The Pentax Spotmatic 35mm camera is a true classic camera. Asahi Pentax finally perfected through-the-lens metering and debuted the camera in 1964, the same year Tokyo hosted the 1964 Olympic Games. We have heard stories that the camera was popular during the games and film kiosks were located though out the Olympic Village. Yet there have been few posts of pictures actually shot by Pentax during the Olympic Games. We hope a photographer who knows of the links and sources for these photos will someday post them on the internet. The Spotmatic is one of my favorite film cameras-just a true classic.
I heard that only a few Spotmatics were in use by selected photographers at the 1964 games and it was more like a secret trial. They weren't thrown around like confetti :-) It was not formally released until the following year.
I just ordered this camera from KEH rated EX condition for $100. I already have this same lens you have here. I have so many cameras but this one is just so gorgeous. I had to add it to my collection. I will be shooting city street primarily and stopped down a bit. But should be easy enough to see to focus in the daylight I am hoping.
The easy operation of the shutter speed dial, as mentioned in the video, is such an important feature for a through the lens metering camera. I'm amazed that so many highly regarded cameras (e.g. MX, FM) fail in this regard. This, together with the body size (not cramped like an MX or bulky like say, a Konica Autoreflex T) make it a joy to use.
I have a 1967 Spotmatic. This camera is in regular use and has been serviced only 3 or 4 times. It has NEVER given me any problems. If I am going to take shots which I believe are important, although I might not actually use the camera it is ALWAYS taken with me, in the event of the planned camera giving a problem during picture taking. Totally reliable, trustworthy and capable of pro quality pictures , this is my favourite camera together with my Mamiya C330 , also ultra reliable. Thank you Pentax for making this astonishing camera that has brought so much joy to so many people worldwide !!!
Servicing cameras can be expensive and something I have never had done to any of my film cameras - my bad!. What are you thoughts on the practice and benefits/cons of having your film camera serviced?
@@angusbrown325 Number One : Do not go to the big camera stores that advertise camera repairs. More often than not, they send it to a small one man show working from a small office workshop and they charge you a horrendous amount just for playing mailman. The small guys are inexpensive , have accumulated tons of spares from stripped cameras and do a very good job. Added to that, is the fact that if something is not right, they will take it back and rectify the problem without any fuss. I found this out by accident the second time I had my camera serviced. I took it to the authorised dealer and got the camera back about 10 days later. Quite a bill to pay. About a month later , someone told me of a used camera dealer that sold used lenses and that I should check it out. I went to this little workshop in an office block in the centre of town , looked at the lens which was good but a lot of fungus. The guy gave me a price on the lens and said it would be cleaned and serviced and I could collect it the following day. I told him that things of that nature I usually had done be the authorised dealer, to which the lady standing behind the counter next to him , broke out laughing and said all the dealers sent the work to them. Pentax, Mamiya, leica, nikon you name it , all went there ! And so it was that he did the service and cleanup of the lens. Perfect job and he had a customer for life ! If you find the work source and if the person does a good job, rather service the camera. The source repair is so inexpensive it will stagger you ! As a guideline , I discovered this source from the photo finishing lady who always did my big enlargements. She knew everybody involved in cameras so maybe you should go to the photolabs and ask ! Just stay away from the big guys.
I do so very much enjoy your videos. They are so rich and interesting and your vocal style is delightful. I enjoy how you include a description of the camera and its features in the context of its time, and the description of living in Japan. Indeed, your videos are the only ones I pounce on when RUclips announces that you have posted a new video!
Thanks for posting. Pentax led the SLR field on so many issues. I have a couple of cameras later in the Spotmatic series - the ES II. Just great camera’s to use. Look forward to your next presentation
I picked up a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic along with the Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens a couple of years ago. Really nice solid 35mm film SLR. I call it my 'Beatles camera' as I've seen photos of Ringo using one. The lens is my best 'normal' focal lens as the colors just pop and excellent contrast and detail.
My father gave me his Spotmatic back in 2016 when I got interested in film photography. Before the youtube film craze and the boom of tik tok/instagram film craze. I still have this camera and it's still my favorite out of all my cameras. It's gorgeous and even simpler than the K1000. Legendary camera
Good to hear Japan tourism is doing well. So many lovely places like Nikko, Kyoto and Nara, or islands like Yakushima and Sado, with its outdoor noh plays and crumbling temple complexes.
