The Carena Micro AF is a camera that might be underestimated at first glance. Small, simple, no zoom – and yet, anyone who tries it out quickly realizes that it does its job amazingly well.
It probably dates back to the early 1990s and was likely not built directly by Carena itself, but by a contract manufacturer like Haking or Cosina. This was common practice for many private label brands at the time—but that doesn't detract from the technical quality.
The camera comes with a fixed 34mm lens, which is quite versatile. No frills, no zooming—just lift the lens and shoot. Thanks to autofocus, this usually works effortlessly. Film advance? Fully automatic. Load the film, close the shutter—the rest happens automatically.
Technical key data
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Lens: 34mm fixed focal length, f/4.3
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Focus: Autofocus with infrared, close limit approx. 0.5 m
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Flash: built-in, with automatic and red-eye reduction
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Film: 35mm film
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ISO: automatically via DX code (usually ISO 100 or 400)
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Shutter: approx. 1/250s to 1/4s
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Film transport: motor-driven (forward and rewind)
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Battery: 1x CR123A Lithium
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Weight: approx. 190 g
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Special features: compact design, easy operation, rare model
In use
What's striking about this camera is that it doesn't try to be anything special—and that's precisely why it does so much right. If you simply want to take analogue photos again without scrolling through menus or making exposure adjustments, this is the right camera for you.
The autofocus is sufficiently fast in good light and usually hits the mark. The lens delivers clean results—a bit soft around the edges, but that's typical of many compacts. It's ideal for snapshots, vacations, street photography, or diary photos.
Conclusion
The Carena Micro AF is not a cult camera, not a collector's item, not a Leica replacement – but it is uncomplicated, pleasantly light, and offers exactly what many are looking for in analogue photography: concentration on the essentials.
Ideal for beginners, for people with limited space in their luggage – or simply for anyone who wants to take conscious photographs again
