CBA-Pentax SV

Swift1 · 02-19-2010, 11:27 PM

Well the last thing I needed was another camera but I couldn't resist. Pulled the trigger today on an SV+ Super Tak 55/1.8 for the high price of $25 plus $10 shipping.
I'm pretty excited, it will be my first screwmount body. According to the seller, everything is working and it looks to be in good condition. I'm sure a CLA would be a big plus for it.

Any tips/pointers on this model would be much appreciated.

Swift1

Portland Pete · 02-19-2010, 11:35 PM

Awesome find! I've been contemplating that combination myself, after following the "Sightseeing Screwmount" thread. Post some pics when you get a chance.

Swift1 · 02-19-2010, 11:43 PM

Ya the Sightseer thread definitely got me more interested in finding an SV.
Will definitely post some pics as soon as I get some.

Swift1

Fixcinater · 02-20-2010, 12:03 PM

I've got a Super Tak 55mm f/1.8 and it's one of the best lenses I have. Only suggestion I have there is to shoot, shoot, shoot!

No FHE with anything older than a Spottie though.

zx-m · 02-21-2010, 01:39 PM

I agree: shoot, shoot, shoot. I recently came back to screwmount gear (after being away for a few years), and I am thoroughly enjoying being back--and using my Spotmatic SP II. The screwmount body is simply a wonderful body--period. I do not know why some complain about the mount. It has never hindered me.

Anyway, I find that the Spotmatics have the perfect balance of useful features and simplicity. I think Pentax executed this better than any other Japanese manuafacturer. I liked my Spot Fs, but actually prefer the earlier SP II. I like not having to worry about turning off the meter via the lens cap. I am sure you will enjoy the SV. I also have an SL on the way (the first in the Spotmatic line). I have considered looking for a nice SV, and probably will end up owning one at some point.

Swift1 · 03-01-2010, 11:11 PM

So my SV showed up in the mail today. I found out after opening the package that it is not working :-( contrary to the ebay listing. It seems to be having trouble with the rear shutter curtain sticking open. Hopefully nothing a good CLA won't fix. Cosmetically both the lens and body are in excellent condition and since I was planning on getting it CLA'd I figure it is still a good deal for $25+ shipping I paid for both the body and lens.
I was hoping to be able to shoot some film with it and put off the CLA for awhile but it looks like I will be shipping it to Eric soon.

Swift1

Blue · 03-01-2010, 11:14 PM

Word of caution. If your every plan to use a Super Tak 50mm f1.4 on there, make sure that your SV is the "late" version. The early version won't have enough clearance in the mirror cage and whack smack crack goes the mirror . . .

Swift1 · 03-02-2010, 12:49 AM

Thanks Blue. I had read about that on the Sightseeing Screwmount thread. I think I have the late version. Mine has the orange R on the rewind crank.

Swift1

stevebrot · 03-02-2010, 11:16 AM

Too bad the camera was DOA. Hopefully the seller will compensate you a few bucks. Be prepared for a big grin when you get the camera back into good condition. While the viewfinder is a bit dim by most standards, the user experience with the SV is very pleasant.

Steve

Swift1 · 04-06-2010, 04:55 PM

Woohoo, my SV just got back from getting CLA'd by Eric. Now it's good as new. Already loaded a roll of film in it and have shot 10 frames with it. So far I'm loving it.
Will post pics once I get some developed.

Swift1

straightshooter · 04-07-2010, 06:37 AM

You mentioned that yours had the orange R on the rewind crank and this is indeed one indicator of the late model SV. But just in case, since the rewind crank can be replaced, the best way to determine early vs late models is by the latch. If the film door latch is attached to the door itself, it is an early model...if it's attached to the body, it is a late model.

Either way you have a great camera. My first Pentax was an SV about 40 years ago that I eventually sold to a squadron mate so that I could buy a new SP II. I still have the Spottie but I wish I still had that SV. Regarding the 10 shots you've made, are you using a meter or Sunny F16?

