Mirror Lock-up Modification for Spotmatics

**gofour3** · 06-05-2010, 09:44 AM

I recently picked up a Honeywell Photo Products guide from August, 1975. At the back it has a “Custom Products and Modification” page where you can get a Mirror Lock-up installed on these Spotmatic models: F, II, IIa and SP500. You can also get a Matt Focusing Screen as well.

Just wondering if any of you have heard of this option and ever seen/owned an example?

Phil.

geauxpez · 06-05-2010, 09:54 AM

I ran across the same page last year some time and inquired here. Woof responded with links on this page...

Cheers,

Adam

nightfly · 06-05-2010, 10:00 AM - **1 Like**

The Spotmatic already has an "unofficial" mirror lockup. After advancing the film, tap the shutter release quickly and gently. The mirror will flip up. Press the shutter as normal for the exposure. Of course, I would do this with the camera mounted on a tripod.

Practice with an empty body. You'll pick it up quick. I use this "feature" all the time and don't even realize the camera "does not have it".

**gofour3** · 06-05-2010, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by geauxpez

I ran across the same page last year some time and inquired here. Woof responded with links on this page...

Cheers,

Adam

Thanks Adam, that's what I was looking for. Interesting option, I wonder if it was ever available for the KM or K1000?

Phil.

woof · 06-05-2010, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by nightfly

The Spotmatic already has an "unofficial" mirror lockup. After advancing the film, tap the shutter release quickly and gently. The mirror will flip up. Press the shutter as normal for the exposure. Of course, I would do this with the camera mounted on a tripod.

Practice with an empty body. You'll pick it up quick. I use this "feature" all the time and don't even realize the camera "does not have it".

I can confirm this. The way I do this is I flick my thumb from back to front over the shutter button quickly and sharply. It very reliably triggers mirror up.

Once can hear the difference. It sort of sound like only half of the normal cycle. Works very well, and once you have the hang of it, it is easy to repeat any time you use the camera.

woof!

Blue · 06-05-2010, 09:13 PM

Here is an article about this catalog option feature. I have only seen on Spotmatic with this option. It was a black Spotmatic II, but that doesn't really matter. I guess someone that went to the trouble to order the mlu may be inclined to get the optional black. I didn't realize what the switch was or the significance at the time. That's why I know now.

Switches

**gofour3** · 06-06-2010, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by Blue

Here is an article about this catalog option feature. I have only seen on Spotmatic with this option. It was a black Spotmatic II, but that doesn't really matter. I guess someone that went to the trouble to order the mlu may be inclined to get the optional black. I didn't realize what the switch was or the significance at the time. That's why I know now.

Switches

Thanks Blue. I guess these options were kind of like the car dealer “options” you could get for mussel cars in the 60’s & 70’s. I wonder what Head Office in Japan thought of them?

This must have ended with the Spotmatics, as there would be no point in having a mirror lock-up option for a KM that cost $40.00 when you could get a KX for $55.00 more.
The only options I have seen for the K series bodies is different focusing screens.

Phil.

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-06-2010, 09:24 AM

If the KM had sold for $40 new Pentax would never have created the economy K1000.
FWIW around 1980 NY camera store ads listed new K1000 bodies for just under $100.00,
and you considered yourself very lucky if you managed to get it at the advertised price.

That $40.00 price tag for the mirror lockup option was not cheap in 1970's dollars.
Heck, many forum members here won't pay that for an entire camera today!

Chris

Blue · 06-06-2010, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

. . .
The only options I have seen for the K series bodies is different focusing screens.

Phil.

There were color options for most to the K series. I have a black K2 as well as a chrome one. The KX and KM were also available in black. The optional black was a hold over from the M42 era. The exception was the ES and ESII which were reversed in the black was standard and chrome was an option.

**gofour3** · 06-06-2010, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

If the KM had sold for $40 new Pentax would never have created the economy K1000.
FWIW around 1980 NY camera store ads listed new K1000 bodies for just under $100.00,
and you considered yourself very lucky if you managed to get it at the advertised price.

