Spotmatic F Vs Spotmatic ES

3RiC · 05-18-2009, 07:04 AM

Guys i need you opinions on these 2 camera Spotmatic F Vs Spotmatic ES
I've already got a Spotmatic SP but i would like to collect one more Spotmatic series
Which will be the better choice of getting?

Thanks in Advance =)

Nesster · 05-18-2009, 08:27 AM

Both are good cameras, with full aperture metering with S-M-C and SMC (and compatible mounts, e.g. adaptall ES, Vivitar TX, and some 3rd party fixed mount lenses).

The F is manual metering, the ES / ES II are aperture priority automatics with a limited but useful range of manual shutter speeds. The F I believe works just like a regular Spotmatic with non SMC lenses - you stop down to meter. The ES/ES II work in 'stop down Av' mode with the non-SMC lenses - you stop the lens down with the meter switch and leave it there, the camera sets shutter speed. (Or, you can meter manually by setting shutter speed.)

The ES has some limitations and perhaps uses up batteries... the ES II is an improvement, you get your delay action back, it takes 4 batteries under the lens mount. (Feeding it batteries can get expensive...) I have an ES II and think it is a slick camera.

The F, I may be mistaken, doesn't have a meter switch - you have to remeber to put the lens cap on to stop the meter from metering and using up the batteries.

The SP-F is far more plentiful in the market and so your chances of getting a good one for a reasonable amount of money is better.

3RiC · 05-18-2009, 09:09 AM

i found a website selling SP F for reasonable price and its a unused set with Tamron 28mm wide angle lens...

I've got an black Es for sell here to with 3 lenses which all are SMC too but the set back is all have a small spot and marks.. but the Es body is pretty good condition...

that is why its really hard for em to choose which camera to buy... I have to admit i'm attracted to the ES because of the black body...

thanks for advice

lesmore49 · 05-18-2009, 04:43 PM

I have the ES 11 (Electronic Spotmatic)...black body ...it's been a wonderful camera. I bought it new in 1975 and it's been a great camera.

It's true it does take a lot of batteries...4 as the other poster says. I have always felt that the ES 11 is a beautiful, elegant camera...especially in black body.

**monochrome** · 05-18-2009, 07:14 PM

I understand the ES (not the ESII) had some problems with failure of the electronics, and they are near impossible to find on parts cameras today. I own an F - and you do have to keep the lens cap on to turn off the meter - but I have always coveted the ESII.

lesmore49 · 05-18-2009, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

I understand the ES (not the ESII) had some problems with failure of the electronics, and they are near impossible to find on parts cameras today. I own an F - and you do have to keep the lens cap on to turn off the meter - but I have always coveted the ESII.

Pentax must of got the electronics problems fixed with the ES 11 as mine is still going strong after 34 years.

I've always considered the ES 11 to be the last in the line of the Spotmatic...even though it was an electronic version.

I note that you have a K2DMD. I bought my ES 11, new in 1975...I've often wondered if I should of held out for a bit longer and bought a K2 instead...more more mechanical speeds than it's predecessor the ES 11 and of course the K Bayonet mount.

I guess the grass is always greener .

3RiC · 05-18-2009, 11:39 PM

so which means that ES is not worth a go compare to Spotmatic F?
what i like the ES is it comes with 3 Asahi Lenses in total package.

where else spotmatic F just a tamron 28mm wideangle lens but this unit still in the box and quite good condition.

both around the same price...

**monochrome** · 05-19-2009, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by lesmore49

Pentax must of got the electronics problems fixed with the ES 11 as mine is still going strong after 34 years. >>>

That's the story - ESII is a classic Pentax. I think I read it on AOHC website.

You have done well with the ESII - why second guess - just get a K2 now and send it to Eric - $165 all-in.

The K2 DMD is new to me.

Running a roll of TX-400 through the DMD now - comparing same shot with my settings vs. Automatic stepless shutter.

3RiC · 05-20-2009, 06:07 AM

oh well i've got to pass the ES anyway, now waiting for Spotmatic F

I'm a bit new in film slr still exploring with my SP... thanks for the advice guys.

lesmore49 · 05-20-2009, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

That's the story - ESII is a classic Pentax. I think I read it on AOHC website.

You have done well with the ESII - why second guess - just get a K2 now and send it to Eric - $165 all-in.

The K2 DMD is new to me.

Running a roll of TX-400 through the DMD now - comparing same shot with my settings vs. Automatic stepless shutter.

