I just got one off craigslist. Listed for 35 dollars. The elderly gentleman that sold it to me handed me a shoebox with the body and 3 super taks. and I handed him the money. He then ask me if I was a reseller of a user. I told him that I predominantly shot 35mm black and white still and I was wanting a backup for my Honeywell-Pentax. He then gave me back the money and said "I'm glad she found a good home".
Note that Asahi were not the first pentaprism slr to market (it was a Contax S in 1949 I believe) The name "Pentax" was originally a registered trademark of the East German VEB Zeiss Ikon (from "Pentaprism" and "Contax") and acquired by the Asahi Optical company in 1957. Asahi licensed the name "Pentax" from VEB Pentacon and it is short for "PENtaprism conTAX" (from which Pentacon was also derived). Infact some early Pentaxes were badged PENTAR in certain markets due to conflicts with the Pentacon owned name.
These images look way better than the digital preview you did, there is a magic to film - when done right, which you did. Wow, I was 9 years old again - Super 70s man!!! :D
I got my first Spotmatic in 1970 on the recommendation of two friends, an old school friend and his older brother. At the time the pair of them were making a good, full-time, living as 'glamour' photographer. Between them they owned five or six Spotmatics, and a good collection of 55/85/105mm Takumar lenses. My original, used, SP is now long gone, but recently, almost from nostalgia, I've acquired another SP and a Sportmatic F. Both have proved as good as I remembered and have given a real boost to my black and white, film, photography.
Back in the late 1960s, when my Miranda Sensorex 35mm film camera broke for the third time within two years, a colleague loaned me his spare Pentax Spotmatic with 50mm f/1.4 lens. I fell in love with the Pentax SLR body (especially the black body) and the 8-element 50mm f/1.4 became my personal favorite Pentax lens. The 105mm f/2.8 was my second favorite. Loved the portraits I was able to capture with this lens. I routinely carried my two favorite Pentax lenses in a 28/50/105mm lens kit. I was later informed by colleagues that Nikon was the 35mm SLR camera used by most professional journalist in America, but Pentax was the 35mm SLR camera used by most professional journalist in Europe.
I had a Nikon FE’s electronics die when I was photographing my son’s wedding, and my Nikon FA’s electronics failed a few years later. I subsequently bought a Nikon F2 with a plain prism, so that there’s nothing electrical to go wrong, but it’s quite a heavy beast. Recently, I bought a Pentax SV, and it’s a lovely little camera. Just last month, I bought a gorgeous, black Spotmatic SP II, in near-new condition. It cost me just over £40 on eBay, with two lenses, filters, ERC, original leather strap and literature - superb value. I think that your Spotmatic looks great, and I assume that its fantastic patina has been earned by decades of use (apart from the McCullinisation carried out by your dad!). I would happily own and use one in that condition. I think there’s something really beautiful about a black camera which shows its years of use with brass showing through the paint.
I have one and I love it. It was a gift from a friend and I will enjoy this camera for years. I’m going to start using this for my weddings this year. This video makes me proud
I picked up a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic with Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens and ever-ready case last year for the princely sum of $45.00. All in excellent condition. The guy I bought it from threw in a Tamron 28mm f/2.8 screw-mount lens for free with the deal. From the camera body serial number it dates from 1969 or 1970. Didn't know how I'd like using a screw-mount SLR camera body with stop-down metering but I quite like it. (I'm used to bayonet mount full aperture metering SLR's). Shot a roll of Fuji 400 speed print film through it the images had excellent sharpness and rich color rendition. Really solid, simple 'old school' 35mm SLR camera it's fun to use and an excellent addition to my camera collection.
Definitely one of the greatest cameras ever made! My 1967 is still going strong and has not missed a beat . I have complete trust in this camera to deliver the goods again and again.
The Spotmatic was my first SLR back in 77, I bought for my Photography class at Los Angeles City College, I use to do double exposures of my subject simply by pushing the film release then shooting again. I sold some of my pictures to friends along with the negative so all were one of a kind pictures. Unfortunately the Spotmatic got stolen along with other valuables during a home burglary. I know own a Pentax K1000 that I bought new when my teenage daughter was taking photography in high school back in the mid 90's, and she gave me her K1000 as a gift in 2017 when I resumed film photography.
Thats.great story sorry to hear your Pentax was stolen. I had some lenses stolen last year, and it hurt. but it was wonderful to hear abut your journey with these wonderful cameras.
I've still got mine and my C Zeiss Jena lenses. I bought my late father one as well in the 90's and he loved it. I worked in a camera shop while at college and they were chucking out lots of stuff, which included a folder from Rank Pentax with all the adverts and prices for Pentax cameras in the 60's. Jeez they were expensive back then!
Watched this again as I like it so much. I've used Pentax since the 1970s and always found them reliable apart from the light meter. Back around 1963 all 4 of the Beatles were given a black camera each by the company. A smart advertising move .A few months ago Macca had an exhibition of pictures he took with said camera at one of the Tates in that London . There is also a book of the pictures. Liked and subbed but don't have anyone to share it with, it's what happens when you get old .Give my love to Jamie she goes over and above to make your videos. Best wishes to you also Oli and Ginger the cat. Jake E xxx.
Hi Oli, yes all 4 of the Beatles had one you can see Ringo using his in the Masels documentary. When I found your channel I told my wife about your Jamie lying in a stream surrounded by insects and we binge watched your videos on our TV. We both love the new ideas you come up with and look forward to the next one. Best wishes to you both from Jake E. xxx. And Ginger of course the name of my brothers cat creature.
I have my dad's Spotmatic F with the 50 1.4. Love everything about that camera. The feel, the meter, the lens. Slaps a little but nothing a CLR and some fresh foam wouldn't fix.
"Poor cosmetic condition" Haha, my favorite. My ES looks even worse. I have noticed that having been inside a bunch of old cameras to do minor repairs, there aren't any plastic parts in these units, at least none that I've seen.
