The Pentax 110 Super is the world’s smallest production SLR kit system featuring interchangeable lenses. When placed on a table, the camera barely rises higher than a 35mm film canister.
A few years back, I penned an brief article for PSNWA about my Pentax Auto 110. So why revisit with the Pentax 110 Super? You might assume that the first-generation 110 Auto and the second-generation 110 Super are essentially the same camera, a notion held by many when glancing at both models.
Both the Pentax 110 Super and the Pentax 110 Auto are part of Pentax’s compact 110 film SLR range, but a quick peek at the business card sized camera manual shows the 110 Super, released in 1983, boasts several enhancements. These include a brighter viewfinder, single-stroke film advance, self-timer, shutter lock, and backlight compensation switch. While the top shutter speed was reduced to 1/400 sec., it now has an aperture capacity of f 18 for improved depth of field.
With an entire lineup of interchangeable lenses, this tiny camera offers a unique and enjoyable shooting experience, although it doesn’t rival the likes of Leica or even the Canon A1 Program. While Pentax provided a specialized flash with a custom connection, the camera lacks a hotshoe or a socket for a flash cable. Additionally, the small (16mm) 110 film negative is about one-fourth the area of a standard 35mm frame, which leads to grainy images even when properly exposed.
So why should you consider shooting with the Pentax 110 Super? It’s simply a blast! As a professional photographer, it’s easy to overlook the fun aspect of photography. Using pinhole cameras, Holgas, and the Pentax 110 Super helps reignite the magic I have for the craft. Though not drastically different from the original Pentax 110, the brighter viewfinder makes a world of difference, especially for a camera with manual focus using a split-screen system.
Not too long ago, without any 110 film production, the Pentax 110 cameras were regulated to mere collectibles, gathering dust on shelves. Crafty photographers once flocked to online auctions to find any old 110 film to manually hand reload the plastic cassettes with new cut down 35 film. Fortunately, Lomography has brought back 110 film in a variety of color and black-and-white options. Each time I place an order, I can’t help but wonder if it will be the last time I can purchase new 110 film.
My recommendation? Whether you opt for a Pentax 110 SLR with its collection of lenses or a simpler camera like the Minox 110S or the Rollei A110, consider adding a quality 110 camera to your collection. Embrace the joy of shooting small before 110 film becomes a thing of the past.
Pentax 110 Super
Manufacturer: Pentax
Production: 1982-1985
Type: Miniature SLR system
Media: 110 Film Cartridge
Lens: Interchangeable
Focus: Through the lens prism with manual split image focus.
Accessories:
- Attachable film winder and grip
- Flash Unit
- Six interchangeable lenses with paired filters and lens hoods.
- 18 mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens (equivalent to a 35 mm lens on a 35 mm format camera)
- 18 mm “Pan Focus” lens with a fixed focus set to the hyperfocal distance
- 24 mm f/2.8 normal lens (equiv. 50 mm).
- 50 mm f/2.8 telephoto lens (equiv. 100 mm)
- 70 mm f/2.8 telephoto lens (equiv. 140 mm)
- 20–40 mm f/2.8 zoom lens (equiv. 40–80 mm)
Collectability:
The Pentax 110 Super scores around 85 on a 100 point scale. A bit more difficult to find than the Pentax 110 Auto, the 110 super is sought after for its unique claim as the smallest production SLR, continued usability, and improved function over the 110 Auto. A Pentax 110 Super in mint condition with accessories, and custom metal case makes a valued addition to collections.
Photographer: John Baltz
John is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years in photography. A native to Northwest Arkansas, John’s first interest in photography began with collecting cameras as a child from antique markets around town. Later, John received a degree in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas. It is his strong knowledge in digital photography, along with a love for the the history of photography that provides for a unique sense of creativity driving many of his projects.
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