You know I'd like to get a nice K2, or even better a K2DMD like yours and an LX...then an MX...then a ....you get the idea..

I've got a fair number of cameras in my collection....and I have a K10D, then last month bought a KM (K2000 in the States)...and then a bunch of Pentax lenses, etc.

My wife is very tolerant but I can only push the envelope so much...

But a black K2 or K2DMD...boy that would be something. I'd love to have one or the other...or even better...both !

**monochrome** · 05-20-2009, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by lesmore49

You know I'd like to get a nice K2, or even better a K2DMD like yours and an LX...then an MX...then a ....you get the idea..

I've got a fair number of cameras in my collection....and I have a K10D, then last month bought a KM (K2000 in the States)...and then a bunch of Pentax lenses, etc.

My wife is very tolerant but I can only push the envelope so much...

But a black K2 or K2DMD...boy that would be something. I'd love to have one or the other...or even better...both !

Well, if you were asking, not just sharing - you'd get the "cold, dead hands" response.

lesmore49 · 05-20-2009, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Well, if you were asking, not just sharing - you'd get the "cold, dead hands" response.

I know what you mean...I couldn't bear to give up any of my old Pentaxes.

Blue · 05-26-2009, 02:19 AM

I was under the impression that it was the original Electro Spotmatic that had the problems with the electronics. I thought the biggest issue with the ES was the 6-volt battery.

Mike Cash · 05-26-2009, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by Blue

I was under the impression that it was the original Electro Spotmatic that had the problems with the electronics. I thought the biggest issue with the ES was the 6-volt battery.

One of the issues with the battery was that it was so honking huge they had to leave off a self-timer in order to make room for it. With the ESII they had the bright idea to split the 6 volts among four LR44 batteries and move them to the bottom of the lens mount, making room for reinstating the self-timer.

Not sure if the ES had viewfinder blinds or not, but that is one of the best features of the ESII. Makes it a champ for tripod work.

**monochrome** · 05-26-2009, 06:08 AM

Originally posted by Blue

I was under the impression that it was the original Electro Spotmatic that had the problems with the electronics. I thought the biggest issue with the ES was the 6-volt battery.

You could be correct. I read that on a thread here - maybe I can find it - but thayt is why I said, "I understand . . ."

05-18-2009, 07:04 AM	#1
3RiC Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 34	Spotmatic F Vs Spotmatic ES Guys i need you opinions on these 2 camera Spotmatic F Vs Spotmatic ES I've already got a Spotmatic SP but i would like to collect one more Spotmatic series Which will be the better choice of getting? Thanks in Advance =)

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05-18-2009, 08:27 AM	#2
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	Both are good cameras, with full aperture metering with S-M-C and SMC (and compatible mounts, e.g. adaptall ES, Vivitar TX, and some 3rd party fixed mount lenses). The F is manual metering, the ES / ES II are aperture priority automatics with a limited but useful range of manual shutter speeds. The F I believe works just like a regular Spotmatic with non SMC lenses - you stop down to meter. The ES/ES II work in 'stop down Av' mode with the non-SMC lenses - you stop the lens down with the meter switch and leave it there, the camera sets shutter speed. (Or, you can meter manually by setting shutter speed.) The ES has some limitations and perhaps uses up batteries... the ES II is an improvement, you get your delay action back, it takes 4 batteries under the lens mount. (Feeding it batteries can get expensive...) I have an ES II and think it is a slick camera. The F, I may be mistaken, doesn't have a meter switch - you have to remeber to put the lens cap on to stop the meter from metering and using up the batteries. The SP-F is far more plentiful in the market and so your chances of getting a good one for a reasonable amount of money is better.

05-18-2009, 09:09 AM	#3
3RiC Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 34 Original Poster	i found a website selling SP F for reasonable price and its a unused set with Tamron 28mm wide angle lens... I've got an black Es for sell here to with 3 lenses which all are SMC too but the set back is all have a small spot and marks.. but the Es body is pretty good condition... that is why its really hard for em to choose which camera to buy... I have to admit i'm attracted to the ES because of the black body... thanks for advice

05-18-2009, 04:43 PM	#4
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	I have the ES 11 (Electronic Spotmatic)...black body ...it's been a wonderful camera. I bought it new in 1975 and it's been a great camera. It's true it does take a lot of batteries...4 as the other poster says. I have always felt that the ES 11 is a beautiful, elegant camera...especially in black body.

05-18-2009, 07:14 PM	#5
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I understand the ES (not the ESII) had some problems with failure of the electronics, and they are near impossible to find on parts cameras today. I own an F - and you do have to keep the lens cap on to turn off the meter - but I have always coveted the ESII.

