Nikon Zoom 300 AF

The Nikon Zoom 300 AF is a 1994 compact, sold in some markets as the Lite-Touch Zoom. It carries a 35-70mm Nikon zoom with a usefully bright f/3.5 at the wide end — faster than most compact zooms of the period manage — along with a macro setting, focus lock and an infinity button for shooting through glass or at distance. At around 205g it is small, light and easy to carry, and it is the sort of camera that quietly produces good negatives without asking anything of you.

Specifications

• Type: 35mm autofocus compact, introduced 1994
• Also sold as: Nikon Lite-Touch Zoom (QD) in some markets
• Lens: Nikon 35-70mm zoom, f/3.5 at the wide end and f/6.5 at the tele end, 4 elements in 4 groups, with macro setting
• Focus: Autofocus with focus lock, minimum 0.6m, plus an infinity-focus button
• Shutter: Electronic, approximately 1/3s to 1/500s
• Exposure: Fully automatic
• Flash: Built-in, guide number 9 at ISO 100 in metres. Auto flash on power-up, with pre-flash red-eye reduction.
• Film speed: ISO 100-1000 via DX coding
• Self-timer: Yes
• Weight: approximately 205g without battery
• Power: 1x 3V CR123A lithium cell

Condition

• Cosmetic: Very good condition, with some visible signs of age and use.
• Functional: Fully working. The LCD is slightly dim, but the numbers and flash settings remain visible.

Included

• Nikon Zoom 300 AF body
• Pouch

Everything works. The LCD has dimmed a little with age — the frame count and flash mode still read clearly, but it is not as crisp as a fresh screen. The f/3.5 wide end is the quiet advantage here: a full stop or more faster than most compacts in this bracket, which means less reliance on flash indoors.