Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the addition of the Pentax ESPIO105S 35mm-format zoom compact camera to its popular ESPIO lineup. The new ESPIO combines a versatile 38mm~105mm 2.8-times zoom lens with a host of advanced features, including sophisticated multi-pattern metering, pinpoint autofocus, reliable auto-exposure control, an auto flash, and a large LCD panel. Its stylish, ergonomic body design, compact dimensions and outstanding performance make it the ideal choice for a wide range of users and all photographic occasions.

Major Features of the Pentax ESPIO105S

The ESPIO105S incorporates a 38mm~105mm 2.8-times zoom lens, which delivers outstanding image quality frame after frame. It also offers a zoom macro capability to capture well-defined close-up images from a distance of just 65 centimeters (2.15 feet) at any focal length — for a maximum magnification of 0.188 times at the 105mm telephoto setting. The large zoom lever makes picture-framing fast and fingertip-easy.

The ESPIO105S features a reliable multi-pattern metering system to produce beautifully exposed images, even in complicated lighting conditions. In addition, it automatically activates the built-in auto flash to provide extra illumination for subjects in the dark or set against backlight.

When the camera’s exposure system detects a low-light or backlit situation, the built-in auto flash automatically provides fill-in illumination to ensure proper exposure on the subject. It also offers the "red-eye" reduction function to reduce or eliminate the annoying appearance of red eyes. In addition, the ESPIO105S makes it easy for the photographer to produce special flash images using daylight sync, slow-shutter-speed sync and bulb sync. For situations when the use of a flash is prohibited or when the photographer prefers to use only ambient light, a flash-off mode is also provided.

The "infinity-landscape" mode instantly fixes the focus at infinity at any focal length, allowing the photographer to take sharply focused pictures of distant subjects, such as landscape, with great ease. The "bulb" mode enables the user to emphasize nighttime illumination by extending the exposure time up to five minutes. Both modes are easily and quickly set through simple pushbutton operation.

The built-in self-timer delays shutter release by 10 seconds, allowing the photographer to take a self-portrait or join in a group shot.

The ESPIO105S takes care of all troublesome film handling operations automatically — from loading and ISO film speed setting to advancing the film and rewinding it at the end. This allows the photographer to concentrate on picture-framing and shutter chances.

When the camera is left unused for three minutes, the lens is retracted to the shortest wide-angle position to protect it from damage and the power is turned off to conserve batteries — all automatically.

The ESPIO105S DATE automatically records the date or day and time of shooting on the photograph. When this data is unnecessary, the user can simply select the blank mode.

Pentax ESPIO 105S Specifications

Type: 35mm fully automatic lens-shutter camera with built-in zoom lens, autofocus, auto exposure and auto flash.

Film: 35mm DX-coded film with 24mm x 36mm format.

Lens: Pentax power zoom 38mm - 105mm F4.5 - F11 lens; 6 elements in 5 groups.

Focusing System: Infrared active autofocus system. Infinity-landscape mode available.

Exposure Control: Programmed auto exposure control with multi metering.

Metering Range:
(1) Auto mode: Ev10 - Ev17 (38mm at ISO400)
Ev14 - Ev19 (105mm at ISO400)
(2) Slow shutter speed: Ev6.5 - EV17 (38mm at ISO400)
Ev7 - EV19 (105mm at ISO400)

Shutter: Programmed AE electronic lens shutter.

Shutter speeds: approx. 1/320 sec. to 1 sec.; 1/2 sec. to 5 min. in bulb mode.

Viewfinder: Actual-image zoom viewfinder. Viewfinder area : 83% (at 3m).

Indication: Focus and flash status, close distance compensation frame and AF frame.

External LCD Indication: Exposure counter, battery exhaustion warning, infinity- landscape, red-eye reduction, flash-on, flash-off, slow-speed shutter, bulb and self-timer.

Film Loading: Automatic film loading with first-frame positioning.

Film Winding: Automatic film winding.

Film Rewinding: Automatic film rewinding at end of roll. Automatic stop upon rewind completion. (Mid-roll rewinding possible.)

Film-Speed Setting: Auto film-speed setting with DX-coded film from ISO25 to ISO3200.

Self-Timer: 10-second delay electronic self-timer.

Flash: Built-in auto flash. Automatic discharge under low lighting and backlighting conditions in auto mode. Flash-on and flash-off modes.

Auto Power Cut-Off: Automatic cut-off after approx. 3 minutes of non use.

Power Source: One 3V lithium battery (CR123A type).

Date Imprinting: Five-mode switchable: "Year-Month-Day", "Month-Day-Year", "Day-Month-Year", "Day-Hour-Minute" and blank.