I have the exact camera. Used it extensively in the 70's and loved it. My son is a professional photographer & I'd like to share time shooting with him with my "vintage" camera. However, the light meter no longer functions. I've not yet been successful getting it repaired. Do you have recommendations for repair shops that might be able to bring it back? Much appreciated.
No need. Learn sunny 16 and guess your exposure. It's so easy. ruclips.net/video/uuH4hpAvEAE/видео.html - And save the repair money you can buy another one to replace it for less.
+Kenneth Wajda Just buy a separate meter. I have German Sixtomat and Leningrad selenium meters. I stick a piece of the film box on the back near the viewing aperture to remind me of film type.
Interesting. With the Spotmatic F, one of the later in the series, metering is "always on." Simply removing the lens cap activates it. No need to toggle that up/down switch. That switch is only used for DOF preview. (Also, I believe if you are using an older lens that does not support stop-down metering with the pin on the back of the lens, , you would leave the switch in the upper position) The idea is to manually stop down the lens for focus, and then set it to the aperture you want and use the camera's match stick meter at that point.
I just picked up a Silver Honeywell Pentax SPII for 45.00. It came with the standard 50mm 1:4 lens and a 150mm 1:4 lens. The light meeter works and comes with original lens caps with Soft leather case. Its nice and I look forward to using it for black and white pictures. What are your insights on this camera?
It's a classic, the lenses are impeccable and in that condition, you've got a great deal and a great setup. Ringo and Paul used that one, I believe, when they came to America.
The back body was always an option ,certainly in the uk for the SP11, I bought one and still have it, in 1974, I think the black finish cost about £5 extra
Looks like you got a good one. 20 bucks? I bought my Spotmatic in 1975 and have taken thousands of pictures with it. It’s in the shop now for shutter repair. Can’t wait to get back into film.
I have had a Spotmatic for about 10 years now. It is one of the smoothest operating cameras I own. A K1000 was my first camera many years ago and my only camera for nearly 20 years. The Spotmatic is just smoother. The shutter button and the film advance just glide.
Nice black-body variant you've got there! I have one on the way, so finding this vid is timely. What batteries are you using in yours, and how is this affecting metering (if at all)? I know this is a contentious issue among Spotmatic users.
+kenneth wajda Update - it arrived and appears to be working well with a 1.5V battery in it - metering matches my other Pentax cameras (film and digital) within 1 stop when fitted with the same lens. At times I'm tempted to set the ASA 1/3 to 1/2 stop slow; I feel it's under-exposing a touch. The only real downside with this camera is having to stop down when you meter, and then it's not just the focus area that goes dark, the meter needle can be a bit hard to read too. Little wonder Pentax eventually put an aperture-transmission arm on the Takumar lenses (SMC/Super-multi-coated variants) to allow the Spotmatic F to meter wide open.
just picked one of the honeywell pentax spotmatic sp ii (black) today, it is nearly perfect... unfortunately the battery door is corroded shut! any suggestions besides taking off the bottom plate? not sure i can without a jis screwdriver set. the shutter sounds great, everything else is minty. cross your fingers everyone... the light meter is sitting unresponsive in the middle. sigh.
You don't need a meter. Sunny 16! Now that door, how is it corroded shut? A little Ronsonol lighter fluid--it evaporates and eats through stuck lens glue. Might try. Don't light it. Just squirt it on it. And try to pry it open carefully.
Ran across an ad in local craigslist for a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic, with 50 mm f/1.8 Super Takumar lens. Per photo it looks very clean and in excellent condition. Is the metering pattern 'spot' or averaging? I always assumed they had spot metering but have read that some of models had averaging metering patterns. I'm tempted on this one because the price is really attractive.
Thanks for your review. I have a silver one, i've take many pictures over the years; i've had it for about 25 years. I've always been looking around to find someone who'd have a review of it, always wondering is this to be a great camera or just low end type. I think I'll be using mine for many more years to come. thanks again,
Great video thanks. I’ve just bought a Honeywell Pentax ES not spotmatic. In great condition. Im new to using film and struggling with metering. I set my ISO to film suggestion on box. Then I’ve tried out automatic . Metering just showing really over exposed outdoors in light cloud. Seems to want more than 1/1000 but of course no option for that! Went down to f11 and still showing over exposed. Even changed ISO to 100 and same?? Any ideas?? I’ve not had my images printed yet
With 100 speed film, in sunlight, you can shoot at 125 at f8 all day, sunny or backlit. With 400 film, in sunlight, 250 at f11. That exposes for the shadows. You can't overexpose negative film too much.
