110 Pocket Film - The Best Cameras for the Miniature Format

Kodak’s 110 pocket film has been experiencing an analog renaissance for years. The Pentax Auto 110 Super from 1982 is considered the technical pinnacle of the format: the world’s smallest SLR, with six interchangeable lenses ranging from 18 to 70 mm. This article presents the ten best cameras for 110 film.

Cover photo: orion @ Flickr

The 110 pocket film format has been experiencing a renaissance for several years now. The compact format was introduced by Kodak in the 1970s. Cameras for it come as simple point-and-shoots just as much as SLRs with interchangeable lenses.

A little historical background on the 110 format

We essentially have Lomography to thank for reviving the format. Lomography has brought both new films and cameras such as the Lomomatic 110 to market [2][7]. The Lomomatic looks like a pocket camera from back then, but has manual zone focusing, multiple exposure, and an optional flash module with color filters [2]. Its characteristic “click-clack” sound when advancing the film and its compact format make it a favorite among Lomography fans even today. As you probably already know, however, Lomo cameras cannot be compared in terms of quality with their counterparts from the golden age of analog photography. Of course, analog photography was the standard format back then, and sometimes more than 100 engineers worked on a single camera. Unimaginable today, but also a stroke of luck: many of those old treasures can still be found on the used market, and much more cheaply than when they were launched.

What is the best 110 camera? My top 10.

There’s no definitive way to say that, of course. A camera is a technical device and tool, but it is also as individual as the person who uses it.

1. Pentax Auto 110 Super

The Pentax Auto 110 Super, introduced in 1982, is one of the most popular 110 cameras and also the smallest SLR ever produced. The Pentax allows users to switch between six system lenses, including 18, 24, 50, and 70 mm [9]. A sturdy polycarbonate body and automatic exposure make it a camera that people still shoot with seriously today [6][9]. Its other technical details are also impressive. With a shutter speed of up to 1/400s, a fairly accurate light meter, and the option to apply exposure compensation of +1.5 EV, it offers a level of control over the shot that is hardly possible with other 110 models [9]. Above all, however, its lens system and bright viewfinder make it the first choice for demanding analogue photographers [6][9].

Photo: orion @ Flickr

2. Rollei A110

The A110's major advantage is its robustness, as its body is made entirely of metal, unlike the Pentax 110. It also has one of the best lenses available in such a compact camera. With the Carl Zeiss Tessar 23 mm f/2.8 and the metal body, this camera sets the standard for build quality [10]. Focusing is manual by zones (1 m to infinity); a precise program automation continuously selects shutter speed and aperture (f/2.8 to f/16). The camera remains unmistakable thanks to its orange focus slider [10].

Photo: Don Debold @ Flickr

3. Lomomatic 110

Alongside the Diana Baby, this is the only camera on the list that is still available to buy new today. The Lomomatic offers ISO settings (100–400), aperture selection (f/2.8, f/5.6), and unlimited multiple exposures [2][7]. The camera is available in various color options, in a metal version (see image below), and with an optional color flash [7][13]. All in all, not a bad camera. If you absolutely want to buy new, you can go for it. The key advantage of the old pocket cameras, however, is that they are unbeatable value used and have usually seen hardly any use. On the used market, you can often find technically better cameras at similar prices.

Photo: Lomography

The Lomomatic 110 is a push-pull camera (it advances the film every time it is opened or closed) and is therefore considered, like the Agfamatic and Rollei A110, tricky to use with self-loaded cartridges; users also report sensitive film transport mechanisms. We have not tested it with our cartridges. Load your own film at your own risk.

4. Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II

In my opinion, the coolest and most beautiful 110 camera ever made. Unfortunately, as its name suggests, unlike the SLR competitor Pentax 110, the Minolta 110 has a permanently attached 25–67 mm f/3.5 zoom lens (Macro-Rokkor). Its predecessor (the 1976 Mark I) was the first SLR in the 110 format. Aperture priority and the standard hot shoe make it versatile, and it stays compact despite the zoom [6].

