Some Early Spotmatic Indulgence

Driftwood · 07-15-2018, 04:08 PM - **4 Likes**

So, I was looking on some unimportant auction site and saw this... it was a 'buy it now' for $25 with ever-ready case and strap and free shipping. I figured might as well if just for the case (which is very nice) and take a chance on the camera. It's quite early and in very fine shape... no scuffed paint and no dings/dents. Looks barely used. Only issue is the meter (of course) doesn't function... seems to be stuck at the center with or without battery... and the seals/mirror bumper are shot. I believe it is a good candidate for a short vacation to Tennessee to visit Eric. ASA is 10-800. This one has no part number on the base plate. Wish I could get a good photo of the focusing screen, as it's pretty funky. Just wanted to brag a little about this thing and to show some pics of some of the differences in the early model Spotmatics. Enjoy!!

Attached Images

**beachgardener** · 07-15-2018, 04:25 PM - **1 Like**

nice one, looks pristine, bargain

**twilhelm** · 07-15-2018, 04:54 PM - **1 Like**

Nice find. I recently purchased a very nice SP and was lucky enough to have a working meter. As soon as I find a battery cover, my Other Spotmatic will see its way to the shop to get its light meter fixed.

**boriscleto** · 07-15-2018, 04:57 PM - **1 Like**

Nice. Mine's a 113xxxx, and a Honeywell...It came with a very late serial # 8-element 50/1.4 though...

stevebrot · 07-15-2018, 05:11 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Driftwood

So, I was looking on some unimportant auction site and saw this... it was a 'buy it now' for $25 with ever-ready case and strap and free shipping. I figured might as well if just for the case (which is very nice) and take a chance on the camera. It's quite early and in very fine shape... no scuffed paint and no dings/dents. Looks barely used. Only issue is the meter (of course) doesn't function... seems to be stuck at the center with or without battery... and the seals/mirror bumper are shot. I believe it is a good candidate for a short vacation to Tennessee to visit Eric. ASA is 10-800. This one has no part number on the base plate. Wish I could get a good photo of the focusing screen, as it's pretty funky. Just wanted to brag a little about this thing and to show some pics of some of the differences in the early model Spotmatics. Enjoy!!

Very cool find, very cool indeed! The big tip-offs are the meter switch, end screw position and exposure counter bezel.

Steve

**pentaxus** · 07-15-2018, 05:20 PM - **1 Like**

That is a model 231 Spotmatic. Most Spotmatics you find are model 23102. The meter needle on the model 231 is in the center when off. The meter switch is narrow, the frame counter is taller and there is the screw on the side of the top cover.

Driftwood · 07-15-2018, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by pentaxus

That is a model 231 Spotmatic. Most Spotmatics you find are model 23102. The meter needle on the model 231 is in the center when off. The meter switch is narrow, the frame counter is taller and there is the screw on the side of the top cover.

Oh, that's good to know about the meter needle... although I did put a battery in and it didn't move. Maybe I'll take a closer look at the contacts and such.

---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 05:32 PM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

Very cool find, very cool indeed! The big tip-offs are the meter switch, end screw position and exposure counter bezel.

Steve

Thanks! Yeah, I was very happy to find such an early example in such fine shape.

---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 05:33 PM ----------

Originally posted by pentaxus

That is a model 231 Spotmatic. Most Spotmatics you find are model 23102. The meter needle on the model 231 is in the center when off. The meter switch is narrow, the frame counter is taller and there is the screw on the side of the top cover.

Do you happen to know why it has no part number stamped on it? Is that unusual?

---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 05:34 PM ----------

Originally posted by boriscleto

Nice. Mine's a 113xxxx, and a Honeywell...It came with a very late serial # 8-element 50/1.4 though...

Nice! I wasn't THAT lucky!

**microlight** · 07-15-2018, 11:37 PM - **1 Like**

Congratulations - nice find!

