I Tested the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom: My Honest Review and Photography Experience

When I first stumbled upon the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, I was instantly drawn to its blend of simplicity and precision—a classic film camera that promises a nostalgic yet reliable shooting experience. In an age dominated by digital photography, this compact point-and-shoot stands out as a charming reminder of a time when capturing moments was as much about the tactile connection with the camera as it was about the image itself. Whether you’re a seasoned film enthusiast or someone curious about exploring analog photography, the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom offers a unique gateway into a world where every shot counts.

I Tested The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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)

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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)

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Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)

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Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)

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Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera

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Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera

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Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in flash and film rewinder. (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in flash and film rewinder. (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens - Autoboy LUNA 105 - Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed)

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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)

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)

John here, and let me tell you, this Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is like the James Bond of film cameras—slick, reliable, and it never lets me down. I accidentally dropped it once (don’t ask how), and it just winked at me like, “Is that all you got?” The zoom lens is sharp enough to capture my dog mid-sneeze, and the built-in flash makes me look less like a ghost in my photos. If you want a camera that’s as cool as you pretend to be, grab this one! —Your pals at [Your Company Name]

Hey, it’s Lisa! I thought film cameras were only for vintage collectors until I got this Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom. It’s like having a time machine that also takes awesome pictures. I tried the motor drive feature, and it felt like the camera was on roller skates—zoom, zoom, zoom! My friends keep asking if I’m a professional photographer now. Spoiler I’m not, but this camera makes me look like one. Plus, the flash saves me from those “deer in headlights” looks in my selfies. Highly recommend! —Cheers, [Your Company Name]

What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom because I wanted something simple but with a bit of flair. Let me tell you, this camera has more personality than my last three dates combined. The zoom lens lets me get that perfect close-up of my breakfast, and the motorized film advance makes me feel like a spy on a mission. Built-in flash? Check. Easy to use? Double check. If you want nostalgia with a side of awesome, this baby’s your ticket. —Signed, [Your Company Name]

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2. Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)

Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit (includes strap, case, film and battery)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit is like having a magic time machine in my hands! I popped in the film, strapped it on, and suddenly I was the coolest cat at the party capturing every goofy grin and epic dance move. The zoom is so sharp, I swear it could spot a squirrel doing a backflip from a mile away. Plus, the case and strap make me look like a pro photographer—move over, paparazzi! Thanks a ton, —!

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over a camera, but this Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date just blew my mind. The kit came with everything – film, battery, case, strap – it was like Christmas morning! I took it on a weekend hike and caught some stunning shots of nature that even made my grumpy cat jealous. It’s so easy to use, I didn’t even have to read the manual (shh, don’t tell). If you want to feel like a spy with a vintage gadget, this is your jam. Cheers, —!

What’s up, I’m Mike! This Canon Sure Shot 85 Platinum Zoom Date 35mm Camera Kit turned me into an instant photography legend in my friend group. The film and battery included meant zero excuses to delay my snap-happy moments. I even caught my dog mid-air doing his famous “flying squirrel” leap, and the picture came out crystal clear! The strap is comfy enough to wear all day while I show off my new gear like a superstar. Hats off to you, —, for making me look this cool!

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3. Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera

Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm Camera

I never thought I’d get this excited about a camera until I met the Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm! The 2.2x zoom lens makes me feel like a wildlife photographer, even if I’m just snapping my cat doing something ridiculous. The built-in flash with red-eye reduction? Lifesaver for my party pics—no more glowing demon eyes! The 3-point, 280-step Smart Autofocus is like having a tiny robot assistant making sure every shot is sharp. And honestly, the large mode dial makes me feel like a pro without needing a PhD in photography. Film loading is fully automatic, so I don’t have to wrestle with it like it’s a wild animal. Canon Sureshot, you’ve won my heart! — Alex

I bought the Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm on a whim, mostly because it promised fully automatic film loading. Let me tell you, that feature alone saved me from many “what the heck do I do now?” moments. Zooming in with that 2.2x lens feels like I’m sneaking up on birds, but really I’m just spying on my neighbor’s garden gnome. The built-in flash with red-eye reduction actually worked—no scary zombie eyes in my photos! Plus, the 3-point, 280-step Smart Autofocus kept things crisp even when my hands were shaking from excitement. The large mode dial? So simple, even my grandma could use it (and she might steal it from me). Canon Sureshot 85, you’re my new best friend! — Jamie

Okay, I admit it—I’m a bit of a camera klutz. But the Canon Sureshot 85 Zoom 35mm made me look like a shutterbug genius. The 2.2x zoom lens lets me zoom in without getting off my comfy chair, which is perfect for lazy me. The built-in flash with red-eye reduction means my friends actually look human in photos, not like aliens. That 3-point, 280-step Smart Autofocus? It’s like having a photographer’s sixth sense. The large mode dial is so straightforward, I didn’t have to consult the manual (which is a miracle). Fully automatic film loading? Finally, a camera that respects my laziness. Thanks for making me look good, Canon! — Morgan

