Loyal Site Supporter Registered: February, 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,710
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 11, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $45.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Spotmatic build quality, works sans battery | | Cons: | Unnecessary flash meter port, could leak light | |
I bought my Spotmatic IIa with an S-M-C Takumar 50/1.4 and 135/3.5 basically just to get the lenses. The camera was mis-listed as a Spotmatic F. When I got the camera it was in much better condition than expected and cleaned-up nicely. Even the meter works with a Wein Cell 400 zinc-air battery.
The only difference between this camera and the SPII is the flash metering CDS cell and exposure controls. I’m sure the Strobo-Eye System was quite the perceived innovation, however remote flash sensors were introduced around the same time and didn’t require a one camera only special flash. The SPIIa can use any Hotshoe or PC cord flash, not just the Honeywell Strobonar with Strobonar Eye System, they just won’t use the camera sensor. I know of only three Strobonar-Eye flashes for the SPIIa, the handle type 770 and 882, plus a single shoe mount rechargeable unit, the Strobonar 462. Shown here:https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/8-pentax-film-slr-discussion/401066-spot...spotmatic.html
So, the SPIIa is just an basic Spotmatic with a unique, and now useless feature. Seriously, I would not trust any fifty plus year old high voltage appliance that close to my face! The SPIIa is a fine, full screen averaging meter, all manual Pentax, no more, no less. I’m keeping mine as an occasional use curiosity and displaying it with the very hard to find Strobonar with Strobonar-Eye 462 flash.
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Inactive Account Registered: December, 2008 Location: Chicago IL USA Posts: 19
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 29, 2011 | Not Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Ergonomics, reliability, M42 mount | | Cons: | light leak from front-mounted flash sensor | |
The Spotmatic IIa has a special sensor for controlling exposure when using a flash and if you take a lot of flash pictures it helps. I had a light leak which ultimately turned out to be from that flash sensor on the front of the camera. I had it blocked from the inside and problem solved. I don't use flash anyway... it's a long story why I ended up with an SPIIa instead of an SPII.
I bought my SPIIa new in 1973 and it's still the camera I shoot 95% of the time. I've used it for so long that I may be biased here. It has classic Spotmatic ergonomics which to me are so close to perfect. After 38 years of using it, it's part of my hands... it's not even like I'm holding a camera at all. I can't imagine ever using any camera other than a Spotmatic since the ergonomics are so good and every other camera seems clunky, distracting and intrusive into the creative process. I'm even left-handed, and the right-handed orientation of the Spotmatic body is a zero issue for me.
I am totally comfortable with the "dumb" averaging light meter. I know it so well I never ever need to bracket a shot - even with tricky back lighting, shadows, etc. I don't have a problem with the stop-down metering since you compose the shot with the lens in auto mode... it's wide open... and then it stops down very briefly when you use the light meter.
Haven't changed the mercury battery in 10+ years. It hasn't leaked and it still works.
The reasons I wouldn't recommend this camera body are: 1. The later Spotmatic F has more features with no compromise in ergonomics. I think it may use a later battery.. and 2. If you want a classic Spotmatic, why get the SPIIa version which is probably hard to find, anyway?
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