The Petri Micro Compact is a camera made by the Japanese manufacturer Petri. The 35mm photo camera was also sold under the name “Carena Micro Compact”. The body of the camera is black.
The camera comes with a fixed focal length lens. 40 mm is the focal length of the lens. The maximum aperture is f/2.8. You have to focus the lens by hand in zone focus. The 35mm camera does not have an autofocus function. To get sharp pictures, you have to be at least 100 cm away from your subject.
The Petri Micro Compact has a built-in light meter. It is designed for films from ISO 25 to ISO 800. The camera has an automatic exposure. Per hot shoe, an external flash can be used with the 35mm camera. The sync speed is 1/30 second.
A thread for a tripod is built into the Petri Micro Compact. There is also a connection for a cable release. The camera weighs 320 grams and measures 10 x 6.4 x 4.8 cm. The 35mm camera is powered by a 1.3 volt battery, e.g. National M-1C (PX675).
Films for the Petri Micro Compact
Nothing works with the camera without 35mm film. The 35mm format is very common and allows for a compact body, so there are still some manufacturers and many developing labs today. A possible film for color images is the Agfaphoto Vista 400*. A possibility for B&W images is the AgfaPhoto APX 400*.
The Petri Micro Compact can only be bought used. The value of a used copy is mainly measured by its condition and functionality.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Illuminated frame finder with parallax compensation marks |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/30 second |
| Light meter | CdS light meter |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 25 to 800 |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/30 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x PX675 1.35V mercury battery |
| Size | 10 x 6,4 x 4,8 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 3.94 x 2.52 x 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 320 Grams |
| Manufacturer | Petri |
| Estimated value / Used price | 55,68 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 69,03 Euro (74.69 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Petri Micro Compact
Is the camera automatic or manual?
The Petri Micro Compact has automatic exposure, but focusing is manual. You need to set the focus zone yourself; there's no autofocus.
What kind of lens does this little camera have?
It has a fixed 40mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This means it's a prime lens, and you can't zoom.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can attach an external flash using the hot shoe. The flash sync speed is 1/30th of a second.
How is the compact camera powered?
It uses a 1.3-volt battery, such as the National M-1C (PX675). You'll need to find one of these to use the device.
What size are the pictures this small camera takes?
It uses standard 35mm film, also known as 135 film. This is a very common film format, so finding film shouldn't be a problem.