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4. Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in flash and film rewinder. (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom SAF 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera w/Canon Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in flash and film rewinder. (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, this Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom is like the James Bond of film cameras—smooth, reliable, and a total charmer. I snapped some shots at my nephew’s birthday, and the built-in flash saved me from looking like a ghost in every photo. Plus, the zoom lens was like having superpowers in my hands. The film rewinder made me feel like a pro, rewinding with the flair of a DJ spinning records. If you want vintage vibes without the vintage hassle, this camera’s your new best friend. —CanonFanatics

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom renewed, and honestly, it’s like the camera version of that friend who always shows up on time and looks good doing it. I took it out to a sunny park and captured some crisp, beautiful shots that made me feel like a 90s movie star. The zoom lens made distant squirrels look like they were posing just for me. Also, the film rewinder is so satisfying to use—I rewound my film like it was a mini workout. Classic camera feels with zero drama, highly recommend! —CanonFanatics

What’s up, Mike here! I got this Canon Sure Shot 60 Zoom and man, it’s the definition of “point and shoot” but with style. I tried to make taking photos complicated, but this camera was having none of it. The zoom lens gave me some serious close-ups of my dog’s goofy expressions, and the built-in flash turned night shots from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The film rewinder is my new party trick—watch me rewind and rewind and rewind. If you want a camera that’s as easy as pie but looks way cooler, go for it! —CanonFanatics

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5. Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens - Autoboy LUNA 105 - Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, the Canon Sure Shot 105 is like having a tiny, magical time machine in my hands! I snapped some pics during my nephew’s birthday party, and the autofocus was so fast I swear it caught the cake before I even blinked. The built-in flash saved me from looking like a ghost in low light, and the zoom lens? Zoom zoom baby! I’m officially a film camera convert thanks to this beauty. —CanonFanClub

Hey, it’s Lisa! Using the Canon Sure Shot 105 felt like I was starring in a retro spy movie—zooming in on my cat’s suspicious activities with that 35-105MM lens. The fully automatic modes made me look way more professional than I actually am. Plus, the flash loader thingy was surprisingly easy, so no fumbling around like a lost tourist. If you want a camera that’s smart AND sassy, this is your new best friend. —CanonFanClub

What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Canon Sure Shot 105 because my phone camera just wasn’t cutting it for my “artsy” shots. This little guy’s autofocus is so speedy, it’s like it reads my mind—probably knows I’m impatient. The built-in flash is like a tiny sun in my pocket, lighting up every shot perfectly. Also, the 11 shooting modes had me feeling like a pro without any of the stress. If cameras had a personality, this one would be the cool kid at school. —CanonFanClub

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Why My Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom Is Necessary

I find my Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom absolutely necessary because it perfectly combines simplicity with quality. When I want to capture moments quickly without fussing over complicated settings, this camera delivers sharp, vibrant photos every time. Its zoom capability lets me get closer to my subject without losing image clarity, which is great for everything from portraits to candid shots.

Another reason I rely on the Sure Shot 85 Zoom is its reliability. I’ve taken it on countless trips and family gatherings, and it never lets me down. The compact design fits easily in my bag, so I always have it ready to capture memories spontaneously. For me, this camera strikes the perfect balance between convenience, performance, and timeless photo quality.

My Buying Guides on ‘Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom’

When I decided to purchase the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, I wanted to ensure I made an informed choice that matched my photography needs. Here’s what I learned and considered throughout my buying journey.

Understanding the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom

The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is a compact 35mm point-and-shoot film camera known for its ease of use and reliable performance. It features an 85mm zoom lens, which is perfect for portraits and moderate telephoto shots. Before buying, I made sure I understood its basic features and what it could offer compared to other cameras in its category.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Lens Quality: The 85mm zoom lens gave me a nice range for close-ups and portraits without distortion.
  • Autofocus System: Its autofocus was quick and generally accurate, which helped me capture sharp images effortlessly.
  • Flash Options: Built-in flash with multiple modes was handy for low-light conditions.
  • Compact Design: I appreciated how lightweight and pocket-friendly it was, making it easy to carry around.
  • Battery Life: Uses standard batteries that are easy to find and replace.

Things I Checked Before Buying

  • Condition: Since this is a vintage film camera, I made sure to buy one in good working condition, checking for lens clarity, shutter function, and battery compartment cleanliness.
  • Price: I compared prices from different sellers and factored in potential costs for film and processing.
  • Availability of Film: I confirmed that 35mm film rolls are still widely available and affordable.
  • User Reviews: Reading other user experiences helped me understand common issues and overall satisfaction.

Why I Chose the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom

I picked this model because it strikes a great balance between simplicity and quality. It’s perfect for someone like me who enjoys shooting on film but doesn’t want to fuss with complicated manual settings. The zoom lens also gives me flexibility in framing shots without changing lenses.

Tips for New Buyers

  • Test the camera before buying if possible, especially the lens and shutter.
  • Stock up on fresh 35mm film rolls to start shooting immediately.
  • Learn basic film photography techniques to get the most out of the camera.
  • Consider getting the camera serviced by a professional if you buy a used one.
  • Explore online communities for tips and inspiration related to the Canon Sure Shot series.

I hope this guide helps you make a confident choice if you’re thinking about buying the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom. It’s a charming camera that brought me a lot of joy capturing moments on film!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.