I received this press announcement for what appears to be a new Pentax ESPIO 140 compact film camera:
While I am not sure about the authenticity of the above press release (old date?), I would like to remind you that the original Ricoh plan from 2022 for Pentax film cameras included three different models:
- First, they will develop a compact film camera (already released: Pentax 17)
- The second camera will be a high-end film model
- The third camera will be a single-lens reflex (SLR)
Here are the details on the original and very well-regarded Pentax Espio 140 point-and-shoot film camera (also sold as the IQZoom 140 in some markets), introduced in 1997:
- Lens: 38–140mm f/4.8–12.5 power zoom (8 elements in 7 groups)
- Zoom range: Roughly 4x optical zoom, one of the longest zooms on a compact at the time
- Autofocus: Active infrared autofocus (works well even in low light)
- Exposure: Fully automatic program AE, with slow-shutter warning
- Flash: Built-in pop-up flash with modes (auto, on, off, red-eye reduction, night portrait/slow-sync)
- Macro: Can focus down to 0.6 m (about 2 ft) at any focal length
- Self-timer: Yes (10 sec)
- DX coding: ISO 25–3200
- Power: One CR123A battery
- Other quirks: Panorama switch (crops top/bottom for wide prints), remote control compatible (with optional Pentax remote), date/time imprint option on some versions
Black Friday deal: Pentax 17 and Pentax Spotmatic SP film 1:1 wooden replica cameras now 50% off
