[lumenchaser]

Greetings, fellow Pentaxians!

I've been a fan/follower of this site for some time now. Finally decided to register after picking up a Spotmatic SP II today. It feels so good to have another Pentax camera, because my first "real" camera was a Pentax MV-1 purchased years ago while in the Army. Had a ball with that camera documenting my travels while stationed in Europe. So Pentax has always held a special place in my heart.

Now, all these years later, after a lengthy affair with a Nikon FE and F3, I find myself longing to shoot film again. What inspired the return, you may ask? The astonishing build quality of a few Super Takumar lenses I purchased for use on my Sony A7II. While they work beautifully as adapted lenses, I began to wonder what cameras they were originally intended for. Lo and behold, with a little research, I happened upon the Spotmatic. It was love at first sight. I knew in that moment, I'd better find one.

So, long story longer, a quick perusal on Craigslist led me to this beautiful marvel of design. Not only was it in amazing condition, but it had the original leather case and strap, with viewfinder and body caps to boot. All for the princely sum of $45 Canadian. I felt like a criminal when I paid the gentleman who sold it to me! I seriously entertained paying more for it, but he was just thrilled that it was going to someone who would cherish it--and cherish it, I do.

The only minor downside to the story is that the meter appears to be broken. But, ever the optimist, I'm hoping to find some sage advice here to help me repair the problem myself. From the little I've read, it CAN be a fairly simple enterprise if related to the likely culprit--battery leakage and corrosion.

So, thank you for the opportunity to share this, and I look forward to being a part of this great community. All the best!

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[Painter]

Very nice to meet another film shooter. Personally I dont bother with a meter for the Spotmatics. I often have a little digital point and shoot that I use as a light meter. Another thing to test out with this camera is the fast shutter speeds to make sure they work properly. The only way to be sure is to run a roll of film through it and make sure that the exposure is even across the entire frame.

All the best from a fellow Lower Mainland film photographer.

[gaweidert]

Welcome aboard!!


I still own the Spotmatic II I got new in the early 1970's. A few years ago I came across a person in Yellowstone that was using a Spotmatic. He too had purchased it new.

[gofour3]

Welcome from Vancouver!

Phil.

[Kerrowdown]

Welcome to the forum, enjoy all it has to offer.

I gave up my F3's back in the early eighties... that seems so long ago now, it might have been in the 1880s.

[pjv]

Hi from Australia.

[Ben-G]

Welcome from Italy 😊

[lumenchaser]

Welcome from Italy 😊

Thanks, Ben-G, and happy shooting! 😀

---------- Post added 05-11-19 at 09:59 PM ----------

Hi from Australia.

Hi pJv!
All the best to you! 😀

[beachgardener]

G'day mate and welcome to the forum

I have a Spotmatic F, very nice camera

[lumenchaser]

Very nice to meet another film shooter. Personally I dont bother with a meter for the Spotmatics. I often have a little digital point and shoot that I use as a light meter. Another thing to test out with this camera is the fast shutter speeds to make sure they work properly. The only way to be sure is to run a roll of film through it and make sure that the exposure is even across the entire frame.

All the best from a fellow Lower Mainland film photographer.

Hi Painter!

Thanks so much for your welcome message. So after going through my SP II, I now know the meter doesn't work, and a couple of shutter speeds hang a bit before tripping the shutter. Learned about a master repairman here (Eric) that I'm now going to send it to for full repairs and CLA. It's in such nice shape, it's worth it to get it right. I'll keep ya posted about the progress I make.

Cheers!

---------- Post added 05-19-19 at 12:13 AM ----------

G'day mate and welcome to the forum

I have a Spotmatic F, very nice camera

Hello beachgardener!

Gotta say that's one terrific looking Spotmatic F you've got there. REALLY like the strap, as well. Could you share where you got that? Mine has the original, which is cool from a purely nostalgic standpoint, but is too narrow to be comfortable. That one looks cool and comfy.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Happy shooting!

---------- Post added 05-19-19 at 12:16 AM ----------

Welcome to the forum, enjoy all it has to offer.

I gave up my F3's back in the early eighties... that seems so long ago now, it might have been in the 1880s.

Hey Kerrowdown!

Yeah, I'm one of the few people out there who didn't really like the F3 that much. Loved the FE I had before it SO much more. Not sure what it was, but we just didn't get along!
Anyhow, I'm sure looking forward to getting this SP II sorted out so I can finally shoot some film with it. Got an itch I just can't scratch... yet!

All the best to you!

[beachgardener]

Gotta say that's one terrific looking Spotmatic F you've got there. REALLY like the strap, as well. Could you share where you got that?

Thanks, yes the strap from Lucky Straps: Hand made in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
This is the grip version, sits on the shoulder very well, doesn't move,



Lucky Camera Straps - Slim 30 - Grip Black/White for Rangefinders