Pentax IQZoom 115M

Hidden Gem or a Soft-Focus Nightmare?

The Pentax IQZoom 115M—a compact 35mm point-and-shoot that seems like it should be a perfect little travel companion. It’s lightweight, it zooms, and it has that early-2000s futuristic plastic charm that screams "I was designed by someone who owned a flip phone."

But here’s the real question: Does it actually take good photos?

I loaded it up with Arista EDU 400 and took it out for a spin. What I got was… interesting. Some shots were shockingly good. Others looked like I smeared Vaseline on the lens and called it art.

First Impressions:

The zoom range is ambitious—a 38-115mm lens in a tiny package. The autofocus? Optimistic, at best. But in the right light, this thing can actually deliver some unexpectedly decent results.

Shooting Experience:

The Pentax IQZoom 115M is point-and-shoot in the purest sense—which means you have to trust it. And if you’re a control freak when it comes to exposure, you might have a mild existential crisis. But when it works, it works.

I took it to a few locations, hoping to capture some gritty textures and vibes. Some shots landed. Some made me question my life choices. But one or two? Potential portfolio shots.

So, Is It Worth It?

Would I recommend this camera? It depends. If you’re looking for a compact film camera that sometimes surprises you and sometimes betrays you, this might be the one. But if soft focus and occasional missed shots drive you insane… maybe look elsewhere.

Want to see the results for yourself? Check out my full Pentax IQZoom 115M Review on YouTube—complete with image critiques, some harsh self-reflection, and a final verdict you won’t want to miss.

Watch here: