Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W Review for 2025

Introduction: The Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W in 2025

What you’ll get: a closer look at why the Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W is still beloved by creatives today.

The Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W is a late-era compact 35mm film camera that first targeted casual shooters. While once seen as a simple holiday snap companion, it’s now being rediscovered as a quirky, lightweight favorite among film enthusiasts.

When I first picked up a second-hand ZoomDate 60W after years of digital shooting, I was surprised by how liberating it felt to trust the camera’s automation and focus on composition instead of menus and screens.
Fujifilm point-and-shoot close-up view
Compact film cameras like the ZoomDate 60W offer true portability. — DutchThrift

Historical Background of the Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W

What you’ll get: the origins and positioning of this compact 35mm camera within the Fujifilm lineup.

Part of Fujifilm’s celebrated ZoomDate series from the late 1990s–2000s, the ZoomDate 60W included the rare wide 28mm focal length, hinted by the “W” in its name. This wide angle set it apart from most consumer point-and-shoots, which usually began at 35mm. It marked a last creative flourish before digital compact cameras fully took over.

Classic point-and-shoot camera with leaves
A reminder of the film era’s design charm. — Photo via alperen

Key Features and Specifications

What you’ll get: a breakdown of the camera’s standout design and functional highlights.

Lens and Focal Range

The Fujinon 28–60mm f/4.5–10.8 zoom lens delivers versatility, from dramatic wide-angle shots to tighter portraits.

Automation and Flash

The ZoomDate 60W includes full-auto film advance and rewind, autofocus with multi-zone and spot modes, and a built-in flash featuring slow-sync and red-eye reduction.

Portability

Lightweight and compact, powered by a common CR2 battery, the ZoomDate 60W is designed to slip into your pocket or travel bag.

ZoomDate 60W compact Fujifilm camera
The Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W compact form factor makes it a perfect travel partner. — DutchThrift

How Photographers Use the ZoomDate 60W Today

What you’ll get: practical contexts where this film camera thrives in modern 2025 workflows.

Today, the Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W is beloved for its simplicity and charm. Beginners find it an approachable entry point into analog cameras. Street photographers love it for discretion. Creators use its built-in flash at wide angles to achieve offbeat, candid looks that blend beautifully into hybrid photo projects.

Silhouette street scene for street photography
Street photographers appreciate the unobtrusive design. — Photo via berobscura

Buying Guide for a Second-Hand Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W

What you’ll get: practical checks and considerations before you buy a Fujifilm point and shoot film camera.

  • Lens free of scratches or haze.
  • Zoom mechanism smooth.
  • Autofocus locks quickly.
  • Flash fires properly.
  • Film auto-load and rewind tested.
  • Check LCD panel clarity.
  • Battery compartment clean.
The first time I loaded film into a thrifted camera, I fumbled with the auto-load mechanism—until the reassuring whirr confirmed it was alive again.

Tips for Best Results with the ZoomDate 60W

What you’ll get: simple ways to make the most of this compact tool.

  • Load ISO 400 film for versatile day-to-night travel shooting.
  • Shoot at 28mm with the flash indoors for authentic nostalgic party aesthetics.
  • Print your favorites, but scan for hybrid digital sharing projects.
Film camera with nostalgic vibe
Experiment with flash at 28mm for timeless party vibes. — Photo via cottonbro studio

Conclusion: Why the Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W Is Still Worth It

What you’ll get: a final summary of this underrated film camera’s value today.

The Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W remains an ideal entry into film photography. While not a collector’s prestige model, its rare wide 28mm focal length, portability, and blend of automation with analog charm strike a sweet balance. Creative shooters in 2025 increasingly see it as a dependable little film companion.

Quick decision

  • Want wide 28mm film shots in compact form? Yes.
  • Prefer simple automation over manual control? Perfect fit.
  • Need discretion for travel or street? Excellent choice.
  • Looking for collector-grade gear? Look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Ultra-compact design
  • Rare wide 28mm coverage
  • Simple automation for stress-free shooting
  • Affordable way into film photography

Cons

  • Softer image sharpness compared to premium compacts
  • Plastic build not built for rough use
  • Limited manual control

FAQs

Is the Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W good for beginners? Yes, it has full-auto film advance, autofocus, and built-in flash, making it simple for first-time film photographers.

What type of battery does the Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W use? It takes a CR2 lithium battery, still commonly available online and in camera shops.

What film works best with the ZoomDate 60W? Any 35mm film—color, black & white, or slide—with DX coding. ISO 200–400 works well for travel and general use.

How much does a Fujifilm ZoomDate 60W usually cost? Typically it ranges depending on condition and whether tested with a roll of film.

Explore our collection of analog cameras at Dutch Thrift.

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