CW

Fixcinater · 04-07-2010, 06:07 PM

Do you SV users find that the viewfinder is dimmer than the Spotmatic series has? I've seen an early model SV but it had some funky 300mm f/5.6 lens on it that wouldn't allow the mirror to come down, and so the VF was blank. It'd be interesting to compare, anyway.

Not that I need another screw-mount body, I've got 4...

Swift1 · 04-07-2010, 06:10 PM

Here's a shot from the first roll. Shot with 55/1.8 Super Tak and Fujicolor 200

My SV has the door latch on the body so it must be a later version.

I ihave never used a Sottie so don't know what the viewfinder is like. The SV VF seems comparable to me ME.

Swift1

unixrevolution · 04-07-2010, 10:13 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

Woohoo, my SV just got back from getting CLA'd by Eric. Now it's good as new. Already loaded a roll of film in it and have shot 10 frames with it. So far I'm loving it.
Will post pics once I get some developed.

Swift1

Your "Buy one for thirty bucks, it's broken, the rear curtain sticks, It's been CLA'd by Eric" experience is absolutely identical to mine.

I didn't complain to my ebay seller though, as my $30 also bought a Vivitar 285

I ran a roll through mine and I love it. I'll get some Ektar back from it tomorrow.

Swift1 · 04-08-2010, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by unixrevolution

Your "Buy one for thirty bucks, it's broken, the rear curtain sticks, It's been CLA'd by Eric" experience is absolutely identical to mine.

I didn't complain to my ebay seller though, as my $30 also bought a Vivitar 285

I ran a roll through mine and I love it. I'll get some Ektar back from it tomorrow.

Haha, awesome. I really like the camera so far. So much so that I loaded my first ever roll of Kodakchrome ( I have 6 rolls that have been frozen since 1997)in it tonight.

Swift1

02-19-2010, 11:27 PM	#1
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	CBA-Pentax SV Well the last thing I needed was another camera but I couldn't resist. Pulled the trigger today on an SV+ Super Tak 55/1.8 for the high price of $25 plus $10 shipping. I'm pretty excited, it will be my first screwmount body. According to the seller, everything is working and it looks to be in good condition. I'm sure a CLA would be a big plus for it. Any tips/pointers on this model would be much appreciated. Swift1

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02-19-2010, 11:35 PM	#2
Portland Pete Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Albums Posts: 144	Awesome find! I've been contemplating that combination myself, after following the "Sightseeing Screwmount" thread. Post some pics when you get a chance.

02-19-2010, 11:43 PM	#3
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Ya the Sightseer thread definitely got me more interested in finding an SV. Will definitely post some pics as soon as I get some. Swift1

02-20-2010, 12:03 PM	#4
Fixcinater Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Posts: 409	I've got a Super Tak 55mm f/1.8 and it's one of the best lenses I have. Only suggestion I have there is to shoot, shoot, shoot! No FHE with anything older than a Spottie though.

02-21-2010, 01:39 PM	#5
zx-m Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 376	I agree: shoot, shoot, shoot. I recently came back to screwmount gear (after being away for a few years), and I am thoroughly enjoying being back--and using my Spotmatic SP II. The screwmount body is simply a wonderful body--period. I do not know why some complain about the mount. It has never hindered me. Anyway, I find that the Spotmatics have the perfect balance of useful features and simplicity. I think Pentax executed this better than any other Japanese manuafacturer. I liked my Spot Fs, but actually prefer the earlier SP II. I like not having to worry about turning off the meter via the lens cap. I am sure you will enjoy the SV. I also have an SL on the way (the first in the Spotmatic line). I have considered looking for a nice SV, and probably will end up owning one at some point.

