Pentax Auto 110
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Picture by the other Martin Taylor. (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 the only one looking like a real SLR. It 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 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.
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 2x 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.
Pentax Auto 110 lenses
- Pentax-110 18mm F2.8 Wide-angle lens, 6 elements in 6 groups, filter Ø30.5mm
- Pentax-110 24mm F2.8 Standard lens of 6 elements in 5 groups, filter Ø25.5mm
- Pentax-110 50mm F2.8 Telephoto lens of 5 elements in 5 groups, filter Ø37.5mm
- Pentax-110 70mm F2.8 Telephoto lens
- Pentax-110 20mm—40 mm F2.8 Zoom lens
Original camera set. Picture by pumpkinpies. (Image rights)
Links
General Links
- www.pentax110.co.uk, 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, World's smallest SLR? at James M. Surprenant's Photography Site
- Pentax Auto 110 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
