Pentax Spotmatic SP question

CLrog · 03-23-2018, 09:23 AM

Hello, I have a Spotmatic SP, in which the light meter does not work because of the battery. I do have a hand held meter which I use. It seems like the shutter will open and close correctly in spite of this, is that correct ? Is it better to replace the battery anyways for the camera function? Thanks

disconnekt · 03-23-2018, 01:41 PM

The Spotmatic will work/fire the shutter without a battery, as the battery is used only for the light meter (hence the switch on the front). If you want to use the in-body lightmeter you'll need a battery, but since you have a hand-held lightmeter you can use that if you want too.

CLrog · 03-23-2018, 02:26 PM

thanks for your note, it seems like sometimes the mirror gets stuck in the 'up' position after I trip the shutter, not sure why that would happen. Often when I trip the shutter again it resets

noblepa · 03-23-2018, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by CLrog

thanks for your note, it seems like sometimes the mirror gets stuck in the 'up' position after I trip the shutter, not sure why that would happen. Often when I trip the shutter again it resets

Can you reach in and gently pry the mirror down? Sometimes, with very old cameras like the Spotmatic, the foam cushion around the focusing screen, that is there to soften the blow when the mirror flips up, can get soft and sticky. Occasionally, the mirror will stick to the foam.

If it resists coming back down, then there is probably something broken or out of adjustment inside the camera. Having this fixed, if you can't do it yourself, may be more expensive than the camera is worth.

victormeldrew · 03-28-2018, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by CLrog

thanks for your note, it seems like sometimes the mirror gets stuck in the 'up' position after I trip the shutter, not sure why that would happen. Often when I trip the shutter again it resets

This is a very common problem, caused by dried or gunked up lube in the mechanism. I just fixed mine today...it took a couple of hours, required taking the bottom off and working in a few drops of alcohol or naphtha, then once dry, a drop or two of watch oil. All is now well with the mirror. A better (longer lasting) fix is to strip it down fully and give everything a good soak clean or an ultrasonic bath, but it'll do for a while.

**rayallen** · 04-08-2018, 01:30 AM

May I suggest that you join the Spotmatic group on Yahoo: Yahoo! Groups

There are many there who can give you lots of help. Plus there is a lot of information on many topics related to Spotmatics. I started the group back in 2000 but I am no longer the group's owner. However, I am still a member.

03-23-2018, 09:23 AM	#1
CLrog Guest	Pentax Spotmatic SP question Hello, I have a Spotmatic SP, in which the light meter does not work because of the battery. I do have a hand held meter which I use. It seems like the shutter will open and close correctly in spite of this, is that correct ? Is it better to replace the battery anyways for the camera function? Thanks

03-23-2018, 02:26 PM	#3
CLrog Guest	thanks thanks for your note, it seems like sometimes the mirror gets stuck in the 'up' position after I trip the shutter, not sure why that would happen. Often when I trip the shutter again it resets

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03-23-2018, 01:41 PM	#2
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,699	The Spotmatic will work/fire the shutter without a battery, as the battery is used only for the light meter (hence the switch on the front). If you want to use the in-body lightmeter you'll need a battery, but since you have a hand-held lightmeter you can use that if you want too.

03-23-2018, 02:53 PM	#4
noblepa Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,142	Originally posted by CLrog thanks for your note, it seems like sometimes the mirror gets stuck in the 'up' position after I trip the shutter, not sure why that would happen. Often when I trip the shutter again it resets Can you reach in and gently pry the mirror down? Sometimes, with very old cameras like the Spotmatic, the foam cushion around the focusing screen, that is there to soften the blow when the mirror flips up, can get soft and sticky. Occasionally, the mirror will stick to the foam. If it resists coming back down, then there is probably something broken or out of adjustment inside the camera. Having this fixed, if you can't do it yourself, may be more expensive than the camera is worth.

03-28-2018, 03:35 PM	#5
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by CLrog thanks for your note, it seems like sometimes the mirror gets stuck in the 'up' position after I trip the shutter, not sure why that would happen. Often when I trip the shutter again it resets This is a very common problem, caused by dried or gunked up lube in the mechanism. I just fixed mine today...it took a couple of hours, required taking the bottom off and working in a few drops of alcohol or naphtha, then once dry, a drop or two of watch oil. All is now well with the mirror. A better (longer lasting) fix is to strip it down fully and give everything a good soak clean or an ultrasonic bath, but it'll do for a while.

04-08-2018, 01:30 AM	#6
rayallen Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Forresters Beach, NSW, Australia. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,014	May I suggest that you join the Spotmatic group on Yahoo: Yahoo! Groups There are many there who can give you lots of help. Plus there is a lot of information on many topics related to Spotmatics. I started the group back in 2000 but I am no longer the group's owner. However, I am still a member.