Pentax Auto 110 Super subminiature camera with a 24mm lens, a 50mm lens and UV filters for both lenses, $200. This camera is in great working condition and looks great. The body shows little to no signs of wear, and the lens glass is clear and free of any haze, fungus, or marks. The Auto 110 Super was released with improvements from the Original Auto 110 including a backlight compensation button, a self-timer, and a single-stroke film advance. Excellent vintage condition and shoots properly. Fully functioning. Selling because I don’t shoot the 110mm film format much and the camera is not getting enough use. Otherwise the camera is excellent, everything works including the meter. Focusing is nice and clean.
Pentax Auto 110 Super, a remarkable ultraminiature single-lens reflex (SLR) camera system that defied its size and left an indelible mark in the history of photography.
Pentax Auto 110 Super: A Detailed Overview
Introduction:
- The Pentax Auto 110 Super, introduced in the late 1970s, was part of the Pentax System 10—a complete interchangeable-lens SLR system designed for the 110 film format.
- Despite its diminutive size, the Auto 110 Super packed impressive features and a delightful retro charm.
Design and Build:
- The Auto 110 Super is like a pocket-sized marvel. It fits in the palm of your hand, yet it houses a fully functional SLR system.
- Its body is lightweight, constructed from plastic, and adorned with the iconic red Pentax logo.
- The camera's design is reminiscent of classic film cameras, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.
Film Format and Cartridges:
- The Auto 110 Super used Kodak 110 film cartridges. These tiny cartridges contained 110-format film—a compact film format introduced by Kodak in the early 1970s.
- The film itself was 16mm wide, with a single perforation along one edge. Despite its small size, it allowed for decent image quality.
Lens System:
- The Auto 110 Super featured interchangeable lenses—a rarity for the 110 format.
- The system launched with three fixed focal length lenses:
- 18mm f/2.8: Equivalent to a 50mm lens on a 35mm camera, this was the "normal" lens for the system.
- 24mm f/2.8: A wide-angle option, providing a slightly wider field of view.
- 50mm f/2.8: A short telephoto lens, ideal for portraits and isolating subjects.
- Later, three more lenses were added, including a zoom lens.
Exposure and Aperture Control:
- The Auto 110 Super offered fully automatic exposure, with no user-settable adjustments.
- Unlike traditional SLRs, the lenses did not have built-in apertures. Instead, an iris was mounted inside the camera body, controlling both aperture and shutter.
- The aperture range was f/2.8 to f/13.5, and the shutter speed ranged from 1/750s to 1s.
- The camera's mirror system also acted as a light-tight seal when not in use, ensuring no light leakage.
Metering and Exposure Latitude:
- The metering was through-the-lens (TTL) and center-weighted.
- Film speed detection was based on the presence or absence of a ridge on the cartridge, with Pentax choosing ISO 80 and 320 settings.
- The exposure latitude of color print films allowed for some flexibility in exposure.
Viewfinder and Focusing:
- The viewfinder was bright and clear, considering the camera's size.
- Focusing was manual, aided by a split-image rangefinder and microprism collar.
Film Loading and Rewinding:
- Film loading was straightforward—insert the cartridge, thread the film, and advance to the first frame.
- Rewinding was manual, using a small crank on the camera's base.
Accessories and System Expansion:
- The Auto 110 Super had a hot shoe for attaching a flash.
- A self-timer allowed for delayed shots.
- The system was backward compatible with the original Auto 110 lenses.
Legacy and Impact:
- The Pentax Auto 110 Super remains a testament to engineering creativity. It defied conventions and proved that big ideas could come in small packages.
- While the 110 format eventually faded, the Auto 110 Super's legacy lives on as a beloved collector's item.
In summary, the Pentax Auto 110 Super was more than a camera; it was a delightful challenge to the norms of photography. So imagine holding this tiny SLR, composing your shot, and capturing moments that defy expectations!