110 Pocketfilm - The best cameras for the miniature format

Cover photo: orion @ Flickr

The 110 pocket film has been experiencing a renaissance in the analog photography community for several years now. This compact film format, introduced by Kodak in the 1970s, offers a unique mix of nostalgia and creative freedom. Cameras for this format range from minimalist point-and-shoots to technically sophisticated single-lens reflex models. 

A bit of historical background on the 110 format  

Actually, we owe the revival of the format to Lomography. Lomography has brought both new films and cameras like the Lomomatic 110 to the market [2][7]. This camera combines a retro-inspired design with modern features such as manual zone focusing, multiple exposure function, and an optional flash module with color filters [2]. The characteristic “click-clack” sound during film advance and the compact format make it a favorite among Lomography fans even today. But as you probably already know, Lomo cameras are not comparable in quality to their counterparts from the golden age of analog photography. Sure, back then analog was the standard format and sometimes over 100 engineers worked on a single camera. Unimaginable today, but also great because many of the old treasures are still available on the used market and much cheaper than at their original launch.

What is the best 110 camera? My top 10.

You can never really say that for sure. A camera is a technical device and tool, but also as individual as its user. 

1. Pentax Auto 110 Super

The Pentax Auto 110 Super, introduced in 1982, is one of the most popular 110 cameras and the smallest single-lens reflex camera ever produced. It allows switching between six system lenses (including 18, 24, 50, and 70 mm) [9]. A robust polycarbonate body and automatic exposure make it a technical masterpiece still used by professionals today [6] [9]. The other technical details are also impressive. With a shutter speed up to 1/400s, a fairly accurate light meter, and the option for exposure compensation of +1.5 EV, it offers control over shots that is difficult to achieve with other 110 models [9]. But it is especially its modular lens system and bright viewfinder that make it the first choice for demanding analog photographers [6][9].  

Photo: orion @ Flickr

2. Rollei A110

The big advantage of the A110 is its robustness, because unlike the Pentax 110, the body is made entirely of metal. It also has one of the best lenses you can get in such a compact camera. With a Carl Zeiss Tessar 23 mm f/2.8 lens and body, this camera sets standards in build quality [10]. The manual zone focus (1 m to infinity) and precise program auto mode smoothly select shutter speed and aperture (f/2.8 to f/16). The camera remains unmistakable with its orange focus slider [10].  

Photo: Don Debold @ Flickr

3. Lomomatic 110

Besides the Diana Baby, the only camera on the list still available new today. Lomography’s latest innovation offers ISO settings (100–400), aperture selection (f/2.8, f/5.6), and unlimited multiple exposures [2][7]. The camera comes in various color options, in a metal body (see picture below), and with an optional color flash [7][13]. All in all, definitely not a bad camera, and if you really want to buy a new one, this is a good choice. However, a key advantage of pocket cameras is that they are unbeatable in price on the used market and usually only lightly used. If you want to save money, you can often find technically better cameras at similar prices on the used market.

Photo: Lomography

4. Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II

In my eyes, the coolest and most beautiful 110 camera ever made. Unfortunately, the Minolta 110 – as the name suggests – unlike its SLR competitor Pentax 110, has a fixed 25–67 mm f/3.5 zoom lens (Macro-Rokkor). Its predecessor (the Mark I from 1976) was the first SLR in the 110 format. The aperture priority and standard flash shoe make it very versatile, while the compact design impresses on the go [6].  

Photo: Matthew Paul Argall @ Flickr

5. Canon 110ED

Inspired by spy thrillers of the 1970s, this model impresses with a fast 26 mm f/2.0 lens (a full stop faster than the similar Rollei A110) and shutter speeds up to 8 seconds [3]. The fast aperture makes the 110ED the best pocket camera in low light [3].  

Photo: E Magnuson @ Flickr

6. Lomography Diana Baby 110  

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

Photo: Lomography

 

7. Agfa Agfamatic 6008 Macro

The Macro Pocket resembles the Canon 110 but has two extra features that make it a unique little camera. A built-in close-focus filter allows for close-up shots, and a knurled wheel with symbols above the red shutter button serves as a stylish distance scale. Otherwise, you get a sturdy plastic body and automatic exposure control. This makes the Agfamatic a reliable companion for everyday use [6].  

Photo: Kamerastore.com

8. Minox 110S

When it comes to spy and mini cameras, one name of course must not be missing. The Minox 110S is design-wise rather simple and minimalist. With a built-in light meter and a high-quality 25 mm f/2.8 lens (Color-Minotar), this camera focuses more on precision and "inner values"[6]. The Minox 110S also impresses with very intuitive operation: A slider opens the protective covers, while focus, film advance, and shutter are controlled via separate controls [6][10].  

9. Vivitar LF 110

If you don’t want to spend any money on your new toy at all, you can usually bid on a Vivitar for just a few euros on eBay. As an affordable entry-level option, this camera offers a built-in flash and automatic exposure [12]. Its compactness and easy film handling make it ideal for casual shooters who want to test 110 film for the first time [12][14].  

Photo: Raúl Santos de la Cámera @ Flickr

10. Kodak Ektralite 10  

A classic from the late 1970s with disposable optics, which scores points due to its availability on the used market (from 8 €) [14]. You can get the Kodak at a similar price to the previously mentioned Vivitar. Despite simple technology, it remains a popular choice for experimental projects like solarization or cross-processing [14].  

