The Pentax S3 (H3 in the USA) was release in 1960, approximately a year after its predecessor, the S2/H2. Pentax released this camera in North America through a distributor, the Heiland division of the Honeywell Corporation. The name 'H3' was presumably chosen in reference to the distributor as the camera was released as the S3 in other markets. The H3 was released with the new 55mm/1.8 Auto Takumar lens.
Asahi Pentax S3 |
Also marketed as Heiland Pentax H3 Honeywell Pentax H3 | Year introduced 1960 | 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 - 1/1000s, X | Shutter speeds (mechanical) T, B, 1 - 1/1000s, 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 | 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 'S3' brought the top shutter speed back to 1/1000s, although some versions still came with 1/500s as top speed. Some of the S3 versions had a cut-out in the shutter dial so that it could accept the Asahi Pentax Meter. |
Last edited by Ole; 10-10-2010 at 04:17 PM.