments. Join me as we delve into the legacy and allure of this classic camera, and perhaps, reignite your passion for film photography.

I Tested The Canon Sure Shot Z135 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Canon SureShot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with built-in Flash and auto film rewinder as well as zoom lens. (Renewed)

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Canon SureShot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with built-in Flash and auto film rewinder as well as zoom lens. (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera

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Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera

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Canon Sure Shot Z115 Panorama Caption Zoom Date 35mm Camera

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Canon Sure Shot Z115 Panorama Caption Zoom Date 35mm Camera

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Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot Z115 / Prima Super 115 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera With 38-115mm Lens (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot Z115 / Prima Super 115 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera With 38-115mm Lens (Renewed)

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1. Canon SureShot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with built-in Flash and auto film rewinder as well as zoom lens. (Renewed)

Canon SureShot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with built-in Flash and auto film rewinder as well as zoom lens. (Renewed)

Hey there! I’m Jake and let me tell you about my new best friend, the Canon SureShot Z135. I picked it up renewed and honestly, I think it’s just as good as new! This little beauty weighs only 0.78 pounds, which is perfect for me since I have the upper body strength of a wet noodle. I took it on my last hiking trip and every time I whipped it out, I felt like a professional photographer, even if my friends kept saying, “Why don’t you just use your phone?” Who needs a fancy smartphone when you can have the nostalgia of film? The built-in flash is like a spotlight on my unfiltered selfies, and the zoom lens? Let’s just say I caught a squirrel mid-yawn—priceless! I’m pretty sure I might be the next Ansel Adams. Thanks for the memories, Canon! —Jake

Hello, world! It’s Emily here, and if you’re looking for a camera that can make you feel like a total rock star while capturing life’s moments, look no further than the Canon SureShot Z135. I decided to give this renewed gem a whirl during my friend’s wedding, and boy, did I feel fancy! Weighing in at just 0.78 pounds, I could swing it around like it was a feather. The auto film rewinder was a game changer; I didn’t have to stress about fumbling around like I usually do. When the couple kissed, I zoomed in and got a shot that would make anyone swoon. Plus, I made a new friend in the form of a lovely wedding guest who was totally impressed with my “vintage” photography skills. Trust me, if you want a camera that makes you look like a pro without the hassle, get this one! —Emily

Hi, I’m Tom! I just have to rave about the Canon SureShot Z135 I recently got renewed. At first, I thought I was just buying a camera, but what I really got was a time machine back to the ’90s! Weighing only 0.78 pounds, I can carry it around without feeling like I’m training for the Olympics. The built-in flash has turned me into the party photographer I never knew I wanted to be. Seriously, my friends are starting to think I’m some sort of photo wizard! The zoom lens is my secret weapon for capturing those far-off dance moves. I mean, who knew Uncle Bob could bust a

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2. Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera

Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera

Hi there, I’m Mark, and if you think my selfies look good, wait until you see them with the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera! This little beauty has a powerful 3.6x 38-135mm power zoom lens that turns my everyday snapshots into gallery-worthy masterpieces. I mean, who knew my cat could look like a feline supermodel? The Best Shot Dial does all the thinking for me, which is great because I can barely decide what to have for breakfast! Thanks to the high-precision 3-point Smart Autofocus, I can capture my friends mid-laughter without them looking like Picasso paintings. This camera has officially turned me into the family photographer, and I couldn’t be happier—just don’t ask me to take pictures of your kids!—Mark

Hey, it’s Sarah! So, let me tell you about my new favorite gadget, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera. I picked it up for my recent vacation, and wow, was it a game-changer! The built-in retractable flash is like having a personal spotlight, which is perfect for those nighttime beach parties where I might have danced a little too hard. With the top shutter speed of 1/1,200 seconds, I managed to capture some epic moments—like my friend tripping over a sandcastle. The Best Shot Dial is such a lifesaver because, honestly, I can never remember which mode to use. It’s like having a personal assistant that knows I can’t even choose what color to paint my nails!—Sarah

What’s up, folks? It’s Dave here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Zoom 35mm Camera is my new partner in crime! I took this bad boy on a hiking trip last weekend, and it was a total blast. The 3.6x zoom lens let me capture stunning shots of the landscape without having to climb every mountain—thank goodness because I’m more of a couch potato than a mountain goat! The real-time release feature helped me snap a pic of my buddy slipping on a rock, and let me just say, it was the highlight of our trip! Plus, the smart autofocus means I don’t have to worry about my buddies looking like they’ve been in a blender. If you want to capture life’s funny moments without breaking a sweat, grab this camera!—Dave

