Expert: John Oliverio - 10/13/2006

Question
Dear John,

I bought a Pentax ESPIO film camera with a 38-160mm zoom lens and it didn't come with an instrucion manual so I was hoping you could help me.I have figured out how to use most of it's features but it has a window on the back panel which says Mode and has the numbers 1 1'94,94 1 1 and 11;09 on it . Could you explain this to me? Also it has a switch which I think lets you do panoramic shots . Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob.

Answer
Rob,
 I think what you are seeing is the control for the date function.  The mode button should let you somehow set the date, and switch between display modes. (year or month or day first) All the panorama switch does is drop a mask in front of the film, blocking off the top and bottom.  This makes a "panoramic" aspect ratio.  The lab then enlarges the image and cuts off the top and bottom of the picture, makeing it look like a panoramic.  We call it "fake-o-rama" because it's not really any wider than a regular picture.  

 I'm not sure how to set your date....  you probably have to hold down the mode button untill the date starts blinking, then somehow you can set it.  Usually to turn it off, you keep pressing the mode button un'till the numbers are gone and all you have are dashes.  If you don't turn it off, you'll get the date in the bottom right hand corner of the picture....  usually in bright orange or red.

John