The Pentax Zoom 105 Super at a Glance
The Pentax Zoom 105 Super is a compact 35mm point-and-shoot camera built for people who want sharp photos without fiddling with manual controls. With a 38–105mm zoom lens, autofocus, and a built-in flash, it was designed as an easy travel and family camera—and that makes it a brilliant second-hand find today.
Unlike fully manual analog cameras, the Zoom 105 Super automatically handles film advance, exposure, and flash. You focus on the scene; it does the rest. That simplicity is exactly why it has aged so well.
The first time I picked up an automated film camera again, I instinctively reached for a nonexistent mode dial. What surprised me most was the sound: the soft whirr of the motor loading film, the confident click of the shutter, and then that tiny electric buzz of the rewind. Handling film again felt slower in the best possible way—every frame suddenly mattered.
Design, Build, and Handling
Compact and travel-ready
The Pentax Zoom 105 Super is compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket or small bag, but solid enough to inspire confidence. Its plastic body keeps weight low while still feeling durable enough for everyday use, which is important when buying second-hand gear.
Simple controls, clear feedback
On top, you get straightforward buttons for zoom, flash modes, and self-timer, plus a small LCD showing frame count and mode indicators. The grip is slightly sculpted, making one-handed shooting surprisingly secure, even with the lens extended to 105mm.
Lens and Shooting Performance
38–105mm zoom for everyday situations
The built-in zoom lens covers 38–105mm, taking you from wide-ish for street scenes and interiors to short telephoto for portraits and details. It is not about clinical sharpness; it is about characterful, reliable results that feel distinctly analog.
Autofocus, auto-exposure, and flash
The autofocus system locks onto most everyday subjects quickly, especially in good light. Auto-exposure is geared toward getting usable shots in a wide range of conditions, with the built-in flash kicking in when needed.
The camera also offers backlight compensation, a handy feature when shooting subjects against bright windows or skies. Engaging it nudges exposure so your subject does not turn into a silhouette.
Using the Pentax Zoom 105 Super Today
Getting started with film and power
To put the Zoom 105 Super back into service, you only need two consumables: standard 35mm film and a CR123A battery. The battery powers the autofocus, zoom, motor drive, and flash, so always start with a fresh one before an important shoot.
Quick setup checklist
Use this simple checklist before taking your Pentax Zoom 105 Super out for a day of shooting:
- Load a fresh roll of 35mm film rated ISO 200–400.
- Insert a new CR123A battery.
- Test zoom and flash modes before heading out.
- Keep lenses and viewfinder clean with a soft cloth.
- Use backlight compensation for bright backgrounds.
- Confirm automatic film door opens and rewinds.
- Inspect lens for haze or scratches.
- Check zoom range and flash function.
- Ask for a short video demo from the seller.
- Avoid heavy corrosion in battery compartment.
Best film choices
For most situations, a color-negative ISO 200 or 400 film will give you the best flexibility. ISO 200 works well outdoors; ISO 400 gives more room for indoor and low-light shots, especially with flash.
Buying a Pentax Zoom 105 Super Second-Hand
What to inspect before you commit
When shopping second-hand, condition is everything. Ask the seller specific questions and, if possible, request a short video showing the camera powering on, zooming, and firing the flash.
Key areas to check include:
- Zoom and flash function across the full range.
- Smooth opening and closing of the film door.
- Lens condition—avoid heavy scratches, haze, or fungus.
- Battery compartment—look for clean, shiny contacts.
- Light seals—ask if there are any known light leaks.
Pairing with accessories
To make the most of a second-hand Zoom 105 Super, consider a small padded pouch, a wrist strap, and perhaps a simple cleaning kit. These photography accessories help your camera last longer and stay ready for the next roll.
Why It Still Matters in 2025
A sustainable way into analog photography
Choosing a second-hand Pentax Zoom 105 Super is not just a nostalgic choice; it is a sustainable one. Extending the life of existing gear reduces waste and keeps classic cameras out of landfill, while giving you access to a unique shooting experience.
The charm of automated analog
In 2025, digital cameras and smartphones are sharper and faster than ever—but they cannot quite replicate the feel of loading film, committing to 36 frames, and waiting for the results. The Zoom 105 Super offers that tactile, deliberate rhythm without the learning curve of a fully manual camera.
Whether you are new to film or returning after a long digital detour, this compact Pentax makes it easy to fall in love with analog photography again.
FAQs
Is the Pentax Zoom 105 Super good for beginners? Yes. Its full automation, autofocus, and built-in flash make it excellent for newcomers who want to learn film photography without worrying about manual exposure settings.
What type of battery does the Pentax Zoom 105 Super use? It runs on one CR123A lithium battery, which is widely available and typically lasts for hundreds of shots, depending on flash use.
Which film works best in the Pentax Zoom 105 Super? Color-negative films like Kodak Gold 200 or Fujifilm Superia 400 are ideal for everyday use, while Ilford HP5+ is a great choice for black-and-white projects.
What should I check before buying one second-hand? Inspect zoom and flash function, look for any signs of light leaks around the film door, check for corrosion in the battery compartment, and make sure the film door opens and closes smoothly.
If you are ready to explore film photography with a reliable compact, browse our curated selection of second-hand point-and-shoot cameras and other classic analog cameras on DutchThrift.