Got my first Spotmatic with 55mm f1.8, then added 135 and 28mm f3.5 Super Takumars, then added a second, black, Spotmatic body in 1975. Loved it throughout until I replaced it in 1988 with a Canon EOS650 with 28-70mm and 100-300mm Canon EF lenses. Still look back on the Spotmatic as a delightfully easy camera to focus and shoot with. ❤❤
I prefer battery-independent manual-mechanical cameras verses battery-dependent automatic/electronic cameras. Some of my favorite cameras have built-in battery-operated light meters but those cameras do not depend on batteries for operations. My favorite film cameras are: Pentax Spotmatic 35mm SLR with 28mm f/3.5, 50mm f/1.4 8-element, 135mm f/3.5 Nikon F2 35mm SLR with 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, 180mm f/2.8 Leica M6 35mm rangefinder with 21mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, 90mm f/2 Mamiya C220 6x6cm medium format TLR with 55mm f/4.5, 80mm f/2.8, 180mm f/4.5 Mamiya RB67 6x7cm medium format SLR with 50mm f/4.5, 90mm f/2.8, 180mm f/4.5 With the exception of the Mamiya C220, I still own and use the cameras on my list. All the cameras on my list had interchangeable lenses. My favorite 3-lens kit was included in the list. I only owned three lenses to use with the Leica and the Mamiya C220. My Spotmatic and RB67 have a 7-lens inventory. My Nikon has a 24-lens inventory ranging from 14mm to 1000mm. The Nikon and RB67 are system cameras with interchangeable view finders, view screens, and film backs. The Nikon also has interchangeable motor drives. I primarily used the Nikon for reportage, medical, and scientific photography. I primarily used the Leica for shooting subjects in dim light or in a quiet environment. I primarily used the Mamiya TLR for weddings and portraits. I primarily used the Mamiya SLR for portraits, tabletop, macro, close-up, and still life photography. I primarily used the Pentax for shooting in hostile environments where the camera was likely to be lost, stolen, or damaged.
@7:50 the FP flash socket is for flash bulbs and the X is for the new-fangled electronic flash. @9:00 While the M42 screw mount was widely used then, not all were the same. That Pentax _Super-Takumar_ lens will open and close the diaphragm automatically, but _Auto Takumar_ only auto closed it, and plain _Takumar_ relied on you to do it. Other makes of M42 lenses - IDK but unlikely to be auto on a Pentax SP.
I have one that I bought in the early 70s that is still in mint condition and fully functional. I love it. I switched to Nikon a few years later because I didn't like the M42 screw mount for the lenses.
Pentax went to bayonet mount in 1975, not long after you bought your SP. The Pentax KM was basically a Spotmatic modified for the bayonet. The KM was later "simplified" (some features deleted) to become the K1000.
Pentax Spotmatic 35mm camera is one of the true, well-made classics. Superb lenses, great definition and thru-the-lens metering in a sleek and timeless design. Own a Spotmatic SPII which is one of my favorites. What I don't see are more photos taken by a Pentax, especially when camera debuted in 1964, same year as the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Heard that Pentax was an instant hit with Olympic visitors w convenient film kiosks in the Olympic village at the time. There should be more photos taken at the Games w a Pentax Spotmatic posted on the internet. Have any idea of possible links or sources?
Instead of buying the new Pentax 17 i decided to recondition my Spotamatic SP11 It needed new light seals and a mirror bumper . I perfer to use my Minolta Light Meter over the camera light meter. I have number of Takumar lenses with the orginal metal lens hoods
Amazing video! I just got a Pentax Spotmatic that belonged to a diseased family member. Unfortunately the battery has leaked and the battery cover and 3/4 of the bottom plate screws are all rusted/corroded and are seized. Fortunately I have experience using light meters on my phone do if I decide to take it out the non functional light meter won’t be an issue
Thanks for the video, I have one of these that I've used as a decoration the last few years not realizing I could bring it back to life. I'll have to get a battery and film for it. Where do you recommend getting pictures from your used film?