Photo: Joost J. Bakker @ Flickr

These were my very personal top 10 110 analog cameras. Of course, I couldn’t mention every single camera in this article, but I tried to find something suitable for every need and budget. 

If you’re looking for a professional camera in pocket format, you can’t go wrong with the Pentax 110 and a few interchangeable lenses. If it has to be a new camera, Lomography is basically the only way to go, and if you just want to try the format, you’ll find many cheap cameras from Vivitar, Kodak, and others for just a few euros on eBay.

Unfortunately, there remains a small problem for the tiny camera happiness: the film.

Important notes before buying

Battery issue with high-end models: Cameras like 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 release. Check before buying if a battery solution exists.

Film flatness and image sharpness: The plastic cassettes of 110 film do not have a metal film pressure plate, as is standard in 35mm cameras. As a result, the film never lies perfectly flat in the image plane. This is the real reason why even top models with Zeiss or Rokkor optics do not achieve the sharpness of 35mm cameras. Knowing this sets the right expectations.

110 Film availability, self-cutting, portioning & digitizing

Photo: Tom Hart @ Flickr

Lomography is currently unfortunately the only manufacturer actively producing 110 films. Their products are available through their online shop as well as authorized dealers worldwide 9. They offer a diverse selection of different film types:

Lomography Film Offer

• Color Films: Color Tiger (single film for 8.90 EUR or 3-pack for 22.90 EUR) and LomoChrome Color 92 Sun-kissed with ISO 400 (8.90 EUR)1
• Black and White Film: Orca B/W Film1
• Special films: Lobster Redscale (€9.90)1

If you want to use other films or get it even cheaper, you have to cut 35mm film (like the user in the photo above) down to 16mm width, perforate it, and load it into refillable cartridges yourself. Warning: Commercial 110 film has one perforation per frame that controls the transport mechanism and cocks the shutter in most cameras. Without these holes, the cameras advance uncontrollably and the shutter won’t fire. All in all, a complex process only for tinkerers and experts.

Development options

Developing is a bit easier. Developing 110 films 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, although you might get some surprised looks when you drop it off for the first time2.
• Specialized labs: The Lomography Film Lab offers both standard color negative development (C41) and cross-processing (X-Pro) for 110 films. The processing time is 1-2 business days, and negatives are returned twice a week10.
• Prices: The prices for development only, without scans or prints, are described by Lomography as the "most budget-friendly development package"10.

Home development

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

• JOBO 1502 spool: This development spool, specially designed for 110 film (16mm), is compatible with all JOBO tanks of the 1500 series. The MSRP is 39.90 EUR 78. The spool was put back into production due to demand following the resurgence of 110 film 7.
• Ausgeknipst 110 Spool (also for Paterson Tanks): If you want a more affordable option and already have a development tank you want to keep using, we recommend our specially developed 110 spool. It is available for the Paterson Tank / AP / & Kaiser as well as for Jobo.
• Yankee Clipper II Tank: This development tank features an adjustable spool that can be used with 110 film 215.
• DIY solutions: A more affordable alternative is to adapt a standard 35mm spool (e.g., Paterson). Since 110 film is exactly 16mm wide, you can cut, saw, or file the plastic spool to the right size 2.

Home development of black-and-white films in the 110 format is even easier than with 35mm thanks to the compact film format and can be seen as a great introduction to home development.

Digitization options

Lab digitization

Professional labs offer digitization services for 110 negatives:

• Resolution options: For example, bestfotoservice24.de offers two resolutions: a standard resolution of 1024x1340 pixels for archiving and a professional resolution of about 2000x2616 pixels for digital post-processing 19.
• Lomography Lab: In addition to development, also offers scanning services if you choose the corresponding package 10.

Self-digitization

Various tools are available for self-digitization:

• Lomography DigitaLIZA 110 Scanning Mask: This special mask allows digitizing 110 negatives using a flatbed scanner or digital camera 416.
• Ausgeknipst 110 mask for digitizing: We have also developed our own product here.
  
  
• DigitaLIZA+, DigitaLIZA Max and specialized negative holders: These complete kits include LED lighting and matching film holders for various scanner models (Somikon, Pacific Image, and others). Ideal for camera scanning with a smartphone or digital camera.
• DIY methods: Of course, you can also build a DIY scanner with simple materials. One method uses an iPad as a light source, a box, and a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a macro lens 13. There are countless tutorials for this on the internet. Usually, 35mm film is used, but the principle remains the same.

The simplest method for occasional digitization is to place the negatives on a light source (such as a smartphone), insert the negative into a mask (for example, one from Ausgeknipst :)), and photograph it with a camera equipped with a macro lens, followed by color inversion in editing software like Photoshop or GIMP. 17.

Conclusion

The 110 Pocket Film remains an interesting option for analog photography despite its compact size. With Lomography as an active manufacturer of various film types, multiple development options both in labs and at home, and different digitization possibilities, you can fully exploit the potential of this "spy format." The choice between lab services and self-processing naturally depends on your budget and available 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] https://www.ebay.de/b/Pocketfilm/bn_7005724599
[15] https://www.filmvorfuehrer.de/topic/26831-16mm-sw-filmkorn-pocketfilm-110/page/2/
[16] https://www.ebay.de/b/Alte-Miniaturkameras-mit-110-film-13x17mm-Filmformat/101644/bn_12564524
[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] https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-foto/pocket-film-110/k0c245
[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