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05-12-2009, 05:49 PM   #16
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It's a mystery.

On the CLA issue...the same person that told him that the camera likely needed extensive repair also told him that he had a Spotmatic F. After questioning, this seller was unable to answer any questions about the lens either. It's essentially a grab-bag purchase.

05-12-2009, 07:29 PM   #17
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I have purchased numerous cameras off of eBay. I now assume that every camera is essentially a "grab bag" purchase that will need a CLA or more extensive repairs. Many sellers either don't know anything about the cameras they are selling, or worse, pretend not to know so they don't have to reveal defects that would be obvious if you spent 30 seconds checking out the camera.

I mean really... how hard is it to run through the range of shutter speeds to see if the shutter sticks or the mirror fails to return? I can understand not checking the meter in older mercury cell cameras, but for more modern equipment that takes widely available batteries, it's certainly not difficult to obtain an LR44 cell.

Caveat emptor.
05-14-2009, 08:12 PM   #18
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Well, if anyone is interested in the outcome of this purchase...let's just say that I'm a happy camper. The Honeywell Spotmatic (Asahi SP equivalent) is in immaculate condition. There is only significant brassing on the body above the strap lugs. It came with a little Olympus strap. It was still in the carry case, and it appeared that the camera had never been attached to a tripod -- no marks on the baseplate. Everything seems to work, even the meter (it had a good battery in it).

As for the lens, it's a spotless 55/1.8 Super-Multi-Coated Takumar. It had a filter on it that had been cross-threaded and was SEVERELY jammed, but after 30 minutes of grunting and resorting to a pair of channel locks, the score is Pliers:1, Filter: 0.

The camera also had a little 4-page booklet with it explaining the different Spotmatic focusing screens available from your "Honeywell Service Department". It also explains that for the lofty sum of $55.00 the service department would put in the focusing screen of your choice and a mirror lock-up switch. Has anyone seen the SP with the optional switch?

The camera probably only needs seals to be usable, but I'll send it off to Eric anyway.

Here are some photos:









05-14-2009, 08:20 PM   #19
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OMG - my first-born son has just locked himself in his room fearful that I might offer him in trade for this camera

05-14-2009, 11:35 PM   #20
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Iĺl have to change my signature... that is THE spotless Spottie!
05-15-2009, 06:04 PM   #21
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Ha ha -- thanks guys.
05-21-2009, 05:55 AM   #22
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oh wow, that's clean. i think i want a spotmatic now just for my Tak
it's not the same using the lens with an adapter

05-21-2009, 06:27 AM   #23
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That's just beautiful, and beautiful photos too. Real gear love.

I love it when the eBay godz smile upon one... makes up for all the times we force ourselves against the flow and end up with junk. LOL: the zen of eBay.
05-23-2009, 07:54 AM   #24
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Nice camera.

QuoteOriginally posted by geauxpez Quote
Has anyone seen the SP with the optional switch?
Yes. They do come up on eBay about once every couple of years. Sometimes people know what they have, sometimes not.

Last one sold > $300.00 range.

Photo here: http://www.aohc.it/cameras/spmdm_1.jpg

More info here, photos are missing: http://digilander.libero.it/aohc/selart13e.htm

Here's a Spotmatic II with the option in place: http://rawhiti.tripod.com/spotmaticmlu.html

I have an SP with a split prism focusing screen. Eric used to have some. All gone now.

woof!

Last edited by woof; 05-23-2009 at 08:00 AM.
05-25-2009, 05:34 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by woof Quote
Nice camera.



Yes. They do come up on eBay about once every couple of years. Sometimes people know what they have, sometimes not.

Last one sold > $300.00 range.

Photo here: http://www.aohc.it/cameras/spmdm_1.jpg

More info here, photos are missing: Switches

Here's a Spotmatic II with the option in place: Pentax Spotmatic II

I have an SP with a split prism focusing screen. Eric used to have some. All gone now.

woof!
Hey thanks for the info and images. That's pretty cool.
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