Two photo posts in one day!! This is another camera that I have only used once previously. I then gave the camera to a friend to try film for the first time in ages…and then I never got it back for various reasons.
I looked for a replacement, but the price of them had risen. I was given the original example, so was reluctant to pay a lot for another. Eventually, my minimum bid stuck and here we are.
I carried the camera around for ages, loaded with a roll of expired Ilford Pan 400. I thought I had finished the film and rewound it manually, by pressing the rewind button. The counter had gone well past the expected number for this bulk rolled cartridge. I was worried it wasn’t working. In the end, I had bulk rolled a little too much and there was a long strip of unused film.
Most of the photos were taken in Preston while visiting my friend’s exhibition. Once I had ‘finished’ the roll, I developed it in a new product from Zone Imaging. They are going to release that soon. Until then, I can’t name it.
Anyway, here are some of my results.
I like the results, especially the one chosen as the post’s featured image of Avenham Park. Given that the camera has a 170mm zone lens, the results are even more impressive. I would definitely recommend this camera.
I have one and love it. I reach for it more than any other camera I own.
I like my IQZoom/Espio 170SL as well!
It’s no wonder the prices have risen with all this love!
After all the hype of the 90s premium prime lens compacts, people are finally discovering these cameras. Yeah, not as “nice”, lens wise, but the technology is basically the same. And something like the 170SL is, well, slender. It’s not like the chonky 80’s point and shoots or the earlier 90’s zooms.
As for prices, I think if you wait it out, you can find one for a good price. US Ebay has several in working condition for about $40, less if you want to chance “parts only”. This is definitely more than the $20 I paid for one last year, of the $4 in 2020!
I am lucky to have a few point and shoots. It this had a panoramic mode, it would be perfect for me.
The 170SL does have a panoramic mode.
It DOES!! You are right, there is the button on the bottom. I forgot all about it. Brilliant, love it more. I will reload it right now.
You are right about waiting it out, I got this for £15.
I love Espios. Great photos of
If fully functional, one has to work really hard to to find a bad one. IQ on most of em is good. On occasions I still regret selling the one I had with a 24-120 lens.
The 170 is such a versatile camera.
Shame they can’t….or don’t want to make a nice small compact like this with a similar lens and a full frame or even aps-c digital sensor.
I am surprised you gave me the original 170 then 😀 I finally have it back and can say thank-you, you were right, espios are great.
You’re welcome. Anything I ever gave or lent you was because I figured you using it for your blog would bring the pleasure of whatever it is to a you and wider audience than just me , and chances are I don’t appreciate it enough.
Reading your Halina AF sensor review, you mentioned liking 38mm as a focal length, that made me think of this camera. 38mm being the wide end on these. Glad you’ve got one back cos when we’ve chatted on occasions you’ve mention the espio.
I have tried a few. They were easy to get in Japan. This one is loaded and set to panoramic ready for my next project.