1996
38–160mm zoom
Compact

Pentax Espio 160

Name: Pentax Espio 160
Brand: Pentax
SKU: SHOP_CAM_VINT_PENTAX_160_2075
Price: 500.0 AED
Availability: OutOfStock

Pentax's flagship zoom compact, made when zoom compacts mattered.

The Espio 160 is what a top-tier 35mm zoom compact looked like in 1996 — a body small enough for a jacket pocket, with a 4.2× zoom that runs from a usable 38mm wide all the way to a 160mm short tele. Pentax's optics team did the lens work, which means the rendering is better than the spec sheet suggests.

Programmed AE handles exposure, autofocus is active-IR, and DX-coded film loading auto-sets ISO. You point, half-press to lock focus, fully press. There's a panorama switch, a self-timer, and a built-in flash. That's the whole interface.

If you want the reach of a small zoom with Pentax glass and Pentax build, this body holds up surprisingly well thirty years later.

Match

Who this is for

Good for

Travel
Reach without lens swaps
Casual zoom-compact users

Not for

Low-light shooters
Anyone wanting manual control

Character

What it feels like to shoot

Light, plastic, but tighter-feeling than its weight suggests. The zoom motor is audible but quick. At full reach the lens is slow, which means flash starts working overtime indoors. At the wide end it's perfectly usable in mixed light.

Born 1996

History of the Pentax Espio 160

Top of the Espio compact line when it launched in 1996. Espio was Pentax's mid-90s branding for its consumer zoom-compact range; the 160 was the long-zoom flagship.

Technical specifications

MFG. 1996

Format

35mm autofocus zoom compact

Manufacturer

Pentax · Japan

Production

1996

Lens

Pentax 38–160mm f/4.8–12.5 zoom

Metering

Center-weighted programmed AE

Viewfinder

Real-image zoom finder with frame lines

Shutter

1/2000s – 4s (programmed)

ISO range

DX-coded ASA 25 – 3200

Flash sync

Built-in auto-flash

Exposure modes

Programmed AE

Weight

245 g

Power

1 × CR123A (or 2CR5)

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 — Dubai same-day before 12 PM (AED 50), UAE-wide in 2–3 business days (AED 40), international tracked in 5–10 business days (calculated at checkout). Insurance can be added on request. Customs and import duties are the buyer's responsibility on international orders. Full shipping policy.
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

Camera-Wiki entry on the Pentax Espio 160