OT: your favorite M42 SLRs

[zuikologist]

How about a Nikon F with Nikon/M42 adaptor?

 

[KoNickon]

Ray, sorry to not get back to you before. Yes, both ES and ESII will work without batteries, though you only get B, 160, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 and 1/1000.

Anand, of the Spotmatics, only the F has open aperture metering. I don't believe any of the M42 cameras had interchangeable screens, and I'm pretty sure also that none of the Pentaxes had mirror lock up as a separate control (though this might occur when operating the self-timer). Maybe the Fujicas offered these features?

 

[Doug]

I'm undecided about open-aperture metering ability. Do you know anything that meets these requirements? My own subjective preference is for a 'classic' camera. So I think I'd like some flavor of Spotmatic. Anyone know the difference between a Spotmatic SP, SPII and F?

The Spotmatic F, ES, and ESII were the last and latest screw-mount Pentax models produced, and these are the only three that offer open-aperture metering, and then only with SMC lenses. The ES and ESII have AE, and no user-selectable speeds below the 1/60 X-sync speed.

For ALL the goodies including mirror lockup, shift focus to the K-mount and look at the K2 and K2DMD, or the later LX. Even the tiny MX has interchangeable screens, using the same ones as the LX. Using M42 lenses on these loses diaphragm automation though, as with (AFAIK) all other adaptations to non-Pentax mount bodies too.

From what you've said, I agree with those who suggest the Spotmatic F as a fine choice. While I have 15 Pentaxes, the F is not among 'em.. 🙁

 

[Kim Coxon]

The first Pentax to have MLU as standard was the KX. It could be fitted to some of the Spots to special order. AFIK, none of the Fuji's offered it.

Kim

Ray, sorry to not get back to you before. Yes, both ES and ESII will work without batteries, though you only get B, 160, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 and 1/1000.

Anand, of the Spotmatics, only the F has open aperture metering. I don't believe any of the M42 cameras had interchangeable screens, and I'm pretty sure also that none of the Pentaxes had mirror lock up as a separate control (though this might occur when operating the self-timer). Maybe the Fujicas offered these features?

 

[Kim Coxon]

As I mentioned before the KX has MLU. The MX had it's own set of screens. You can use the MX ones in the LX but not the other way round. The LX ones will throw the meter off in the LX by at least one stop. It doesn't affect the LX as the the metering is OTF.

Both adapters to use M42 lenses on the Fujica X-Mount cameras retains the auto stop down and one of also allows the use of most of the meter functions as well using the Fujinons.

Kim

The Spotmatic F, ES, and ESII were the last and latest screw-mount Pentax models produced, and these are the only three that offer open-aperture metering, and then only with SMC lenses. The ES and ESII have AE, and no user-selectable speeds below the 1/60 X-sync speed.

For ALL the goodies including mirror lockup, shift focus to the K-mount and look at the K2 and K2DMD, or the later LX. Even the tiny MX has interchangeable screens, using the same ones as the LX. Using M42 lenses on these loses diaphragm automation though, as with (AFAIK) all other adaptations to non-Pentax mount bodies too.

From what you've said, I agree with those who suggest the Spotmatic F as a fine choice. While I have 15 Pentaxes, the F is not among 'em.. 🙁

 

[Fred]

M42?

Just about to reseal a Praktica MTL3 (when I get some isopropol alcohol for cleaning the old crud off) thanks to my foam kit from Jon Goodman here on the RFF and the meter sprung back into life with the aid of a battery adapter from John Neal (are all handy people called John/Jon?). Don't forget the Zenit's either, cloth shutters instead of the metal Praktica.

The Fujica ST605n handles better though and takes regular SR44 batteries and is smaller and lighter too. Off set tripod mount (ala Leica M) might be a problem though.

Pesonal preference, consider the Pentax MX, incredibly small and can be used with an M42 adapter without too much grief. Huge viewfinder with shutter speed, aperture (K mount) and exposure. Wonderful.

 

[Seele]

How about a Nikon F with Nikon/M42 adaptor?

Not only the adapter wipes out any mechanical connection between camera and lens, it also contains a negative element so as to compensate the greater back-focus needed for the Nikon body, which impacts on the image quality.