Difference between revisions of "Pentax Auto 110"
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In 1979, as the [[110]] format was dying, [[Pentax]] inexplicably launched the '''Auto 110''' - the most competent 110 format camera ever, and one of the few that looked like a real [[SLR]]. It arrived after the the original version of the [[Minolta_110_Zoom_SLR | Minolta Auto 110 Zoom,]] but unlike these Minolta cameras, the Pentax is a true camera system with interchangeable lenses and a full range of accessories, including two dedicated electronic flashes, the Pentax AF 130P and the AF 100P, as well as an electric Pentax 110 [[Film_advance#Motor_Drive|Winder]]. | In 1979, as the [[110]] format was dying, [[Pentax]] inexplicably launched the '''Auto 110''' - the most competent 110 format camera ever, and one of the few that looked like a real [[SLR]]. It arrived after the the original version of the [[Minolta_110_Zoom_SLR | Minolta Auto 110 Zoom,]] but unlike these Minolta cameras, the Pentax is a true camera system with interchangeable lenses and a full range of accessories, including two dedicated electronic flashes, the Pentax AF 130P and the AF 100P, as well as an electric Pentax 110 [[Film_advance#Motor_Drive|Winder]]. | ||
| − | The camera has a bright viewfinder with a [[Split-image device|split image focusing]] screen and [[TTL]] light metering. The automatic program exposure system is quite sophisticated, working from a fast 1/750 sec. at f/13.5 to 1 sec. at f/2.8, with automatic [[film speed]] setting from 100 to 400ASA, programmed by the cassette. A wide choice of close-up lenses, [[filter]]s, rubber [[lens hood|lens-shades]], an ever-ready case and more, complements the system. The camera was made available in black, brown and a transparent working demo version. | + | The camera is unusual in having the imaging aperture built into the camera body rather than in the interchangeable lenses. The in-body aperture covers a range of f/2.8 to f/13.5; therefore, all lenses built for the camera include a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The aperture is a simple square scissor type aperture. While this system limits the range of lenses that might potentially be offered with the camera, it greatly simplifies the camera system by eliminating the need for any functional connections between the camera and lenses, and eliminating the complexities of in-lens apertures. For this camera system there was little to lose by limiting the lenses to a maximum aperture of f/2.8. |
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| + | The camera has a bright viewfinder with a [[Split-image device|split image focusing]] screen and [[TTL]] light metering. The automatic program exposure system is quite sophisticated, working from a fast 1/750 sec. at f/13.5 to 1 sec. at f/2.8, with automatic [[film speed]] setting from 100 to 400ASA, programmed by the cassette. A wide choice of close-up lenses, [[filter]]s, rubber [[lens hood|lens-shades]], an ever-ready case and more, complements the system. The camera was made available in black, brown and a transparent working demo version. A 1.7x teleconverter was made by Soligor. | ||
An upgrade '''Auto 110 Super''' came on the market in 1982 featuring brighter viewfinder, low light warning, an electronic [[self-timer]] and a single stroke advance lever. A 70mm telephoto lens and a 2 × Zoom lens were also added. | An upgrade '''Auto 110 Super''' came on the market in 1982 featuring brighter viewfinder, low light warning, an electronic [[self-timer]] and a single stroke advance lever. A 70mm telephoto lens and a 2 × Zoom lens were also added. | ||
The Pentax Auto 110 is considered to be the smallest consumer SLR reflex camera ever made, its contender would be the Russian Narciss launched in 1961, at first only sold at the home market, but later made available in an export version. However, it is larger in all dimensions and is much heavier. | The Pentax Auto 110 is considered to be the smallest consumer SLR reflex camera ever made, its contender would be the Russian Narciss launched in 1961, at first only sold at the home market, but later made available in an export version. However, it is larger in all dimensions and is much heavier. | ||
| + | {{Flickr_image | ||
| + | |image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/hexenmeister2011/25152088234/in/pool-camerawiki | ||
| + | |image= https://live.staticflickr.com/1567/25152088234_e7d9d88725_w_d.jpg | ||
| + | |image_align= right | ||
| + | |image_text= | ||
| + | |image_by= Oğuz Ofluoğlu | ||
| + | |image_rights= wp | ||
| + | }} | ||
====Origins of the Auto 110==== | ====Origins of the Auto 110==== | ||
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It appears that the Auto 110 was based on an evolved prototype of the [[Minimax Pocket 110 EE]]. According to correspondence with the designer of the Minimax Pocket 110 EE <ref>[http://www.vintagephoto.tv/minimax110.shtml Sugaya Optical Company Minimax Pocket 110 EE Camera] at [http://www.vintagephoto.tv/ Scott's Photographica Collection],</ref>, the manufacturers of the Minimax developed a more advanced SLR prototype of this camera, but their interest waned and the prototype and the blueprints were sold to Pentax. | It appears that the Auto 110 was based on an evolved prototype of the [[Minimax Pocket 110 EE]]. According to correspondence with the designer of the Minimax Pocket 110 EE <ref>[http://www.vintagephoto.tv/minimax110.shtml Sugaya Optical Company Minimax Pocket 110 EE Camera] at [http://www.vintagephoto.tv/ Scott's Photographica Collection],</ref>, the manufacturers of the Minimax developed a more advanced SLR prototype of this camera, but their interest waned and the prototype and the blueprints were sold to Pentax. | ||
