Guide me to a Spotmatic

[Malcolm M]

“Just hold a Pentax” as the adverts used to say. Still remember handling one for the first time, all those decades ago. What’s wrong with self-timers? No-one will force you to use it, and at least it’s properly mechanical, and not a nasty bleeping and flashing electronic excrescence. If there are no issues with the batteries, my only slight quibble would be the lenses. The common lenses (28 f3.5, 35 f3.5, 135 f3.5) are widely available and cheap, but anything else might take a little tracking down. If you come across the 105 f2.8, buy it!

 

[Arbitrarium]

The S1a is the clear winner for me. That extra metal on the front and the lower top plate make them the best looking of the lot. Pure controls with nothing you don't need. But expect shutter capping/drag on the fast speeds.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

If there are no issues with the batteries, my only slight quibble would be the lenses. The common lenses (28 f3.5, 35 f3.5, 135 f3.5) are widely available and cheap, but anything else might take a little tracking down. If you come across the 105 f2.8, buy it!

I'm not sure where you get that idea? Takumar's come up for sale all the time! In the past few weeks I've seen good examples of the 20/f4.5, 24/f3.5, 50/f1.4 '8 element', 50/f1.4 '7 element', 55/f1.8, 85/f1.9, 105/f2.8, 135/f2.5 and 200/f3.5.



The availability and affordability of Takumar lenses is one of the best things about a M42 system!

 

[peterm1]

I'm not sure where you get that idea? Takumar's come up for sale all the time! In the past few weeks I've seen good examples of the 20/f4.5, 24/f3.5, 50/f1.4 '8 element', 50/f1.4 '7 element', 55/f1.8, 85/f1.9, 105/f2.8, 135/f2.5 and 200/f3.5.



The availability and affordability of Takumar lenses is one of the best things about a M42 system!

Yes I agree most of the range are more than readily available as well as cheap. A few are more expensive due to high demand and lower quantity in circulation, but still are easy to find on auction sites etc if you are prepared to pay the asking price. The 85mm f1.8 is a little like this, though I have to say it's a superb lens and only "expensive" by comparison with other Takumars. By comparison with other lens marques of comparable quality it is still reasonably priced.

 

[peterm1]

BTW I am gratified that so many agree with me about the "Pre Spotmatics" which I think are superb. I was kind of expecting to be told why I am wrong a little on this call.

 

[retinax]

I used to like the pre-spotmatics better visually, but bought a spotmatic, the earlier cameras are rarer here in Europe where in their time, German cameras still reigned supreme. As my Spotmatic has grown onto me, I've come to find its taller shoulders more attractive looking. And as it fits my hands so well, the GAS for the lower shouldered bodies has gone away.

 

[leicapixie]

The OP asked for way to a Spotmatic!
The many (very lucky) users of pre- Spotmatic advocates may have missed the boat.
I started with S1a and Sv Pentax cameras (Hia and Hv) and it was pure horror.
They were built for true amateur use and not for the long haul.
20+ rolls in an evening shoot doing fashion, wiped out a S1a..!
So let's focus on Spotmatics..

I was told about the coming Spotmatic by Herbert Keppler of "Modern Photography".
My 1st Spotmatic was in 1st batch to South Africa.
I had recently purchased my Leica M3(brand new) that arrived without Rangefinder parts..
I had to wait a week as missing bits were fitted by local Leica agency..

The 1st week with Spotmatic was simple joy!
A meter that was accurate with color slide film, Kodachrome.
My older screw mount lenses all fitted the new box.
Battery never a problem!
Bad news? Yes! The viewfinder even with 50mm f1.4 is dark, but EASILY focusable.
Most Spotmatics at this time don't have working meters..
My Leica meter CDS version was finished after 2~3 years..,
Large prints made 20" x 24" and larger.
I still use my Spotmatic system, alongside my Nikon-F and Leica M.
Yes! I still have that M3!
One of my Spotmatic body and lenses was lent to other photographers on trips around the world.
One was borrowed from family member by Press corps at Olympic event!
Untold miles of film went thru it, making a recess on pressure plate!

Go for it!

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

The OP asked for way to a Spotmatic!
The many (very lucky) users of pre- Spotmatic advocates may have missed the boat.
I started with S1a and Sv Pentax cameras (Hia and Hv) and it was pure horror.
They were built for true amateur use and not for the long haul.
20+ rolls in an evening shoot doing fashion, wiped out a S1a..!
So let's focus on Spotmatics..

