Difference between revisions of "Pentax Spotmatic"
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* Lens Mount: [[M42|Pentax/Praktica screwmount]] (M42) | * Lens Mount: [[M42|Pentax/Praktica screwmount]] (M42) | ||
* Shutter: [[Focal plane shutter]], speeds 1 - 1/1000 sec. | * Shutter: [[Focal plane shutter]], speeds 1 - 1/1000 sec. | ||
| − | * Metering: [[CdS]] [[TTL]] metering (stopped-down manual match-needle metering system) [[Exposure | + | * Metering: [[CdS]] [[TTL]] metering (stopped-down manual match-needle metering system) [[Exposure value|EV]] 1.7 ~ 18 (ISO 100) ASA range 20-1600 (on original Spotmatic) |
=== The SL === | === The SL === | ||
Revision as of 13:47, 23 May 2008
Pentax Spotmatic SP, 28mm 3.5, 50mm 1.4 and 135mm 3.5 lenses
Contents
The Spotmatic
The Spotmatic was introduced by Asahi in 1964 and was the first camera to sell well with Through-the-Lens light metering. The camera was entirely mechanical apart from the light meter, which was powered by a PX625 mercury cell[1]. A small switch on the (photographer's) left side of the lens housing was pushed up to stop down the lens and activate the meter; the exposure controls would then be adjusted to centre a needle shown on the right edge the viewfinder. The body took lenses with a 42mm Pentax/Praktica screw thread, giving a huge range of alternatives. The system became the workhorse of many professionals of the period.
- ↑ Mercury batteries are now banned; "Zinc-Air" cells can now be used instead.
- Type: SLR body
- Manufacturer: Asahi Optical
- Year of launch: 1964
- Films: 35mm, speeds upto 3200 ASA
- Viewfinder: pentaprism eye-level viewfinder
- Lens Mount: Pentax/Praktica screwmount (M42)
- Shutter: Focal plane shutter, speeds 1 - 1/1000 sec.
- Metering: CdS TTL metering (stopped-down manual match-needle metering system) EV 1.7 ~ 18 (ISO 100) ASA range 20-1600 (on original Spotmatic)
The SL
Same as the Spotmatic but without light metering
The SP500 and SP1000
Same as the Spotmatic, but without self timer and max speeds of 1/500 (SP500) and 1/1000 (SP1000) The SP500 actually has a 1/1000 shutter speed one click past 1/500, it's just not marked on the shutter speed dial.
The Spotmatic II
|
| Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic IIa |
Updated version of the Spotmatic, with a HotShoe for X-flash synchronization ASA setting increased to 3200
The Spotmatic IIa
Virtually identical to the II, but introduced to support the Honeywell line of flashes. It has an "electric eye" It was only sold in the American market only.
The Spotmatic F
Spotmatic , body only
The Spotmatic F is a sturdy 35mm SLR in M42 screw mount that has a very quality feel. It was launched in 1973 and included several improvements The F was the first version to offer open-aperture metering, but this feature only works when used with Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumar lenses.
The ES
Automatic exposure (aperture priority) camera with automatic speeds from 1-1/1000. Manual speeds between 1/60 - 1/1000 Open-aperture metering with the SMC Takumar lenses
The ES II
Same as the ES, but with a self timer, shutter release lock, interior viewfinder blinds Speeds automatic between 8-1/1000
Links
- Repair Notes on the Spotmatic
- Manual Camera User's Opinion about the Spotmatic
- Manual Camera User's Opinion about the Spotmatic F
- Spotmatic
- Manuals of Spotmatic and Spotmatic II
- Manuals at Pentax Manuals by Kim Coxon
- Spotmatic, SP500, SP1000 and Spotmatic User Manual, Spotmatic F User Manual, Spotmatic Service Manual at www.collection-appareils.fr
References
Kepler H. 1974 The Pentax Way. 8ed. Focal Press, London