=== Pentax Auto 110 lenses === | === Pentax Auto 110 lenses === | ||
| − | *'''Pentax-110 18mm''' | + | All Pentax 110 lenses are marked as f/2.8, matching the widest aperture available in the camera body. |
| − | *'''Pentax-110 24mm | + | |
| − | *'''Pentax-110 50mm | + | *'''Pentax-110 18mm''' Wide-angle lens, 6 elements in 6 groups, filter Ø30.5mm |
| − | *'''Pentax-110 70mm | + | *'''Pentax-110 Pan Focus 18mm''' Wide-angle, ''fixed-focus'' lens, 6 elements in 6 groups, filter Ø30.5mm |
| − | *'''Pentax-110 20mm—40 mm | + | *'''Pentax-110 24mm''' Standard lens of 6 elements in 5 groups, filter Ø25.5mm |
| + | *'''Pentax-110 50mm''' Telephoto lens of 5 elements in 5 groups, filter Ø37.5mm | ||
| + | *'''Pentax-110 70mm''' Telephoto lens of 6 elements in5 groups, filter Ø49mm | ||
| + | *'''Pentax-110 20mm—40 mm''' Zoom lens of 8 separate elements, filter Ø49mm | ||
{{Flickr_image | {{Flickr_image | ||
|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/26262745@N08/3088178846/in/pool-camerawiki | |image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/26262745@N08/3088178846/in/pool-camerawiki | ||
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}} | }} | ||
=== General Links === | === General Links === | ||
| − | * [http://www.pentax110.co.uk/ www.pentax110.co.uk], a full website about this camera | + | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20181023082832/http://www.pentax110.co.uk/index.html www.pentax110.co.uk] (archived), a full website about this camera |
* [http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/archives/cameras/000161.html Pentax Auto 110] at [http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/cameras/ The Other Martin Taylor's website] | * [http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/archives/cameras/000161.html Pentax Auto 110] at [http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/cameras/ The Other Martin Taylor's website] | ||
* [http://www.cameraquest.com/pentx110.htm Pentax Auto 110] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest] | * [http://www.cameraquest.com/pentx110.htm Pentax Auto 110] at [http://www.cameraquest.com/ Cameraquest] | ||
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* [http://www.submin.com/110/collection/pentax110/ 110 - Variations in Pentax Subminiature Cameras] at [http://www.submin.com/ www.submin.com] | * [http://www.submin.com/110/collection/pentax110/ 110 - Variations in Pentax Subminiature Cameras] at [http://www.submin.com/ www.submin.com] | ||
* [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=1488 Pentax Auto 110] on [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand (in French) | * [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=1488 Pentax Auto 110] on [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/general/html/francais.php www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand (in French) | ||
| + | * [https://youtu.be/tv_3yi2AO9E Pentax Auto 110 video presentation] by YouTuber [https://www.youtube.com/@MrKayFisher Kay's Cameras] | ||
=== Documentation and manuals === | === Documentation and manuals === | ||
| − | * [http://www.pentax110.co.uk/html/manuals.html Manuals] at [http://www.pentax110.co.uk/ www.pentax110.co.uk] | + | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20181023205623/http://www.pentax110.co.uk/html/manuals.html Manuals] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20181023082832/http://www.pentax110.co.uk/index.html www.pentax110.co.uk] (archived) |
| − | * [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax/pentax_auto_110/pentax_auto_110.htm Owner's Manuals] at [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus. | + | * [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/pentax/pentax_auto_110/pentax_auto_110.htm Owner's Manuals] at [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Butkus.us] |
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
=== Repair notes === | === Repair notes === | ||
| − | * [http://web.archive.org/web/20091025011313/http://geocities.com/markhahn2000/pentax_fix.html Pentax Auto 110 - Slipping Film Advance fix] at [http://web.archive.org/web/20091025011313/http://www.geocities.com/markhahn2000/index.html Mark Hahn's Photo Pages] | + | * [http://web.archive.org/web/20091025011313/http://geocities.com/markhahn2000/pentax_fix.html Pentax Auto 110 - Slipping Film Advance fix] at [http://web.archive.org/web/20091025011313/http://www.geocities.com/markhahn2000/index.html Mark Hahn's Photo Pages] (archived) |
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[[Category: Japanese 110 film SLR]] | [[Category: Japanese 110 film SLR]] | ||
[[Category: Pentax|Auto 110]] | [[Category: Pentax|Auto 110]] | ||
| − | + | [[Category: A|Auto 110 Pentax]] | |
| − | [[Category: A|Auto 110]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:46, 4 April 2024
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| image by Va Defoto (Image rights) |
Pentax Auto 110 camera
In 1979, as the 110 format was dying, Pentax inexplicably launched the Auto 110 - the most competent 110 format camera ever, and one of the few that looked like a real SLR. It arrived after the the original version of the Minolta Auto 110 Zoom, but unlike these Minolta cameras, the Pentax is a true camera system with interchangeable lenses and a full range of accessories, including two dedicated electronic flashes, the Pentax AF 130P and the AF 100P, as well as an electric Pentax 110 Winder.
