1996
38–105mm zoom
Compact

Pentax Espio 738

Name: Pentax Espio 738
Brand: Pentax
SKU: SHOP_CAM_VINT_PENTAX_ESPIO738_2054
Price: 500.0 AED
Availability: OutOfStock

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

Format

35mm autofocus zoom compact

Manufacturer

Pentax · Japan

Production

1996

Lens

Pentax 38–105mm f/5.6–10.8 zoom

Metering

Center-weighted programmed AE

Shutter

1/500s – 2s (programmed)

ISO range

DX-coded ASA 50 – 3200

Exposure modes

Programmed AE

Weight

225 g

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 — 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 Pentax Espio compacts