That $40.00 price tag for the mirror lockup option was not cheap in 1970's dollars.
Heck, many forum members here won't pay that for an entire camera today!

Chris

These are the August 1975 prices from my Honeywell catalogue for the K series film bodies:

KM Chrome: $265.50
KM Black: No price listed
KX Chrome: $319.25
KX Black: $344.25
K2 Chrome: $485.75
K2 black: $510.75

Phil.

PS The Spotmatic SP 1000 was listed for $250.00.

tuco · 06-06-2010, 10:39 AM

Originally posted by nightfly

The Spotmatic already has an "unofficial" mirror lockup. After advancing the film, tap the shutter release quickly and gently. The mirror will flip up. Press the shutter as normal for the exposure. Of course, I would do this with the camera mounted on a tripod.

The same technique works with a K1000 too for the record.

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-06-2010, 01:00 PM

Mirror lockup is one feature on the KX I do not like.
It's too easy to activate when using the DOF preview.
I never use it, except inadvertently...

Chris

**gofour3** · 06-06-2010, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Mirror lockup is one feature on the KX I do not like.
It's too easy to activate when using the DOF preview.
I never use it, except inadvertently...

Chris

Yes I agree the KX mirror lock-up function is not the best design. Pentax got it right with the K2, a separate switch was the way to go.

hiktaka · 03-11-2013, 07:28 PM

Sadly, impractical to do on ES or ESII on AUTOMATIC mode.
That's because the meter circuit would measure with dark viewfinder thus resulting wrong/long exposures.
Sadly, in particular, because the ES and ESII can actually meter accurately up to MINUTES long.

Hoodie · 03-12-2013, 04:00 PM - **1 Like**

Another way to get the mirror up on Spotmatics and S series is to advance the film about 3/4 ths of the way then fire the shutter to flip the mirror, then advance the film the rest of the way to cock the shutter then fire normally, try it. I find it easier than trying to partially flick the shutter button.

06-05-2010, 09:44 AM	#1
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Mirror Lock-up Modification for Spotmatics I recently picked up a Honeywell Photo Products guide from August, 1975. At the back it has a “Custom Products and Modification” page where you can get a Mirror Lock-up installed on these Spotmatic models: F, II, IIa and SP500. You can also get a Matt Focusing Screen as well. Just wondering if any of you have heard of this option and ever seen/owned an example? Phil.

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06-05-2010, 09:54 AM	#2
geauxpez Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,196	I ran across the same page last year some time and inquired here. Woof responded with links on this page... Cheers, Adam

06-05-2010, 10:00 AM - 1 Like	#3
nightfly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Maine, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 251	The Spotmatic already has an "unofficial" mirror lockup. After advancing the film, tap the shutter release quickly and gently. The mirror will flip up. Press the shutter as normal for the exposure. Of course, I would do this with the camera mounted on a tripod. Practice with an empty body. You'll pick it up quick. I use this "feature" all the time and don't even realize the camera "does not have it".

06-05-2010, 10:42 AM	#4
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091 Original Poster	Originally posted by geauxpez I ran across the same page last year some time and inquired here. Woof responded with links on this page... Cheers, Adam Thanks Adam, that's what I was looking for. Interesting option, I wonder if it was ever available for the KM or K1000? Phil.

06-05-2010, 04:52 PM	#5
woof Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: In the present Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,870	Originally posted by nightfly The Spotmatic already has an "unofficial" mirror lockup. After advancing the film, tap the shutter release quickly and gently. The mirror will flip up. Press the shutter as normal for the exposure. Of course, I would do this with the camera mounted on a tripod. Practice with an empty body. You'll pick it up quick. I use this "feature" all the time and don't even realize the camera "does not have it". I can confirm this. The way I do this is I flick my thumb from back to front over the shutter button quickly and sharply. It very reliably triggers mirror up. Once can hear the difference. It sort of sound like only half of the normal cycle. Works very well, and once you have the hang of it, it is easy to repeat any time you use the camera. woof!

