[Brad Bireley]

Hi,
New here. I'm in the process of getting a M42 body & was wondering if any of the Spotmatics have a split image focusing screen?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Brad

[VF-19]

Hi,
New here. I'm in the process of getting a M42 body & was wondering if any of the Spotmatics have a split image focusing screen?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Brad

They do, at least the Spotmatic IIa does. But then again there's a microprism focusing aid variant out there too... You'll have to ask, or look through the viewfinder to make sure. Also, the split-image focuser tends to get dark at around f4-5, so somewhat fast lens are rather useful.

[stoo23]

Hi There,

Well,..Never Having Owned a Spotmatic IIa,..I Cannot Say,..(but I do Find it somewhat Odd that Pentax would 'Divert' from their Normal Focusing Screen).

Most M42 Pentax's, Used a 'Fresnel' lens, with a 'Micro-Prism' Centre underneath the Ground Glass.

As Quoted from the SP1000 Manual.

"When Your subject is in Focus, the image in the microprism will be sharp and perfectly Clear. If your subject is Not in Focus, the Microprism will Break the image into Many small Dots, much like an engraver's Screen. You xcan focus your subject on Any portion of the Ground Glass"

I think perhaps Cameras Like the Fujicas, Early Minoltas and I think the Recent Voigtlanders, use a Spit Screen. Some of them, Like The Voigtlander and Fujica, (some Later Models, like 601's and 801's, also have Very Bright Viewfinders !! Well Compared to a Standard Spottie that is.

Hope that Helps.

Hope that Helps

[Finn]

Nope, sorry. Just a micro-prism, with a center circle that "pops" into focus when focus is achieved. Pretty much exactly the same as the K1000.

[VF-19]

Nope, sorry. Just a micro-prism, with a center circle that "pops" into focus when focus is achieved. Pretty much exactly the same as the K1000.

That's odd... Both my K1000 and SpIIa both have split image focusing... And I have seen both models with the microprism focusing aid too...

[stoo23]

I take it when you say 'Split Image', you Mean Like an Older Nikon ??

[VF-19]

In the center of the viewfinder will be either a horizontally split or 45 degree split small circle. Within this circle will be the image you're trying to focus, and it will be split if you're out of focus. As you turn the focus ring, it'll line up.

[ChrisPlatt]

All Spotmatic models were sold with microprism screens.
A split image screen can be professionally installed.

Chris

[DAP]

I recall hearing that the split focusing screens were a factory option w/ the older Pentax cameras. Standard was a microprism but (I assume for an additional fee) one could order one with a split focusing aid.

[Tom M]

My K1000 has the microprism.

[christinelandon]

I recall hearing that the split focusing screens were a factory option w/ the older Pentax cameras. Standard was a microprism but (I assume for an additional fee) one could order one with a split focusing aid.

I think that's right, although recalling incidental hardware options memories from the '70s is fraught with peril these days ...anyway, my Spotmatic has the microprism ring, no split image.

[KungPOW]

My, Spotmatic has a micropism, my K1000 has a finer microprism, and my ME has a split image.

Love those big film viewfinders.

[bigcat]

Hello, I am new!

Only just realised that my SP F has split-image focussing. Does anyone have info. relating to this?

Dave

[nickthetasmaniac]

My SP F also has a split-image screen.

My Mum owned this Spotty from new and I'm almost certain she wouldn't have ordered it with a different screen from standard.

[17dew]

There's a Spotmatic IIa in the Marketplace now.Maybe Sergysergy will chime,or you could PM him.