A gift! Do I want it????

[Stan]

You're a lucky guy. I'm still using an even older Pentax, the original "K", I've also got a 35mm Angenieux retrofocus and a 135mm Rodenstock Yronar. Go out and use it.

 

[Byuphoto]

Damn! That's the lens I like putting on my 350D. I gave the Spotmatic body to a friend but kept the 50/1.4 S-M-C Takumar. No wonder I feel funny when I'm using it on my DSLR. It makes me trigger happy. I wonder if I glow in the dark already. 😱

As long as you don't poop a Hot Pocket you will be ok

 

[Doug]

You're a lucky guy. I'm still using an even older Pentax, the original "K"... Go out and use it.

We're clearly among the few who do, Stan! What's the story on yours?

 

[dmr]

Yep, your memory is pretty good! The H3v was an H3 with self-timer feature added around the rewind crank. Outside the US it was an SV. It was introduced in '62, and they just kept making 'em for several years after the Spotmatic came out in '64.

Hmmm ... trying to think back ... I got my Spotmatic in 1972 I think. I don't recall it being an 8 year old model at the time, but I'll take your word for it. 🙂 My brother (5 years older than me) got the H3V several years before that. Both of them were very good cameras.

It's amazing that cameras of that vintage are still quite usable and actually quite desirable over much of the newer equipment. I'm still amazed how much I like shooting with the 2 30 year old rangefinders I've collected since I joined this place here. 🙂

 

[Doug]

Hmmm ... trying to think back ... I got my Spotmatic in 1972 I think. I don't recall it being an 8 year old model at the time, but I'll take your word for it. 🙂 My brother (5 years older than me) got the H3V several years before that. Both of them were very good cameras.

It's amazing that cameras of that vintage are still quite usable and actually quite desirable over much of the newer equipment. I'm still amazed how much I like shooting with the 2 30 year old rangefinders I've collected since I joined this place here. 🙂

Here's a Pentax time-line...
http://www.aohc.it/slr02e.htm

The K that Stan and I have is third on the time-line, coming up on 50 years old. Mine's had a recent CLA and is running fine. I think it's charming that it looks at first glance like the familiar H3v until you notice the slow-speed shutter dial on the front, the manual-reset frame counter, and the diaphragm-reopening crank on the lens.

Seems like your Spotmatic, new in '72, was near the end of production, and one of the improved models.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I got my first SV in '66 or '67 when it was a couple of years old or thereabouts. It was written off in a motorcycle accident in about '75; by then I was onto Nikon Fs and Leicas. I replaced it years later because for me, it is the reflex camera that comes closest to a Leica rangefinder in size, sweetness of action and overall feel.

As far as I recall, Pentax moved to a new factory in about '67 and none of their later cameras was as sweet or well-made as the older ones.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[dmr]

This one here:

http://www.aohc.it/cameras/h3v_2.jpg

... is the exact one my brother had. This is a good shot of the top-mounted meter.

Oops, spoke too soon. His had a 1.8 and not 2.0. I remember that because my first Mamiya had a 1.7, one 1/10 f-stop faster. 🙂 Sibling rivalry! 🙂 🙂

 

[oftheherd]

I've always heard good things about the Fujinons too but I've never owned one. I'm not putting the 55 Super-Takumars down, just warning that the praise they receive from some people will not, perhaps, be echoed by everyone who has tried them. Then again, I love the 35/1.4 last-generation pre-aspheric -- easily my favourite lens -- and that is one that is widely slagged off by others. A lot depends on what you shoot and how.

Cheers,

Roger

I think you are quite correct. Also, probably whatever was your first serious camera line that got you what you thought was good photographs.

Owning a screw-mount Fujinon isn't easy. Their prices seem to stay up. :bang: I would love to own some of the others. All I have are the 28mm, 135mm, 50mm macro and 50mm f/1.4. Oh, and the 43-75mm zoom, but I have never used that to get a feel for how good it is. I gave the zoom to my oldest daugher and she loves it over the 50mm f/1.8 I gave her with the ST 801. But that is the convenience of a small zoom in that range. Her photos seem to indicate it is a good lens.

I would love to have their 24mm, the 200mm, and the 75-150 zoom (a very small, light weight, good performing zoom). When you do see them, even on the 'bay, they are just more than I want to pay.

 

[egpj]

All I can focus on is a girlfriend that gives you camera gear. wow.

 

[Uncle Bill]

That is rare

That is rare

All I can focus on is a girlfriend that gives you camera gear. wow.

I would be happy with a girlfriend who appreciates and understands why I am into photography, overjoyed if she is a photographer too.

Bill