One error in the presentation. You do not use the auto / man switch on the lens to meter!! The meter switch itself stops the lens down during the metering. The switch automatically turns off if you take a picture.
Right. I understand the switch on Super-Takumar lenses was for compatability with earlier cameras that did not stop down automatically, and on the Spotmatic it served for a depth of field preview. Metering with fully open lens aperture did not come until the Spotmatic F of 1973, which was soon replaced by the K-series of cameras.
It's so good-looking! I'm considering this Pentax spomatic, but I'm also interested in Nikon EM... How do they compare? Which one would you recommend? Thanks in advance. :D
I own and use the Pentax Spotmatic and the Nikon EM. To me, they are too different in form and function to compare. To me, the Pentax Spotmatic, the Nikon F, and the Nikon F2 are similar in form and function. To me, the Pentax ME and the Nikon EM are similar in form and function. When I need to carry a small lightweight SLR, I select the Pentax ME or the Nikon EM. When I need to carry a dependable professional quality 35mm SLR, I select the Pentax Spotmatic or the Nikon F or F2.
Recently i received my Asahi Pentax SP1000 with it case, hot shoe attachment and UV filter. Found and bidded for it on Ebay on auction for a very cheap price and somehow absolutely no-one bothered to bid for 7 days straight! And the camera was in mint condition!
The shutter noise on these when they're in good condition is amazing.
The Pentax Spotmatic 35mm camera is a true classic camera. Asahi Pentax finally perfected through-the-lens metering and debuted the camera in 1964, the same year Tokyo hosted the 1964 Olympic Games. We have heard stories that the camera was popular during the games and film kiosks were located though out the Olympic Village. Yet there have been few posts of pictures actually shot by Pentax during the Olympic Games. We hope a photographer who knows of the links and sources for these photos will someday post them on the internet. The Spotmatic is one of my favorite film cameras-just a true classic.
I heard that only a few Spotmatics were in use by selected photographers at the 1964 games and it was more like a secret trial. They weren't thrown around like confetti :-) It was not formally released until the following year.
I just ordered this camera from KEH rated EX condition for $100. I already have this same lens you have here. I have so many cameras but this one is just so gorgeous. I had to add it to my collection. I will be shooting city street primarily and stopped down a bit. But should be easy enough to see to focus in the daylight I am hoping.
The easy operation of the shutter speed dial, as mentioned in the video, is such an important feature for a through the lens metering camera. I'm amazed that so many highly regarded cameras (e.g. MX, FM) fail in this regard. This, together with the body size (not cramped like an MX or bulky like say, a Konica Autoreflex T) make it a joy to use.
I have a 1967 Spotmatic. This camera is in regular use and has been serviced only 3 or 4 times. It has NEVER given me any problems. If I am going to take shots which I believe are important, although I might not actually use the camera it is ALWAYS taken with me, in the event of the planned camera giving a problem during picture taking. Totally reliable, trustworthy and capable of pro quality pictures , this is my favourite camera together with my Mamiya C330 , also ultra reliable. Thank you Pentax for making this astonishing camera that has brought so much joy to so many people worldwide !!!
Servicing cameras can be expensive and something I have never had done to any of my film cameras - my bad!. What are you thoughts on the practice and benefits/cons of having your film camera serviced?
@@angusbrown325 Number One : Do not go to the big camera stores that advertise camera repairs. More often than not, they send it to a small one man show working from a small office workshop and they charge you a horrendous amount just for playing mailman. The small guys are inexpensive , have accumulated tons of spares from stripped cameras and do a very good job. Added to that, is the fact that if something is not right, they will take it back and rectify the problem without any fuss. I found this out by accident the second time I had my camera serviced. I took it to the authorised dealer and got the camera back about 10 days later. Quite a bill to pay. About a month later , someone told me of a used camera dealer that sold used lenses and that I should check it out. I went to this little workshop in an office block in the centre of town , looked at the lens which was good but a lot of fungus. The guy gave me a price on the lens and said it would be cleaned and serviced and I could collect it the following day. I told him that things of that nature I usually had done be the authorised dealer, to which the lady standing behind the counter next to him , broke out laughing and said all the dealers sent the work to them. Pentax, Mamiya, leica, nikon you name it , all went there ! And so it was that he did the service and cleanup of the lens. Perfect job and he had a customer for life ! If you find the work source and if the person does a good job, rather service the camera. The source repair is so inexpensive it will stagger you ! As a guideline , I discovered this source from the photo finishing lady who always did my big enlargements. She knew everybody involved in cameras so maybe you should go to the photolabs and ask ! Just stay away from the big guys.
