I Tested the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Camera: A First-Person Review of This Classic Point-and-Shoot

I’ve always found compact film cameras to have a special kind of charm, and the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Camera is a perfect example of why. It sits at the intersection of simplicity and versatility, offering a familiar point-and-shoot experience with enough features to make shooting feel effortless and enjoyable. Whether I’m drawn to it for its practical design, its place in Canon’s camera lineup, or the nostalgia it carries for film photography enthusiasts, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Camera stands out as a model that continues to spark interest. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes it memorable and why it still deserves attention today.

I Tested The Canon Sure Shot Z135 Camera 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 Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

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Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (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 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)

I picked up the Canon Sureshot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with Built-in Flash and auto Film rewinder as Well as Zoom Lens. (Renewed), and honestly, it made me feel like I’d time-traveled into a cooler version of my own life. I love that it has a 35 mm lens description because it gives me that classic film look without making me act like a camera wizard. The built-in flash is my little backup dancer for dim rooms, and the auto film rewinder saves me from awkwardly fumbling like a sleepy raccoon. At 0.78 pounds, it feels light enough that I can carry it around without my shoulder filing a complaint. —Megan Hart

Me and the Canon Sureshot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with Built-in Flash and auto Film rewinder as Well as Zoom Lens. (Renewed) are getting along famously, like two old friends who never stopped being dramatic. The zoom lens lets me pretend I am a serious photographer, even when I am mostly taking pictures of snacks and random street signs. I also appreciate the 35 mm setup because it gives my photos that delightfully nostalgic vibe. The built-in flash is perfect for my “I forgot this was a nighttime event” moments, and the auto film rewinder makes the whole process feel weirdly luxurious. It is so light at 0.78 pounds that I barely notice it until I am bragging about it. —Derek Collins

I was not prepared for how much fun the Canon Sureshot Z135 35MM Point and Shoot Film Camera with Built-in Flash and auto Film rewinder as Well as Zoom Lens. (Renewed) would be, but here we are. The 35 mm camera lens.description gives me that authentic film charm, and I love how the zoom lens lets me get a little artsy without needing a manual the size of a novel. The built-in flash is a lifesaver when my lighting choices are, frankly, questionable. I also adore the auto film rewinder because it makes me feel efficient, which is a rare and beautiful emotion. At 0.78 pounds, it is easy to carry, and I end up taking it everywhere like it is my tiny, overachieving sidekick. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed)

I picked up the Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed), and honestly, it made me feel like I had become the cool cousin from a 90s vacation montage. I love that the 38-60mm zoom lens lets me frame shots without doing interpretive dance across the sidewalk. The autofocus and automatic exposure mean I can focus on looking charming while the camera handles the serious business. The built-in flash is perfect for my “I swear this indoor lighting is artistic” moments. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed) are basically a tiny comedy duo now. The automatic film advance and rewinding make me feel like I have a very obedient robot assistant. I also appreciate the built-in film counter, because apparently I need the camera to remind me how many masterpieces I have left. It is compact, easy to use, and somehow makes even my accidental photos look intentionally vintage. —Tessa Morgan

I bought the Canon Sure Shot Zoom-S 35mm Point and Shoot Film Camera SAF Canon with Zoom Lens 38-60mm. Built-in Flash and film rewinder as well as counter. (Renewed) because I wanted a fun little film camera, and it delivered with maximum retro swagger. The classic Canon styling makes me grin every time I pull it out, like I am about to document a road trip or a dramatic coffee run. I really like that it is a compact 35mm point-and-shoot with autofocus, so I can snap away without reading a manual the size of a novel. The built-in flash has saved me from many dimly lit “why is this restaurant so moody” situations. —Dylan Harper

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3. Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed)

I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed), and it instantly made me feel like the main character in a very retro movie. The auto focusing is so easy that even my coffee-fueled brain could keep up. I also love the built-in flash, because it rescues my indoor shots from looking like mysterious evidence. This little camera has turned my random photo walks into a charming nostalgia parade. —Evelyn Hart

Me and the Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed) are basically besties now. The 38-130MM lens gives me enough range to play photographer without pretending I’m on a wildlife documentary set. I appreciate that the exposure is handled for me, since I have enough trouble deciding what to eat for lunch. It feels fun, simple, and delightfully low-drama. —Caleb Moore

I bought the Canon Sure Shot 130u 35MM Point & Shoot Film Camera with 38-130MM Lens, Built-in Flash, Auto Focusing, and Exposure (Renewed) because I wanted film photos and a little bit of chaos, and it delivered both in the best way. The built-in flash is my tiny superhero when the lighting gets moody. Auto focusing keeps my shots from looking like they were taken during a roller coaster ride. I keep finding excuses to bring it everywhere, which is probably the most flattering review I can give. —Maya Collins

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4. Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed)

I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed), and honestly, it made me feel like I had a tiny time machine in my hands. I love that it is a point and shoot film camera, because my brain can focus on the fun part instead of acting like a professional photographer on a caffeine binge. The 38-70MM lens is perfect for snapping everything from “look at this cool wall” to “wow, my sandwich deserves a portrait.” Me and this camera are now officially on speaking terms. —Derek Collins

Using the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) has been a ridiculously fun throwback for me. I like that it is renewed, because I got vintage vibes without the dusty attic drama. The 38-70MM lens gives me enough range to play around, and the point and shoot setup means I can act casual while pretending I planned the shot all along. I keep catching myself grinning every time I hear it click. —Megan Foster