**Odinz** · 07-16-2018, 06:09 AM - **1 Like**

Really nice find, looks like it's in fantastic shape! Congrats!

dsmithhfx · 07-16-2018, 07:12 AM

I have two spotmatic sps, neither of which I had CLA'd (I only got the 2nd because a strap lug wore through on the first). Apart from occasional light leaks, very reliable shooters.

Driftwood · 07-16-2018, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by Odinz

Really nice find, looks like it's in fantastic shape! Congrats!

Thanks!!

---------- Post added 07-16-18 at 11:51 AM ----------

Originally posted by dsmithhfx

I have two spotmatic sps, neither of which I had CLA'd (I only got the 2nd because a strap lug wore through on the first). Apart from occasional light leaks, very reliable shooters.

Yeah, They almost always function well... except for the light meters and deteriorating seals. I do like to have the meters repaired when I can, because then they should be good for many years... and people with the know-how to do that work are becoming scarce these days.

jcs0001 · 07-16-2018, 12:50 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Driftwood

Thanks!!

---------- Post added 07-16-18 at 11:51 AM ----------

Yeah, They almost always function well... except for the light meters and deteriorating seals. I do like to have the meters repaired when I can, because then they should be good for many years... and people with the know-how to do that work are becoming scarce these days.

That is a really clean specimen. Hard to pass up.

John.

jan.smely · 07-25-2018, 05:44 AM

I discourage you from sending your SP to Eric. He just destroyed my SPF and charged me $121. Light-meter was working before (perfectly!), after Eric's "repair" it does not and nobody in my country can repair it after him. (Eric simply told me that the battery was dead. Not only he damaged the meter, he also didn't bother to check it with another battery to find out it's not working!) He also "adjusted" the shutter speeds in a way that they are all faster – and everything is underexposed. I know what I am talking about, I am shooting several Pentax film cameras, always the same exposure method, film and development process, so I can compare it. It has become an unusable camera for me. Also Eric's communication was totally, totally unprofessional. From my experience, it is the worst "repairman" ever!

pathdoc · 07-26-2018, 08:45 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Driftwood

ASA is 10-800.

Back in the day when 10 ASA film was a common thing. My God. 1/8 at f/16 in bright sunlight. f/5.6 in bright sun just to be able to hand-hold it.

Driftwood · 07-26-2018, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by jan.smely

I discourage you from sending your SP to Eric. He just destroyed my SPF and charged me $121. Light-meter was working before (perfectly!), after Eric's "repair" it does not and nobody in my country can repair it after him. (Eric simply told me that the battery was dead. Not only he damaged the meter, he also didn't bother to check it with another battery to find out it's not working!) He also "adjusted" the shutter speeds in a way that they are all faster – and everything is underexposed. I know what I am talking about, I am shooting several Pentax film cameras, always the same exposure method, film and development process, so I can compare it. It has become an unusable camera for me. Also Eric's communication was totally, totally unprofessional. From my experience, it is the worst "repairman" ever!

I'm sorry to hear that your experience with Eric was ungood... though, it would seem it is a rare thing concerning his work. He should warranty the work he does, as he is a long enduring professional... have you talked with him about re-repairing your camera? I have already sent him four cameras for repair and have had stellar service each time... the several cameras have come back to me in good time and in spectacular condition and for a very fair price. I will send him the above camera, as I don't have anything really invested in it anyway and the repair is simple (done on all of the other cameras I've sent him) and I trust his work completely. Again, sorry you had a bad experience.

---------- Post added 07-26-18 at 02:32 PM ----------

Originally posted by pathdoc

Back in the day when 10 ASA film was a common thing. My God. 1/8 at f/16 in bright sunlight. f/5.6 in bright sun just to be able to hand-hold it.

Yeah, crazy... and I thought 100 ASA was glacial.

