Getting Asahi Pentax Spotmatic in 2017?

gat3keeper · 08-11-2017, 11:13 PM

Hi peeps,

I'm a professional photographer using Fuji system. Lately, I've been intrigue by film photography and been browsing forums / reviews / youtube for slr cameras.

My question is, is it ok to buy the legend Asahi Pentax Spotmatic today ?

I'm thorn between getting this or Minolta SRT 102 because they have same price in my area.

Wild Mark · 08-11-2017, 11:43 PM

Of course, but as with all old cameras, it will need a clean, lubricate and adjust. Very robust camera.

**interested_observer** · 08-12-2017, 02:49 AM

You can get your Spotmatic serviced by Eric - who is a legend here. You will probably need new foam light seals too.

... also here is a featured article about Eric.

Twenty Questions with Eric Hendrickson - Columns | PentaxForums.com

And here is the M42 lens database

Pentax M42 Screwmount Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

disconnekt · 08-12-2017, 11:03 AM

Yes, it'll be fine to get a Spotmatic nowadays. There may be a chance you'll need to get it a good CLA like others have suggested and have Eric H. check it out & do any repairs, he comes highly recommended from alot of forum members. It usually depends on how well the camera was taken care of before hand if you need it CLA'd, but if it feels like something may be off or you're unsure/just want it checked out, send it.

bigdavephoto · 08-12-2017, 06:00 PM

I would suggest getting a K1000, KM or KX if you are wanting to do film. If you go with a Spotmatic, you will be stuck with just using screw mount lenses, which is not necessary a bad thing but getting a K1000, KM or KX, you would be able to use any Pentax K mount lens that has an aperture ring plus all the screw mount lenses with the proper screw mount to K mount adapter.

No matter what you go with, getting a CLA is still a good idea.

**Lowell Goudge** · 08-13-2017, 04:40 AM

I would bypass all the m42 and k mount MF bodies and get a PZ-1 or PZ-1p (or Z-1 / Z-1p away from North America)

They can use all but HSM lenses have excellent metering, work with MF lenses just like any K or M body , has some great exposure features and 1/250 flash sync

If the OP is a pro,Mathis is a way to lead him into digital as wall with Pentax.

AquaDome · 08-13-2017, 07:33 PM

Get a Spotmatic. (I have the SPii and it is a joy to use.)
Maybe it will need repair, maybe it won't. (It probably won't.)
The M42 mount gives you access to many wonderful lenses that sell for ridiculously low prices.
Later, you can get a KX or a PZ1p.

**grhazelton** · 08-13-2017, 09:17 PM

Read the reviews on this forum on M 42 cameras. The Spotmatic F enables full aperture metering with later Pentax Takumar Super Multi Coated lenses, and perhaps some third party lenses. Full aperture metering is nice, since IMHO the stop-down implementation of the Spotmatics is not as nice as that on the Praktica LTL, for example. Please, no hate mail! I am a loyal Pentaxian.

Other than that the Spotties are lovely cameras, beautifully made, smooth operating, elegant looking, and reliable. Since they seem to use a bridge circuit for metering a silver oxide cell will work fine in place of the original mercury cell, thank goodness! Of course with any camera that old a CLA should be factored into the cost.

After that you could move into the K mount series, with perhaps a KX. And perhaps later on the ultimate, the Mighty LX.

Jonathan Mac · 08-14-2017, 12:42 AM

I have both and prefer the Minolta SRT cameras, though there's not much in it either functionally or with regard to size and weight. My Minoltas are probably slightly smoother in operation, and the Minolta lenses I have are at least as sharp as my Takumars.

The SRT cameras I've bought have also proved to work better after all these years - they've given me zero problems and haven't required CLAs, unlike the spotties

Steve Beswick · 08-14-2017, 07:34 AM

If you can, pick up a Pentax P3n / P30t. They are very inexpensive, comfortable in hand, are reliable, have a decently sized viewfinder, are super easy to load film into, use cheap lr44 batteries, and rarely require a CLA. Put a M 50 f/1.7 on it and you will have a nearly bulletproof combo that will be a true pleasure to work with.

Tako Kichi · 08-14-2017, 07:53 AM

If you are seriously considering a Spotmatic bear in mind that it has no hot shoe for flash guns, you would need an L-bracket and sync cable for flash use. My first SLR was a used Spotmatic back in 1979 and it was a great camera. Easy to use, light weight and rugged. I did an exchange deal on a Spotmatic II a couple of years later as I wanted a body with a hot shoe. I still have the Spotmatic II body (but it is FUBAR'd now) and the L-bracket and multiple sync cables in a box full of old film gear in the bedroom closet.