My first camera was the Pentax ME Super, I sold it in the late eighties. Just bought another at auction and it came with a Spotmatic SPII and the wonderful radioactive Super Multi Coated Takumar 50mm F/1.4. The ME Super is off being serviced and I'll do the same with the SPII in time. Wonderful cameras in their own right and incredibly durable (The SPII moreso than the 'electronic-laden' ME Super I expect)
Bro. Those pictures are amazing. Like, this was suppose to be a review of a spotmatic, but then it turned into this wild ride (with music and vibe all over) of a tutorial for double exposures using a very gorgeous model followed by a very pleasant earthy nature scene. What the heck did I just watch!?
mate instant like n sub for ya. My mate gave me a spotmatic kit from an deceased estate a year or two ago, I put it on the back burner and finally today I've dug it out to look through with a view to filming the experience for my wee channel, anyway the kit looks in great nick, so chuffed to bits to watch your review I'm literally foaming at the mush to watch soooooo a pre-emptive thank you totally appreciated.
If I used a similar rationale (mostly personal nostalgia) I'd say the K1000 because of art college and it's addictive tactile practicalities. But in reality I'd say the best SLR is the Spomatic F. The same robustness, convenience, choice of lenses but no exposure switch for every frame. Honorable mention to the MX for it's size and film advance slickness. A lovely camera to operate. Pentax were in a league of their own with the Spotties, K's and M cameras.
Still have my SP2 bought new in 1975, was using the Takumar 135 today on a Fuji X pro 1 with nice results, also have an SP1, I bought used some years back, great cameras.
Amazing i am hesitating between the SP and the SPII witch one would you recommend ? also, when you rewind your film after the white background shoot, how do you know when to stop so the film don't go totally back inside the canister ?
HI Mathieu, I've not owned a SP2, I understand that it has a better light meter and was designed for the SMC lenses, I prefer the M42 mount because the original Super Takumar's are beautiful and very unique lenses. The Sp 1 is a less expensive camera, (often free), for your second question i put my ear to the back of the camera while winding it back and listen for the click, if it does wind all the way in, you can retrieve, it with another film tab that you wet and push in to retrieve it
I have a spotmatic SP that was my father's back in the late 70s early 80s. Even with Pentax moving to PK mount and other brands creating smaller SLRs, My father has stated time and time again that this was his dream camera. I have used it for film class and countless strolls around the park, it has never failed me. I agree with Olitography that the SP1 is a "better camera" but they are practically the same. What matters are those m42 Pentax lenses :D Love your channel btw!
There is also the Spotmatic F which has the exposure meter running all the time, as log as the lens cap is off. The SP2 and Spotmatic F each have a hotshoe which was not a feature of the original Spotmatic. If I were buying another one, I would be looking more at the lens that comes with it rather than the body. The Takumar 50 1.4 comes in several versions. All are great, but there are differences. It's worth searching photos for the lenses on flickr to see what you like the most.
@@olitography After trying both the Spotmatic and the SP2, I decided to keep the SP2, in part because it was just in better condition, but it does have a hot shoe, and a couple of other upgrades. The SP2 has an M42 mount, and was designed for the Super-Multi-Coated M42 Takumar range of lenses that came out in the early 70s, but the SP2 can use any M42 lens without an adapter. The K mount wasn't used until the mid-70s with the K or M range of Pentax cameras. I also have the MX, and got an M42 to K mount adapter so that I can use M42 lenses with it. The small size makes it a bit top heavy with my larger M42 lenses, which balance nicely on the SP2.
Super video! When I saw that it was you, already started to be excited. You sold me on your authenticity to share real information when I watched a video about Large Format camera. ))) And it was so funny... because I need me a 35mm camera just to do double exposures! ))) Thank you for making this video and sharing it ! )))
Amen! My first camera was the Asahi Pentax SV inherited from my father. Later the Spotmatic, the K, the M etc. I’m not a fanboy of any brand, but them old Pentaxes...
As usual, great video. Really enjoyed seeing the Spotmatic being used. I own more M42 mount lenses than any other mount. I fell in love with the old "screw mount" lenses decades ago and still use them today. Although not Pentax in brand, I will put my Yashinon 60mm f/2.8 macro up against any macro lens and I expect that I won't lose when it comes to image quality.
I recently bought a black spotmatic and its one of my favourite cameras! I think my meter is slightly off though as my pictures seem to be over exposed but that's part of learning on film.
I got a K1000 for my birthday decades ago and it's still my favorite camera. It's like a Honda Civic, it's not sexy but it does everything it's supposed to very well, it can surprise you with its speed and manageability, and it's reliable and holds its value for ages.
Own a Pentax Spotmatic and Spotmatic SPII, both are superb cameras with sharp Takumar lenses. Clear and pleasing images are what you get. They are classic and well regarded cameras. Cannot go wrong With these vintage Pentax Spotmatic. Recommend giving them a clean, lube, adjust by a camera tech to preserve Its smooth precision.
Yes indeed, brought back happy memories of the time when Pentax was a highly regarded manufacturer. The wind on mechanism on spotmatics is one of the smoothest you'll ever find, and that includes the Nikon F2!
Great review, thanks a lot! I found it because, intuitively, I could not resist buying Spotmatic F yesterday, and I really like the hold of it. This is surprising, as although I knew many Pentax men, I was myself an Olympus man - I just fell in love with my OM-1, then OM-2, then OM-4. But thosr appear to be more delicate cameras than Spotmstic. I would compare it with Pentacon Prakatica LTL, a conceptually very similar model. But Pentax appears more robust and mechanically reliable. Thanks once again!