Photo: Matthew Paul Argall @ Flickr

5. Canon 110ED

This model is inspired by 1970s spy thrillers and stands out with a fast 26 mm f/2.0 lens (a full stop faster than the similar Rollei A110) and shutter speeds of up to 8 seconds [3]. The fast aperture makes the 110ED the best pocket camera for low-light conditions [3].

Photo: E Magnuson @ Flickr

6. Lomography Diana Baby 110  

The Diana Baby 110 is above all one thing: unbeatable value. As the smallest version of the Diana series, this camera produces lo-fi shots with strong vignetting [3]. If that’s your thing. In any case, it is very easy to use. If you like this simplicity without aperture or shutter-speed controls, you get a new camera here (when available) at an extremely low price [3][13].

Photo: Lomography

 

7. Agfa Agfamatic 6008 Macro

The Agfamatic 6008 Macro resembles the Canon 110ED, but has two special features that make it a unique little camera. A built-in close-focus filter enables close-up photography, and a knurled wheel with symbols on top next to the red shutter button is the distance scale, nicely done. Otherwise, you get a robust plastic body and automatic exposure control. This makes the Agfamatic a reliable everyday companion [6].

Photo: Kamerastore.com

8. Minox 110S

When it comes to spy and miniature cameras, one name naturally must not be left out. In terms of design, the Minox 110S is rather simple and purist. With a built-in light meter and a high-quality 25 mm f/2.8 lens (Color-Minotar), this camera focuses on precision and its “inner qualities” [6]. The Minox 110S also impresses with its very intuitive operation: a slider opens the protective covers, while focus, film advance, and the shutter release are controlled via separate controls [6][10].

9. Vivitar LF 110

If you do not want to spend any money at all on your new toy, you can usually pick up a Vivitar on eBay for just a few euros. As an affordable entry-level option, this camera features a built-in flash and automatic exposure [12]. Small and easy to load, it suits casual photographers who want to try 110 film for the first time [12][14].

Photo: Raúl Santos de la Cámera @ Flickr

10. Kodak Ektralite 10  

A late-1970s classic with a fixed-focus lens that stands out for its availability on the used market (from €8) [14]. You can therefore get the Kodak for a similar price to the previously mentioned Vivitar. Despite its simple technology, it is a popular choice for experiments such as solarization or cross-processing [14].

Photo: Joost J. Bakker @ Flickr

Those were my very personal top 10 110-format analog cameras. Of course, I could not mention every single camera in this article, but I tried to find something suitable for every need and budget.

If you are looking for a professional camera in a pocket-sized format, you cannot go wrong with the Pentax 110 and a few interchangeable lenses. If it has to be a new camera, there is really no alternative to Lomography. Anyone who simply wants to try out the format will find many inexpensive cameras from Vivitar, Kodak, and others on eBay, usually for just a few euros.

Unfortunately, one small problem remains for the joy of miniature cameras: the film.

Important notes before buying

Battery issues with high-end models: Cameras such as the Rollei A110, Minox 110S, and Canon 110ED require batteries that are no longer manufactured in the EU today (PX625, PX27). Without a working battery replacement (adapter or alternative cells), these cameras with electronic shutters will not fire. Before buying, check whether a battery solution exists.

Film flatness and image sharpness: 110 film cartridges do not have a metal film pressure plate, as is standard in 35mm cameras. As a result, the film is never perfectly flat in the image plane. That is the real reason why even top-of-the-line models with Zeiss or Rokkor optics cannot match the sharpness of 35mm cameras. Knowing this, you will have the right expectations.

Where can you get 110 film, and how do you cut, develop and digitize it?

