Pentax Spotmatic
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The Pentax Spotmatic is a range of 35mm single-lens reflex cameras manufactured by the Asahi Optical Co. Ltd., later known as Pentax Corporation, between 1964 and 1976. The original 1964 Spotmatic was one of the first SLRs to offer a through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering system, initially using average metering and later center-weighting. Despite the name, the camera did not use spot metering but it was originally to feature it exclusively as in the prototype Spotmatic shown at Photokina 1960 but at the last minute before release it was decided to change to average metering as Asahi feared that users would not know how to use a spot meter and blame the camera for the bad pictures. There was not enough time to think of a new name or alter the marketing campaign in any large way so the name stuck.[1][2][3][4]
The model range includes the original Spotmatic, Spotmatic II and IIa, Spotmatic F, plus the SP500 and SP1000. There was also the Pentax SL, which was identical to the Spotmatic except that it did not have the built-in light meter. In 1971 the Electro-Spotmatic was the first aperture-priority, electronic, automatic SLR and was sold as a trial only in Japan.[citation needed] It was followed by the ES sold internationally in 1972. Two years later it was followed by the ES II. The ES had standardized and improved circuity that addressed reliability issues in the original version[5].
All Pentax Spotmatics use the M42 screw-thread lens mount. The lenses are focused at maximum aperture to give a bright viewfinder image for focusing, then a switch at the side stops the lens down and switches on the metering to enable the exposure to be set prior to shutter release. The Spotmatic F, Electro Spotmatic, ES, and ESII models are capable of open-aperture metering when used with lens models which support this feature.
Honeywell was the U.S. importer of the Spotmatic. Cameras officially imported by Honeywell were labeled Honeywell Pentax, instead of Asahi Pentax. The Spotmatic IIa was only available as a Honeywell Pentax; it was sold exclusively in the USA and had an electronic interface for specific Honeywell Strobonar electronic flash units.
All Pentax Spotmatics made use of Takumar lenses. These were high-quality, progressively improved lenses made by Asahi Optical Co. Ltd., later versions of which featured multi-coating. The cameras were also compatible with other M42 screw mount lenses.
The Pentax Spotmatic chassis was the basis for the Pentax KX, KM and K1000 models with Pentax-K bayonet mounts.[citation needed]
[edit] Noted users
Noted users of the Pentax Spotmatic include the American poet and photographer Ira Cohen[6].
[edit] References
- ^ Classic Cameras – Pentax Spotmatic
- ^ http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?AsahiPentaxSpotmatic.html~mainFrame
- ^ http://www.camerarepair.com/Used-Cameras/Pentax-SM-C210/Bodies-C212/Asahi-Pentax-Spotmatic-SP-Honeywell-Pentax-Spotmatic-P122/
- ^ http://www.aohc.it/selart16e.htm
- ^ Cecchi 1990, Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35 mm Cameras 1952–1989, Hove Collectors Books
- ^ The Guardian, 13th May 2011
[edit] External links
Media related to Pentax Spotmatic at Wikimedia Commons