06-05-2010, 09:13 PM	#6
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Here is an article about this catalog option feature. I have only seen on Spotmatic with this option. It was a black Spotmatic II, but that doesn't really matter. I guess someone that went to the trouble to order the mlu may be inclined to get the optional black. I didn't realize what the switch was or the significance at the time. That's why I know now. Switches

06-06-2010, 08:51 AM	#7
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091 Original Poster	Originally posted by Blue Here is an article about this catalog option feature. I have only seen on Spotmatic with this option. It was a black Spotmatic II, but that doesn't really matter. I guess someone that went to the trouble to order the mlu may be inclined to get the optional black. I didn't realize what the switch was or the significance at the time. That's why I know now. Switches Thanks Blue. I guess these options were kind of like the car dealer “options” you could get for mussel cars in the 60’s & 70’s. I wonder what Head Office in Japan thought of them? This must have ended with the Spotmatics, as there would be no point in having a mirror lock-up option for a KM that cost $40.00 when you could get a KX for $55.00 more. The only options I have seen for the K series bodies is different focusing screens. Phil.

06-06-2010, 09:24 AM	#8
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	If the KM had sold for $40 new Pentax would never have created the economy K1000. FWIW around 1980 NY camera store ads listed new K1000 bodies for just under $100.00, and you considered yourself very lucky if you managed to get it at the advertised price. That $40.00 price tag for the mirror lockup option was not cheap in 1970's dollars. Heck, many forum members here won't pay that for an entire camera today! Chris

06-06-2010, 09:47 AM	#9
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by gofour3 . . . The only options I have seen for the K series bodies is different focusing screens. Phil. There were color options for most to the K series. I have a black K2 as well as a chrome one. The KX and KM were also available in black. The optional black was a hold over from the M42 era. The exception was the ES and ESII which were reversed in the black was standard and chrome was an option.

06-06-2010, 10:24 AM	#10
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt If the KM had sold for $40 new Pentax would never have created the economy K1000. FWIW around 1980 NY camera store ads listed new K1000 bodies for just under $100.00, and you considered yourself very lucky if you managed to get it at the advertised price. That $40.00 price tag for the mirror lockup option was not cheap in 1970's dollars. Heck, many forum members here won't pay that for an entire camera today! Chris These are the August 1975 prices from my Honeywell catalogue for the K series film bodies: KM Chrome: $265.50 KM Black: No price listed KX Chrome: $319.25 KX Black: $344.25 K2 Chrome: $485.75 K2 black: $510.75 Phil. PS The Spotmatic SP 1000 was listed for $250.00.

06-06-2010, 10:39 AM	#11
tuco Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pugetopolis Posts: 11,026	Originally posted by nightfly The Spotmatic already has an "unofficial" mirror lockup. After advancing the film, tap the shutter release quickly and gently. The mirror will flip up. Press the shutter as normal for the exposure. Of course, I would do this with the camera mounted on a tripod. The same technique works with a K1000 too for the record.

06-06-2010, 01:00 PM	#12
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	Mirror lockup is one feature on the KX I do not like. It's too easy to activate when using the DOF preview. I never use it, except inadvertently... Chris

06-06-2010, 02:53 PM	#13
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Mirror lockup is one feature on the KX I do not like. It's too easy to activate when using the DOF preview. I never use it, except inadvertently... Chris Yes I agree the KX mirror lock-up function is not the best design. Pentax got it right with the K2, a separate switch was the way to go.

03-11-2013, 07:28 PM	#14
hiktaka Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bekasi Posts: 32	Sadly, impractical to do on ES or ESII on AUTOMATIC mode. That's because the meter circuit would measure with dark viewfinder thus resulting wrong/long exposures. Sadly, in particular, because the ES and ESII can actually meter accurately up to MINUTES long.

03-12-2013, 04:00 PM - 1 Like	#15
Hoodie Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 29	Another way to get the mirror up on Spotmatics and S series is to advance the film about 3/4 ths of the way then fire the shutter to flip the mirror, then advance the film the rest of the way to cock the shutter then fire normally, try it. I find it easier than trying to partially flick the shutter button.