Pentax's early zoom compact — the Zoom 105, to 105mm, autofocus, program AE, 1991.
The Pentax Zoom 105 is a fixed-lens 35mm autofocus zoom compact from 1991, part of Pentax's Zoom/IQZoom family that preceded the later Espio branding. It was sold under the IQZoom name in the United States. It is an everyday consumer point-and-shoot named for its top focal length, offering built-in zoom in a self-contained body.
This is a motorised zoom compact whose built-in lens extends from a wide setting to about 105mm at the telephoto end. It uses autofocus, programmed automatic exposure and DX-coded film-speed reading, with a built-in flash providing auto, fill and red-eye reduction modes. Exposure and focus are fully automatic, and the camera depends on a lithium battery, so it will not function with a flat cell.
The Zoom 105 suits travellers and general shooters who want one camera spanning wide-angle to short telephoto for varied subjects and casual portraits. It is a simple grab-and-go body with all controls automated. Being an early-1990s zoom compact it has a slower maximum aperture at the long end, so the telephoto range works best in good light or with the flash.
On the used market test the zoom and autofocus motors for smooth, quiet operation, as these early zoom mechanisms wear with use. Check the LCD panel for dead or bleeding segments. Confirm the flash charges and fires across its modes, inspect the lens for haze, fungus and dust, and examine the battery compartment for corrosion. Verify the film-door light seals, frame counter, advance and rewind all work correctly.