**grhazelton** · 08-14-2017, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by Tako Kichi

If you are seriously considering a Spotmatic bear in mind that it has no hot shoe for flash guns, you would need an L-bracket and sync cable for flash use. My first SLR was a used Spotmatic back in 1979 and it was a great camera. Easy to use, light weight and rugged. I did an exchange deal on a Spotmatic II a couple of years later as I wanted a body with a hot shoe. I still have the Spotmatic II body (but it is FUBAR'd now) and the L-bracket and multiple sync cables in a box full of old film gear in the bedroom closet.

Ummm....My Spotmatic F has both a hot shoe and pc connectors on the body for both X and FP flashbulbs. Where would anyone find FP flashbulbs these days? Truly a blast from the past! The OP should consult the review on this site for exact details.

timw4mail · 08-14-2017, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by Tako Kichi

If you are seriously considering a Spotmatic bear in mind that it has no hot shoe for flash guns, you would need an L-bracket and sync cable for flash use. My first SLR was a used Spotmatic back in 1979 and it was a great camera. Easy to use, light weight and rugged. I did an exchange deal on a Spotmatic II a couple of years later as I wanted a body with a hot shoe. I still have the Spotmatic II body (but it is FUBAR'd now) and the L-bracket and multiple sync cables in a box full of old film gear in the bedroom closet.

Depends on the model.

letchhausen · 08-14-2017, 03:44 PM

I would say sure, it's not like it's going to cost you that much and like others have said you'll have access to decent lenses that will be cheap. My first camera was a used K1000 that I still use today when I'm not shooting 4x5. Which is more often these days than I'd thought.

Abbazz · 08-14-2017, 05:35 PM

Spotmatics are among the best SLRs ever made.
Here are two recent posts by Michael Johnston about the Spotmatic:
The Online Photographer: So You Say You Want a Film Camera?
The Online Photographer: Three More Things About the Spotmatic

Cheers!

Abbazz

08-11-2017, 11:13 PM	#1
gat3keeper New Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 3	Getting Asahi Pentax Spotmatic in 2017? Hi peeps, I'm a professional photographer using Fuji system. Lately, I've been intrigue by film photography and been browsing forums / reviews / youtube for slr cameras. My question is, is it ok to buy the legend Asahi Pentax Spotmatic today ? I'm thorn between getting this or Minolta SRT 102 because they have same price in my area.

08-12-2017, 02:49 AM	#3
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	You can get your Spotmatic serviced by Eric - who is a legend here. You will probably need new foam light seals too. Pentax repair by Eric Hendrickson - PentaxForums.com Home-Pentaxs ... also here is a featured article about Eric. Twenty Questions with Eric Hendrickson - Columns \| PentaxForums.com And here is the M42 lens database Pentax M42 Screwmount Lenses - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

08-13-2017, 09:17 PM	#8
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	You want a Spotmatic F. You really do! Read the reviews on this forum on M 42 cameras. The Spotmatic F enables full aperture metering with later Pentax Takumar Super Multi Coated lenses, and perhaps some third party lenses. Full aperture metering is nice, since IMHO the stop-down implementation of the Spotmatics is not as nice as that on the Praktica LTL, for example. Please, no hate mail! I am a loyal Pentaxian. Other than that the Spotties are lovely cameras, beautifully made, smooth operating, elegant looking, and reliable. Since they seem to use a bridge circuit for metering a silver oxide cell will work fine in place of the original mercury cell, thank goodness! Of course with any camera that old a CLA should be factored into the cost. After that you could move into the K mount series, with perhaps a KX. And perhaps later on the ultimate, the Mighty LX.

08-14-2017, 12:42 AM	#9
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,894	I have both and prefer the Minolta SRT cameras, though there's not much in it either functionally or with regard to size and weight. My Minoltas are probably slightly smoother in operation, and the Minolta lenses I have are at least as sharp as my Takumars. The SRT cameras I've bought have also proved to work better after all these years - they've given me zero problems and haven't required CLAs, unlike the spotties Last edited by Jonathan Mac; 08-14-2017 at 12:47 AM.

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08-11-2017, 11:43 PM	#2
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	Of course, but as with all old cameras, it will need a clean, lubricate and adjust. Very robust camera.