Photo: Tom Hart @ Flickr

Unfortunately, Lomography is currently the only manufacturer actively producing 110 film. The films are available in the Lomography shop and from authorized retailers worldwide [24]. The range:

Lomography film selection

• Color film: Color Tiger (single film for EUR 8.90 or 3-pack for EUR 22.90) and LomoChrome Color 92 Sun-kissed with ISO 400 (EUR 8.90) [25]
• Black-and-white film: Orca B&W Film [25]
• Specialty films: Lobster Redscale (EUR 9.90) [25]

Anyone who wants to use other films or make it even cheaper has to cut 35mm film (like the user in the photo above) down to 16mm width and load it into refillable cartridges. It is a laborious process and only suitable for tinkerers and experts. Commercial 110 film has one perforation per frame, which controls the transport mechanism and cocks the shutter on most cameras. Film you cut yourself does not have these holes. Such cameras then advance it uncontrollably, and the shutter does not release. Some models, like the Pentax Auto 110, also work without perforation. Our guide further down shows how to test whether your camera fires without perforation, and how to cut the film and fill the cartridges.

Development options

Developing it is somewhat easier. Developing 110 film at a photo lab is straightforward and widely available:

• Standard labs: Most photo labs, supermarkets and drugstores can develop 110 film just like 35mm film, even if you might get some surprised looks the first time you drop it off [26].
• Specialized labs: The Lomography Film Lab offers both standard color negative development (C41) and cross-processing (X-Pro) for 110 film. Color negatives are developed within 1 to 2 working days, and the negatives are sent back twice a week [27].

Home development

For photographers who want to develop their own film, there are several options:

Disclaimer: We sell some of the products that appear here. Even so, the article is meant first and foremost as help and not as a sales pitch.

• JOBO 1502 Reel: This developing reel, specially designed for 110 film (16mm), is compatible with all JOBO 1500 series tanks. The recommended retail price is EUR 39.90 [28][29]. Because demand came back along with 110 film, JOBO is producing the reel again [28].
• Ausgeknipst 110 Reel (also for Paterson tanks): If you want a more affordable option and would like to keep using your developing tank, go for our own 110 reel. It is available for Paterson, AP and Kaiser tanks as well as for Jobo.
• Yankee Clipper II Tank: This developing tank features an adjustable reel that can be used with 110 film [26][30].
• DIY solutions: It is cheaper to modify a normal 35mm reel (e.g., Paterson). Because 110 film is exactly 16mm wide, you saw or file the plastic reel down to the right size [26].

Developing black-and-white 110-format film at home is even easier than developing 35mm film thanks to its compact format, and can be a good introduction.

Digitization options

Lab digitization

Professional labs offer digitization services for 110 film negatives:

• Resolution options: For example, bestfotoservice24.de offers two resolutions: a standard resolution of 1024x1340 pixels for archiving and a professional resolution of approximately 2000x2616 pixels for digital post-processing [31].
• Lomography Lab: In addition to developing, it also offers scanning services if you select the appropriate package [27].

Self-digitization

Various tools are available for digitizing film yourself:

• Lomography DigitaLIZA 110 Scanning Mask: This special mask allows you to digitize 110 negatives using a flatbed scanner or digital camera [32][33].
• Ausgeknipst 110 mask for digitizing: Our own mask for photographing your negatives; below you will find how to use it with smartphone light and a camera.
  
  
• DigitaLIZA+, DigitaLIZA Max and specialized negative holders: Both DigitaLIZA models are complete kits with LED lighting and a film holder for scanning with a smartphone or digital camera. There are also suitable negative holders for film scanners such as Somikon or Pacific Image.
• DIY methods: You can of course also build a DIY scanner using simple materials. One method uses an iPad as a light source, a box, and a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a macro lens [34]. There are countless guides for this online. They usually use 35mm film, but the principle remains the same.

The easiest method for occasional scans: the negative goes into a mask (ours, for example), the mask goes on a light source such as a smartphone display, and then you photograph it with a camera and a macro lens. Afterwards, you invert the colors in Photoshop or GIMP [35].

