Pentax Pino 35

Pentax Pino 35 image by bigalid (Image rights)

Plastic fixed focus compact 35mm camera with built in flash from Pentax. First model in the Pentax Pino series.

This model was first produced in 1984. It has limited features. The user sets the film speed and then selects either one of 3 pictograms for light level (Sunny, Cloudy Sun or cloudy) or on the same ring the distance for flash use by 3 pictograms (bust-size, half-length or full length portrait). There is a battery powered CdS metering but this only warns the user of too low light in viewfinder and does not lock the red shutter button in low light. Viewfinder is basic with no markers.

Flash has to be manually activated by red switch on rear causing a indicator LED/button to pop up. It is turned off by depressing the indicator button.

The user can adjust the aperture to settings beyond those indicated by histogram (e.g. you can widen the aperture at 400ASA 2 settings beyond the cloudy setting)

Features

Data/performance figures based on Pentax's listed in manual

• Lens: 38mm 1:3.8 pentax lens, 3 elments, 3 lens group-composition
• Focus: Fixed, range 1.5m to infinity
• Aperture: f/3.8 to f/19
• Shutter: Mechanical leaf
• Shutter Speed: Fixed, 1/125s
• Metering: CdS low light warning only
• Flash: GN 12 (ISO 100, in metres)
• Batteries: 2xAA alkaline (not NiCd). Good for 360 flash discharges with new manganese alkali batteries
• Film advance: Manual, thumbwheel on rear
• Film speed settings: 100, 200 & 400 ASA
• Tripod mount
• 175gm without batteries

External Links

• pentaxOda blog about compact pentax cameras. Contains information about the Pino series
• Pentax Pino 35 on Sylvain Halgand's Collection Appareils site (in French)