WOW! A gem of a P&S!

[RFFan]

Fellow RF fans, please indulge me while a wax lyrical about a little gem of a P&S.

The camera in question is the Pentax Espio Mini (aka Pentax UC1) which dates back to the mid-90s. I bought one recently for GBP 30 from an online supplier (just 25% of original SP). Just got the first film back....cheap supermarket ASA 400 (Agfa in disguise)....and the results....WOW! Finally, I’ve got a P&S with a 32mm lens that injects real ‘life’ into the pictures. Sharp but not ‘clinically’ sharp like a T4 or Canon Z135. These photos have beautiful colour and much better ‘depth’ - no doubt due to better micro-contrast than these other P&S cameras.

I now plan to double up on my colour negative shots: my RF loaded with Fuji Reala for exposure / depth-of-field control and fine-grained prints for enlargement, and my little Pentax loaded with fast film for snapshots with verve!

If you come across one of these on the S/H market, my advice is to snap it up!

 

[kuvvy]

I've said it before, the Mini is superbly sharp and a good pocket companion. i had one sometime ago and sold it and immediately regretted it. So when in Jessops a few weeks back I noticed one in the used section and snapped it up.
This camera is excellent for low light shots like illuminated streets etc. I went to see a rock band few weeks back, only a small venue, but took along the Mini loaded with Fuji 800. Turned the flash off and got some nice shots. The exposures of the stage lights were excellent. Off out to see another band on Friday and the Mini / 800 combo will be in my pocket.
I will try to get a couple of the band shots in my gallery.

Paul

 

[Socke]

For me it's the Contax TVS loaded with Fuji 400 or 800 🙂.
And yes, I like the zoom and it adds to the usefulness as a snapshot camera.

 

[XAos]

I always end up grabbing up non zoom p&s cameras (they're getting rarer) when I can find them with f/2.8 lenses. But I will admit zoom adds a ton of utility in a snapshot camera. It just also adds to startup time, and makes the camera prone to damage in new ways.

 

[kuvvy]

Just uploaded 3 shots in my non-RF album of rock band Guns 'n' Oatcakes playing at the Transport Club in Rochdale, taken with the Espio Mini if anyone cares to look.

Paul

 

[Socke]

The Contax TVS has a manual 28-56/3.5-6.5 zoom. It is my F8 and be there camera 🙂

 

[fgianni]

My favourite P&S is my Minolta TC-1 as good as any SLR with a good 28mm lens, but all in your pocket.

 

[richard_l]

I always end up grabbing up non zoom p&s cameras (they're getting rarer) when I can find them with f/2.8 lenses.....

How about f/2.4 lenses? See Erwin Puts' review of the Minilux at http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/magazine/minilux.html

 

[RFFan]

Kuvvy,

Great set of pics from the gig. I guess Rochdale rocks! (I'm a Manchester exile living in the South). The pics definitely show off the quality of the Pentax lens and also how 'available light' photography invariably captures the mood so much better than flash. I haven't used Fuji 800 before but I'm now going to give it a go for some indoor shots.

Keep rockin!

 

[rbiemer]

Thanks for relighting my lust for one of these. I wanted to get one when they were new and couldn't afford 'em. Now that I could, I cant seem to find the d@#n things 😡
Great photos, Kuvvy!

Rob

 

[kuvvy]

I guess Rochdale rocks! (I'm a Manchester exile living in the South).

Rochdale indeed does rock. Most Friday nights anyway. This a link to the site showing what's on at the club. if you ever get back up here drop in.
http://www.jlc-rock-promotions.com/

Paul