• Pentax Espio 160 — view 2
  • Pentax Espio 160 — view 3
  • Pentax Espio 160 — view 4
  • 1996
  • 38–160mm zoom
  • Compact

Pentax Espio 160

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
01
Format
35mm autofocus zoom compact
02
Manufacturer
Pentax · Japan
03
Production
1996
04
Lens
Pentax 38–160mm f/4.8–12.5 zoom
05
Metering
Center-weighted programmed AE
06
Viewfinder
Real-image zoom finder with frame lines
07
Shutter
1/2000s – 4s (programmed)
08
ISO range
DX-coded ASA 25 – 3200
09
Flash sync
Built-in auto-flash
10
Exposure modes
Programmed AE
11
Weight
245 g
12
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 — 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

Camera-Wiki entry on the Pentax Espio 160

Pentax Espio 160
Dhs. 500.00
  • ✓ CLA'd by GPP
  • ✓ 7-day functional return