@@kennethwajda thank you so much. Yesterdays film was a iso 400. I’ll take on board your advice and go have another play today. Thanks for helping, appreciate it x
It doesn't seem sluggish, however using just my ears shutter speeds 250-1000 sound almost identical, but perhaps they're fine. The camera arrived particularly clean so hoping that its fine. Currently running a roll and will certainly process it before CLA; that's good advice. I really enjoy your reviews of the cameras. The old manuals have this charm and can produce beautifully unique exposures via the photographer. The film revival is growing!
***** Yes, and I think it's hard to hear the difference between 250-1000. Those are usually fine. Good luck to you. Post some pics when you have some back! Thanks!
I have one. Mine is a silver bodied Asahi Pentax model. I got it when I was adding Super-Takumar lenses for use with my Pentax DSLR's. I got it CLA'ed by Eric and now it's in top condition. I put a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus through it and it worked just fine. Now I need to work on my photographic skills.
Thanks for posting all these informative reviews. I just purchased a functioning Spotmatic. Believe it needs to be CLA'd but no one in my area does so. Researching has continously brought up the name Eric H. General consensus online seems to say he's the guy who knows Spotmatics. Would love to hear peoples' experiences before shipping my camera off.
I've sent two cameras to Eric, a Spotmatic and an ME Super both with stuck mirrors and needing general maintenance. Both came back in fine operating condition. As you have read online the stories about him are on point. Good work done in a reasonable amount of time for a fair price.
Came across your excellent video when I was looking at an offering on an auction site. I've seen both the Honeywell and the Asahi Spotmatic and read about the chronology of the change. I'm just curious if one is considered preferable to the other? btw, love that black version.
hey I wanna say thank u for that lol :)I have the same camera and dint know a lot about it if you have any more tips on how to use it well please make a new video again thanks
Good show, how ever, i would suggest, that you DON T push the meter switch DOWN ( off ), if you don t want to meter. The small spring inside will loose it strength, then, after a while, of doing so, it wont go up. When i worked as a shooter, for the TORONTO TELEGRAM, ( Newspaper ) in Toronto, a good 75% of our photographers used the spotmatic....it s built like an AMERICAN Sherman tank.
@@kennethwajda Yes correct. I didn't look that close during the video. I should have before commenting. I just saw the protruding rear element. Your serial # is too high as well, and the A/M switch is Auto/Manual. The 7 element version is still really good though. I have both and only notice a slight difference wide open and stopped down. At 5.6 and 8, they're identical.
I have the exact camera. Used it extensively in the 70's and loved it. My son is a professional photographer & I'd like to share time shooting with him with my "vintage" camera. However, the light meter no longer functions. I've not yet been successful getting it repaired. Do you have recommendations for repair shops that might be able to bring it back? Much appreciated.
No need. Learn sunny 16 and guess your exposure. It's so easy. ruclips.net/video/uuH4hpAvEAE/видео.html - And save the repair money you can buy another one to replace it for less.
+Kenneth Wajda Just buy a separate meter.
I have German Sixtomat and Leningrad selenium meters.
I stick a piece of the film box on the back near the viewing aperture to remind me of film type.
What a beauty. I just got a silver one but the black is gorgeous.
I was an Army photographer, although we shot with a K1000, I stand by these boxes all the way! Thanks for the video, man. Cool.
You're welcome. Thanks for the note.
Cool! How did the k1000 fare when capturing combat? I picked up a spotmatic instead of the K1000.
Interesting. With the Spotmatic F, one of the later in the series, metering is "always on." Simply removing the lens cap activates it. No need to toggle that up/down switch. That switch is only used for DOF preview. (Also, I believe if you are using an older lens that does not support stop-down metering with the pin on the back of the lens, , you would leave the switch in the upper position) The idea is to manually stop down the lens for focus, and then set it to the aperture you want and use the camera's match stick meter at that point.
Excellent. Thanks for that info!
I just picked up a Silver Honeywell Pentax SPII for 45.00. It came with the standard 50mm 1:4 lens and a 150mm 1:4 lens. The light meeter works and comes with original lens caps with Soft leather case. Its nice and I look forward to using it for black and white pictures. What are your insights on this camera?
It's a classic, the lenses are impeccable and in that condition, you've got a great deal and a great setup. Ringo and Paul used that one, I believe, when they came to America.
My grandfathers Spotmatic was handed down to me. Everything was like new. It had its leather case and manual, a few lenses, and a flash.
