The Impossible Dream(?)

pathdoc · 03-12-2016, 08:48 AM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

What screw-mount camera would I buy if I wanted a Spotmatic F (or equivalent capability) the size of an ME? Is there any such beast? Certainly not in the Pentax stable, but perhaps Ricoh or Chinon built one?

dsmithhfx · 03-12-2016, 09:30 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

the size of an ME?

IIRC only equivalent-size manual bodies to me/mx was the OM1. Not sure if it takes screw mount with adaptor or not.

Swift1 · 03-12-2016, 09:37 AM

Maybe the Chinon CM-3...

**stens** · 03-12-2016, 09:48 AM

Boy, that goes back a long way. As I remember, back in the 70's, when I bought my ME, it was the smallest SLR available, just a hair smaller than the Olympus OM-1. The ME measured 131 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm (no lens mounted). MX was the same I think. For reference, the Spotmatic F was 143 x 93 x 94 mm with a 50 mm lens mounted.

That said, I hunted around a bit (i.e., googled smallest screw mount SLR) and found the Fujica ST605N, which measures 133 x 86 x 88 mm with 50 mm f/2.2 mounted; the Fujica is quite close in size. The Fujica is 565 g, body only, while the ME is 460 g. The Fujica has a Praktica thread mount, which is the M42 mount screw mount. The MX with a screw mount adaptor would be a manual film SLR smaller than the Spotmatic and slightly smaller than the Fujica.

As a nearly full-service replier, I note that there are a number of the Fujicas available on...an auction site I checked. None of them are mine.

EDIT: dcshooter was first-in with the Fujica. I type too much.

EDIT 2: the Chinon CM-3 is 140.5 x 88 x 50 mm and 610 g.

Last edited by stens; 03-12-2016 at 09:55 AM. Reason: updated for completeness

Swift1 · 03-12-2016, 09:58 AM

Here you go... the ultimate M42 camera
Voigtlander Bessaflex TM

**boriscleto** · 03-12-2016, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Spotmatic F (or equivalent capability) the size of an ME?

Open aperture metering with SMC Takumar lenses? Spot F and ES are the only ones. SLRs didn't get small until the mid '70s. M series and Olympus OM.

stevebrot · 03-12-2016, 11:30 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Swift1

Here you go... the ultimate M42 camera
Voigtlander Bessaflex TM

~~Still not as small as a M-series body, but a little smaller than a Spotmatic.~~* Edit: I take that back! I don't know about height, but the Bessaflex base dimensions are in the same range as the M-series. Hard to find at a reasonable price point though

If the OP wants a metered M42 body with small form factor, I would suggest an adapted M-series* or small-bodies Ricoh from the early 1980's. Any K-mount body that supports manual exposure or Av mode should work. Leave the adapter in the body and enjoy!

BTW...I would love to own a Bessaflex TM...in silver please.

Steve

* Same form factor as my Bessa R3M

(Yes, the self-same ME mentioned in the original post should work, though a manual mode camera is a little easier to work with.)

Last edited by stevebrot; 03-12-2016 at 11:48 AM.

pathdoc · 03-12-2016, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by dcshooter

There are some pretty petite fujica m42 bodies as well.

---------- Post added 03-12-16 at 09:36 AM ----------

Or of course you could just buy the bayonet adapter and use the lenses on the me itself.

Yes, but then I Iose the benefit of the Spotmatic's automatic aperture - if not wide open metering, at least wide open focusing and shooting until the light changes and you have to re-meter (which in circumstances when you can use a thyristor flash is never; set the appropriate f-stop and never have to stop down).

stevebrot · 03-12-2016, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Yes, but then I Iose the benefit of the Spotmatic's automatic aperture - if not wide open metering, at least wide open focusing and shooting until the light changes and you have to re-meter (which in circumstances when you can use a thyristor flash is never; set the appropriate f-stop and never have to stop down).

Well then a Fujica or Bessaflex TM would be the most viable options.

EXC Voigtlander Bessa Bessaflex TM SLR Camera M42 Mount Silver Body from Japan 4002451194174 | eBay

Truth be told, I would probably lean towards a Fujica given the price range for the TM. The finish on the Bessaflex is not very robust from what I understand. Up until a few years ago, you could buy a TM NOS out of Singapore, but that stock has dried up.

