The Pentax Zoom 70 is a typical snapshot camera. It was produced by Pentax and introduced in the 1980s. The housing is made of plastic. In addition to the normal model, there was a Quartz Date model. With this version, the date of recording could be imprinted on the pictures if desired.
The camera comes with a fixed zoom lens. The zoom range is from 35 mm to 70 mm. A standard value for this type of camera. The largest available aperture is f/3.5 at 35 mm. At the end of the zoom, at 70 mm, it is only f/6.7. The 35 mm camera is equipped with autofocus. The closest focusing distance of this lens is 60 cm in macro mode. In normal mode, you have to keep one meter away from the subject.
The Pentax Zoom 70 is equipped with a built-in light meter. The aperture and shutter speed are set automatically by the camera technology. The light meter was designed for films with a sensitivity of ISO 50 to ISO 1600. The film speed is read out via the coding on the film cartridge. The exposure can be influenced with a correction of plus-minus 2 f-stops.
Of course, the camera does not lack a built-in flash. It has a charging time of about three seconds. There is a tripod socket on the bottom. Of course, a self-timer is not missing either.
The power supply is provided by 4x AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*). However, 6V DL-223A, CR-P2 or BR-P2 batteries can also be used. As a rule, however, AAA batteries are easier and cheaper to obtain. The runtime of a battery charge is about 550 pictures. For the Date model, an additional CR2025 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is needed. This is necessary for the internal clock.
Films for the Pentax Zoom 70
According to the instruction manual for the Pentax Zoom 70, 35mm film is exposed. This type of film is still in production, can easily be purchased online and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems. Available photo films for the Japanese compact cameras that are easy to get are the Kodak ColorPlus 200* for colour shots and the Ilford XP2 Super* for B/W shots. Both films are flexible to use and come with DX encoding on the film cartridge.
The film is automatically rewound after each shot. The return transport back into the film cartridge is also done automatically by the internal motor.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Snapshot camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 35 mm - 70 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Zoom function | Yes |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Lens design | 8 elements in 7 groups |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/5 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 50 to 1600 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,5EV to) |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | Model variant |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 4x AAA batteries |
| Estimated value / Used price | 51,54 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 97 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 59,11 Euro (63.86 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 67,38 Euro (72.52 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 60,48 Euro (64.94 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Pentax Zoom 70
What type of lens does the Pentax Zoom 70 feature, and what is its focal range?
The camera boasts a built-in zoom lens with a focal range of 35mm to 70mm, a standard range for snapshot cameras of its time.
How does the camera's automatic exposure system work, and what ISO range does it support?
The Pentax Zoom 70 uses an automatic exposure system that adjusts aperture and shutter speed. It's designed to work with film ISO speeds ranging from 50 to 1600, reading the film speed from the DX code.
What kind of power source does this compact camera utilize, and approximately how many pictures can one expect on a single charge?
It runs on four AAA batteries, or alternatively, 6V DL-223A, CR-P2, or BR-P2 batteries. A single charge provides power for roughly 550 shots.
Does the snapshot camera include a self-timer and a flash?
Yes, it features both a self-timer for delayed shots and a built-in flash with a recharge time of approximately three seconds.
What is the minimum focusing distance for this 80s camera, and how does it differ in macro mode?
The minimum focusing distance is one meter in normal mode. However, in macro mode, it can focus as close as 60 centimeters.