Analytics told me this is the video I get most of my traffic from, so of course I had to come check it out. Really great work! Totally love my Spotmatic, which was also my first film camera.
would you mind making a short video about PENTAX spotmatic rewinding the film to match the original frame correctly in 2nd exposure (for double exposures) :) thx
Totally agree the Pentax Spotmatic is one of the best 35mm Single Lens Reflex cameras ever made. It is easy to recommend buying a used one on eBay or camera store, but I would suggest finding a good camera technician who can perform a clean, lube and adjust (refurbish) on the camera. The old mercury batteries are no longer in use and the light meter needs to be calibrated to handle the alkaline batteries (shame on those RUclipsrs who think the meter is “off”). Cleaning and lubricating shutter speeds, mechanism will improve its precision. Once done, the Pentax Spotmatic is good for another 40 years of steady use. Pentax Spotmatic is a superb film camera.
my first camera year 81. i thought it will last until my retirement. however, after a couple of years i replaced it with an me super and LX. currently shooting on canon dslr.
Good video! Intentional double exposures are always a bit tricky. I like to thighten the film a little with the rewind knob and put a heavy rubber band on the knob to hold the film taught. Then press and hold the film release button and advance the winding lever. Almost always a steady frame.
Agree totally w quality of Pentax Spotmatic. Just amazing 👏. But have a question someone can answer. Formally debuted in 1964 also coincided with 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. There are anecdotes the camera was popular at the games w film kiosks in the Olympic Village. The timing for marketing is obvious, but there are several videos/pictures of the 1964 Tokyo Games but cannot find any taken with a Pentax. Ever heard of or run across videos/photos taken in 1964 Olympic Games with a Pentax?
Cool video :) I actually got my first Pentax ever and a spotmatic SP at that! Got it bundled in very good condition with a Tacumar 55 f1,8 lens. Look forward to testing it a lot. Normally i shoot an Nikon FM3a and some Leica. But for some reason always felt a bit drawn to this camera, so will see what comes from that new relationship i the end. Cheers! Martin the swede.
I have two of these beautiful models and the only issue I have with it would be the focusing system! Otherwise it is the best SLR for anyone starting analog photography! Great job my friend 🙏🏽
@@olitography I’m used to the split view finder. When ever I think I have it in focus by looking through the lens on the Pentax Spotmatic I question myself and hope that it is in focus! The rings that are located in the center for focusing is tricky for me. I just need to learn how to use them properly. Hahahaha!
Great overview of the Spotmatic history. Also it is not often appreciated that it was the East Germans who blazed the trail in the development of the SLR. The Pentax contribution was the glass pentaprism. Hence the reason why recent Pentax corporate videos have been emphasising the pentaprism photographic experience.
Very informative video! I own a Spotmatic too and its wonderful. However I have an issue with exposure. Does the metering on this camera work similar to a spot metering or is it center weighted? I have problems when there is tricky lighting and I don't know how and which part of the frame I should consider while metering/exposing. Any inputs will be helpful, thanks!
I served in the US Army in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 - both Tet Offensives. I went to Vietnam to do air traffic control. During the first Tet, Viet Cong broke through the perimeter to move across An Khe Army Airfield (AKAAF). They laid a satchel charge on the radar van air conditioner and blew it through the lead air traffic controller who was working aircraft. Because of his death I got re-posted to stay in the relatively posh living conditions at AKAFF instead of going north with my ATC classmates to Hue and work helicopters from a muddy foxhole. The radar at AKAAF was WWII equipment inherited from the US Navy and marginal at best. Pilots knew this and usually preferred radar landings from the Air Force at Phu Cat, 26 miles away. We sat around bored most of the time. Wandering around Camp Radcliff, I discovered the 221st Photo Detachment. I had wanted to enlist to do photography but the US Army didn't have an opening for that job. I talked my way into doing darkroom work at the photo detachment, moonlighting in my spare time and on days off. Eventually they let me shoot photography assignments. I stayed a second back-to-back tour in Vietnam to work as a combat photographer full-time. I used Pentax Spotmatic, Leica, and Graphlex XL (120) cameras. The Pentax Spotmatic and its Takamar lenses were the only camera gear that never failed for me. The previous photographer had left the Leica face up on a jeep seat so it had Sun pinhole burned into the shutter curtain. I had a camera repair tech down in Long Binh rubber cement a piece of parachute over the pinhole to keep using the Leica but eventually that would fail. The Army wanted me to trade in my Pentax Spotmatic and Leica for a Bessler Topcon which had been selected as their official camera. The Bessler Topcon had its lens release button located right next to the focusing ring and no one even knows how many of their lenses were dropped out of the hellhole of choppers. I fortunately, refused the trade and kept on using my Pentax Spotmatic. So your comments on the Pentax Spotmatic are Spot On! I have tried using Nikons in years since and had failures with them. I have four Spotmatics now - all working perfectly, recently serviced to checked over as they are well over a half century old now. One of the great features of the Pentax Spotmatic is its easy to operate user interface. You can operate the camera in the dark of a firefight, crawling on your back, and never mess up. Takamar lenses are just as reliable as the camera. I think the Pentax Spotmatic is the best camera ever made for students to learn photography on. Thanks for your honest, accurate praise for the Pentax Spotmatic. - Ed, N6RFG
That's an amazing story, i need to reread it, doing this channel has given me an appreciation for the stories behind the cameras as well as the images, thanks for your reply
Helloooo! So i'm getting into film photography and i'm currently choosing between the Pentax Spotmatic F and the Nikon FG. What do you think I should get? I personally like the Spotmatic because i think i can learn more by setting up everything myself but i also like the FG because it can give me a easier shooting experience. H E L P.
I have a Spotmatic II purchased in 1972 with 55 F1.8 Great lens, nice looking camera, but alas, I cannot say the same for its durability. Although I used it only infrequently, and it was always carried around in the soft leather case, little things just break or fall off, so I would never consider using it for heavy use. After only a couple of years of light use, the black plastic support under the flash show developed a crack that then spread right across the whole plastic piece, the lug ears loosened up from inside the top of the camera metal casing, and the one of the metal grommets for the flash connection jack came off and was subsequently lost. Compared to the Nikon F (that I used mainly) is light between night and day. The F is built like a tank, totally reliable and durable. It's no wonder that the F was so popular with the pros.