110 film is alive: Lomography supplies fresh film, and you can have it developed at most labs or develop it at home with a suitable reel. Whether you choose a lab or do it yourself depends on your wallet and your time.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.foto-erhardt.de/zubehoer/weiteres-fotozubehoer/filme/farb-negativfilme/lomography-lomochrome-purple-110-pocketfilm.html
[2] https://www.fotointern.ch/archiv/2024/03/07/wiederbelebung-des-mini-filmformats-neue-pocketkamera-lomomatic-110/
[3] https://www.lomography.de/magazine/323028-10-pocket-sized-110-cameras-for-everyday-use
[4] https://www.foto-erhardt.de/zubehoer/weiteres-fotozubehoer/filme/farb-negativfilme/lomography-color-tiger-110-iso-200-pocketfilm.html
[5] https://www.foto-leistenschneider.de/Lomography-Color-Tiger-200-110-Pocketfilm/020452320343
[6] https://www.fotocommunity.de/forum/analoge-fotografie/110er-pocketkamera-empfehlungen---41092
[7] https://www.fotointern.ch/archiv/2024/09/27/lomomatic-110-zebra-crossing-designvariante-der-pocket-kamera/
[8] https://shop.lomography.com/de/cameras/110-cameras
[9] https://www.schlicksbier.com/pentax-auto-110-die-urbane-kamera/
[10] https://www.lomography.de/magazine/182566-die-rollei-a110-eine-der-besten-kleinstbildkameras
[11] https://www.photoinfos.com/Fotografie-analog/Filme/110-Pocketfilm.html
[12] https://www.filmshooterscollective.com/analog-film-photography-blog/pocketed-adventures-with-110-film-and-a-1980s-pocket-camera-melanie-faith-10-31
[13] https://www.lomography.de/110-pocket-format
[14] eBay: listings for pocket film
[15] https://www.filmvorfuehrer.de/topic/26831-16mm-sw-filmkorn-pocketfilm-110/page/2/
[16] eBay: listings for 110 cameras
[17] https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/comments/1cljkjs/what_110_pocket_camera_would_you_recommend_to_buy/?tl=de
[18] https://www.fotokoch.de/Foto-Koch-Filmentwicklung-Pocketfilm-110-Entwicklung-Scan_27860.html
[19] Kleinanzeigen: listings for pocket film
[20] http://quirkyguywithacamera.blogspot.com/2018/04/small-format-size-big-format-results.html
[21] https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/Liste/121851194/pocketfilm-typ-110.html
[22] https://kosmofoto.com/2024/10/lomography-lomomatic-110-review/
[23] https://www.lomography.de/magazine/352880-wir-wir-den-pocketfilm-110-lieben
[24] https://shop.lomography.com/de/film/110-film
[25] https://www.fotoimpex.de/shop/filme/pocketfilme-110/
[26] https://www.lomography.de/magazine/178387-wo-kann-ich-110er-film-entwickeln-lassen
[27] https://shop.lomography.com/de/development-only-for-35mm-120-110-films
[28] https://www.digit.de/jobo-bringt-spirale-fuer-den-110-pocketfilm/
[29] https://www.ars-imago.ch/de_CH/shop/1502-jobo-1502-entwicklungsspule-16mm-110-film-23957
[30] https://www.lomography.de/magazine/241548-how-to-make-a-fully-functional-110-film-developing-reel
[31] https://www.bestfotoservice24.de/pocketfilm-digitalisieren.html
[32] https://shop.lomography.com/de/digitaliza-110-scanning-mask
[33] https://www.foto-erhardt.de/zubehoer/weiteres-fotozubehoer/mehr-fotozubehoer/lomography-digitaliza-110-film-scanning-mask.html
[34] https://www.lomography.de/magazine/254271-diy-film-scanner-aus-einem-ipad-und-einer-dslr-kamera
[35] https://www.lomoherz.de/2017/01/24/wie-digitalisiere-ich-meine-bilder-vom-film/

Related guides

• 110 Pocket Film: The complete guide to cutting, loading, developing, and scanning, the complete end-to-end workflow for the 110 format.
• Minox 8x11 Submini Guide: Cutting film, loading cassettes, developing, and scanning, the companion tutorial for the 9.2mm subminiature format, with nearly the same workflow and the same family of tools.