Sweet. Keep it in the family. Sounds like it's in great shape!
Wow
lucky you! C:
You been blessed
The back body was always an option ,certainly in the uk for the SP11, I bought one and still have it, in 1974, I think the black finish cost about £5 extra
Looks like you got a good one. 20 bucks? I bought my Spotmatic in 1975 and have taken thousands of pictures with it. It’s in the shop now for shutter repair. Can’t wait to get back into film.
I have had a Spotmatic for about 10 years now. It is one of the smoothest operating cameras I own. A K1000 was my first camera many years ago and my only camera for nearly 20 years. The Spotmatic is just smoother. The shutter button and the film advance just glide.
Nice black-body variant you've got there!
I have one on the way, so finding this vid is timely. What batteries are you using in yours, and how is this affecting metering (if at all)? I know this is a contentious issue among Spotmatic users.
+jsm666 I don't use batteries. Just sunny 16 with this one.
+kenneth wajda Update - it arrived and appears to be working well with a 1.5V battery in it - metering matches my other Pentax cameras (film and digital) within 1 stop when fitted with the same lens. At times I'm tempted to set the ASA 1/3 to 1/2 stop slow; I feel it's under-exposing a touch. The only real downside with this camera is having to stop down when you meter, and then it's not just the focus area that goes dark, the meter needle can be a bit hard to read too. Little wonder Pentax eventually put an aperture-transmission arm on the Takumar lenses (SMC/Super-multi-coated variants) to allow the Spotmatic F to meter wide open.
+jsm666 Glad it's working. Yes, err toward overexposure with film. Post a link with some pics when you can, please. :-)
just picked one of the honeywell pentax spotmatic sp ii (black) today, it is nearly perfect... unfortunately the battery door is corroded shut! any suggestions besides taking off the bottom plate? not sure i can without a jis screwdriver set.
the shutter sounds great, everything else is minty. cross your fingers everyone... the light meter is sitting unresponsive in the middle. sigh.
You don't need a meter. Sunny 16! Now that door, how is it corroded shut? A little Ronsonol lighter fluid--it evaporates and eats through stuck lens glue. Might try. Don't light it. Just squirt it on it. And try to pry it open carefully.
ruclips.net/video/uuH4hpAvEAE/видео.html
Ran across an ad in local craigslist for a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic, with 50 mm f/1.8 Super Takumar lens. Per photo it looks very clean and in excellent condition. Is the metering pattern 'spot' or averaging? I always assumed they had spot metering but have read that some of models had averaging metering patterns. I'm tempted on this one because the price is really attractive.
The original one had spot metering. The later ones center-weighted.
I recently got this exact camera and I don’t know what type of film I’m supposed to buy for it, any suggestions??
Try Kodak Tri-x or Ilford HP5 if you like black and white photos, and Kodak Portra 400 if you like color. Those would be good to start with.
Thanks for your review. I have a silver one, i've take many pictures over the years; i've had it for about 25 years. I've always been looking around to find someone who'd have a review of it, always wondering is this to be a great camera or just low end type. I think I'll be using mine for many more years to come. thanks again,
You're welcome. Happy shooting!
Great video thanks. I’ve just bought a Honeywell Pentax ES not spotmatic. In great condition. Im new to using film and struggling with metering. I set my ISO to film suggestion on box. Then I’ve tried out automatic . Metering just showing really over exposed outdoors in light cloud. Seems to want more than 1/1000 but of course no option for that! Went down to f11 and still showing over exposed. Even changed ISO to 100 and same?? Any ideas?? I’ve not had my images printed yet
With 100 speed film, in sunlight, you can shoot at 125 at f8 all day, sunny or backlit. With 400 film, in sunlight, 250 at f11. That exposes for the shadows. You can't overexpose negative film too much.
@@kennethwajda thank you so much. Yesterdays film was a iso 400. I’ll take on board your advice and go have another play today. Thanks for helping, appreciate it x
Good light!
It doesn't seem sluggish, however using just my ears shutter speeds 250-1000 sound almost identical, but perhaps they're fine. The camera arrived particularly clean so hoping that its fine. Currently running a roll and will certainly process it before CLA; that's good advice. I really enjoy your reviews of the cameras. The old manuals have this charm and can produce beautifully unique exposures via the photographer. The film revival is growing!
***** Yes, and I think it's hard to hear the difference between 250-1000. Those are usually fine. Good luck to you. Post some pics when you have some back! Thanks!