I can’t entirely disagree, though I did make a video about the merits of the Pentax the F is a great camera, I think in the field I’d love the F but as a mostly studio photographer and someone who does portraits rather than reportage, the f’s sheer bulk and weight. Grinds on me over time. A bit like a brick layer who doesn’t clean his tools.
@@olitography I just weighed the 2 cameras. Indeed the F is heavier. Weight for camera body only with body cap: Spotmatic II: 630g Nikon F (pentaprism model) 695g Nikon F Photomic Ftn 864g
I agree with everything that's cited in this video : solid, beautifully made, great takumar lenses, reliable (don't have that problem with the film rewinder) but I would rather prefer to take with me an Olympus OM-1n; hyper solid also, great Zuiko lenses (but more expensive than the Taks), possibility to lock up the mirror and compact size and weight
That was really interesting and inspiring to watch . Thanks for sharing it with us. In all my years of taking photographs I have never tried double exposure but this has made me want to give it a go :D Teddy
Small correction: *some* M42 lenses are cheap. Counterexample: the 85/1.8 SMC Tak still is somewhat expensive. The Fujinon EBC 19/3.5 also is not inexpensive.
Probably, I’d love to say it’s not, it’s view finder is a little dark, the F series Nikon’s are great but pointlessly large and quite heavy. It comes down to preference in the end, but the Pentax has always been dependable.
I started with Pentax in the 70's it was a good beginner consumer grade camera. But the best SLR ever? I do agree they made some nice glass but when I could afford it I bought a F2 and never looked back.
It’s partly click bait and partly a personal joke, Nikons hate me, I’ve ungraded from the Pentax 6 or 7 times to Nikon Fe, Fm2, FG, but not one of them lasted more than a year, before either shutter failure or in the case of the FG just falling apart. The F2 felt like a medium format to use but is still 35mm, might as well go for broke and use the Pentax 6x7. I have found one 35mm that compares and that’s the Canon A1. Maybe the title should be the 1960s best SLR, but thats more words in a title.
Everyone LOVES Spotmatics... except for camera store guys. I have 2, one from the 60s and one from the early 70s, and every camera store guy I've taken them to have given me endless sh!t for using them. They don't believe it when I say they're unfailingly reliable... more reliable than my K1000 which is in the shop... again... for another $100 repair. It is a better camera than the K1000 no matter what anyone tells me.
I use sometimes a spotmatic sp ii with smc takumar 1.4. I have restored all parts. I have buy the original asahi lens hood and leather case. Very nice look.
There is no 'the' best 35mm SLR. You could take those SMC Takumar lenses and mount them on any M42 mount body and get the same result. Some ,like the Praktica or some off brand like Vivitar,even had more features than the Spotmatic. The Vivitar 220sl (made by Cosina) is all metal,has a copal shutter (best out there Nikon uses it) and a flash syn speed of 1/125th instead of the Spotmatic's 1/60th. Granted it came out 10 years after the Spotty,there's no reason why it isn't every bit as good as a spotty today.
This is kind of like someone comparing a 1600's musket to a modern machine gun. The musket cannot compete, but many will prefer the nostalgia and discipline required.
Which camera is the musket and which is the shot gun? By its nature a musket lacks rifling its inaccurate, and takes ages to load, I can’t see the comparison between any 60s higher end Slr and a musket working. A machine gun is the opposite, but prone to mechanical failure so I potentially can see a comparison of the MG42 or Sa80 and a late film era Nikon working, but generally I’d have to disagree with your comment.
Over the decades, I have used several 35mm SLR film cameras. The Pentax Spotmatic and the Nikon F2 are my two personal favorites. I loved to shoot my Spotmatic with a 28/50/105mm lens kit. I loved to shoot my Nikon F2 with a 35/85/180mm lens kit.
I just got one off craigslist. Listed for 35 dollars. The elderly gentleman that sold it to me handed me a shoebox with the body and 3 super taks. and I handed him the money. He then ask me if I was a reseller of a user. I told him that I predominantly shot 35mm black and white still and I was wanting a backup for my Honeywell-Pentax. He then gave me back the money and said "I'm glad she found a good home".
Wow that’s great those lenses would be at least £150 on there own
And well worth that...They were yellowed a bit but a little time in the sun cleared them up. Sending the body out for a CLA and seals.
@@olitography Nah the 135mm is very cheap... so many out there.
@@poppysworkbench6508 you still have it? This is something that I would keep for a long time and give it to the next photographer down the line
Money is not everything 🔥
Note that Asahi were not the first pentaprism slr to market (it was a Contax S in 1949 I believe)
The name "Pentax" was originally a registered trademark of the East German VEB Zeiss Ikon (from "Pentaprism" and "Contax") and acquired by the Asahi Optical company in 1957.
Asahi licensed the name "Pentax" from VEB Pentacon and it is short for "PENtaprism conTAX" (from which Pentacon was also derived). Infact some early Pentaxes were badged PENTAR in certain markets due to conflicts with the Pentacon owned name.
These images look way better than the digital preview you did, there is a magic to film - when done right, which you did. Wow, I was 9 years old again - Super 70s man!!! :D
Can we call you Super 70s man from now on?
I got my first Spotmatic in 1970 on the recommendation of two friends, an old school friend and his older brother. At the time the pair of them were making a good, full-time, living as 'glamour' photographer. Between them they owned five or six Spotmatics, and a good collection of 55/85/105mm Takumar lenses. My original, used, SP is now long gone, but recently, almost from nostalgia, I've acquired another SP and a Sportmatic F. Both have proved as good as I remembered and have given a real boost to my black and white, film, photography.
Nice to find a narrator who knows what he’s talking about. Good job.
Back in the late 1960s, when my Miranda Sensorex 35mm film camera broke for the third time within two years, a colleague loaned me his spare Pentax Spotmatic with 50mm f/1.4 lens. I fell in love with the Pentax SLR body (especially the black body) and the 8-element 50mm f/1.4 became my personal favorite Pentax lens.
