Encouraged by my recent first experience with the Pentax Auto 110 I tried a second film. This was Fomapan 400 downrated to ISO 100 in Rodinal at 1:50 because the camera has only one film speed setting at ISO 80 as a result of damage from leaking batteries. There are times for a range of speed ratings between 100 and 6400 for this film in the Massive Dev Chart, https://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php, and these negatives are completely useable at ISO 100. The Rollei Superpan I used for the first run does have the edge in this format though, grain and acuity being better. For this second film I followed a method of modifying the cartridge suggested by Bob Janes in his article Perfecting the 110 Reload that he has kindly shared with me to see if it would eliminate some of the light leakage problems. The joint around the curved lower edge of the film compartments is weak after being separated. Bob’s method re-seals these joints and the backing paper covers the new joints along the saw cut. I did have a lot of scratches, probably from some of the debris from my razor saw left over from inadequate clean-up after making the modifications. None of the scratches aligned with the saw cut however. The light leakages were gone too. Mk 3 cartridge according to Bob Janes.
![Modified cartridge components.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/01-1024x726.jpeg)
![Modified cartridge asembled.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/02-1024x625.jpg)
To head off the lost frames I saw with the first film, I wound on very gently and only experienced the slippage once. I produced 18 useable frames out of 19 so definitely the new SOP. The missed frame was almost at the end, probably caused by the resistance from the fold I had made on the end of the film as an indicator as it left the feed chamber. This was no doubt just enough to cause the slipping clutch device to operate as it squeezed its way out and not to be included in future. I have invested in a “clicker” in my pocket to keep track of exposures in future.
Film #2 examples.
![18mm wide angle lens.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/03-684x1024.jpg)
![50mm lens from same position as for 18mm.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/04-682x1024.jpg)
![A favourite subject - mid-tone contrast rather weaker than with other films I have used.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/05-684x1024.jpg)
![Good general flare resistance from the 50mm - the flare patch looks like the aperture/shutter leaf shape.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/06-684x1024.jpg)
![18mm wide at closest focus - strap intruding unfortunately.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/07-1024x684.jpg)
![Winter Garden structure detail with 50mm showing up the grain rather strongly.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/08-1024x684.jpg)
![Closest focus with 50mm - just missed focus on the plant but gravel super sharp.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/09-1024x684.jpg)
![Hardly discernible grain in an ideal subject for this format.](https://www.35mmc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10-1024x684.jpg)
In conclusion. The results from this film are not bad and again demonstrate the need for abundant detail and the minimum of plain tones when using this small format. And my new cheap as chips clicker is great to keep track of exposures. I have a couple more more strips of Fomapan 400 to use up and then I will return to Rollei Superpan though for subminiature. The couple of still intact rolls of Fomapan I have in stock will go through my 120 cameras at box speed.
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Comments
Phil on A Second Outing with the Pentax Auto 110 with Fomapan 400.
Comment posted: 14/07/2024
'Its program exposure system works from 1 sec at f/2.8 to 1/750sec at f/13.5, with automatically set film speeds of 100 and 400ASA, according to the camera manual. However the service manual says the actual speeds used are 80ASA and 320ASA. The setting is done with a flange on the cassette acting on a button in the camera.'
Nice photos.
Comment posted: 14/07/2024
Neal A Wellons on A Second Outing with the Pentax Auto 110 with Fomapan 400.
Comment posted: 14/07/2024
I bought a clicker for my Kodak 500 with Fakmatic cartridge but it was just too big to keep in my pocket. Which clicker do you recommend?
Comment posted: 14/07/2024
Bob Janes on A Second Outing with the Pentax Auto 110 with Fomapan 400.
Comment posted: 14/07/2024
Really nice pics!
Comment posted: 14/07/2024
Ibraar Hussain on A Second Outing with the Pentax Auto 110 with Fomapan 400.
Comment posted: 15/07/2024
The photos have a lot of evocative character
Comment posted: 15/07/2024
Myles on A Second Outing with the Pentax Auto 110 with Fomapan 400.
Comment posted: 15/07/2024
Comment posted: 15/07/2024
Dan M on A Second Outing with the Pentax Auto 110 with Fomapan 400.
Comment posted: 15/07/2024
I have a Pentax 110 too. I may have to drag i out after reading your articles!
Comment posted: 15/07/2024