08-12-2017, 11:03 AM	#4
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,699	Yes, it'll be fine to get a Spotmatic nowadays. There may be a chance you'll need to get it a good CLA like others have suggested and have Eric H. check it out & do any repairs, he comes highly recommended from alot of forum members. It usually depends on how well the camera was taken care of before hand if you need it CLA'd, but if it feels like something may be off or you're unsure/just want it checked out, send it.

08-12-2017, 06:00 PM	#5
bigdavephoto Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East central Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 893	I would suggest getting a K1000, KM or KX if you are wanting to do film. If you go with a Spotmatic, you will be stuck with just using screw mount lenses, which is not necessary a bad thing but getting a K1000, KM or KX, you would be able to use any Pentax K mount lens that has an aperture ring plus all the screw mount lenses with the proper screw mount to K mount adapter. No matter what you go with, getting a CLA is still a good idea.

08-13-2017, 04:40 AM	#6
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	I would bypass all the m42 and k mount MF bodies and get a PZ-1 or PZ-1p (or Z-1 / Z-1p away from North America) They can use all but HSM lenses have excellent metering, work with MF lenses just like any K or M body , has some great exposure features and 1/250 flash sync If the OP is a pro,Mathis is a way to lead him into digital as wall with Pentax.

08-13-2017, 07:33 PM	#7
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	Get a Spotmatic. (I have the SPii and it is a joy to use.) Maybe it will need repair, maybe it won't. (It probably won't.) The M42 mount gives you access to many wonderful lenses that sell for ridiculously low prices. Later, you can get a KX or a PZ1p.

08-14-2017, 07:34 AM	#10
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	If you can, pick up a Pentax P3n / P30t. They are very inexpensive, comfortable in hand, are reliable, have a decently sized viewfinder, are super easy to load film into, use cheap lr44 batteries, and rarely require a CLA. Put a M 50 f/1.7 on it and you will have a nearly bulletproof combo that will be a true pleasure to work with.

08-14-2017, 07:53 AM	#11
Tako Kichi Veteran Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: SW Ontario, Canada (ex-pat Brit) Posts: 1,296	If you are seriously considering a Spotmatic bear in mind that it has no hot shoe for flash guns, you would need an L-bracket and sync cable for flash use. My first SLR was a used Spotmatic back in 1979 and it was a great camera. Easy to use, light weight and rugged. I did an exchange deal on a Spotmatic II a couple of years later as I wanted a body with a hot shoe. I still have the Spotmatic II body (but it is FUBAR'd now) and the L-bracket and multiple sync cables in a box full of old film gear in the bedroom closet.

08-14-2017, 09:13 AM	#12
grhazelton Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jonesboro, GA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	Originally posted by Tako Kichi If you are seriously considering a Spotmatic bear in mind that it has no hot shoe for flash guns, you would need an L-bracket and sync cable for flash use. My first SLR was a used Spotmatic back in 1979 and it was a great camera. Easy to use, light weight and rugged. I did an exchange deal on a Spotmatic II a couple of years later as I wanted a body with a hot shoe. I still have the Spotmatic II body (but it is FUBAR'd now) and the L-bracket and multiple sync cables in a box full of old film gear in the bedroom closet. Ummm....My Spotmatic F has both a hot shoe and pc connectors on the body for both X and FP flashbulbs. Where would anyone find FP flashbulbs these days? Truly a blast from the past! The OP should consult the review on this site for exact details.

08-14-2017, 09:36 AM	#13
timw4mail Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Driving a Mirage Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,670	Originally posted by Tako Kichi If you are seriously considering a Spotmatic bear in mind that it has no hot shoe for flash guns, you would need an L-bracket and sync cable for flash use. My first SLR was a used Spotmatic back in 1979 and it was a great camera. Easy to use, light weight and rugged. I did an exchange deal on a Spotmatic II a couple of years later as I wanted a body with a hot shoe. I still have the Spotmatic II body (but it is FUBAR'd now) and the L-bracket and multiple sync cables in a box full of old film gear in the bedroom closet. Depends on the model.

08-14-2017, 03:44 PM	#14
letchhausen New Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: seattle Posts: 4	I would say sure, it's not like it's going to cost you that much and like others have said you'll have access to decent lenses that will be cheap. My first camera was a used K1000 that I still use today when I'm not shooting 4x5. Which is more often these days than I'd thought.

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08-14-2017, 05:35 PM	#15
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	Spotmatics are among the best SLRs ever made. Here are two recent posts by Michael Johnston about the Spotmatic: The Online Photographer: So You Say You Want a Film Camera? The Online Photographer: Three More Things About the Spotmatic Cheers! Abbazz