The 105mm f/2.8 was my second favorite. Loved the portraits I was able to capture with this lens.
I routinely carried my two favorite Pentax lenses in a 28/50/105mm lens kit.
I was later informed by colleagues that Nikon was the 35mm SLR camera used by most professional journalist in America, but Pentax was the 35mm SLR camera used by most professional journalist in Europe.
I had a Nikon FE’s electronics die when I was photographing my son’s wedding, and my Nikon FA’s electronics failed a few years later. I subsequently bought a Nikon F2 with a plain prism, so that there’s nothing electrical to go wrong, but it’s quite a heavy beast. Recently, I bought a Pentax SV, and it’s a lovely little camera. Just last month, I bought a gorgeous, black Spotmatic SP II, in near-new condition. It cost me just over £40 on eBay, with two lenses, filters, ERC, original leather strap and literature - superb value. I think that your Spotmatic looks great, and I assume that its fantastic patina has been earned by decades of use (apart from the McCullinisation carried out by your dad!). I would happily own and use one in that condition. I think there’s something really beautiful about a black camera which shows its years of use with brass showing through the paint.
I have one and I love it. It was a gift from a friend and I will enjoy this camera for years. I’m going to start using this for my weddings this year. This video makes me proud
I picked up a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic with Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens and ever-ready case last year for the princely sum of $45.00. All in excellent condition. The guy I bought it from threw in a Tamron 28mm f/2.8 screw-mount lens for free with the deal. From the camera body serial number it dates from 1969 or 1970. Didn't know how I'd like using a screw-mount SLR camera body with stop-down metering but I quite like it. (I'm used to bayonet mount full aperture metering SLR's). Shot a roll of Fuji 400 speed print film through it the images had excellent sharpness and rich color rendition. Really solid, simple 'old school' 35mm SLR camera it's fun to use and an excellent addition to my camera collection.
Definitely one of the greatest cameras ever made! My 1967 is still going strong and has not missed a beat . I have complete trust in this camera to deliver the goods again and again.
The Spotmatic was my first SLR back in 77, I bought for my Photography class at Los Angeles City College, I use to do double exposures of my subject simply by pushing the film release then shooting again. I sold some of my pictures to friends along with the negative so all were one of a kind pictures. Unfortunately the Spotmatic got stolen along with other valuables during a home burglary. I know own a Pentax K1000 that I bought new when my teenage daughter was taking photography in high school back in the mid 90's, and she gave me her K1000 as a gift in 2017 when I resumed film photography.
Thats.great story sorry to hear your Pentax was stolen. I had some lenses stolen last year, and it hurt. but it was wonderful to hear abut your journey with these wonderful cameras.
I've still got mine and my C Zeiss Jena lenses. I bought my late father one as well in the 90's and he loved it. I worked in a camera shop while at college and they were chucking out lots of stuff, which included a folder from Rank Pentax with all the adverts and prices for Pentax cameras in the 60's. Jeez they were expensive back then!
Love the double exposures!! 👍👌 I’ve just ordered a spotmatic f with the 55mm takumar and really looking forward to it now 😍
Phenomenal images! I just purchased this camera along with the smc Takumar 55 f2, and I am looking forward to it's arrival.
Watched this again as I like it so much. I've used Pentax since the 1970s and always found them reliable apart from the light meter. Back around 1963 all 4 of the Beatles were given a black camera each by the company. A smart advertising move .A few months ago Macca had an exhibition of pictures he took with said camera at one of the Tates in that London . There is also a book of the pictures. Liked and subbed but don't have anyone to share it with, it's what happens when you get old .Give my love to Jamie she goes over and above to make your videos. Best wishes to you also Oli and Ginger the cat. Jake E xxx.
Thank you, that's a really sweet comment. I didn't know that the Beatles all had them. Mines falling apart now but still works.
Hi Oli, yes all 4 of the Beatles had one you can see Ringo using his in the Masels documentary. When I found your channel I told my wife about your Jamie lying in a stream surrounded by insects and we binge watched your videos on our TV. We both love the new ideas you come up with and look forward to the next one. Best wishes to you both from Jake E. xxx. And Ginger of course the name of my brothers cat creature.
I have my dad's Spotmatic F with the 50 1.4. Love everything about that camera. The feel, the meter, the lens. Slaps a little but nothing a CLR and some fresh foam wouldn't fix.
"Poor cosmetic condition" Haha, my favorite. My ES looks even worse. I have noticed that having been inside a bunch of old cameras to do minor repairs, there aren't any plastic parts in these units, at least none that I've seen.
They are like machine gun but more refined
My first camera was the Pentax ME Super, I sold it in the late eighties. Just bought another at auction and it came with a Spotmatic SPII and the wonderful radioactive Super Multi Coated Takumar 50mm F/1.4. The ME Super is off being serviced and I'll do the same with the SPII in time. Wonderful cameras in their own right and incredibly durable (The SPII moreso than the 'electronic-laden' ME Super I expect)
Bro. Those pictures are amazing. Like, this was suppose to be a review of a spotmatic, but then it turned into this wild ride (with music and vibe all over) of a tutorial for double exposures using a very gorgeous model followed by a very pleasant earthy nature scene. What the heck did I just watch!?
Thanks Rascalking
mate instant like n sub for ya. My mate gave me a spotmatic kit from an deceased estate a year or two ago, I put it on the back burner and finally today I've dug it out to look through with a view to filming the experience for my wee channel, anyway the kit looks in great nick, so chuffed to bits to watch your review I'm literally foaming at the mush to watch soooooo a pre-emptive thank you totally appreciated.
I hope you have fun with it
@@olitography sure I will mate cheers 📷📷
If I used a similar rationale (mostly personal nostalgia) I'd say the K1000 because of art college and it's addictive tactile practicalities. But in reality I'd say the best SLR is the Spomatic F. The same robustness, convenience, choice of lenses but no exposure switch for every frame. Honorable mention to the MX for it's size and film advance slickness. A lovely camera to operate. Pentax were in a league of their own with the Spotties, K's and M cameras.
