Pentax Espio P

$187.00

INCLUDED ITEMS:

Pentax Espio P 35mm film camera
Pentax case
Strap
CR123A battery
Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (may vary due to availability)

CONDITION: Pre-owned. Film tested and fully working. Excellent condition, with normal light signs of use. Lens in superb condition. The one we have in stock has the extra date-stamp feature, however it only goes up to 2019. Ten photos from the test roll can be viewed in the images.

MORE ABOUT THIS CAMERA: The Pentax Espio P (also known as the Espio 70 and IQZoom 735) was released in 1994 making it one of the earlier cameras in the Espio Series (first introduced in 1992). Being an earlier model, its lens and autofocus system wasn't as crisp as later models and actually produces somewhat of a dream-like effect at times (see our test photos to see what we mean). Interestingly though, the earlier models had a lot of special features. This one offers multiple self-timer modes, infinity focus mode, red-eye reduction, Bulb flash mode (where the shutter remains open for as long as you press it), panorama, multiple exposure mode, and interval modes (where you can set it to automatically take a photo every 3 or 60 minutes). The aperture range is limited (f/4.3 to f/8) which also helps contribute to the lo-fi, dream-like quality of the photos. The zoom extends from 35mm to 70mm, which isn't enormous but does give you some versatility over how you choose to frame your shots. It does however claim to offer 'full macro' and will focus on subjects as close as 0.6m, which is quite impressive and a handy feature if you enjoy taking closeups. A 5-second flash reload time is pretty nice too. The lens (8 elements in 7 groups) and autofocus system ('Pentax infrared active autofocusing') are fairly sophisticated for their time and includes the useful 'focus-lock' feature - where you can half press the shutter to focus on the subject and then move the frame before fully pressing to take the shot. It also engages the exposure meter on the half-press which is handy to know. The shutter speed ranges from 1/400sec to 1/2sec, which is adequate to cover most shooting conditions, but be aware you may test its limits utilising the 70mm zoom with slow speed film or in low lighting. And speaking of film, the Espio P will read DX codes from 25 to 3200 ISO, which has you covered for just about everything. But be warned that if you use film without a DX code the camera will assume it is 25 ISO, which could be an issue. And if you're completely lost at this point, don't worry because you are probably not using films without DX codes, this only applies to certain specialty or hand-rolled films. In summary this is a completely adequate camera for someone looking for a medium-performing point and shoot, yet could be considered a masterpiece for someone seeking out a lo-fi, dream-like look for their photography.

YEAR RELEASED: 1994
LENS: Pentax power zoom lens (8 elements in 7 groups)
FOCAL LENGTH: 35mm - 70mm
APERTURE: f/4.3 - f/8.0
SHUTTER SPEED: 1/400 sec - 1/2 sec
AUTOFOCUS: Pentax infrared active autofocus system
FOCUS LOCK:  Yes
INFINITY FOCUS MODE:  Yes
MACRO MODE:  No
CLOSEST FOCUS DISTANCE: 0.6m
DX READING: 25 ISO - 3200 ISO
LCD PANEL:  Yes
FILM CONFIRMATION WINDOW:  Yes
FLASH: Auto (plus daylight sync, flash-off, slow sync, backlight, bulb, and bulb sync modes)
RED EYE REDUCTION:  Yes
FLASH RELOAD TIME: 5 sec
SELF-TIMER:  Yes
FILM ADVANCE/REWIND: Auto advance / auto rewind (mid-roll rewind possible by holding the self-timer button for more than 3 seconds until mid roll rewind blinks then keeping it pressed and pressing shutter button)
TRIPOD SOCKET:  Yes
POWER SOURCE: 1x CR123A battery
BATTERY LIFE: Approximately 15 rolls of film (24-exposure)

SHIPPING & RETURNS: Free shipping (Express) on orders over $199. Twelve month warranty on all cameras. Visit Shipping & Returns for more info.