Does Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP II work without batteries?

Yzthier · 12-13-2016, 02:41 PM

Can I still take photographs with my Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP II without batteries?

**boriscleto** · 12-13-2016, 02:48 PM

Yes. Only the light meter need batteries.

Xmas · 12-13-2016, 04:04 PM

You need smart phone app or meter or Sunny 16 rule - Wikipedia

stevebrot · 12-13-2016, 04:21 PM

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

Yes, the camera is fully mechanical and will operate without batteries. The TTL stop-down meter system requires batteries and and while coupled to the camera, there is no exposure automation. You must manually set the aperture and shutter speed.

While the original mercury button cell batteries are no longer available, modern silver-cell equivalents are available and work well. I use them on my SP II with good success. The battery to look for is Energizer E387S or equivalent. The voltage is different than the original type, but the meter circuit is not affected under most light conditions.

BTW, You can download a copy of the camera manual from:

Pentax Manuals: M42 Cameras (PDF password is "Pentax")

There are two versions of the manual there. Download both and use the one that suits you best.

Steve

GGWnCYP · 01-15-2017, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

Yes, the camera is fully mechanical and will operate without batteries. The TTL stop-down meter system requires batteries and and while coupled to the camera, there is no exposure automation. You must manually set the aperture and shutter speed.

While the original mercury button cell batteries are no longer available, modern silver-cell equivalents are available and work well. I use them on my SP II with good success. The battery to look for is Energizer E387S or equivalent. The voltage is different than the original type, but the meter circuit is not affected under most light conditions.

BTW, You can download a copy of the camera manual from:

Pentax Manuals: M42 Cameras (PDF password is "Pentax")

There are two versions of the manual there. Download both and use the one that suits you best.

Steve

All, just bought a battery from batteries-n-bulbs. The package says 387.

No mention of the S.

But the battery that was in the package says 394. It does not work in the SP II, meaning it did not turn up the meter.

Will check the package next time.

stevebrot · 01-15-2017, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by GGWnCYP

But the battery that was in the package says 394. It does not work in the SP II, meaning it did not turn up the meter.

The 387S is a 394* set into a plastic fitting to make it the appropriate diameter. Check that the battery is right-side-up ("+" facing into the camera body).

Steve

* or equivalent

Xmas · 01-16-2017, 12:55 PM

(Part of) plumbers 'o' ring and clean contacts eraser on end of graphite pencil maybe necessary.

12-13-2016, 02:41 PM	#1
Yzthier New Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2	Does Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP II work without batteries? Can I still take photographs with my Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP II without batteries?

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12-13-2016, 02:48 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Yes. Only the light meter need batteries.

12-13-2016, 04:04 PM	#3
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	You need smart phone app or meter or Sunny 16 rule - Wikipedia

12-13-2016, 04:21 PM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Welcome to the Pentax Forums! Yes, the camera is fully mechanical and will operate without batteries. The TTL stop-down meter system requires batteries and and while coupled to the camera, there is no exposure automation. You must manually set the aperture and shutter speed. While the original mercury button cell batteries are no longer available, modern silver-cell equivalents are available and work well. I use them on my SP II with good success. The battery to look for is Energizer E387S or equivalent. The voltage is different than the original type, but the meter circuit is not affected under most light conditions. BTW, You can download a copy of the camera manual from: Pentax Manuals: M42 Cameras (PDF password is "Pentax") There are two versions of the manual there. Download both and use the one that suits you best. Steve

01-15-2017, 07:03 PM	#5
GGWnCYP New Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 1	Originally posted by stevebrot Welcome to the Pentax Forums! Yes, the camera is fully mechanical and will operate without batteries. The TTL stop-down meter system requires batteries and and while coupled to the camera, there is no exposure automation. You must manually set the aperture and shutter speed. While the original mercury button cell batteries are no longer available, modern silver-cell equivalents are available and work well. I use them on my SP II with good success. The battery to look for is Energizer E387S or equivalent. The voltage is different than the original type, but the meter circuit is not affected under most light conditions. BTW, You can download a copy of the camera manual from: Pentax Manuals: M42 Cameras (PDF password is "Pentax") There are two versions of the manual there. Download both and use the one that suits you best. Steve All, just bought a battery from batteries-n-bulbs. The package says 387. No mention of the S. But the battery that was in the package says 394. It does not work in the SP II, meaning it did not turn up the meter. Will check the package next time.

01-15-2017, 08:00 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by GGWnCYP But the battery that was in the package says 394. It does not work in the SP II, meaning it did not turn up the meter. The 387S is a 394* set into a plastic fitting to make it the appropriate diameter. Check that the battery is right-side-up ("+" facing into the camera body). Steve * or equivalent

01-16-2017, 12:55 PM	#7
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	(Part of) plumbers 'o' ring and clean contacts eraser on end of graphite pencil maybe necessary.