Which Spotmatic did I order?

**goatsNdonkey** · 01-11-2018, 03:37 PM

If a Spotmatic has "SP" on the top plate which one of the ones in the m42 film camera reviews is it? The reviews only show an SP500 and SP1000, which the one I'm talking about is not since it has a self-timer and they don't.

The front says "SPOTMATIC" and "ASAHI PENTAX." The top plate also says "1490651" in small numerals above "SP."
Shutter speeds are B + 1sec to 1/1000th.

I've opened up several of the m42 camera reviews, not all of them yet, and so far have not found prose or a picture saying what model, or what version of a model, has SP stamped on it. It usually isn't hard to find this kind of info here at PF. I'm a bit surprised.

timw4mail · 01-11-2018, 03:47 PM

It's the original Spotmatic: Pentax Spotmatic - Pentax M42 Screwmount Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

stevebrot · 01-11-2018, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by timw4mail

It's the original Spotmatic: Pentax Spotmatic - Pentax M42 Screwmount Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

Yes, that would be the one. I guess that means we need more photos on the review page.

Steve

**goatsNdonkey** · 01-11-2018, 04:29 PM

Thanks, fellows, that review was the first one I looked at, after I figured out that it wasn't an SP500 or SP1000. I still don't find anything in the initial descriptive part that talks about the "SP" label on the top plate, and there is no picture of the top plate.

I am used to the lens review intros going into infinitesimal detail about markings on different versions of similar Pentax lenses. I kept rubbing my eyes assuming they weren't focusing on the paragraph or table cell where that was happening!

I guess the serial number I have falls right in the middle of the run for the early original Spotmatics, kind of cool to know.

Adam · 01-11-2018, 06:15 PM

That looks like quite an old pic, would be happy to accept & upload any better ones you might email to contactpf@(this domain).

stevebrot · 01-11-2018, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by Adam

That looks like quite an old pic, would be happy to accept & upload any better ones you might email to contactpf@(this domain).

I would oblige except that my SP is pretty rough.

Steve

**goatsNdonkey** · 01-11-2018, 07:13 PM

I could take shots of my "new" one when it arrives.

sterretje · 01-12-2018, 08:04 AM

Did the 1000 not stand for the shutter speed?

stevebrot · 01-12-2018, 09:10 AM

Originally posted by sterretje

Did the 1000 not stand for the shutter speed?

??? Do you mean on the SP1000?

The SP1000 and SP500 were lower-priced versions of the Spotmatic that lacked a self-timer and were released about the same time as the Spotmatic II. The number indicated the maximum shutter speed on the dial. In reality, both models supported the 1/1000s speed

Steve

01-11-2018, 03:37 PM	#1
goatsNdonkey Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Fulton County, Illinois Posts: 3,727	Which Spotmatic did I order? If a Spotmatic has "SP" on the top plate which one of the ones in the m42 film camera reviews is it? The reviews only show an SP500 and SP1000, which the one I'm talking about is not since it has a self-timer and they don't. The front says "SPOTMATIC" and "ASAHI PENTAX." The top plate also says "1490651" in small numerals above "SP." Shutter speeds are B + 1sec to 1/1000th. I've opened up several of the m42 camera reviews, not all of them yet, and so far have not found prose or a picture saying what model, or what version of a model, has SP stamped on it. It usually isn't hard to find this kind of info here at PF. I'm a bit surprised.

01-11-2018, 06:15 PM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	That looks like quite an old pic, would be happy to accept & upload any better ones you might email to contactpf@(this domain). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-11-2018, 03:47 PM	#2
timw4mail Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Driving a Mirage Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,670	It's the original Spotmatic: Pentax Spotmatic - Pentax M42 Screwmount Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

01-11-2018, 04:00 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by timw4mail It's the original Spotmatic: Pentax Spotmatic - Pentax M42 Screwmount Film SLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications Yes, that would be the one. I guess that means we need more photos on the review page. Steve

01-11-2018, 04:29 PM	#4
goatsNdonkey Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Fulton County, Illinois Posts: 3,727 Original Poster	Thanks, fellows, that review was the first one I looked at, after I figured out that it wasn't an SP500 or SP1000. I still don't find anything in the initial descriptive part that talks about the "SP" label on the top plate, and there is no picture of the top plate. I am used to the lens review intros going into infinitesimal detail about markings on different versions of similar Pentax lenses. I kept rubbing my eyes assuming they weren't focusing on the paragraph or table cell where that was happening! I guess the serial number I have falls right in the middle of the run for the early original Spotmatics, kind of cool to know.

01-11-2018, 07:10 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Adam That looks like quite an old pic, would be happy to accept & upload any better ones you might email to contactpf@(this domain). I would oblige except that my SP is pretty rough. Steve

01-11-2018, 07:13 PM	#7
goatsNdonkey Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Fulton County, Illinois Posts: 3,727 Original Poster	I could take shots of my "new" one when it arrives.

01-12-2018, 08:04 AM	#8
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Did the 1000 not stand for the shutter speed?

01-12-2018, 09:10 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by sterretje Did the 1000 not stand for the shutter speed? ??? Do you mean on the SP1000? The SP1000 and SP500 were lower-priced versions of the Spotmatic that lacked a self-timer and were released about the same time as the Spotmatic II. The number indicated the maximum shutter speed on the dial. In reality, both models supported the 1/1000s speed Steve

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