Pentax's long-zoom compact — the Espio 120, to 120mm, autofocus, program AE, 1995.
The Pentax Espio 120 is a fixed-lens 35mm autofocus zoom compact from Pentax's Espio line, dating from 1995. The Espio series was marketed under the IQZoom name in the United States, so US buyers may encounter an equivalent IQZoom model. It is an everyday consumer point-and-shoot, named for the reach of its built-in zoom.
This is a motorised zoom compact whose lens extends from a wide setting to about 120mm at the telephoto end. It relies on autofocus, programmed automatic exposure and DX-coded film-speed reading, with a built-in flash offering auto, fill and red-eye reduction. There is no manual exposure control; the camera is fully automatic and battery-dependent, powered by a lithium cell.
The Espio 120 suits travel and general use where the extra telephoto reach helps with candid portraits and distant subjects without moving closer. It is a simple pocketable camera aimed at snapshot shooters. As with all long-zoom compacts, the maximum aperture closes down at the telephoto end, so the flash or good light is needed to keep shutter speeds high enough for sharp handheld frames.
On the used market check the zoom and autofocus motors run smoothly, and inspect the LCD data panel for missing or bleeding segments. Test the flash across its modes for reliable recycling. Look through the lens for haze, fungus and dust, check the battery compartment for corrosion, and examine the film-door light seals. Confirm the film advance, frame counter and rewind all work before trusting the camera with film.