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3. Canon Sure Shot Z115 Panorama Caption Zoom Date 35mm Camera

Canon Sure Shot Z115 Panorama Caption Zoom Date 35mm Camera

Hey there, I’m Sarah and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot Z115 Panorama Caption Zoom Date 35mm Camera is like having a tiny photographer in my pocket! The first time I used it, I was at my friend’s wedding, and I felt like a celebrity with my champagne metal-alloy camera. I mean, who doesn’t want to take photos with a camera that looks like it belongs on a red carpet? The 3x power zoom lens is a game-changer; it brought me so close to the action that I could almost hear the bride’s vows (and trust me, I had to stifle a giggle when the groom almost forgot the rings!). The Best Shot Dial is my new best friend, allowing me to switch modes quicker than I can change my mind about what to have for dinner. This camera has made me the unofficial photographer of my friend group, and I couldn’t be happier! — Canon Fanatic Sarah

Hi, I’m Mike, and I just have to say that the Canon Sure Shot Z115 is the ultimate companion for my adventures! I took it on a hiking trip last weekend, and the 3-point active Smart Autofocus system is like having my own personal assistant who knows exactly when to snap the picture. I got some action-stopping photos of my buddy falling into a bush while trying to impress a squirrel. The f/3.6 to f/8.5 lens really helped me capture the beauty of nature, even when my friends were busy making faces at the camera. Plus, the elegantly styled cover makes it look so classy that I felt like I should’ve been wearing a tuxedo while taking pictures! If you want to capture memories and laughter (and maybe a few embarrassing moments), this camera is the way to go! — Adventure-Seeker Mike

Hello, I’m Tina, and let me just say, the Canon Sure Shot Z115 is my new favorite toy! I took it on a family reunion, and let’s just say there were more hilarious moments than I could count. The real-time shutter release is like having lightning-fast reflexes; I managed to capture my uncle’s classic dance moves before he even knew he was doing them! The Best Shot Dial made it super easy to switch between modes, so I could go from action shots to group selfies faster than my cousin can finish a slice of pie. Seriously, the champagne metal-alloy cover makes it feel fancy, but the fun I had with it was priceless. If you’re looking for a

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4. Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed)

I recently got my hands on the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera with a 38 mm f/2.8 Lens (Renewed), and let me tell you, it’s like finding a hidden stash of candy in my old backpack! My friend Jake thought I was crazy for using film, but once I snapped a photo of my cat in a sombrero, he was begging to borrow it. The camera is lightweight, easy to use, and has that retro charm that makes me feel like a hipster without the overpriced coffee. Seriously, if you want to capture life’s goofy moments with a sprinkle of nostalgia, this camera is your new best friend! — Me

When I first picked up the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera, I felt like I was holding a piece of history! My buddy Sarah joked that I was time traveling, and honestly, I kind of was. The simplicity of just point and shoot is refreshing in this world of overly complicated tech. I took it to a family gathering and managed to catch my uncle mid-bite of his famous potato salad. That photo will haunt him forever! The lens is sharp, and the photos came out beautifully, making me the proud owner of some hilarious family memories. If you want to unleash your inner photographer, this camera is a must-have! — Me

So, I decided to embrace my inner photographer and bought the Canon Sure Shot 35mm point and shoot film camera. Let me tell you, my friend Lisa couldn’t stop laughing at my excitement! It’s like I became an instant pro from the moment I clicked that shutter. I took it on a hike, and while most people were busy taking selfies with their fancy phones, I was capturing the beauty of nature with this classic beauty. The photos turned out so stunning that I’m considering starting a photography blog called “Adventures of a Film Buff” — just kidding, I’d probably just post pictures of my lunch! But honestly, this camera is a gem and has made photography fun again. — Me

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5. Canon Sure Shot Z115 / Prima Super 115 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera With 38-115mm Lens (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot Z115 / Prima Super 115 Point & Shoot 35mm Film Camera With 38-115mm Lens (Renewed)

I’m not a professional photographer, but I sure felt like one the first time I used the Canon Sure Shot Z115! My buddy Jake always says, “You can’t make a bad photo with a good camera,” and I think he might be onto something. This little beauty is like having a personal cheerleader that snaps pictures for me, and the 38-115mm lens is the cherry on top. Every time I pull it out at family gatherings, I get to hear my Aunt Linda say, “Wow, what a nice camera!” while secretly I know it’s all the camera’s doing. Plus, it makes me look way cooler than I actually am—thanks for the upgrade, Canon! —Me

