Pentax Espio Mini | Analogue compact camera

The Pentax Espio mini is a compact camera that was built around 1994. It still enjoys a very good reputation today, not least because of the three-element Pentax lens with a 32 mm focal length and an aperture of f/3.5, which is quite bright for compact cameras and is surpassed by only a few (e.g., the Minox line, Yashica T3).

The small Pentax sits comfortably in the hand, even though its smooth exterior makes it resemble a cigarette pack. The lens is protected in idle state by a slide that, thanks to a slight bulge, can be gripped easily and slid to the side. The lens then extends about 1–2 mm out of the housing. Conversely, it retracts immediately again when you want to close the slide. The motor drive of the lens, the shutter sound, and the film transport are pleasantly quiet, and the camera is ready to shoot very quickly.

Film sensitivity from ASA 25 – 3200
Film transport automatic
Lens: Pentax 3-lens, 32 mm, f/3.5
Focus: 0.3 m – infinity, active infrared autofocus, focus memory
Shutter speeds: 1/400 s – 2 s, Bulb up to 5 minutes
Flash: GN 2.6 - 17
Battery: CR123A
Weight (without battery): 155 g
Size: 11 x 8 x 3 cm