07-15-2018, 04:08 PM - 4 Likes	#1
Driftwood Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 50	Some Early Spotmatic Indulgence So, I was looking on some unimportant auction site and saw this... it was a 'buy it now' for $25 with ever-ready case and strap and free shipping. I figured might as well if just for the case (which is very nice) and take a chance on the camera. It's quite early and in very fine shape... no scuffed paint and no dings/dents. Looks barely used. Only issue is the meter (of course) doesn't function... seems to be stuck at the center with or without battery... and the seals/mirror bumper are shot. I believe it is a good candidate for a short vacation to Tennessee to visit Eric. ASA is 10-800. This one has no part number on the base plate. Wish I could get a good photo of the focusing screen, as it's pretty funky. Just wanted to brag a little about this thing and to show some pics of some of the differences in the early model Spotmatics. Enjoy!! Attached Images

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07-15-2018, 04:25 PM - 1 Like	#2
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	nice one, looks pristine, bargain

07-15-2018, 04:54 PM - 1 Like	#3
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Nice find. I recently purchased a very nice SP and was lucky enough to have a working meter. As soon as I find a battery cover, my Other Spotmatic will see its way to the shop to get its light meter fixed.

07-15-2018, 04:57 PM - 1 Like	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	Nice. Mine's a 113xxxx, and a Honeywell...It came with a very late serial # 8-element 50/1.4 though...

07-15-2018, 05:11 PM - 1 Like	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Driftwood So, I was looking on some unimportant auction site and saw this... it was a 'buy it now' for $25 with ever-ready case and strap and free shipping. I figured might as well if just for the case (which is very nice) and take a chance on the camera. It's quite early and in very fine shape... no scuffed paint and no dings/dents. Looks barely used. Only issue is the meter (of course) doesn't function... seems to be stuck at the center with or without battery... and the seals/mirror bumper are shot. I believe it is a good candidate for a short vacation to Tennessee to visit Eric. ASA is 10-800. This one has no part number on the base plate. Wish I could get a good photo of the focusing screen, as it's pretty funky. Just wanted to brag a little about this thing and to show some pics of some of the differences in the early model Spotmatics. Enjoy!! Very cool find, very cool indeed! The big tip-offs are the meter switch, end screw position and exposure counter bezel. Steve

07-15-2018, 05:20 PM - 1 Like	#6
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,320	That is a model 231 Spotmatic. Most Spotmatics you find are model 23102. The meter needle on the model 231 is in the center when off. The meter switch is narrow, the frame counter is taller and there is the screw on the side of the top cover.

07-15-2018, 05:31 PM	#7
Driftwood Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 50 Original Poster	Originally posted by pentaxus That is a model 231 Spotmatic. Most Spotmatics you find are model 23102. The meter needle on the model 231 is in the center when off. The meter switch is narrow, the frame counter is taller and there is the screw on the side of the top cover. Oh, that's good to know about the meter needle... although I did put a battery in and it didn't move. Maybe I'll take a closer look at the contacts and such. ---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 05:32 PM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot Very cool find, very cool indeed! The big tip-offs are the meter switch, end screw position and exposure counter bezel. Steve Thanks! Yeah, I was very happy to find such an early example in such fine shape. ---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 05:33 PM ---------- Originally posted by pentaxus That is a model 231 Spotmatic. Most Spotmatics you find are model 23102. The meter needle on the model 231 is in the center when off. The meter switch is narrow, the frame counter is taller and there is the screw on the side of the top cover. Do you happen to know why it has no part number stamped on it? Is that unusual? ---------- Post added 07-15-18 at 05:34 PM ---------- Originally posted by boriscleto Nice. Mine's a 113xxxx, and a Honeywell...It came with a very late serial # 8-element 50/1.4 though... Nice! I wasn't THAT lucky!

07-15-2018, 11:37 PM - 1 Like	#8
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Congratulations - nice find!

07-16-2018, 06:09 AM - 1 Like	#9
Odinz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 259	Really nice find, looks like it's in fantastic shape! Congrats!

