Nikon's third-generation AF compact of 1987 — 35mm f/2.8 Nikkor, closer focus and lithium power
The Nikon AF3 of 1987 was the third generation of the L35 line that began with the L35AF, Nikon's first autofocus compact. It was also sold as the AD3 with a databack and wore One-Touch branding in some markets, and is sometimes catalogued as the L35AF3.
The lens is a 35mm f/2.8 Nikkor of four elements in three groups, focused by a 16-step autofocus system down to 0.45m in macro mode, with a 46mm filter thread on the barrel. A smart flash cuts power below 0.7m, and there is automatic backlight compensation and a self-timer. It runs on a 6V CR-P2 lithium battery.
Compared with the earlier L35AF and AF2 it focuses closer, adds a flash cancel button and moves to lithium power, though the simpler four-element lens is generally judged a step behind the original Pikaichi's five-element optic. It suits street and travel film shooters wanting a compact prime with filter capability.
The camera will not fire without a healthy CR-P2, so test with a fresh cell — they remain available but are not cheap. Check the flash charges and can be cancelled, the film advance winds smoothly, and the light seals and battery contacts are clean; prices remain modest next to the original L35AF.