The Canon Sure Shot 115U (also known as the Autoboy 115 or Prima Zoom 115) is a pocketable, fully automatic 35mm companion. Below you’ll find what it is, how it works, and how to buy a second‑hand body with confidence—plus practical tips for film, batteries, and scanning.
What the Canon Sure Shot 115U Is (and Why It Still Works)
The Canon Sure Shot 115U is a compact 35mm point‑and‑shoot from the early 2000s. It delivers fully automatic exposure and focus in a lightweight, pocket‑friendly body, making it a great choice for everyday snapshots and travel. Its 38–115mm zoom covers wide scenes, candid street moments, and tighter portraits without fuss.
Because it uses standard 35mm film and a common CR2 lithium battery, it plugs neatly into modern workflows. Shoot, send your roll to a lab for scanning, and share your images—no special gear required. For newcomers to film, the 115U is a welcoming first step; for casual shooters, it’s a simple carry that keeps you present in the moment.
Key Specs That Matter in Daily Use
38–115mm zoom lens
The 38–115mm f/3.6–8.5 zoom is versatile enough for a day out. At 38mm, you’ll capture wider context; at 115mm, you can frame tighter portraits with pleasing compression. Keep in mind that the lens is slower at the long end—hold steady or use the flash when light gets low.
Autofocus and flash
The 115U uses infrared active autofocus. It’s dependable in good light and may slow down in dim scenes. A half‑press to focus helps the camera lock onto subjects with contrast. The built‑in flash includes red‑eye reduction and fill‑flash modes, handy for backlit scenes or indoor portraits.
Film, power, and build
It takes standard 35mm film, color or black‑and‑white. Power comes from a single CR2 lithium cell—compact and long‑lasting. The lightweight plastic body and straightforward controls encourage one‑hand operation and on‑the‑go shooting.
Who the 115U Suits Best
- Beginners who want a no‑fuss path into film photography.
- Street and travel shooters who value discretion and portability.
- Creators who love authentic 35mm texture and plan to scan negatives.
- Casual users who prefer a point → shoot → develop workflow.
If you’re browsing broader compact options too, explore our P cameras lineup. If you’re curious about digital compacts for a different workflow, see our C cameras collection.
Creative Ways to Use the 115U Today
Pocket travel and street
Slip the Canon Sure Shot 115U into your jacket and document daily life. At 38mm, capture street layers and environmental portraits. At 115mm, isolate expressions from a comfortable distance.
Scan for modern projects
Send your negatives for lab scans, or scan at home to integrate film texture into social posts, zines, and video projects. The look of 35mm grain and color is a refreshing counterpoint to clinical sharpness.
Experiment with film
Try expired film for unexpected shifts, or stick with consistent stocks when you want reliable color. The automatic exposure handles most light well—just mind the flash in backlit scenes.
Practical Tips, Film Choices, and Accessories
- Start with affordable color negative film for latitude and easy lab processing. Later, explore classic B&W like HP5 or Tri‑X.
- Carry a spare CR2 battery so you’re never caught mid‑roll.
- Use lab scanning for convenience, or try DSLR/flatbed scanning to control color and contrast.
- Store the camera in a slim pouch to prevent scratches and dust in your bag.
Second‑Hand Buying Checklist for the 115U
Before you buy a Canon Sure Shot 115U second‑hand, run through this quick inspection. Bring a fresh CR2 battery and a test roll if possible.
- Battery compartment: check for corrosion; ensure contacts are clean.
- Zoom mechanism: extend/retract—listen for grinding or hesitation.
- Flash: confirm it charges and fires consistently.
- Shutter and advance: fire several frames; listen for consistent motor sound.
- Lens cover & optics: inspect for scratches, haze, or fungus.
- LCD/icons: verify mode indicators respond to button presses.
If the 115U is unavailable, you can set a stock alert or browse similar P cameras to keep your search moving.
Quick Start: Load, Shoot, and Develop
Load
Open the back, drop in any 35mm roll, pull the leader to the mark, and close the door. The camera auto‑advances to frame 1.
Shoot
Half‑press to focus; full press to make the photo. Use flash modes as needed—fill‑flash for shadows, red‑eye reduction for portraits. Zoom between 38–115mm to frame your scene.
Finish and develop
When the roll ends, the 115U auto‑rewinds. Send it to a lab for develop + scan, or scan at home. Back up your files and note film and developer settings to repeat results you like.
First scene idea: start at 38mm on a lively street corner—crosswalk lines, afternoon light, and passing bikes—then zoom to 115mm for a tight portrait of a friend laughing mid‑conversation. Film’s gentle grain and color give both frames a connected, timeless feel.
Next steps
- Check availability of the Canon Sure Shot 115U at Dutch|Thrift
- Set a stock alert for the Canon Sure Shot 115U
- Browse point‑and‑shoot options compatible with 35mm film
Frequently Asked Questions
What battery does the Canon Sure Shot 115U use?
One CR2 lithium cell. Install a fresh CR2 before testing, and carry a spare for longer outings.
What film works in the Canon Sure Shot 115U?
Standard 35mm film. Use widely available color negative or black‑and‑white stocks; labs can develop and scan.
How reliable is the autofocus on the 115U?
It uses infrared active AF that’s reliable in good light. Expect slower focus in low light; half‑press to lock focus and ensure your subject has contrast.
Does the Canon Sure Shot 115U have a built‑in flash?
Yes. It includes modes such as red‑eye reduction and fill‑flash; choose the mode that suits your scene.
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