05-18-2009, 09:18 PM	#6
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by monochrome I understand the ES (not the ESII) had some problems with failure of the electronics, and they are near impossible to find on parts cameras today. I own an F - and you do have to keep the lens cap on to turn off the meter - but I have always coveted the ESII. Pentax must of got the electronics problems fixed with the ES 11 as mine is still going strong after 34 years. I've always considered the ES 11 to be the last in the line of the Spotmatic...even though it was an electronic version. I note that you have a K2DMD. I bought my ES 11, new in 1975...I've often wondered if I should of held out for a bit longer and bought a K2 instead...more more mechanical speeds than it's predecessor the ES 11 and of course the K Bayonet mount. I guess the grass is always greener .

05-18-2009, 11:39 PM	#7
3RiC Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 34 Original Poster	so which means that ES is not worth a go compare to Spotmatic F? what i like the ES is it comes with 3 Asahi Lenses in total package. where else spotmatic F just a tamron 28mm wideangle lens but this unit still in the box and quite good condition. both around the same price...

05-19-2009, 03:50 PM	#8
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by lesmore49 Pentax must of got the electronics problems fixed with the ES 11 as mine is still going strong after 34 years. >>> That's the story - ESII is a classic Pentax. I think I read it on AOHC website. You have done well with the ESII - why second guess - just get a K2 now and send it to Eric - $165 all-in. The K2 DMD is new to me. Running a roll of TX-400 through the DMD now - comparing same shot with my settings vs. Automatic stepless shutter.

05-20-2009, 06:07 AM	#9
3RiC Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 34 Original Poster	oh well i've got to pass the ES anyway, now waiting for Spotmatic F I'm a bit new in film slr still exploring with my SP... thanks for the advice guys.

05-20-2009, 09:51 AM	#10
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by monochrome That's the story - ESII is a classic Pentax. I think I read it on AOHC website. You have done well with the ESII - why second guess - just get a K2 now and send it to Eric - $165 all-in. The K2 DMD is new to me. Running a roll of TX-400 through the DMD now - comparing same shot with my settings vs. Automatic stepless shutter. You know I'd like to get a nice K2, or even better a K2DMD like yours and an LX...then an MX...then a ....you get the idea.. I've got a fair number of cameras in my collection....and I have a K10D, then last month bought a KM (K2000 in the States)...and then a bunch of Pentax lenses, etc. My wife is very tolerant but I can only push the envelope so much... But a black K2 or K2DMD...boy that would be something. I'd love to have one or the other...or even better...both !

05-20-2009, 10:58 AM	#11
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by lesmore49 You know I'd like to get a nice K2, or even better a K2DMD like yours and an LX...then an MX...then a ....you get the idea.. I've got a fair number of cameras in my collection....and I have a K10D, then last month bought a KM (K2000 in the States)...and then a bunch of Pentax lenses, etc. My wife is very tolerant but I can only push the envelope so much... But a black K2 or K2DMD...boy that would be something. I'd love to have one or the other...or even better...both ! Well, if you were asking, not just sharing - you'd get the "cold, dead hands" response.

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05-20-2009, 01:05 PM	#12
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by monochrome Well, if you were asking, not just sharing - you'd get the "cold, dead hands" response. I know what you mean...I couldn't bear to give up any of my old Pentaxes.

05-26-2009, 02:19 AM	#13
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	I was under the impression that it was the original Electro Spotmatic that had the problems with the electronics. I thought the biggest issue with the ES was the 6-volt battery.

05-26-2009, 02:47 AM	#14
Mike Cash Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Japan Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,950	Originally posted by Blue I was under the impression that it was the original Electro Spotmatic that had the problems with the electronics. I thought the biggest issue with the ES was the 6-volt battery. One of the issues with the battery was that it was so honking huge they had to leave off a self-timer in order to make room for it. With the ESII they had the bright idea to split the 6 volts among four LR44 batteries and move them to the bottom of the lens mount, making room for reinstating the self-timer. Not sure if the ES had viewfinder blinds or not, but that is one of the best features of the ESII. Makes it a champ for tripod work.

05-26-2009, 06:08 AM	#15
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by Blue I was under the impression that it was the original Electro Spotmatic that had the problems with the electronics. I thought the biggest issue with the ES was the 6-volt battery. You could be correct. I read that on a thread here - maybe I can find it - but thayt is why I said, "I understand . . ."