It’s quite possible the OP, as a ‘spot newbie’, doesn’t even know that the pre-Spotmatic M42 Pentax’s exist. Most people who aren’t familiar with early Pentax/Asahi lore assume all screw-mounts are Spotmatics...

‘Horror’? That seems a bit hyperbolic... The number of Pentax users still happily shooting S-series bodies suggests they do fine for the long haul 🙂

 

[leicapixie]

No! I am right.
The Spotmatic was a big, no huge jump in quality.
It's release was delayed to achieve perfection.
Most of mine incl. daughters have never seen a service.
The "pre" cameras were and are exception.

Many makes here on forum did not do well as regards reliability.
Om-1, Bronica S series, Late model konica SLR's etc.
I was a PJ and reliability a major requirement.
If I was again, Leica digital with 9 months wait for sensor, would be behind my Bronica demon..😀

 

[B-9]

Thinking on this,

I may prefer a (working) built in meter.

Hmmm. I do like smaller tho!

 

[Livesteamer]

Over the years I have been on this forum, I remember Roger Hicks writing that the Pentax SV/H3v was a favorite of his. One of my favorites also. An H3v and a few lens's is a wonderful kit and won't cost much. The 28mm f3.5 and 35mm f3.5 are wonderful and available at low cost as are many others. Understand also that the Spotmatic has an averaging meter, not a spot meter as the name seems to imply. Joe

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

No! I am right.

Ah, right. OK...

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Thinking on this,

I may prefer a (working) built in meter.

Hmmm. I do like smaller tho!

If you really want/need a meter, I would look at the Spotmatic F and 'SMC' Takumar lenses to get full open-aperture metering.

 

[Doug]

If you really want/need a meter, I would look at the Spotmatic F and 'SMC' Takumar lenses to get full open-aperture metering.

An advantage for sure! Note that the contemporary models ES and ESII may be easier to find than the F, and offer aperture-priority auto exposure along with the same open-aperture metering with SMC Takumar lenses and still compatible with earlier glass. The ES was the first Pentax with auto exposure...

 

[leicapixie]

If one wants smaller, the MX (full mechanical, great diode meter) and ME-Super are smaller than Leica M!
Screw mounts are easy t adapt to K-mount.

 

[leicapixie]

The cost of some of my Spotmatic body.
On average at C$10~25.oo!
50mm f1.4 Super Takumar C$10.oo!
Working meter version usually more expensive.
Best Pentax Takumar lenses, 55mm, 50mm, 35mm f2.0,
28mm f 3.5, 50mm Macro, 105mm f2.8 and 85mm f1.9.

 

[B-9]

The cost of some of my Spotmatic body.
On average at C$10~25.oo!
50mm f1.4 Super Takumar C$10.oo!
Working meter version usually more expensive.
Best Pentax Takumar lenses, 55mm, 50mm, 35mm f2.0,
28mm f 3.5, 50mm Macro, 105mm f2.8 and 85mm f1.9.

Right on!

I do not mind stop down metering.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Unlike earlier Pentax SLRs, all Spotmatic models have a built-in TTL exposure meter, a handy modern convenience.

I too love the simplicity of the SP1000; it's the Spotmatic model I chose to keep.
The SP500 has an unmarked ~1/1000th shutter speed setting and is essentially the same camera without hot shoe;
IMO it even better looking.

Eric Hendrickson (pentaxs.com) can make any older Pentax model work like new.

Chris

 

[Greyscale]

Unlike earlier Pentax SLRs, all Spotmatic models have a built-in TTL exposure meter, a handy modern convenience.

I too love the simplicity of the SP1000; it's the Spotmatic model I chose to keep.
The SP500 has an unmarked ~1/1000th shutter speed setting and is essentially the same camera without hot shoe;
IMO it even better looking.

Eric Hendrickson (pentaxs.com) can make any older Pentax model work like new.

Chris

The SL is a Spotmatic without a built-in meter. It will take the same clip-on meter as the SV.

 

[peterm1]

To throw another spanner into the works yet another option is a K 1000. It is essentially a Spotmatic with a Pentax K mount giving access to all their lovely bayonet mount lenses..