Hello,
I am not a Pentax user, as you can tell from my "signature", but I need a little Pentax help.
Recently, I bought a mint condition Spotmatic motor drive battery pistol grip at a thrift store. I know it is a Pentax item because it is stamped "ASAHI OPT. CO." on the bottom. They had no idea what it was, of course. It does not include the motor drive. It is just the grip. I don't need it but I saved it from the trash bin. But I have a few questions.
First, what model is it? Does it have a designation? There is no serial number on it.
Second, I know that Pentax made several early motor drives -- which I know nothing about. So I need to know what motor drives this battery pistol grip will work with. It has a PC connection on it so I assume it will work with the Spotmatic F, but I have no idea about other Pentax cameras and motor drives. It has a "single/continuous" switch on the other side.
Third, it has an odd cover on the top -- that has two metal bars. It can be attached or removed. When removed the electrical contacts to the motor drive would be made, but when it is attached they are not connected. But it obviously is designed to attached to something. What would that be?
Fourth, What type of battery does it use? It does not use AA or D. The chamber is slightly wider than a D battery and about 3.5" long. I am not familiar with a battery this size. Does it take one or two batteries? Are these still available?
Any information will be appreciated. I just want to get this into the hands of someone who can use it, but I need to tell them what they are getting. I have attached four photos to help out.
Thanks,
Joe