I got a beat-up black one for the f1.4, but the camera works fine. Also Honeywell h3, sp 1000, and sp II. The 35mm f3.5 is a good second lens
Sweet!
I have one. Mine is a silver bodied Asahi Pentax model. I got it when I was adding Super-Takumar lenses for use with my Pentax DSLR's. I got it CLA'ed by Eric and now it's in top condition. I put a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus through it and it worked just fine. Now I need to work on my photographic skills.
Thanks for posting all these informative reviews. I just purchased a functioning Spotmatic. Believe it needs to be CLA'd but no one in my area does so. Researching has continously brought up the name Eric H. General consensus online seems to say he's the guy who knows Spotmatics. Would love to hear peoples' experiences before shipping my camera off.
I've sent two cameras to Eric, a Spotmatic and an ME Super both with stuck mirrors and needing general maintenance. Both came back in fine operating condition. As you have read online the stories about him are on point. Good work done in a reasonable amount of time for a fair price.
Came across your excellent video when I was looking at an offering on an auction site. I've seen both the Honeywell and the Asahi Spotmatic and read about the chronology of the change. I'm just curious if one is considered preferable to the other? btw, love that black version.
hey I wanna say thank u for that lol :)I have the same camera and dint know a lot about it if you have any more tips on how to use it well please make a new video again thanks
It's interesting to note that the Honeywell Spotmatic SP in black seems to be the least common of the four variations (Asahi/Honeywell, chrome/black).
awesome reviews, was wondering what's the difference with the Asahi SP?
I'd have to put them side by side. SP might only have stop-down metering.
The last screw mount Spotmatic was the 'F' model, it differed in having full aperture metering, hence the 'F'
+northstar1950 Thanks!
This is a jewel of a camera.
Thanks for posting.
I have a lady friend of mine who will not part with her version in black.
Is this the same thing as the Pentax ES? They look very similar
I have several Spotmatics but I don’t like the made for USA Honeywell versions they just don’t look right.
Is it different from Honeywell Pentax ES? Can you make a video about honeywell pentax es aswell?
If I get one. whitemetal.com/pentax/spotmatic_family_traits.htm has info.
Love those radioactive Takumars!
Oh yeah!
I have the Asahi Pentax SV dated 1964 with the Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5.
All I need!
Good show, how ever, i would suggest, that you DON T push the meter switch DOWN ( off ), if you don t want to meter. The small spring inside will loose it strength, then, after a while, of doing so, it wont go up. When i worked as a shooter, for the TORONTO TELEGRAM, ( Newspaper ) in Toronto, a good 75% of our photographers used the spotmatic....it s built like an AMERICAN Sherman tank.
Wow, I never say Pentaxes being used in the late 80s and 90s.
Nice! And it looks like that lens is the rare - and very sharp - 8-element Super-Takumar.
I thought the infrared mark had to be on the right side of f4 mark to be the 8-element.
@@kennethwajda Yes correct. I didn't look that close during the video. I should have before commenting. I just saw the protruding rear element. Your serial # is too high as well, and the A/M switch is Auto/Manual. The 7 element version is still really good though. I have both and only notice a slight difference wide open and stopped down. At 5.6 and 8, they're identical.
I love this channel ! Weird most videos have around 10 comments on them.
I'm subscribing ! And keep the videos coming good sir u_u
Beren Erchamion Thanks. More coming soon!
I have a chrome SP, works great still. Did tell you wife you paid $20, that camera is worth a lot more than that.
They are pricey these days.
does it take b/w and color?
Sure, whatever kind of film you put in it will shoot.
Kenneth Wajda thank you sir
What does the asa do?
Same as ISO, sets the film speed so the camera knows how sensitive your film is to light.
Kenneth Wajda thank you!
Great camera
Yep!
beautiful example.
is this for real,? this camera cost 20 or 30 dollars?
Yep, if that's what I said. I often see Pentax cameras still for $20. ME Supers and Spotmatics and K1000s.
@@kennethwajda do they selll ot online and ship worldwide?
@@moonlightsonataa Flea markets and local yard sales, so no shipping.
Do you want to sell me this one?
That was sold some time ago.
@@kennethwajda I am sad. It's such a good looking camera!
Great review of a great camera.
It was Ringo who owned the Pentax.
I have a spotmatic F
That is pristine and looks barely used. I would guess maybe 1967 or 1968 based on the serial and the fact it has the 7 element "radioactive" lens.
But not the 8-element lens, unfortunately.
I realy dont like the Made For Honeywell versions.