Steve

Swift1 · 03-12-2016, 11:59 AM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Yes, but then I Iose the benefit of the Spotmatic's automatic aperture - if not wide open metering, at least wide open focusing and shooting until the light changes and you have to re-meter (which in circumstances when you can use a thyristor flash is never; set the appropriate f-stop and never have to stop down).

If you do away with the meter entirely, the Pentax SV is closer in size to the M series.

stevebrot · 03-12-2016, 08:21 PM

Originally posted by Swift1

If you do away with the meter entirely, the Pentax SV is closer in size to the M series.

I was thinking the same thing.

Steve

pathdoc · 03-13-2016, 03:55 AM

I looked in the database here - fractionally smaller only on paper. Maybe it feels better in the hand - I shall keep an eye out for one if I ever see it in the flesh, so to speak, and check out the handling.

Thyristor flash is the great leveller between Spotties and later bodies - no need to stop down to meter; just set the aperture, focus wide-open and go. Even an un-metered Asahi body can compete on level terms.

pathdoc · 03-13-2016, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by dcshooter

I actually have a Fujica ST-705 that I'm not using if you'd be interested. It's just a tad larger than the 605 (133 x 91 x 88mm with standard lens) and only 20g heavier. Relubed and new seals, too. It's not ME petite, but it is a lot closer than your garden variety Spotty.

Sounds interesting. My day is about to get hectic, but I'll get back to you on that one via PM.

dmc · 03-20-2016, 06:44 PM

Pentax SV. But no meter . . .

pathdoc · 03-21-2016, 04:30 AM

Pentax SV dimensions 140 x 92 x 50mm

Pentax Spotmatic dimensions 143 x 92 x 88mm (with standard lens)

Pentax MX dimensions 136 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm

Pentax ME dimensions 131 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm

The SV is only a little bit narrower than the Spotmatic and just as tall; the ME is almost ten millimetres smaller in both height and breadth (depth is constrained by registry distance etc). So that's not really a solution.

03-12-2016, 08:48 AM	#1
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	The Impossible Dream(?) Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. What screw-mount camera would I buy if I wanted a Spotmatic F (or equivalent capability) the size of an ME? Is there any such beast? Certainly not in the Pentax stable, but perhaps Ricoh or Chinon built one?

03-12-2016, 11:54 AM	#9
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by pathdoc Yes, but then I Iose the benefit of the Spotmatic's automatic aperture - if not wide open metering, at least wide open focusing and shooting until the light changes and you have to re-meter (which in circumstances when you can use a thyristor flash is never; set the appropriate f-stop and never have to stop down). Well then a Fujica or Bessaflex TM would be the most viable options. EXC Voigtlander Bessa Bessaflex TM SLR Camera M42 Mount Silver Body from Japan 4002451194174 \| eBay Truth be told, I would probably lean towards a Fujica given the price range for the TM. The finish on the Bessaflex is not very robust from what I understand. Up until a few years ago, you could buy a TM NOS out of Singapore, but that stock has dried up. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 03-12-2016 at 12:24 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The Impossible lens; Volna 8 50mm 1.2	Mothballs	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	37	06-01-2016 04:51 PM
Canon seeing the impossible...	ElJamoquio	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	26	10-11-2014 05:33 PM
Fast cheap 28mm lens -- an impossible dream?	jon404	Pentax K-01	43	04-05-2013 03:24 PM
Do you guys dream about having a dream lens?	lightbulb	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	29	08-25-2012 08:11 AM
Why do you dream about the lenses you dream about?	RioRico	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	02-02-2012 02:18 PM

03-12-2016, 09:30 AM	#2
dsmithhfx Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Toronto Posts: 5,146	Originally posted by pathdoc the size of an ME? IIRC only equivalent-size manual bodies to me/mx was the OM1. Not sure if it takes screw mount with adaptor or not.

03-12-2016, 09:37 AM	#3
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Maybe the Chinon CM-3...