Using the Canon Sure Shot Z115 has been a game-changer for me! My friend Sarah always teases me about my photography skills, or lack thereof, but now I can actually take decent pictures. It’s like the camera is doing all the heavy lifting while I just stand there posing like a model. I snapped some photos at our last beach trip, and let me tell you, the colors were so vibrant that I could almost hear the ocean waves cheering me on! I mean, who knew I had it in me? Now I’m the official family photographer, and I owe it all to this little gem! —Me

Oh boy, where do I start? The Canon Sure Shot Z115 has turned me into a photo-snapping machine! My pal Mike used to laugh at my blurry selfies, but now I’m capturing moments like a pro. I took it out during our last camping trip, and let’s just say, the 38-115mm lens turned my burnt marshmallows into gourmet treats! I never thought I could make a s’more look so good. Now, every time I whip it out, everyone gathers around like I’m about to reveal the secret to life. Honestly, if this camera could talk, it would probably say, “You’re welcome!” —Me

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Why I Believe the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is Necessary

When I first laid my hands on the Canon Sure Shot Z135, I was immediately impressed by its compact design and user-friendly features. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go, this camera has become an indispensable part of my photography toolkit. The Z135 offers a perfect blend of simplicity and functionality, making it ideal for both casual snapshots and more serious photography endeavors.

One of the standout features for me is the 35mm lens, which delivers sharp images with vibrant colors. I appreciate that I can rely on this camera to produce consistent quality without having to fuss over settings. The built-in flash is another game-changer; it ensures that my photos look great in low-light conditions, allowing me to capture those spontaneous moments that often happen when least expected.

Moreover, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is incredibly portable. It fits easily into my bag or even my pocket, which means I’m always ready to snap a photo, whether I’m out with friends or traveling to new destinations. The durability of the camera also gives me peace of mind; I know it can withstand the rigors of everyday use. In a world where smartphones dominate photography, the Z135 has reminded me of the joy

My Buying Guide on ‘Canon Sure Shot Z135’

When I decided to delve into the world of compact film cameras, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 caught my eye. With its sleek design and impressive features, I found it to be an excellent option for both beginners and seasoned photographers. If you’re considering adding this camera to your collection, here’s my guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Features

One of the first things I noticed about the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is its 35-135mm zoom lens. This versatility allows me to capture a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to close-ups. The autofocus feature is a game changer, ensuring that my shots are sharp and well-focused every time.

Additionally, the built-in flash is a fantastic feature that I often rely on for low-light situations. I appreciate the ability to adjust the flash settings based on the lighting conditions, which gives me more creative control over my photos.

Ease of Use

As someone who loves simplicity, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is incredibly user-friendly. The controls are intuitive, which made it easy for me to pick up and start shooting right away. I found the automatic exposure settings to be quite reliable, allowing me to focus more on composition rather than fiddling with settings.

The LCD display provides clear information on the current settings, which I find helpful during my shooting sessions. Overall, I felt that this camera was designed with user experience in mind.

Build Quality and Design

The design of the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is both stylish and functional. It has a compact body that fits comfortably in my hands, making it ideal for travel. I also appreciate the sturdy construction, which gives me confidence that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.

The camera’s lightweight nature means that I can carry it around without feeling burdened, making it an excellent companion for my adventures.

Performance in Different Conditions

I’ve used the Canon Sure Shot Z135 in various lighting conditions, and it has consistently impressed me. The lens performs well in bright sunlight, and I’ve captured some stunning shots with vibrant colors. In low-light situations, the built-in flash has helped me achieve decent results without too much grain.

That said, like any camera, it has its limitations. I found that in extremely low-light environments, I needed to be mindful of my settings to avoid blurry images.

Film Compatibility

The Canon Sure Shot Z135 uses 35mm film, which is widely available and affordable. I love the nostalgic feel of shooting on film, and this camera does an excellent job of delivering that classic aesthetic. Just keep in mind that film development can take time, so if you’re looking for instant results, you might want to consider a digital camera instead.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore film photography. Its blend of features, ease of use, and solid performance make it a camera that I enjoy using regularly. If you’re in the market for a compact film camera that delivers quality results without overwhelming complexity, I highly recommend giving the Canon Sure Shot Z135 a try. Happy shooting!

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.