The camera is unusual in having the imaging aperture built into the camera body rather than in the interchangeable lenses. The in-body aperture covers a range of f/2.8 to f/13.5; therefore, all lenses built for the camera include a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The aperture is a simple square scissor type aperture. While this system limits the range of lenses that might potentially be offered with the camera, it greatly simplifies the camera system by eliminating the need for any functional connections between the camera and lenses, and eliminating the complexities of in-lens apertures. For this camera system there was little to lose by limiting the lenses to a maximum aperture of f/2.8.
The camera has a bright viewfinder with a split image focusing screen and TTL light metering. The automatic program exposure system is quite sophisticated, working from a fast 1/750 sec. at f/13.5 to 1 sec. at f/2.8, with automatic film speed setting from 100 to 400ASA, programmed by the cassette. A wide choice of close-up lenses, filters, rubber lens-shades, an ever-ready case and more, complements the system. The camera was made available in black, brown and a transparent working demo version. A 1.7x teleconverter was made by Soligor.
An upgrade Auto 110 Super came on the market in 1982 featuring brighter viewfinder, low light warning, an electronic self-timer and a single stroke advance lever. A 70mm telephoto lens and a 2 × Zoom lens were also added.
The Pentax Auto 110 is considered to be the smallest consumer SLR reflex camera ever made, its contender would be the Russian Narciss launched in 1961, at first only sold at the home market, but later made available in an export version. However, it is larger in all dimensions and is much heavier.
|
| image by Oğuz Ofluoğlu (Image rights) |
Origins of the Auto 110
It appears that the Auto 110 was based on an evolved prototype of the Minimax Pocket 110 EE. According to correspondence with the designer of the Minimax Pocket 110 EE [1], the manufacturers of the Minimax developed a more advanced SLR prototype of this camera, but their interest waned and the prototype and the blueprints were sold to Pentax.
Pentax Auto 110 lenses
All Pentax 110 lenses are marked as f/2.8, matching the widest aperture available in the camera body.
- Pentax-110 18mm Wide-angle lens, 6 elements in 6 groups, filter Ø30.5mm
- Pentax-110 Pan Focus 18mm Wide-angle, fixed-focus lens, 6 elements in 6 groups, filter Ø30.5mm
- Pentax-110 24mm Standard lens of 6 elements in 5 groups, filter Ø25.5mm
- Pentax-110 50mm Telephoto lens of 5 elements in 5 groups, filter Ø37.5mm
- Pentax-110 70mm Telephoto lens of 6 elements in5 groups, filter Ø49mm
- Pentax-110 20mm—40 mm Zoom lens of 8 separate elements, filter Ø49mm
|
| Auto 110 with 18 mm, 24 mm and 50 mm lenses, and a Soligor 1.7× teleconverter. image by Rick Oleson (Image rights) |
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| Pentax Auto 110 image by Peter M Lerman (Image rights) |
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| Auto 110 Super image by Vagn Sloth-Madsen (Image rights) |
Links
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| Original camera set with flash and winder. image by Patrick Stacey (Image rights) |
General Links
- www.pentax110.co.uk (archived), a full website about this camera
- Pentax Auto 110 at The Other Martin Taylor's website
- Pentax Auto 110 at Cameraquest
- Pentax Auto 110: The world's most versatile little camera ever made, an article of Rick Oleson's website
- Pentax Auto 110 at The Living Image Camera Museum
- 110 - Variations in Pentax Subminiature Cameras at www.submin.com
- Pentax Auto 110 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand (in French)
- Pentax Auto 110 video presentation by YouTuber Kay's Cameras
Documentation and manuals
- Manuals at www.pentax110.co.uk (archived)
- Owner's Manuals at Butkus.us