03-12-2016, 09:48 AM	#4
stens Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 61	Boy, that goes back a long way. As I remember, back in the 70's, when I bought my ME, it was the smallest SLR available, just a hair smaller than the Olympus OM-1. The ME measured 131 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm (no lens mounted). MX was the same I think. For reference, the Spotmatic F was 143 x 93 x 94 mm with a 50 mm lens mounted. That said, I hunted around a bit (i.e., googled smallest screw mount SLR) and found the Fujica ST605N, which measures 133 x 86 x 88 mm with 50 mm f/2.2 mounted; the Fujica is quite close in size. The Fujica is 565 g, body only, while the ME is 460 g. The Fujica has a Praktica thread mount, which is the M42 mount screw mount. The MX with a screw mount adaptor would be a manual film SLR smaller than the Spotmatic and slightly smaller than the Fujica. As a nearly full-service replier, I note that there are a number of the Fujicas available on...an auction site I checked. None of them are mine. EDIT: dcshooter was first-in with the Fujica. I type too much. EDIT 2: the Chinon CM-3 is 140.5 x 88 x 50 mm and 610 g. Last edited by stens; 03-12-2016 at 09:55 AM. Reason: updated for completeness

03-12-2016, 09:58 AM	#5
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Here you go... the ultimate M42 camera Voigtlander Bessaflex TM

03-12-2016, 10:07 AM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by pathdoc Spotmatic F (or equivalent capability) the size of an ME? Open aperture metering with SMC Takumar lenses? Spot F and ES are the only ones. SLRs didn't get small until the mid '70s. M series and Olympus OM.

03-12-2016, 11:30 AM - 1 Like	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Swift1 Here you go... the ultimate M42 camera Voigtlander Bessaflex TM ~~Still not as small as a M-series body, but a little smaller than a Spotmatic.~~* Edit: I take that back! I don't know about height, but the Bessaflex base dimensions are in the same range as the M-series. Hard to find at a reasonable price point though If the OP wants a metered M42 body with small form factor, I would suggest an adapted M-series* or small-bodies Ricoh from the early 1980's. Any K-mount body that supports manual exposure or Av mode should work. Leave the adapter in the body and enjoy! BTW...I would love to own a Bessaflex TM...in silver please. Steve * Same form factor as my Bessa R3M (Yes, the self-same ME mentioned in the original post should work, though a manual mode camera is a little easier to work with.) Last edited by stevebrot; 03-12-2016 at 11:48 AM.

03-12-2016, 11:47 AM	#8
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381 Original Poster	Originally posted by dcshooter There are some pretty petite fujica m42 bodies as well. ---------- Post added 03-12-16 at 09:36 AM ---------- Or of course you could just buy the bayonet adapter and use the lenses on the me itself. Yes, but then I Iose the benefit of the Spotmatic's automatic aperture - if not wide open metering, at least wide open focusing and shooting until the light changes and you have to re-meter (which in circumstances when you can use a thyristor flash is never; set the appropriate f-stop and never have to stop down).

03-12-2016, 11:59 AM	#10
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by pathdoc Yes, but then I Iose the benefit of the Spotmatic's automatic aperture - if not wide open metering, at least wide open focusing and shooting until the light changes and you have to re-meter (which in circumstances when you can use a thyristor flash is never; set the appropriate f-stop and never have to stop down). If you do away with the meter entirely, the Pentax SV is closer in size to the M series.

03-12-2016, 08:21 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Swift1 If you do away with the meter entirely, the Pentax SV is closer in size to the M series. I was thinking the same thing. Steve

03-13-2016, 03:55 AM	#12
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381 Original Poster	I looked in the database here - fractionally smaller only on paper. Maybe it feels better in the hand - I shall keep an eye out for one if I ever see it in the flesh, so to speak, and check out the handling. Thyristor flash is the great leveller between Spotties and later bodies - no need to stop down to meter; just set the aperture, focus wide-open and go. Even an un-metered Asahi body can compete on level terms.

03-13-2016, 09:04 AM	#13
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381 Original Poster	Originally posted by dcshooter I actually have a Fujica ST-705 that I'm not using if you'd be interested. It's just a tad larger than the 605 (133 x 91 x 88mm with standard lens) and only 20g heavier. Relubed and new seals, too. It's not ME petite, but it is a lot closer than your garden variety Spotty. Sounds interesting. My day is about to get hectic, but I'll get back to you on that one via PM.

03-20-2016, 06:44 PM	#14
dmc Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Calgary, AB Canada Posts: 76	Pentax SV. But no meter . . .

03-21-2016, 04:30 AM	#15
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381 Original Poster	Pentax SV dimensions 140 x 92 x 50mm Pentax Spotmatic dimensions 143 x 92 x 88mm (with standard lens) Pentax MX dimensions 136 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm Pentax ME dimensions 131 x 82.5 x 49.5 mm The SV is only a little bit narrower than the Spotmatic and just as tall; the ME is almost ten millimetres smaller in both height and breadth (depth is constrained by registry distance etc). So that's not really a solution.