Fuji Auto-8
After nearly four years on the market, Fuji replaced the Fujica Auto-7 with the Auto-8 QD, at the same time abandoning the "Fujica" label. Smaller and lighter, the Auto-8 is somewhat cheaper lens-wise, having a max aperture of f/3,5 instead of f/2,8. Support for the new DX code industry standard for automatically setting film speed was added, instead of Fuji's old proprietary system. The standout feature for the Auto-8 was its quartz data back which printed the time and date in the right orientation both in landscape and portrait modes, which gave it the nickname "Tateyoko" in Japan.
A cheaper version, Fuji Auto-8 Date did away with the dual-mode date back, replacing it with a normal landscape-only back. To commemorate Hanshin Tigers winning the Japanese baseball league, an Auto-8 version with the team badge and a tiger striped case was sold, mainly around Osaka.
Another version, without any quartz date back at all, but with a safety shutter release lock when the lens cover was on, was called the Auto-70 DX.
Specifications
- Lens: Fujinon 35 mm f/3,5 (4 elements/4 groups).
- Shutter: Programmed electronic, 1/40–1/500 s, self-timer.
- Flash: Pop-up, manually activated.
- Film transport: Automatic loading, advance and rewind.
- Power: 2 x LR6/AA alkaline battery.
- Dimensions: 126,5 x 72 x 51 mm.
- Weight: 295 g (8 QD), 265 g (70 DX).