Still have my SP2 bought new in 1975, was using the Takumar 135 today on a Fuji X pro 1 with nice results, also have an SP1, I bought used some years back, great cameras.
Very nice!
Amazing
i am hesitating between the SP and the SPII witch one would you recommend ?
also, when you rewind your film after the white background shoot, how do you know when to stop so the film don't go totally back inside the canister ?
HI Mathieu, I've not owned a SP2, I understand that it has a better light meter and was designed for the SMC lenses, I prefer the M42 mount because the original Super Takumar's are beautiful and very unique lenses. The Sp 1 is a less expensive camera, (often free),
for your second question i put my ear to the back of the camera while winding it back and listen for the click, if it does wind all the way in, you can retrieve, it with another film tab that you wet and push in to retrieve it
I have a spotmatic SP that was my father's back in the late 70s early 80s. Even with Pentax moving to PK mount and other brands creating smaller SLRs, My father has stated time and time again that this was his dream camera. I have used it for film class and countless strolls around the park, it has never failed me. I agree with Olitography that the SP1 is a "better camera" but they are practically the same. What matters are those m42 Pentax lenses :D Love your channel btw!
There is also the Spotmatic F which has the exposure meter running all the time, as log as the lens cap is off. The SP2 and Spotmatic F each have a hotshoe which was not a feature of the original Spotmatic. If I were buying another one, I would be looking more at the lens that comes with it rather than the body. The Takumar 50 1.4 comes in several versions. All are great, but there are differences. It's worth searching photos for the lenses on flickr to see what you like the most.
@@olitography After trying both the Spotmatic and the SP2, I decided to keep the SP2, in part because it was just in better condition, but it does have a hot shoe, and a couple of other upgrades. The SP2 has an M42 mount, and was designed for the Super-Multi-Coated M42 Takumar range of lenses that came out in the early 70s, but the SP2 can use any M42 lens without an adapter. The K mount wasn't used until the mid-70s with the K or M range of Pentax cameras. I also have the MX, and got an M42 to K mount adapter so that I can use M42 lenses with it. The small size makes it a bit top heavy with my larger M42 lenses, which balance nicely on the SP2.
Super video! When I saw that it was you, already started to be excited. You sold me on your authenticity to share real information when I watched a video about Large Format camera. ))) And it was so funny... because I need me a 35mm camera just to do double exposures! ))) Thank you for making this video and sharing it ! )))
Awesome! Thank you!
Amen! My first camera was the Asahi Pentax SV inherited from my father. Later the Spotmatic, the K, the M etc. I’m not a fanboy of any brand, but them old Pentaxes...
yeah i get that, some of it might be emotional but it still feels very real
As usual, great video. Really enjoyed seeing the Spotmatic being used. I own more M42 mount lenses than any other mount. I fell in love with the old "screw mount" lenses decades ago and still use them today. Although not Pentax in brand, I will put my Yashinon 60mm f/2.8 macro up against any macro lens and I expect that I won't lose when it comes to image quality.
I woul like more Taks i love them for film work
I recently bought a black spotmatic and its one of my favourite cameras! I think my meter is slightly off though as my pictures seem to be over exposed but that's part of learning on film.
The batteries we get today, are a little over powered and throw the meter off.
Looking forward to this I still own and love my old Pentax K1000 from back in the day, I learnt all the essentials about exposure etc.....
I got a K1000 for my birthday decades ago and it's still my favorite camera. It's like a Honda Civic, it's not sexy but it does everything it's supposed to very well, it can surprise you with its speed and manageability, and it's reliable and holds its value for ages.
Yup that sums it up the Honda Civic of cameras,
@@olitography ; )
WOW - those double exposures are awesome - have you ever used a Pentax LX? Try it and your opinion of the best camera will be different
I got gifted one of these, as well as an SP1000 and an ME SUPER. Looking forward to using it.
Own a Pentax Spotmatic and Spotmatic SPII, both are superb cameras with sharp Takumar lenses.
Clear and pleasing images are what you get. They are classic and well regarded cameras. Cannot go wrong
With these vintage Pentax Spotmatic. Recommend giving them a clean, lube, adjust by a camera tech to preserve
Its smooth precision.
Great video. Can you still get these serviced.. thank you. Mike.
Yes indeed, brought back happy memories of the time when Pentax was a highly regarded manufacturer. The wind on mechanism on spotmatics is one of the smoothest you'll ever find, and that includes the Nikon F2!
The Pentax is a much nicer camera than the F2 both ergonomically and in terms of lenses.
Great review, thanks a lot! I found it because, intuitively, I could not resist buying Spotmatic F yesterday, and I really like the hold of it. This is surprising, as although I knew many Pentax men, I was myself an Olympus man - I just fell in love with my OM-1, then OM-2, then OM-4. But thosr appear to be more delicate cameras than Spotmstic. I would compare it with Pentacon Prakatica LTL, a conceptually very similar model. But Pentax appears more robust and mechanically reliable. Thanks once again!
That’s great, I do have an OM1 but it’s broken.
Love my Spotmatic, my Takumar lenses , my Pentax lenses my 2005*istDL Pentax DSLR and my Pentax K50 DSLR all great cameras
Analytics told me this is the video I get most of my traffic from, so of course I had to come check it out.
Really great work! Totally love my Spotmatic, which was also my first film camera.
Explossion, I need to watch more of your stuff, love the idea of circus photography, I subscribed, your great in front of the camera.
@@olitography I really appreciate that!
would you mind making a short video about PENTAX spotmatic rewinding the film to match the original frame correctly in 2nd exposure (for double exposures) :) thx
Totally agree the Pentax Spotmatic is one of the best 35mm Single Lens Reflex cameras ever made. It is easy to recommend buying
a used one on eBay or camera store, but I would suggest finding a good camera technician who can perform a clean, lube and adjust
(refurbish) on the camera. The old mercury batteries are no longer in use and the light meter needs to be calibrated to handle the alkaline batteries (shame on those RUclipsrs who think the meter is “off”). Cleaning and lubricating shutter speeds, mechanism will improve its precision. Once done, the Pentax Spotmatic is good for another 40 years of steady use. Pentax Spotmatic is a superb film camera.
my first camera year 81. i thought it will last until my retirement. however, after a couple of years i replaced it with an me super and LX. currently shooting on canon dslr.
