Home > Consumer Reviews > Pentax Espio 140V 35mm Date Camera

I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera. I was told at a camera shop that Pentax and Minolta take the best pictures for a point and shoot camera. I was going to buy a Nikon, but was told that Nikon doesn't even make their own point and shoot cameras. Another company makes them and they put the Nikon name on their point and shoot camera. This Pentax camera has a neat feature. As the camera zooms in and out, the flash adjusts so that if you're shooting a close-up, the camera won't put too much light on the subject. I took the camera to a Nascar race and used 200 speed film. The pictures came out great. The only problem I had with my order is that the product description indicates that this camera comes with a case and a battery, however, this camera did not.

I have used a Minolta 35mm camera for many years and have been very happy with it. Lately there has been "bleed-in" on the pictures so it was time for a change. I did a lot of internet research into cameras which would be simple to use and give good pictures. I decided on the Pentax Espio 140 after reading many reviews and descriptions. After experimenting with a couple rolls of film, I am very happy with the camera. This is my first zoom 35mm and I am still learning the methods of using it. I am especially pleased with the outdoor shots. I learned that the flash has its' limitations when using the zoom in darker situations. Getting the camera loaded and operating is simple. The instructions are easy to read and understand. The film indicator is large enough to read in low light situations. I like the lens cover/slide and do not find it hard to operate. The date feature was something which I definitely wanted and it shows up well. I am also pleased with the close-up pictures which I have taken, however, I am less than totally pleased with the red-eye reduction. I have red eye in some of my pictures and will be experimenting with camera positioning to see if there is something on the user end which can be done about it. I am pleased with the camera and would recommend it to someone looking for a good easy to use camera.

Why do they call this a ultra-compact camera? I was really disappointed when I open the box and found out how large the camera actually is! It's twice as big as my old one, which I'd wanted to replace, and while it's lightweight, it's awkward to hold, and the lens covar is difficult to slide. I don't know if it takes good pictures, but the size is terrible. These days people expect small. I'm returning it and buying one that I know is small, yet still has all the great features, the Fujifilm Zoomdate 1300.