The Pentax S (H in the USA) model series of cameras were released out of sequential order, beginning with the S2/H2 in 1959, followed by the S3/H3 in 1960 and finally with this camera, the S1/H1 in 1961. The S1/H1 was targeted as a budget model to complement the more advanced S3/H3. In reality, the cameras were nearly identical, with the 1/1000th marking removed from the shutter speed dial. Pentax released this camera in North America through a distributor, the Heiland division of the Honeywell Corporation. The name 'H1' was presumably chosen in reference to the distributor. The camera was released as the S1 in other markets.
| Asahi Pentax S1 |
Also marketed as
Heiland Pentax H1
Honeywell Pentax H1 | Year introduced
1961 | Year discontinued
1962 | Mount
M42 |
Automatic aperture stop down
Yes | Metering
No light meter | Exposure modes
Manual, B | Shutter speeds (auto)
Not applicable |
Shutter speeds (manual)
T, B, 1 - 1/500s, X | Shutter speeds (mechanical)
T, B, 1 - 1/500s, X | Self timer
No | Mirror lock-up
No |
Auto bracketing
Not applicable | Multiple exposures
Yes | Winder
Ratchet type rapid wind lever | Flash hot shoe
No |
Built-in flash
No | TTL/P-TTL flash
No | Flash sync speed
FP and X terminals - 1/50s | Flash exposure comp
Not applicable |
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism finder with Fresnel lens + microprism | Diopter correction
No | Exchangeable screen
No | Depth of field preview
Through switch on lens where available |
Image size
24 x 36 mm | Battery
None | Size (W x H x D)
140 x 92 x 50mm | Weight
548g |
Last edited by Ole; 10-10-2010 at 04:17 PM.