Good video! Intentional double exposures are always a bit tricky. I like to thighten the film a little with the rewind knob and put a heavy rubber band on the knob to hold the film taught. Then press and hold the film release button and advance the winding lever. Almost always a steady frame.
Agree totally w quality of Pentax Spotmatic. Just amazing 👏. But have a question someone can answer. Formally debuted in 1964 also coincided with 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. There are anecdotes the camera was popular at the games w film kiosks in the Olympic Village. The timing for marketing is obvious, but there are several videos/pictures of the 1964 Tokyo Games but cannot find any taken with a Pentax. Ever heard of or run across videos/photos taken in 1964 Olympic Games with a Pentax?
I haven’t no, it’s a little before my time, I took pictures at the Tokyo games in 2020 with a YashicaMat and a Nikon.
Cool video :) I actually got my first Pentax ever and a spotmatic SP at that! Got it bundled in very good condition with a Tacumar 55 f1,8 lens. Look forward to testing it a lot. Normally i shoot an Nikon FM3a and some Leica. But for some reason always felt a bit drawn to this camera, so will see what comes from that new relationship i the end. Cheers! Martin the swede.
I have two of these beautiful models and the only issue I have with it would be the focusing system! Otherwise it is the best SLR for anyone starting analog photography! Great job my friend 🙏🏽
Thank you, why do you have trouble with focus?
@@olitography I’m used to the split view finder. When ever I think I have it in focus by looking through the lens on the Pentax Spotmatic I question myself and hope that it is in focus! The rings that are located in the center for focusing is tricky for me. I just need to learn how to use them properly. Hahahaha!
So happy to get a 1974 Spotmatic F for FREE! I’m gonna learn how to take good Ol’ 35mm film pictures with it and love it!
Great, enjoy it
Great overview of the Spotmatic history. Also it is not often appreciated that it was the East Germans who blazed the trail in the development of the SLR. The Pentax contribution was the glass pentaprism. Hence the reason why recent Pentax corporate videos have been emphasising the pentaprism photographic experience.
Very informative video! I own a Spotmatic too and its wonderful. However I have an issue with exposure. Does the metering on this camera work similar to a spot metering or is it center weighted? I have problems when there is tricky lighting and I don't know how and which part of the frame I should consider while metering/exposing. Any inputs will be helpful, thanks!
I always used it as a rough overall guide. But new style batteries output a different voltage which means the meters need recallabrating
I served in the US Army in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 - both Tet Offensives. I went to Vietnam to do air traffic control. During the first Tet, Viet Cong broke through the perimeter to move across An Khe Army Airfield (AKAAF). They laid a satchel charge on the radar van air conditioner and blew it through the lead air traffic controller who was working aircraft. Because of his death I got re-posted to stay in the relatively posh living conditions at AKAFF instead of going north with my ATC classmates to Hue and work helicopters from a muddy foxhole. The radar at AKAAF was WWII equipment inherited from the US Navy and marginal at best. Pilots knew this and usually preferred radar landings from the Air Force at Phu Cat, 26 miles away. We sat around bored most of the time. Wandering around Camp Radcliff, I discovered the 221st Photo Detachment. I had wanted to enlist to do photography but the US Army didn't have an opening for that job. I talked my way into doing darkroom work at the photo detachment, moonlighting in my spare time and on days off. Eventually they let me shoot photography assignments. I stayed a second back-to-back tour in Vietnam to work as a combat photographer full-time.
I used Pentax Spotmatic, Leica, and Graphlex XL (120) cameras. The Pentax Spotmatic and its Takamar lenses were the only camera gear that never failed for me. The previous photographer had left the Leica face up on a jeep seat so it had Sun pinhole burned into the shutter curtain. I had a camera repair tech down in Long Binh rubber cement a piece of parachute over the pinhole to keep using the Leica but eventually that would fail. The Army wanted me to trade in my Pentax Spotmatic and Leica for a Bessler Topcon which had been selected as their official camera. The Bessler Topcon had its lens release button located right next to the focusing ring and no one even knows how many of their lenses were dropped out of the hellhole of choppers. I fortunately, refused the trade and kept on using my Pentax Spotmatic. So your comments on the Pentax Spotmatic are Spot On! I have tried using Nikons in years since and had failures with them. I have four Spotmatics now - all working perfectly, recently serviced to checked over as they are well over a half century old now. One of the great features of the Pentax Spotmatic is its easy to operate user interface. You can operate the camera in the dark of a firefight, crawling on your back, and never mess up. Takamar lenses are just as reliable as the camera. I think the Pentax Spotmatic is the best camera ever made for students to learn photography on. Thanks for your honest, accurate praise for the Pentax Spotmatic. - Ed, N6RFG
That's an amazing story, i need to reread it, doing this channel has given me an appreciation for the stories behind the cameras as well as the images, thanks for your reply
Helloooo! So i'm getting into film photography and i'm currently choosing between the Pentax Spotmatic F and the Nikon FG. What do you think I should get? I personally like the Spotmatic because i think i can learn more by setting up everything myself but i also like the FG because it can give me a easier shooting experience. H E L P.
I’m making a video on the FG now, that’s a hard choice, that probably comes down to which lenses you like more.
Canon A1 is good as well
I have a Spotmatic II purchased in 1972 with 55 F1.8
Great lens, nice looking camera, but alas, I cannot say the same for its durability. Although I used it only infrequently, and it was always carried around in the soft leather case, little things just break or fall off, so I would never consider using it for heavy use.