I do so very much enjoy your videos. They are so rich and interesting and your vocal style is delightful. I enjoy how you include a description of the camera and its features in the context of its time, and the description of living in Japan. Indeed, your videos are the only ones I pounce on when RUclips announces that you have posted a new video!
Thanks for posting. Pentax led the SLR field on so many issues. I have a couple of cameras later in the Spotmatic series - the ES II. Just great camera’s to use. Look forward to your next presentation
I picked up a Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic along with the Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens a couple of years ago. Really nice solid 35mm film SLR. I call it my 'Beatles camera' as I've seen photos of Ringo using one. The lens is my best 'normal' focal lens as the colors just pop and excellent contrast and detail.
My father gave me his Spotmatic back in 2016 when I got interested in film photography. Before the youtube film craze and the boom of tik tok/instagram film craze. I still have this camera and it's still my favorite out of all my cameras. It's gorgeous and even simpler than the K1000.
Legendary camera
Good to hear Japan tourism is doing well. So many lovely places like Nikko, Kyoto and Nara, or islands like Yakushima and Sado, with its outdoor noh plays and crumbling temple complexes.
Got my first Spotmatic with 55mm f1.8, then added 135 and 28mm f3.5 Super Takumars, then added a second, black, Spotmatic body in 1975. Loved it throughout until I replaced it in 1988 with a Canon EOS650 with 28-70mm and 100-300mm Canon EF lenses. Still look back on the Spotmatic as a delightfully easy camera to focus and shoot with. ❤❤
I prefer battery-independent manual-mechanical cameras verses battery-dependent automatic/electronic cameras. Some of my favorite cameras have built-in battery-operated light meters but those cameras do not depend on batteries for operations.
My favorite film cameras are:
Pentax Spotmatic 35mm SLR with 28mm f/3.5, 50mm f/1.4 8-element, 135mm f/3.5
Nikon F2 35mm SLR with 35mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, 180mm f/2.8
Leica M6 35mm rangefinder with 21mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, 90mm f/2
Mamiya C220 6x6cm medium format TLR with 55mm f/4.5, 80mm f/2.8, 180mm f/4.5
Mamiya RB67 6x7cm medium format SLR with 50mm f/4.5, 90mm f/2.8, 180mm f/4.5
With the exception of the Mamiya C220, I still own and use the cameras on my list.
All the cameras on my list had interchangeable lenses. My favorite 3-lens kit was included in the list. I only owned three lenses to use with the Leica and the Mamiya C220. My Spotmatic and RB67 have a 7-lens inventory. My Nikon has a 24-lens inventory ranging from 14mm to 1000mm.
The Nikon and RB67 are system cameras with interchangeable view finders, view screens, and film backs. The Nikon also has interchangeable motor drives.
I primarily used the Nikon for reportage, medical, and scientific photography.
I primarily used the Leica for shooting subjects in dim light or in a quiet environment.
I primarily used the Mamiya TLR for weddings and portraits.
I primarily used the Mamiya SLR for portraits, tabletop, macro, close-up, and still life photography.
I primarily used the Pentax for shooting in hostile environments where the camera was likely to be lost, stolen, or damaged.
@7:50 the FP flash socket is for flash bulbs and the X is for the new-fangled electronic flash.
@9:00 While the M42 screw mount was widely used then, not all were the same. That Pentax _Super-Takumar_ lens will open and close the diaphragm automatically, but _Auto Takumar_ only auto closed it, and plain _Takumar_ relied on you to do it. Other makes of M42 lenses - IDK but unlikely to be auto on a Pentax SP.
My first SLR, went to London for holidsy with this camers, the resault was specticular! Regret for selling it! Very smooth operation...gorgeos look!
