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Pentax Spotmatic SP II w/ SMC Takumar 55mm f1.8 lens + leather case // modified for modern batteries

Pentax Spotmatic SP II w/ SMC Takumar 55mm f1.8 lens + leather case // modified for modern batteries

Regular price $130.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $130.00 USD
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This Pentax Spotmatic II (serial 5088702) is one of the nicer ones we've ever tried. The film advance is very smooth and the shutter speeds all show excellent accuracy. The included lens is a lovely and sharp SMC Takumar 55mm f1.8. Also included is the original (and unusually nice) leather ever-ready case. 

We installed a voltage dropping diode to improve the light meter accuracy with a modern 392 silver oxide battery (included). The camera originally used a mercury cell which is no longer available. 

One of the nicer things about Spotmatic cameras like this is that their M42 lens mount was so widely adopted that there is an enormous number of affordable used lenses available should you ever wish to explore shooting with different focal lengths. 

These are very pleasant cameras to use but for folks used to modern SLRs, one thing to bear in mind: first, the camera uses something called 'stop down metering' where you click a switch to turn on the light meter and also set the aperture, so it's best to get into the habit of focusing, then metering, before taking the shot.

Condition notes
The camera and lens were tested with film and performed perfectly. Everything is in very good aesthetic condition as well (see photos) with a bit of wear on the battery cover being the only noteworthy flaw.

Manual
http://www.cameramanuals.org/pentax_pdf/pentax_spotmatic_ii.pdf

Specifications

  • Type:35mm single-lens reflex with built-in light
  • meter.
  • Film and Picture Size: 35mm film (20 or 36 exposures). 24mm x 36mm.
  • Standard Lenses: Super.Multi.Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 Or
  • 55mm f/ 1.8 with fully automatic diaphragm.
  • Filters and lens hood size: 49mm. Equipped
  • with diaphragm preview lever which affords
  • visual check of depth of field.
  • Distance scale: 45cm (18") to infinity.
  • Shutter: Focal plane shutter, with single non-rotating dial.
  • Speeds: B, 1-1/1000 sec. Film speed (ASA) setting dial and window on shutter
  • speed dial. Built-in self-timer releases shutter in 5-13 seconds. Shutter curtains of special rubberized silk.
  • Warning Signal: The index of shutter speeds turns to red when the shutter and film speed settings are off the meter's measurability range. Refer to page 16.
  • Finder: Pentaprism finder with microprism Fresnel lens for instant focusing; 0.88x magnification with 50mm lens and approximately life-size with 55mm lens.
  • Focusing: Turn the distance scale ring until the subject image on the ground glass comes into focus.
  • Reflex Mirror: Instant return type with special shock absorbers for minimum vibration.
  • Lens Mount: 42mm threaded lens mount.
  • Film Advance: Ratchet-type rapid wind lever (for film advance and shutter cocking). 10° preadvancing and 160° advancing angle.
  • "Cocked" Indicator: A red disk appears in a small window along side the shutter release button when the shutter is cocked, and blacks out when it is released.
  • Film Exposure Counter: Automatic re-set type.
  • Flash Synchronization: FP + X contacts for conventional flash cord connection. Separate FP/X contact on hot shoe for convenient flash cordless connection.
  • Exposure Meter: Built-in meter measures the brightness of the ground glass, and couples directly to shutter and film speed settings. Film speed (ASA) setting ranges from 20 to 3200 (LV 1-18 for ASA100 film with standard lens.) Meter is powered with a mercury battery.
  • Film Rewind: Rapid rewind crank for speedy film take-up. Film rewind release button on bottom of camera body rotates while film is being rewound.
  • Loaded Film Indicator: Loaded film reminder dial underneath film rewind knob is marked EMP. (empty), 20 and 36 (exposures) in green (for color; tungsten type), in white (black and white) and in orange (for color, daylight type).
  • Dimension:
  • Width 143mm (5.6") x height 93mm (3.66") x
  • thickness 88mm (3.4").
  • Weight
  • 853 grams (1 lb. 11 oz.) with 50mm f/1.4 lens.
  • Body alone: 622 grams (1 lb. 4 oz.)

 

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