Pentax Spotmatic: Difference between revisions
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* [http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index.htm Pentax Spotmatic, Takumar Info, Manuals and Photos] |
* [http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index.htm Pentax Spotmatic, Takumar Info, Manuals and Photos] |
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* [http://whitemetal.com/pentax/spotmatic_family_traits.htm Spotmatic Family of Cameras Feature Guide] |
* [http://whitemetal.com/pentax/spotmatic_family_traits.htm Spotmatic Family of Cameras Feature Guide] |
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* [http://www.photopentax.com/boitiers_m42-en.html All Pentax Spotmatic since 1964] and [http://www.photopentax.com/compatibilite-en.html The largest database of M42 mount Pentax compatible (more than 5000 models)] PhotoPentax.com |
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[[Category:SLR cameras]] |
[[Category:SLR cameras]] |
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Revision as of 11:07, 7 June 2011
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2009) |
The Pentax Spotmatic comprises 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, although it had this feature in an early prototype.[1]
The range comprises 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. It was followed by the ES (name was shortened for the improved version) sold internationally and the U.S. in 1972. Two years later it was followed by the ES II. Spotmatic is often abbreviated to SP; references to the SP, SPII, SPF, etc. are common. The electronics in the Electro Spotmatic were undergoing constant revision during its trial period in Japan and should be approached in repair and restoration as though they are proto-types. The ES had standardized and improved circuity that addressed reliability issues in the original version[2].
All Pentax Spotmatics use a M42 lens screw 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 namely the S-M-C and SMC Takumar lenses.
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 of various types. 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 re-introduced in 1975–1976 as the basis for the Pentax KX, KM and K1000 models with Pentax-K bayonet mounts.
Noted users
Noted users of the Pentax Spotmatic include the American poet and photographer Ira Cohen[3].
References
- ^ Classic Cameras – Pentax Spotmatic
- ^ Cecchi 1990, Asahi Pentax and Pentax SLR 35 mm Cameras 1952–1989, Hove Collectors Books
- ^ The Guardian, 13th May 2011
External links
Media related to Pentax Spotmatic at Wikimedia Commons