• Pentax Espio 738 — view 2
  • Pentax Espio 738 — view 3
  • 1996
  • 38–105mm zoom
  • Compact

Pentax Espio 738

Mid-tier Espio zoom compact — Pentax glass in a pocketable shell.

The 738 sits in the middle of the Espio range — a 38–105mm zoom (about 2.7×) that hits the useful focal lengths most people actually use. Wide for a group shot at the table, short tele for a portrait across the room. Programmed AE, active-IR autofocus, built-in auto-flash. DX coding sets ISO automatically.

What you give up versus the Espio 160 is reach; what you gain is a slightly faster lens at the wide end and a smaller body. For a one-camera-in-a-bag travel setup, the 738 earns its place.

Match

Who this is for

Good for

  • Everyday travel
  • Casual zoom-compact users

Not for

  • Low-light without flash
  • Anyone wanting manual control

Character

What it feels like to shoot

Quick to wake from sleep, focus lock is positive. The wide end is where this camera lives — at full zoom the lens slows down and the flash works overtime. The hand-grip is shallow but the camera is light enough that it doesn't matter.

Born 1996

History of the Pentax Espio 738

Released in 1996 as part of Pentax's mid-90s Espio compact-camera line. The 738 was the mid-zoom option between the shorter Espio 70/80 and the longer Espio 105/115/140/160 models.

Technical specifications

MFG. 1996
01
Format
35mm autofocus zoom compact
02
Manufacturer
Pentax · Japan
03
Production
1996
04
Lens
Pentax 38–105mm f/5.6–10.8 zoom
05
Metering
Center-weighted programmed AE
06
Shutter
1/500s – 2s (programmed)
07
ISO range
DX-coded ASA 50 – 3200
08
Exposure modes
Programmed AE
09
Weight
225 g
10
Power
1 × CR123A

Backed by GPP

Service & guarantees

Every analog camera ships through our bench

This unit has been bench-tested by GPP. Shutter speeds verified across the range, light seals replaced where age had taken them, meter calibrated against a known reference. Cosmetic condition is reflected in the listing photos — knicks and dings consistent with a working camera body. Mechanically, it's good to shoot.

Comes with our 7-day functional return policy: if anything we declared isn't working as described, we'll exchange or refund.

  • CLA'd by GPP — shutter speeds checked, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a known reference.
  • 7-day functional return — if it doesn't work as we declared on this listing, we exchange or refund. Wear-and-tear consistent with the listed condition isn't returnable.
  • UAE & worldwide shipping — Domestic next-day, international tracked. Insurance can be added to any order on request. Customs and import duties are the buyer's responsibility on international orders.
  • Walk in to inspect — Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Mon–Sat, 10am–7pm. Bring a roll if you'd like to test-fire on the spot.

Questions

Things people ask

What film does it take?

Standard 35mm film. We carry the widest selection in the Middle East — colour, B&W, slide — across consumer, professional, and cinema stocks. Need a recommendation for this body? Just ask us.

Is the camera serviced before sale?

Yes — every analog camera at GPP goes through our bench before it goes on the listing. Shutter speeds verified, light seals replaced where needed, meter calibrated against a reference.

What's your return policy?

7-day functional return. If anything we declared isn't working as described, contact us within 7 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange.

Can GPP develop and scan the photos I shoot with this?

Yes — our in-house film lab handles colour, B&W, and slide development with scanning. 24-48 hour rush available. More on the film lab.

Can I see the camera before I buy?

Always welcome. Visit Warehouse D36, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am–7pm.

Reading

Further reference

Pentax Espio 738
Dhs. 500.00
  • ✓ CLA'd by GPP
  • ✓ 7-day functional return