The official name means little, but a mention of its nickname immediately recalls one of the masterpieces in camera design. We are talking about the Fuji DL Super Mini (or Tiara II, as it was known in Japan), a film camera created at the beginning of the 1990s which will always be remembered as the “sardine tin”. Its rectangular shape with rounded corners, its silver colour, its compact size and fantastic lens all mean that it is now considered to be that which in the past it never was: a true icon.

Much sought-after by collectors, with prices exceeding 400 euros, the aesthetics of this 35 mm reflect a philosophy for living. It has essential lines and just a few well-positioned buttons on its matte surface. The body is in aluminium, a noble material for compact cameras of that period, and in fact the Tiara II was considered as a high-end machine with a little quirk: the front lens cover, which conceals and protects the lens, disappeared into the case while shooting.

The Tiara also had a few little tricks on a technical level. One of its strengths was the quick-loading film system which allowed quick film changes and also protected the shots by winding the used film back into the canister. This meant no damage if the back door was opened.

We have, however, left the best feature of the camera for last; the lens. It is a Fujinon Super EBC 28mm f/3, a masterpiece which offered sharp images and outstanding shots. It is this that renders the “sardine tin” one of the most desired vintage cameras right now, a little gem which combines function and aesthetics in a case which fits into any pocket.

Photo: © Po-Kai HSU via Flickr.