I have one that I bought in the early 70s that is still in mint condition and fully functional. I love it. I switched to Nikon a few years later because I didn't like the M42 screw mount for the lenses.
Pentax went to bayonet mount in 1975, not long after you bought your SP. The Pentax KM was basically a Spotmatic modified for the bayonet. The KM was later "simplified" (some features deleted) to become the K1000.
I imported a black one from japan! Can't wait to take it there sometime soon
Thanks ! My Dad has two which he lends to me and I am thinking of trying to use it again.
Pentax Spotmatic 35mm camera is one of the true, well-made classics. Superb lenses, great definition and thru-the-lens metering in a sleek and timeless design. Own a Spotmatic SPII which is one of my favorites. What I don't see are more photos taken by a Pentax, especially when camera debuted in 1964, same year as the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Heard that Pentax was an instant hit with Olympic visitors w convenient film kiosks in the Olympic village at the time. There should be more photos taken at the Games w a Pentax Spotmatic posted on the internet. Have any idea of possible links or sources?
Instead of buying the new Pentax 17 i decided to recondition my Spotamatic SP11 It needed new light seals and a mirror bumper . I perfer to use my Minolta Light Meter over the camera light meter. I have number of Takumar lenses with the orginal metal lens hoods
Amazing video! I just got a Pentax Spotmatic that belonged to a diseased family member. Unfortunately the battery has leaked and the battery cover and 3/4 of the bottom plate screws are all rusted/corroded and are seized. Fortunately I have experience using light meters on my phone do if I decide to take it out the non functional light meter won’t be an issue
I am lucky enough to own one of the first batch of Pentax Spotmatic SP Cameras Model 231. It is a little different from your model 23102
Thanks for the video, I have one of these that I've used as a decoration the last few years not realizing I could bring it back to life. I'll have to get a battery and film for it. Where do you recommend getting pictures from your used film?
Hi, can you do a review with Pentax ES II? That would be wonderful if you do.. thank you so much..
I think the Spotmatic it the best IMHO......But I do have 14 different variants. Yor shutter is not returning fully by the way.
One error in the presentation. You do not use the auto / man switch on the lens to meter!! The meter switch itself stops the lens down during the metering. The switch automatically turns off if you take a picture.
Right. I understand the switch on Super-Takumar lenses was for compatability with earlier cameras that did not stop down automatically, and on the Spotmatic it served for a depth of field preview. Metering with fully open lens aperture did not come until the Spotmatic F of 1973, which was soon replaced by the K-series of cameras.
It's so good-looking! I'm considering this Pentax spomatic, but I'm also interested in Nikon EM... How do they compare? Which one would you recommend? Thanks in advance. :D
I own and use the Pentax Spotmatic and the Nikon EM.
To me, they are too different in form and function to compare.
To me, the Pentax Spotmatic, the Nikon F, and the Nikon F2 are similar in form and function.
To me, the Pentax ME and the Nikon EM are similar in form and function.
When I need to carry a small lightweight SLR, I select the Pentax ME or the Nikon EM.
When I need to carry a dependable professional quality 35mm SLR, I select the Pentax Spotmatic or the Nikon F or F2.
Is there a difference between black sp and white sp?
I don't recomend pushing down the light meter lever. Best way to spoil it on this camera.
Is it supposed to release downwards when the shutter release button is activated? Mine doesn't, so I guess someone broke it before I got hold of it.
It's pronounced "Ah-she," not "Uh-sah-hee."
朝日 or あさひ、which in romaji (romanized Japanese) is pronounced “ah sa he.”
Please make me a happy camper and drive the price of the Spottie up already, Bellamy.
You the issue with film photography
@@Matthew_Finn 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡 out of a possible 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
@@punkrachmaninoff make sense before you comment buddy
@@Matthew_Finn f off, bro.
Actually, I used to restore old cameras as a hobby and I think that the Spotmatic deserves a higher price than $40. 🤡
Recently i received my Asahi Pentax SP1000 with it case, hot shoe attachment and UV filter. Found and bidded for it on Ebay on auction for a very cheap price and somehow absolutely no-one bothered to bid for 7 days straight! And the camera was in mint condition!