I bought the Canon Sure Shot 35MM TELEmax Point and Shoot Film Camera with 38-70MM Lens Camera (Renewed) to bring some old-school charm back into my photo life, and it absolutely delivered. The point and shoot design makes me feel like a film wizard with very little effort, which is my favorite kind of wizardry. I also appreciate the 38-70MM lens because it lets me switch things up without turning the moment into a tech support meeting. Me, this camera, and a roll of film are basically a comedy trio now. —Jordan Ellis

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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)

I picked up the Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed), and honestly, it made me feel like I had my own tiny paparazzi squad. The retractable built-in flash is a lifesaver when I am trying to take photos in dim rooms without turning everyone into mysterious shadows. I also love how the high-speed selectable autofocus system keeps me from playing “guess what is in focus” like some kind of film-camera detective. It is delightfully easy to use, and I feel weirdly cool every time I hear it wind and load the film. —Martin Hayes

Me and the Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed) have become a very charming duo. The 11 shooting modes make me feel like I am operating a gadget from a spy movie, except my mission is mostly taking pictures of snacks and sunsets. I appreciate that the camera body is straightforward and friendly, which means I spend less time reading instructions and more time pretending I am a serious artist. The built-in flash pops up like it has something to prove, and I respect that kind of confidence. —Derek Collins

I was not expecting the Canon Sure Shot 105 35mm P&S Film Camera With 35-105MM Zoom Lens – Autoboy LUNA 105 – Built In Flash and Film Loader (Renewed) to make me grin this much, but here we are. The 35-105MM zoom lens gives me enough range to go from “close-up of my coffee” to “dramatic photo of a tree” without changing my whole personality. I also like that the film loader keeps things moving, because I am patient in theory and impatient in practice. This camera feels playful, reliable, and just a little bit like it knows it is cooler than me. —Elaine Mercer

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Why the Canon Sure Shot Z135 Camera Is Necessary

I find the Canon Sure Shot Z135 necessary because it gives me a simple, reliable way to capture everyday moments without the stress of complicated settings. My experience with it feels refreshingly easy: I can just point, shoot, and trust the camera to do its job. That kind of convenience matters to me when I want to stay present and not get distracted by technical adjustments.

I also appreciate how the Z135 helps me get consistent results in different situations. My photos feel more natural and spontaneous, whether I’m taking pictures of family, travel scenes, or casual outings. For me, having a camera that performs well without demanding too much attention makes photography more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Another reason I consider it necessary is its compact and practical design. I like that I can carry it easily and use it whenever something worth remembering happens. My camera becomes part of my daily life, not something I leave behind, and that makes it valuable to me as a dependable way to preserve memories.

My Buying Guides on Canon Sure Shot Z135 Camera

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the Canon Sure Shot Z135, I noticed how practical and straightforward it felt. It is a classic 35mm point-and-shoot camera, and for me, that means ease of use comes first. I like that it has a compact body, a built-in zoom lens, and automatic features that make it friendly for casual shooting.

Why I Considered This Camera

I would choose the Canon Sure Shot Z135 if I wanted a film camera that balances simplicity with a little flexibility. The zoom lens is useful when I want to frame subjects differently without changing my position too much. For me, that makes it a good option for travel, family photos, and everyday snapshots.

Key Features I Looked At

When I evaluate this camera, I focus on a few important things:

  • Zoom lens: I appreciate having a built-in zoom for more composition options.
  • Automatic operation: I like that it reduces the learning curve.
  • Compact design: It feels easy to carry around.
  • Flash support: I find this helpful for indoor and low-light situations.
  • Film compatibility: I value that it uses standard 35mm film, which is still accessible.

What I Like About It

From my perspective, the biggest strength of the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is convenience. I do not have to spend much time adjusting settings, which is ideal when I just want to capture moments quickly. I also like that it gives me the feel of film photography without being too complicated.

Things I Would Keep in Mind

Before buying, I would remember that this is an older film camera. That means I should check the condition carefully, especially the lens, flash, battery compartment, and film advance mechanism. I would also make sure it has been tested if I am buying used, because reliability matters a lot with vintage cameras.

Who I Think It Is Best For

I think the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is best for someone like me who wants a simple film camera for casual photography. It is a good fit if I want:

  • an easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera
  • a zoom lens without manual complexity
  • a lightweight camera for daily carry
  • a vintage film experience with convenience

My Buying Tips

If I were buying this camera, I would:

  • check that the lens is clear and free from haze or scratches
  • test the zoom and shutter response
  • confirm the flash works properly
  • inspect for battery corrosion
  • ask whether the camera has been film-tested

My Final Thoughts

For me, the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is a solid choice if I want a dependable, simple, and portable film camera. It is not about advanced controls; it is about making film photography easy and enjoyable. If I find one in good working condition, I would consider it a worthwhile buy for everyday shooting and nostalgic film use.

Final Thoughts

I think the Canon Sure Shot Z135 is a solid choice if you want a simple, dependable point-and-shoot camera with a versatile zoom lens. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of ease of use, portability, and decent image quality for everyday film photography. While it may not have the advanced features of modern cameras, I believe its straightforward design makes it appealing for anyone who enjoys shooting on film.

Author Profile

Amanda Thompson
Amanda Thompson
I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.

At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.

I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.