The Pentax S3 (H3 in the USA) was release in 1960, approximately a year after its predecessor, the S2/H2. Pentax released this camera in North America through a distributor, the Heiland division of the Honeywell Corporation. The name 'H3' was presumably chosen in reference to the distributor as the camera was released as the S3 in other markets. The H3 was released with the new 55mm/1.8 Auto Takumar lens.
| Asahi Pentax S3 |
Also marketed as
Heiland Pentax H3
Honeywell Pentax H3 | Year introduced
1960 | Year discontinued
1962 | Mount
M42 |
Automatic aperture stop down
Yes | Metering
No light meter | Exposure modes
Manual, B | Shutter speeds (auto)
Not applicable |
Shutter speeds (manual)
T, B, 1 - 1/1000s, X | Shutter speeds (mechanical)
T, B, 1 - 1/1000s, X | Self timer
No | Mirror lock-up
No |
Auto bracketing
Not applicable | Multiple exposures
Yes | Winder
Ratchet type rapid wind lever | Flash hot shoe
No |
Built-in flash
No | TTL/P-TTL flash
No | Flash sync speed
FP and X terminals - 1/50s | Flash exposure comp
Not applicable |
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism | Diopter correction
No | Exchangeable screen
No | Depth of field preview
Through switch on lens where available |
Image size
24 x 36 mm | Battery
None | Size (W x H x D)
143 x 92 x 47mm | Weight
548g |
Comment
The 'S3' brought the top shutter speed back to 1/1000s, although some versions still came with 1/500s as top speed. Some of the S3 versions had a cut-out in the shutter dial so that it could accept the Asahi Pentax Meter. |
Last edited by Ole; 10-10-2010 at 04:17 PM.
