Pentax Auto 110 (1978–1985)

Name: Pentax Auto 110
Brand: Pentax

A subminiature interchangeable lens SLR camera using 110 film, produced by Asahi Pentax as a compact system with TTL metering and automatic exposure.

Overview

The Pentax Auto 110 is a subminiature single-lens reflex camera for 110 film cartridges. Asahi Pentax introduced it in late 1978. It's the smallest interchangeable lens SLR ever made with through-the-lens metering. People often mistake it for a toy, but it had real features for its format: programmed exposure, TTL metering, and a range of dedicated lenses and accessories. In 1983 the system was updated as the Auto 110 Super. The Super shared the original's lenses, batteries, and most accessories. The Winder II worked only on the Super.

Specifications

Shutter speeds	1 sec to 1/750th
Exposure range	EV 3 to 17 at ASA 100
Aperture ranges	f/2.8 to f/13.5
Light meter cell	silicon photo cell
Metering system	Centerweighted
Film speed indexing	Automatically indexes for ASA 400 film; lower setting is ASA 80
Viewfinder magnification	0.75x
Viewfinder coverage	87%
Battery	Two 1.5V silver oxide batteries (type D76/S76, PX76)
Battery life	Estimated 10,000 exposures or one year
Winder	Two AA battery powered winder; single frame advance only, not sequential
Film Format	110 cartridge (13x17mm)
Size	56 x 99 x 32 mm (w/o lens)
Weight	159g (w/o lens)
Original List Price (1979)	$249.00 (w/24mm lens, case, and strap)

Design

The Pentax Auto 110 loads drop-in 110 cartridges and has fully automatic exposure. To turn the electronics off, partially depress the shutter release until you feel resistance. It's a power-saving design that a lot of people overlook. The viewfinder is large and high-contrast for the 110 format, which helps with precise focusing in a small body.

Context

Pentax positioned the Auto 110 as a high-quality system for the 110 film format, aimed at something better than consumer snapshots. The Auto 110 Super succeeded it in 1983 and kept full compatibility with the original's lenses and accessories, except for the Winder II. The system included multiple lenses, flashes, and winders, and put SLR capabilities in an unusually small body.

Market

The Pentax Auto 110 is a collectible curiosity. Standard bodies go for around $100, and full kits reach up to $300. Rare variants, like the transparent "See Through" dealer model and the "Safari" presentation set, draw higher interest. Common problems are dead electronics, slipping film advance, and stuck aperture diaphragms. Service manuals are available.