03-01-2010, 11:11 PM	#6
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	So my SV showed up in the mail today. I found out after opening the package that it is not working :-( contrary to the ebay listing. It seems to be having trouble with the rear shutter curtain sticking open. Hopefully nothing a good CLA won't fix. Cosmetically both the lens and body are in excellent condition and since I was planning on getting it CLA'd I figure it is still a good deal for $25+ shipping I paid for both the body and lens. I was hoping to be able to shoot some film with it and put off the CLA for awhile but it looks like I will be shipping it to Eric soon. Swift1

03-01-2010, 11:14 PM	#7
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Word of caution. If your every plan to use a Super Tak 50mm f1.4 on there, make sure that your SV is the "late" version. The early version won't have enough clearance in the mirror cage and whack smack crack goes the mirror . . .

03-02-2010, 12:49 AM	#8
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Thanks Blue. I had read about that on the Sightseeing Screwmount thread. I think I have the late version. Mine has the orange R on the rewind crank. Swift1

03-02-2010, 11:16 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Too bad the camera was DOA. Hopefully the seller will compensate you a few bucks. Be prepared for a big grin when you get the camera back into good condition. While the viewfinder is a bit dim by most standards, the user experience with the SV is very pleasant. Steve

04-06-2010, 04:55 PM	#10
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Woohoo, my SV just got back from getting CLA'd by Eric. Now it's good as new. Already loaded a roll of film in it and have shot 10 frames with it. So far I'm loving it. Will post pics once I get some developed. Swift1

04-07-2010, 06:37 AM	#11
straightshooter Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Location: Forest Park, Georgia/Jacksonville, Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 633	You mentioned that yours had the orange R on the rewind crank and this is indeed one indicator of the late model SV. But just in case, since the rewind crank can be replaced, the best way to determine early vs late models is by the latch. If the film door latch is attached to the door itself, it is an early model...if it's attached to the body, it is a late model. Either way you have a great camera. My first Pentax was an SV about 40 years ago that I eventually sold to a squadron mate so that I could buy a new SP II. I still have the Spottie but I wish I still had that SV. Regarding the 10 shots you've made, are you using a meter or Sunny F16? CW

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04-07-2010, 06:07 PM	#12
Fixcinater Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego, CA, USA Posts: 409	Do you SV users find that the viewfinder is dimmer than the Spotmatic series has? I've seen an early model SV but it had some funky 300mm f/5.6 lens on it that wouldn't allow the mirror to come down, and so the VF was blank. It'd be interesting to compare, anyway. Not that I need another screw-mount body, I've got 4...

04-07-2010, 06:10 PM	#13
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Here's a shot from the first roll. Shot with 55/1.8 Super Tak and Fujicolor 200 My SV has the door latch on the body so it must be a later version. I ihave never used a Sottie so don't know what the viewfinder is like. The SV VF seems comparable to me ME. Swift1

04-07-2010, 10:13 PM	#14
unixrevolution Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waldorf, MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,861	Originally posted by Swift1 Woohoo, my SV just got back from getting CLA'd by Eric. Now it's good as new. Already loaded a roll of film in it and have shot 10 frames with it. So far I'm loving it. Will post pics once I get some developed. Swift1 Your "Buy one for thirty bucks, it's broken, the rear curtain sticks, It's been CLA'd by Eric" experience is absolutely identical to mine. I didn't complain to my ebay seller though, as my $30 also bought a Vivitar 285 I ran a roll through mine and I love it. I'll get some Ektar back from it tomorrow.

04-08-2010, 08:17 PM	#15
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079 Original Poster	Originally posted by unixrevolution Your "Buy one for thirty bucks, it's broken, the rear curtain sticks, It's been CLA'd by Eric" experience is absolutely identical to mine. I didn't complain to my ebay seller though, as my $30 also bought a Vivitar 285 I ran a roll through mine and I love it. I'll get some Ektar back from it tomorrow. Haha, awesome. I really like the camera so far. So much so that I loaded my first ever roll of Kodakchrome ( I have 6 rolls that have been frozen since 1997)in it tonight. Swift1