The S2/H2 was released in 1959, a year after the 'K'. The S2/H2's top shutter speed was reduced from the K's 1/1000s to just 1/500s, but there were a number of advancements. The S2/H2 was the first Pentax to use a single speed dial and the camera included a Fresnel focusing screen. Also, unlike the previous models the shutter speed dial did not rotate when the shutter fired. Another improvement was a small window on the top plate which would turn red when the shutter was cocked.
During this period, Pentax traditionally released it's cameras within the North American market through a distributor. This was the first Pentax camera that the Heiland division of the Honeywell Corporation brought into North America, and the name 'H2' was presumably chosen for them. The camera was released as the S2 in other markets except South Africa where the camera was called 'Asahiflex H2' due to the name 'Pentax' being a trademark of another company.
| Asahi Pentax S2 |
Also marketed as
Asahi Pentax H2
Heiland Pentax H2
Asahiflex H2 | Year introduced
1959 | 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 - 1/500s, X | Shutter speeds (mechanical)
T, B, 1 - 1/500s, 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 finder with Fresnel lens + microprism | 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 'S2' /'H2' model came in an early and a late model. The late type has coupling for a light meter on the shutter dial. |
Last edited by Ole; 10-10-2010 at 04:04 PM.