After only a couple of years of light use, the black plastic support under the flash show developed a crack that then spread right across the whole plastic piece, the lug ears loosened up from inside the top of the camera metal casing, and the one of the metal grommets for the flash connection jack came off and was subsequently lost.
Compared to the Nikon F (that I used mainly) is light between night and day. The F is built like a tank, totally reliable and durable. It's no wonder that the F was so popular with the pros.
I can’t entirely disagree, though I did make a video about the merits of the Pentax the F is a great camera, I think in the field I’d love the F but as a mostly studio photographer and someone who does portraits rather than reportage, the f’s sheer bulk and weight. Grinds on me over time. A bit like a brick layer who doesn’t clean his tools.
@@olitography I just weighed the 2 cameras. Indeed the F is heavier.
Weight for camera body only with body cap:
Spotmatic II: 630g
Nikon F (pentaprism model) 695g
Nikon F Photomic Ftn 864g
I agree with everything that's cited in this video : solid, beautifully made, great takumar lenses, reliable (don't have that problem with the film rewinder) but I would rather prefer to take with me an Olympus OM-1n; hyper solid also, great Zuiko lenses (but more expensive than the Taks), possibility to lock up the mirror and compact size and weight
I have an Om2 but its not working, ill find an OM1 for the channel
Fantastic all around video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
the double exposures are great! Well done mate!
Thank you sir
Is there difference between the black sp nd white sp?
IM not sure there's anymore difference than look
That was really interesting and inspiring to watch .
Thanks for sharing it with us. In all my years of taking photographs I have never tried double exposure but this has made me want to give it a go :D Teddy
Glad you enjoyed it!
Small correction: *some* M42 lenses are cheap. Counterexample: the 85/1.8 SMC Tak still is somewhat expensive. The Fujinon EBC 19/3.5 also is not inexpensive.
Ringo Starr used a black Pentax Spotmatic in the Hard day's Night film.
Yes, and then a lady fell down a hole
@@olitography that's correct!
Is spomatic F is better than spomatic ?
I don’t know
The Pentax is a lovely camera, but with a dim viewfinder. It was all over once I looked thru the Nikon F3 viewfinder.
Awesome I can test that, soon as I repair my Nikon again.
try a Pentax LX viewfinder, and you don't wanna see the F3 again......
I used to have a Nikon F from the sixties that was black and brassed like this. I still have my spotmatic...
What happened to the Nikon?
I sold it @@olitography
is it he best even compared to the F2 you made the a video of?
Probably, I’d love to say it’s not, it’s view finder is a little dark, the F series Nikon’s are great but pointlessly large and quite heavy. It comes down to preference in the end, but the Pentax has always been dependable.
@@olitography you are Always super kind!
I started with Pentax in the 70's it was a good beginner consumer grade camera. But the best SLR ever? I do agree they made some nice glass but when I could afford it I bought a F2 and never looked back.
It’s partly click bait and partly a personal joke, Nikons hate me, I’ve ungraded from the Pentax 6 or 7 times to Nikon Fe, Fm2, FG, but not one of them lasted more than a year, before either shutter failure or in the case of the FG just falling apart. The F2 felt like a medium format to use but is still 35mm, might as well go for broke and use the Pentax 6x7.
I have found one 35mm that compares and that’s the Canon A1. Maybe the title should be the 1960s best SLR, but thats more words in a title.
Everyone LOVES Spotmatics... except for camera store guys. I have 2, one from the 60s and one from the early 70s, and every camera store guy I've taken them to have given me endless sh!t for using them. They don't believe it when I say they're unfailingly reliable... more reliable than my K1000 which is in the shop... again... for another $100 repair. It is a better camera than the K1000 no matter what anyone tells me.
I've still got mine from the 1970s.
55mm 1.8 lens. The best ever.
👍
Still got my H3 from 1960. Still works.
I use sometimes a spotmatic sp ii with smc takumar 1.4. I have restored all parts. I have buy the original asahi lens hood and leather case. Very nice look.
Im sure its lovely
those double exposures are dope af
My battery cap is locked😬😬😬😬
How? You mean jammed?
@@olitography yeah. I tried opening it with a coin. But its jammed.
@@see6188 try a little bit of WD40 on a cotton bud and let it soak into the crack
The greatest SLR ever made...
There is no 'the' best 35mm SLR. You could take those SMC Takumar lenses and mount them on any M42 mount body and get the same result. Some ,like the Praktica or some off brand like Vivitar,even had more features than the Spotmatic. The Vivitar 220sl (made by Cosina) is all metal,has a copal shutter (best out there Nikon uses it) and a flash syn speed of 1/125th instead of the Spotmatic's 1/60th. Granted it came out 10 years after the Spotty,there's no reason why it isn't every bit as good as a spotty today.
I agree, but when i had the video under another name it didn't get any views.
This is kind of like someone comparing a 1600's musket to a modern machine gun. The musket cannot compete, but many will prefer the nostalgia and discipline required.
Which camera is the musket and which is the shot gun? By its nature a musket lacks rifling its inaccurate, and takes ages to load, I can’t see the comparison between any 60s higher end Slr and a musket working.
A machine gun is the opposite, but prone to mechanical failure so I potentially can see a comparison of the MG42 or Sa80 and a late film era Nikon working, but generally I’d have to disagree with your comment.
Yo en la actualidad no elegiría pentax porque incluso las chinon y cosina soportan mejor el pasó del tiempo
Good but the best 35mm camera anyone has ever produced? Not really
Best SLR film camera ever made? I'd bet there are a good many Nikon F and F2 users who might disagree .... Lol.. ;)
Maybe, but I’ll see them coming, swinging there overdeveloped right arm.
@@olitography Hahaha!!!!!
Over the decades, I have used several 35mm SLR film cameras.
The Pentax Spotmatic and the Nikon F2 are my two personal favorites.
I loved to shoot my Spotmatic with a 28/50/105mm lens kit.
I loved to shoot my Nikon F2 with a 35/85/180mm lens kit.
There is NO "Best" in life sir live another sunrise and see things in different light
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