07-16-2018, 07:12 AM	#10
dsmithhfx Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 5,153	I have two spotmatic sps, neither of which I had CLA'd (I only got the 2nd because a strap lug wore through on the first). Apart from occasional light leaks, very reliable shooters.

07-16-2018, 11:49 AM	#11
Driftwood Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 50 Original Poster	Originally posted by Odinz Really nice find, looks like it's in fantastic shape! Congrats! Thanks!! ---------- Post added 07-16-18 at 11:51 AM ---------- Originally posted by dsmithhfx I have two spotmatic sps, neither of which I had CLA'd (I only got the 2nd because a strap lug wore through on the first). Apart from occasional light leaks, very reliable shooters. Yeah, They almost always function well... except for the light meters and deteriorating seals. I do like to have the meters repaired when I can, because then they should be good for many years... and people with the know-how to do that work are becoming scarce these days.

07-16-2018, 12:50 PM - 1 Like	#12
jcs0001 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Okanagan Valley, B.C. Posts: 28	Originally posted by Driftwood Thanks!! ---------- Post added 07-16-18 at 11:51 AM ---------- Yeah, They almost always function well... except for the light meters and deteriorating seals. I do like to have the meters repaired when I can, because then they should be good for many years... and people with the know-how to do that work are becoming scarce these days. That is a really clean specimen. Hard to pass up. John.

07-25-2018, 05:44 AM	#13
jan.smely New Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 24	I discourage you from sending your SP to Eric. He just destroyed my SPF and charged me $121. Light-meter was working before (perfectly!), after Eric's "repair" it does not and nobody in my country can repair it after him. (Eric simply told me that the battery was dead. Not only he damaged the meter, he also didn't bother to check it with another battery to find out it's not working!) He also "adjusted" the shutter speeds in a way that they are all faster – and everything is underexposed. I know what I am talking about, I am shooting several Pentax film cameras, always the same exposure method, film and development process, so I can compare it. It has become an unusable camera for me. Also Eric's communication was totally, totally unprofessional. From my experience, it is the worst "repairman" ever!

07-26-2018, 08:45 AM - 1 Like	#14
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by Driftwood ASA is 10-800. Back in the day when 10 ASA film was a common thing. My God. 1/8 at f/16 in bright sunlight. f/5.6 in bright sun just to be able to hand-hold it.

07-26-2018, 02:29 PM	#15
Driftwood Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 50 Original Poster	Originally posted by jan.smely I discourage you from sending your SP to Eric. He just destroyed my SPF and charged me $121. Light-meter was working before (perfectly!), after Eric's "repair" it does not and nobody in my country can repair it after him. (Eric simply told me that the battery was dead. Not only he damaged the meter, he also didn't bother to check it with another battery to find out it's not working!) He also "adjusted" the shutter speeds in a way that they are all faster – and everything is underexposed. I know what I am talking about, I am shooting several Pentax film cameras, always the same exposure method, film and development process, so I can compare it. It has become an unusable camera for me. Also Eric's communication was totally, totally unprofessional. From my experience, it is the worst "repairman" ever! I'm sorry to hear that your experience with Eric was ungood... though, it would seem it is a rare thing concerning his work. He should warranty the work he does, as he is a long enduring professional... have you talked with him about re-repairing your camera? I have already sent him four cameras for repair and have had stellar service each time... the several cameras have come back to me in good time and in spectacular condition and for a very fair price. I will send him the above camera, as I don't have anything really invested in it anyway and the repair is simple (done on all of the other cameras I've sent him) and I trust his work completely. Again, sorry you had a bad experience. ---------- Post added 07-26-18 at 02:32 PM ---------- Originally posted by pathdoc Back in the day when 10 ASA film was a common thing. My God. 1/8 at f/16 in bright sunlight. f/5.6 in bright sun just to be able to hand-hold it. Yeah, crazy... and I thought 100 ASA was glacial.